Patents by Inventor Ring-Ling Chien
Ring-Ling Chien 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: 7670559Abstract: Microfluidic devices and systems having enhanced detection sensitivity, particularly for use in non-fluorogenic detection methods, e.g., absorbance. The systems typically employ planar microfluidic devices that include one or more channel networks that are parallel to the major plane of the device, e.g., the predominant plane of the planar structure, and a detection channel segment that is substantially orthogonal to that plane. The detection system is directed along the length of the detection channel segment using a detection orientation that is consistent with conventional microfluidic systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, Jeffrey A. Wolk, Michael Spaid, Richard J. McReynolds
-
Publication number: 20070157973Abstract: Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2007Publication date: July 12, 2007Applicant: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, J. Parce, Andrea Chow, Anne Kopf-Sill
-
Publication number: 20070151852Abstract: Methods and systems that employ hybrid fluid flow profiles for optimized movement of materials through channel networks. These systems employ hybrid pressure-based and electrokinetic based flow systems for moving materials through interconnected channel networks while maintaining interconnection among the various channel segments. In particular, the invention is generally directed to channel networks where flow in a first channel segment is driven by pressure flow with its consequent parabolic flow profile, while flow in an interconnected channel segment is dominated by electrokinetic flow with its consequent plug flow profile. The invention also provides channel networks wherein fluid flow in channel segments is driven by both pressure and electric field and the multiple species contained in a fluid plug are separated by altering the applied pressure and electric fields in the various channel segments of the channel networks.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Applicant: CALIPER LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, J. Parce, Michael Spaid
-
Patent number: 7233865Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the molecular weight and diffusivity of a sample solute by providing a plus shaped microchannel network on a microfluidic chip, having at least four microchannels intersecting at a cross point; flowing a sample stream comprising a sample solute of unknown diffusivity and a blank stream from separate microchannels through the cross point and out to separate microchannels; creating a sample curve measuring the concentration of the sample solute that diffuses from the sample stream to the blank stream at the cross point while altering the flowrate of one of the blank stream or the sample stream; and determining a diffusion coefficient of the sample solute by extrapolating data from similar curves of at least two solutes having known molecular weights and/or diffusion coefficients created under similar conditions as those generated by the sample solute.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Ring-Ling Chien
-
Patent number: 7171983Abstract: Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, J. Wallace Parce, Andrea W. Chow, Anne Kopf-Sill
-
Patent number: 7160423Abstract: Methods and systems that employ hybrid fluid flow profiles for optimized movement of materials through channel networks. These systems employ hybrid pressure-based and electrokinetic based flow systems for moving materials through interconnected channel networks while maintaining interconnection among the various channel segments. In particular, the invention is generally directed to channel networks where flow in a first channel segment is driven by pressure flow with its consequent parabolic flow profile, while flow in an interconnected channel segment is dominated by electrokinetic flow with its consequent plug flow profile. The invention also provides channel networks wherein fluid flow in channel segments is driven by both pressure and electric field and the multiple species contained in a fluid plug are separated by altering the applied pressure and electric fields in the various channel segments of the channel networks.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, J. Wallace Parce, Michael Spaid
-
Patent number: 7161356Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and devices for testing/verifying the configuration of one or more microfluidic elements in a microfluidic device. In particular the methods and devices of the invention are useful in testing for blockages or the presence of air bubbles in microfluidic elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Ring-Ling Chien
-
Publication number: 20060263903Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the molecular weight and diffusivity of a sample solute by providing a plus shaped microchannel network on a microfluidic chip, having at least four microchannels intersecting at a cross point; flowing a sample stream comprising a sample solute of unknown diffusivity and a blank stream from separate microchannels through the cross point and out to separate microchannels; creating a sample curve measuring the concentration of the sample solute that diffuses from the sample stream to the blank stream at the cross point while altering the flowrate of one of the blank stream or the sample stream; and determining a diffusion coefficient of the sample solute by extrapolating data from similar curves of at least two solutes having known molecular weights and/or diffusion coefficients created under similar conditions as those generated by the sample solute.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Ring-Ling Chien
-
