Patents by Inventor Robert C. Kain

Robert C. Kain 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: 20150337370
    Abstract: A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, David L. Heiner, Chanfeng Zhao, Kevin Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20150309058
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for sample management for use in conjunction with sequencing devices that sequence biological samples, e.g., DNA and RNA. A sequencing device or a network of sequencing devices may be scheduled according to the characteristics of the samples in queue and the capabilities and availability of sequencing devices. Biological samples may be automatically queued and loaded via a sample distribution system. A sample distribution system may be used to reduce operator intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, Alexander G. Dickinson, Min-Jui Richard Shen, Helmy A. Eltoukhy, Francisco Jose Garcia
  • Patent number: 9121063
    Abstract: A system for sequencing nucleic acids, that includes (a) a table having an arrangement of sites, including a site for receiving a first substrate, and a site for receiving a second substrate, the substrates each having an array for providing sequencing data for a plurality of different nucleic acids in parallel; (b) a plurality of stations configured to carry out manipulations in a sequencing procedure; and (c) a system control interface configured to direct relative movement between the table and the plurality of stations, and to direct different steps of the sequencing procedure to occur at the sites for receiving the different substrates, wherein the first substrate can be removed from the system independently of the second substrate such that the second substrate can be processed to obtain sequencing data independently of the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, David L. Heiner, Chanfeng Zhao, Kevin Gunderson
  • Patent number: 9116139
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for sample management for use in conjunction with sequencing devices that sequence biological samples, e.g., DNA and RNA. A sequencing device or a network of sequencing devices may be scheduled according to the characteristics of the samples in queue and the capabilities and availability of sequencing devices. Biological samples may be automatically queued and loaded via a sample distribution system. A sample distribution system may be used to reduce operator intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, Alexander G. Dickinson, Min-Jui Richard Shen, Helmy A. Eltoukhy, Francisco Jose Garcia
  • Publication number: 20150079596
    Abstract: A biosensor is provided including a detection device and a flow cell mounted to the detection device. The detection device has a detector surface with a plurality of reaction sites. The detection device also includes a filter layer that is configured to at least one of (a) filter unwanted excitation light signals; (b) direct emission signals from a designated reaction site toward one or more associated light detectors that are configured to detect the emission signals from the designated reaction site; or (c) block or prevent detection of crosstalk emission signals from adjacent reaction sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Helmy A. Eltoukhy, Robert C. Kain, Wenyi Feng, Mark Pratt, Bernard Hirschbein, Poorya Sabounchi
  • Publication number: 20150072871
    Abstract: A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, David L. Heiner, Chanfeng Zhao, Kevin Gunderson
  • Patent number: 8914241
    Abstract: A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, David L. Heiner, Chanfeng Zhao, Kevin Gunderson
  • Patent number: 8906320
    Abstract: A biosensor is provided including a detection device and a flow cell mounted to the detection device. The detection device has a detector surface with a plurality of reaction sites. The detection device also includes a filter layer that is configured to at least one of (a) filter unwanted excitation light signals; (b) direct emission signals from a designated reaction site toward one or more associated light detectors that are configured to detect the emission signals from the designated reaction site; or (c) block or prevent detection of crosstalk emission signals from adjacent reaction sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Helmy A. Eltoukhy, Robert C. Kain, Wenyi Feng, Mark Pratt, Bernard Hirschbein, Poorya Sabounchi
  • Publication number: 20140274747
    Abstract: A detection apparatus that includes (a) an array of responsive pads on a substrate surface; (b) an array of pixels, wherein each pixel in the array has a detection zone on the surface that includes a subset of at least two of the pads; and (c) an activation circuit to apply a force at a first and second pad in the subset, wherein the activation circuit is configured to apply a different force at the first pad compared to the second pad, and wherein the activation circuit has a switch to selectively alter the force at the first pad and the second pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, Tarun Khurana, Kevin L. Gunderson, Yir-Shyuan Wu
  • Patent number: 8725425
