Patents by Inventor Robert B. Cary

Robert B. Cary 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: 20240077309
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to displaying information related to a physical activity. In some embodiments, methods and user interfaces for managing the display of information related to a physical activity are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Nicholas D. FELTON, James B. CARY, Edward CHAO, Kevin W. CHEN, Christopher P. FOSS, Eamon F. GILRAVI, Austen J. GREEN, Bradley W. GRIFFIN, Anders K. HAGLUNDS, Lori HYLAN-CHO, Stephen P. JACKSON, Matthew S. KOONCE, Paul T. NIXON, Robert M. PEARSON
  • Publication number: 20240075473
    Abstract: A lateral flow assay device of the present disclosure has numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. The vent pockets have protrusions to help prevent accidental resealing. The device also can have a gasket to ensure free air movement between open vent pockets. Flow control features that protrude horizontally into a chamber proximal to an outlet act to deflect the flow to the side of the chamber opposite from the outlet, prior to the flow entering the outlet. Such features can reduce the flow velocity of the sample fluid and increase the effective fluid flow path length, enhance mixing of reagents with a sample, and enabling more accurate control of fluid flow in the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Mark Nowakowski, Michael Wang, Robert B Cary, Hong Cai, Conrad Lindberg, Martin Bouliane, Donald J Thomas
  • Publication number: 20240076724
    Abstract: An automated method for performing an assay of the present disclosure can be performed in a microfluidic device that is a lateral flow device having numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. Each chamber can have a reagent recess proximal to an inlet end of the chamber. A reagent pellet formed in a reagent recess can be effectively mixed with a sample as the sample flows into the chamber. A flexible circuit with patterned metallic electrical components disposed on a heat stable material can be in direct contact with fluid in the chambers and has resistive heating elements aligned with, for example, a chamber for performing an amplification reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Mark Nowakowski, Michael Wang, Robert B Cary, Hong Cai, Conrad Lindberg, Martin Bouliane, Donald J Thomas
  • Publication number: 20240033733
    Abstract: A disposable cassette for detecting nucleic acids or performing other assays. The cassette can be inserted into a base station during use. The cassette has numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. The vent pockets have protrusions to help prevent accidental resealing. The cassette also can have a gasket to ensure free air movement between open vent pockets. A flexible circuit with patterned metallic electrical components disposed on a heat stable material can be in direct contact with fluid in the chambers and has resistive heating elements aligned with the vent pockets and the chambers. Recesses in the cassette channels or chambers can have structures such as ridges or grooves to direct fluid flow to enhance rehydration of lyophilized reagents disposed in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Donald J. Thomas, Hong Cai, Robert B Cary
  • Publication number: 20220145364
    Abstract: A disposable assay platform for detecting a target nucleic acid comprising multiple chambers and a method for operating the assay platform. Solutions containing the target nucleic acid move from one chamber to the next chamber by opening a vent pocket. The resulting pressure change enables the solution to flow to the next chamber. The platform comprises an electronic layer and one or more fluid layers bonded together. All heating operations can be performed by using resistive heating elements in the platform. All cooling operations are preferably passive. The platform is preferably operated when in a vertical orientation and can be docked to an external docking station that controls the operation of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Marc DEJOHN, Robert B. CARY, Nathan J. COBB
  • Patent number: 11268142
    Abstract: A disposable assay platform for detecting a target nucleic acid comprising multiple chambers and a method for operating the assay platform. Solutions containing the target nucleic acid move from one chamber to the next chamber by opening a vent pocket. The resulting pressure change enables the solution to flow to the next chamber. The platform comprises an electronic layer and one or more fluid layers bonded together. All heating operations can be performed by using resistive heating elements in the platform. All cooling operations are preferably passive. The platform is preferably operated when in a vertical orientation and can be docked to an external docking station that controls the operation of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Mesa Biotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Dejohn, Robert B. Cary, Nathan J. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20200216876
    Abstract: A disposable assay platform for detecting a target nucleic acid comprising multiple chambers and a method for operating the assay platform. Solutions containing the target nucleic acid move from one chamber to the next chamber by opening a vent pocket. The resulting pressure change enables the solution to flow to the next chamber. The platform comprises an electronic layer and one or more fluid layers bonded together. All heating operations can be performed by using resistive heating elements in the platform. All cooling operations are preferably passive. The platform is preferably operated when in a vertical orientation and can be docked to an external docking station that controls the operation of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Marc DEJOHN, Robert B. CARY, Nathan J. COBB