Patent number: 7099778Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the molecular weight and diffusivity of a sample solute by providing a plus shaped microchannel network on a microfluidic chip, having at least four microchannels intersecting at a cross point; flowing a sample stream comprising a sample solute of unknown diffusivity and a blank stream from separate microchannels through the cross point and out to separate microchannels; creating a sample curve measuring the concentration of the sample solute that diffuses from the sample stream to the blank stream at the cross point while altering the flowrate of one of the blank stream or the sample stream; and determining a diffusion coefficient of the sample solute by extrapolating data from similar curves of at least two solutes having known molecular weights and/or diffusion coefficients created under similar conditions as those generated by the sample solute.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Ring-Ling Chien
-
Patent number: 7040144Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or pressures, other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Michael Spaid, Andrea W. Chow, Benjamin N. Wang, Ring-Ling Chien, J. Wallace Parce, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, Josh Molho, Anubhav Tripathi, Matthew B. Kerby
-
Patent number: 7038472Abstract: The present invention provides novel devices for measuring internal dimensions of microscale structures. Methods in accordance with the invention use the voltage measured at a midpoint between a reference structure and a sample structure to determine the resistance of the sample structure, and to then calculate an internal dimension of the sample structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Ring-Ling Chien
-
Patent number: 7001716Abstract: Methods for monitoring time dependent reactions that comprise providing a flow channel, typically microscale in dimension, flowing at least two reagents into the flow channel and varying the flow rate of the mixture through the flow channel. By increasing and/or decreasing the flow rate of the reagent mixture from the point of mixing to the point of detection, one alters the amount of reaction time, allowing monitoring reaction kinetics over time.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Samuel D. H. Chan, Ring-Ling Chien, Andrea W. Chow, Benjamin N. Wang
-
Patent number: 6990851Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Michael Spaid, Andrea W. Chow, Benjamin N. Wang, Ring-Ling Chien, J. Wallace Parce, Anne R. Kopf-Sill
-
Patent number: 6915679Abstract: Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, J. Wallace Parce, Andrea W. Chow, Anne Kopf-Sill
-
Publication number: 20050148093Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the molecular weight and diffusivity of a sample solute by providing a plus shaped microchannel network on a microfluidic chip, having at least four microchannels intersecting at a cross point; flowing a sample stream comprising a sample solute of unknown diffusivity and a blank stream from separate microchannels through the cross point and out to separate microchannels; creating a sample curve measuring the concentration of the sample solute that diffuses from the sample stream to the blank stream at the cross point while altering the flowrate of one of the blank stream or the sample stream; and determining a diffusion coefficient of the sample solute by extrapolating data from similar curves of at least two solutes having known molecular weights and/or diffusion coefficients created under similar conditions as those generated by the sample solute.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2003Publication date: July 7, 2005Inventor: Ring-Ling Chien
-
Publication number: 20050011761Abstract: Methods of concentrating materials within microfluidic channel networks by moving materials into regions in which overall velocities of the material are reduced, resulting in stacking of the material within those reduced velocity regions. These methods, devices and systems employ static fluid interfaces to generate the differential velocities, as well as counter-current flow methods, to concentrate materials within microscale channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2003Publication date: January 20, 2005Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, Benjamin Wang, Persefoni Kechagia
-
Publication number: 20050005684Abstract: Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2004Publication date: January 13, 2005Applicant: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, J. Parce, Andrea Chow, Anne Kopf-Sill
-
Publication number: 20040123649Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: Caliper Technologies Corp.Inventors: Michael Spaid, Andrea W. Chow, Benjamin N. Wang, Ring-Ling Chien, J. Wallace Parce, Anne R. Kopf-Sill
-
Patent number: 6695009Abstract: Methods of concentrating materials within microfluidic channel networks by moving materials into regions in which overall velocities of the material are reduced, resulting in stacking of the material within those reduced velocity regions. These methods, devices and systems employ static fluid interfaces to generate the differential velocities, as well as counter-current flow methods, to concentrate materials within microscale channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.Inventors: Ring-Ling Chien, Benjamin N. Wang
-
Patent number: 6681616Abstract: Microfluidic devices, systems, and methods measure viscosity, flow times, and/or other flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems, electrokinetic systems and/or other fluid transport mechanisms can generate the flow, controllably mix fluids, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.Inventors: Michael Spaid, Andrea W. Chow, Benjamin N. Wang, Ring-Ling Chien, J. Wallace Parce, Anne R. Kopf-Sill