  • Patent number: 10519492
    Abstract: A disposable assay platform for detecting a target nucleic acid comprising multiple chambers and a method for operating the assay platform. Solutions containing the target nucleic acid move from one chamber to the next chamber by opening a vent pocket. The resulting pressure change enables the solution to flow to the next chamber. The platform comprises an electronic layer and one or more fluid layers bonded together. All heating operations can be performed by using resistive heating elements in the platform. All cooling operations are preferably passive. The platform is preferably operated when in a vertical orientation and can be docked to an external docking station that controls the operation of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Mesa Biotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc DeJohn, Robert B. Cary, Nathan J. Cobb
  • Patent number: 10458978
    Abstract: The invention provides miniaturized lateral flow chromatographic and lateral flow chromatographic microarray devices (LFM). The miniaturization of lateral flow nucleic acid detection achieved by the present invention offers reduced reagent use, femtomole sensitivity, excellent linear dynamic range, and rapid detection. Moreover, the small feature sizes of capture oligonucleotides renders the potential information capacity of the platform comparable to more traditional spotted fluorescence microarrays as well as improving sensitivity. The LFM devices exemplified herein enable analytes to be detected within 10 seconds from the time of sample introduction to the LFM device. Sample volumes may be as low as about 10 microliters, significantly reducing assay costs and ameliorating reagent storage logistics. Additionally, the miniaturization of lateral flow opens the door to highly multiplexed assays, allowing many proteins or nucleic acids to be detected in a single assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Triad National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Cary
  • Publication number: 20180304260
    Abstract: A disposable cassette for detecting nucleic acids or performing other assays. The cassette can be inserted into a base station during use. The cassette has numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. The vent pockets have protrusions to help prevent accidental resealing. The cassette also can have a gasket to ensure free air movement between open vent pockets. A flexible circuit with patterned metallic electrical components disposed on a heat stable material can be in direct contact with fluid in the chambers and has resistive heating elements aligned with the vent pockets and the chambers. Recesses in the cassette channels or chambers can have structures such as ridges or grooves to direct fluid flow to enhance rehydration of lyophilized reagents disposed in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Mesa Biotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Thomas, Hong Cai, Robert B. Cary
  • Patent number: 9944922
    Abstract: Highly simplified lateral flow chromatographic nucleic acid sample preparation methods, devices, and integrated systems are provided for the efficient concentration of trace samples and the removal of nucleic acid amplification inhibitors. Methods for capturing and reducing inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as humic acid, using polyvinylpyrrolidone treated elements of the lateral flow device are also provided. Further provided are passive fluid control methods and systems for use in lateral flow assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Cary
  • Publication number: 20170160271
    Abstract: The invention provides miniaturized lateral flow chromatographic and lateral flow chromatographic microarray devices (LFM). The miniaturization of lateral flow nucleic acid detection achieved by the present invention offers reduced reagent use, femtomole sensitivity, excellent linear dynamic range, and rapid detection. Moreover, the small feature sizes of capture oligonucleotides renders the potential information capacity of the platform comparable to more traditional spotted fluorescence microarrays as well as improving sensitivity. The LFM devices exemplified herein enable analytes to be detected within 10 seconds from the time of sample introduction to the LFM device. Sample volumes may be as low as about 10 microliters, significantly reducing assay costs and ameliorating reagent storage logistics. Additionally, the miniaturization of lateral flow opens the door to highly multiplexed assays, allowing many proteins or nucleic acids to be detected in a single assay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventor: Robert B. Cary
  • Publication number: 20160310948
    Abstract: A disposable cassette for detecting nucleic acids or performing other assays. The cassette can be inserted into a base station during use. The cassette has numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. The vent pockets have protrusions to help prevent accidental resealing. The cassette also can have a gasket to ensure free air movement between open vent pockets. A flexible circuit with patterned metallic electrical components disposed on a heat stable material can be in direct contact with fluid in the chambers and has resistive heating elements aligned with the vent pockets and the chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Nowakowski, Michael Wang, Robert B. Cary, Hong Cai, Conrad Lindberg, Martin Bouliane, Donald J. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20160222442
    Abstract: The invention provides miniaturized lateral flow chromatographic and lateral flow chromatographic microarray devices (LFM). The miniaturization of lateral flow nucleic acid detection achieved by the present invention offers reduced reagent use, femtomole sensitivity, excellent linear dynamic range, and rapid detection. Moreover, the small feature sizes of capture oligonucleotides renders the potential information capacity of the platform comparable to more traditional spotted fluorescence microarrays as well as improving sensitivity. The LFM devices exemplified herein enable analytes to be detected within 10 seconds from the time of sample introduction to the LFM device. Sample volumes may be as low as about 10 microliters, significantly reducing assay costs and ameliorating reagent storage logistics. Additionally, the miniaturization of lateral flow opens the door to highly multiplexed assays, allowing many proteins or nucleic acids to be detected in a single assay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventor: Robert B. Cary
  • Publication number: 20160083716
    Abstract: Highly simplified lateral flow chromatographic nucleic acid sample preparation methods, devices, and integrated systems are provided for the efficient concentration of trace samples and the removal of nucleic acid amplification inhibitors. Methods for capturing and reducing inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as humic acid, using polyvinylpyrrolidone treated elements of the lateral flow device are also provided. Further provided are passive fluid control methods and systems for use in lateral flow assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Robert B. Cary
  • Patent number: 9207236
    Abstract: Highly simplified lateral flow chromatographic nucleic acid sample preparation methods, devices, and integrated systems are provided for the efficient concentration of trace samples and the removal of nucleic acid amplification inhibitors. Methods for capturing and reducing inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as humic acid, using polyvinylpyrrolidone treated elements of the lateral flow device are also provided. Further provided are passive fluid control methods and systems for use in lateral flow assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Cary
  • Publication number: 20140045191
    Abstract: A disposable assay platform for detecting a target nucleic acid comprising multiple chambers and a method for operating the assay platform. Solutions containing the target nucleic acid move from one chamber to the next chamber by opening a vent pocket. The resulting pressure change enables the solution to flow to the next chamber. The platform comprises an electronic layer and one or more fluid layers bonded together. All heating operations can be performed by using resistive heating elements in the platform. All cooling operations are preferably passive. The platform is preferably operated when in a vertical orientation and can be docked to an external docking station that controls the operation of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MESA TECH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Marc DeJohn, Robert B. Cary, Nathan J. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20110160090
    Abstract: The invention provides semiconductor nanocrystal-based lateral flow microarrays (SN-LFM), assays using SN-LFM, signal amplification strategies, optical detection devices for collecting data from SN-LFM assays, and integrated sample-to-answer SN-LFM assay/detection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
    Inventor: Robert B. Cary
  • Publication number: 20110117540
    Abstract: Highly simplified lateral flow chromatographic nucleic acid sample preparation methods, devices, and integrated systems are provided for the efficient concentration of trace samples and the removal of nucleic acid amplification inhibitors. Methods for capturing and reducing inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as humic acid, using polyvinylpyrrolidone treated elements of the lateral flow device are also provided. Further provided are passive fluid control methods and systems for use in lateral flow assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Los Alamos National Laboratory
    Inventor: Robert B. Cary
  • Publication number: 20090047673
    Abstract: The invention provides miniaturized lateral flow chromatographic and lateral flow chromatographic microarray devices (LFM). The miniaturization of lateral flow nucleic acid detection achieved by the present invention offers reduced reagent use, femtomole sensitivity, excellent linear dynamic range, and rapid detection. Moreover, the small feature sizes of capture oligonucleotides renders the potential information capacity of the platform comparable to more traditional spotted fluorescence microarrays as well as improving sensitivity. The LFM devices exemplified herein enable analytes to be detected within 10 seconds from the time of sample introduction to the LFM device. Sample volumes may be as low as about 10 microliters, significantly reducing assay costs and ameliorating reagent storage logistics. Additionally, the miniaturization of lateral flow opens the door to highly multiplexed assays, allowing many proteins or nucleic acids to be detected in a single assay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Robert B. Cary