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for performing sequencing of polymers such as DNA and RNA. A sample containing multiple sites to be sequenced is cyclically subjected to attachment of nucleotides, and imaging. A digital mask corresponding to sites of interest in the sample array is generated and image data for the sites is processed differently from image data not corresponding to sites of interest. The latter may be discarded during the sequencing operation. The use of the mask improves computational efficiency and reduces memory allocated for the image data during sequencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Heiner, Robert C. Kain
  • Publication number: 20140127792
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for sample management for use in conjunction with sequencing devices that sequence biological samples, e.g., DNA and RNA. A sequencing device or a network of sequencing devices may be scheduled according to the characteristics of the samples in queue and the capabilities and availability of sequencing devices. Biological samples may be automatically queued and loaded via a sample distribution system. A sample distribution system may be used to reduce operator intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, Alexander G. Dickinson, Min-Jui Richard Shen, Helmy A. Eltoukhy, Francisco Jose Garcia
  • Publication number: 20140073514
    Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for performing sequencing using droplet manipulation, for example, via electrowetting-based techniques. Also provided are integrated methods and apparatuses for performing sample preparation and sequencing on the same apparatus. In addition, provided are methods of reducing reagent waste and preloaded consumable cartridges comprising reagents for sample preparation and/or sequencing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Min-Jui Richard Shen, Robert C. Kain, Kenneth M. Kuhn, AmirAli Hajhossein Talasaz, Arash Jamshidi, George Sakaldasis, Eric Vermaas, Sebastian Bohm, Tarun Khurana, Helmy A. Eltoukhy, Jian Gong
  • Patent number: 8637242
    Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for performing sequencing using droplet manipulation, for example, via electrowetting-based techniques. Also provided are integrated methods and apparatuses for performing sample preparation and sequencing on the same apparatus. In addition, provided are methods of reducing reagent waste and preloaded consumable cartridges comprising reagents for sample preparation and/or sequencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Min-Jui Richard Shen, Robert C. Kain, Kenneth M. Kuhn, AmirAli Hajhossein Talasaz, Arash Jamshidi
  • Patent number: 8628952
    Abstract: The invention relates to sensor compositions comprising a composite array of individual arrays, to allow for simultaneous processing of a number of samples. The invention further provides methods of making and using the composite arrays. The invention further provides a hybridization chamber for use with a composite array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Stuelpnagel, Mark S. Chee, Steven R. Auger, Gan G. Wang, Laura S. Casas, Shawn Christopher Baker, Robert C. Kain
  • Publication number: 20130275486
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel approach for storing, analyzing, and/or accessing biological data in a cloud computing environment. Sequence data generated by a particular sequencing device may be uploaded to the cloud computing environment during a sequencing run, which reduces the on-site storage needs for the sequence data. Analysis of the data may also be performed in the cloud computing environment, and the instructions for such analysis may be set at the originating sequencing device. The sequence data in the cloud computing environment may be shared according to permissions. Further, the sequence data may be modified or annotated by authorized secondary users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander G. Dickinson, Francisco Jose Garcia, Robert C. Kain, Scott D. Kahn, Andrew R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20130274148
    Abstract: A portable detector is disclosed for detecting certain analytes of interest, such as genetic material (e.g., nucleic acids). The detector includes a reading component for the detection of the analytes, and control circuitry for controlling operation of the reading component. Processing circuitry may be included to perform both primary analysis of acquired data, and where desired, secondary analysis. Where desired, some or all of the computationally intensive tasks may be off-loaded to enhance the portability and speed of the device. The device may incorporate various types of interface, technologies for reading and analysis, positioning system interfaces, and so forth. A number of exemplary use cases and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, Min-Jui Richard Shen, John A. Moon, Helmy A. Eltoukhy
  • Patent number: 8412467
    Abstract: A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, David L. Heiner, Chanfeng Zhao, Kevin Gunderson
  • Patent number: 8315817
    Abstract: A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, David L. Heiner, Chanfeng Zhao, Kevin Gunderson
  • Patent number: 8244479
    Abstract: A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kain, David L. Heiner, Chanfeng Zhao, Kevin Gunderson
  • Patent number: 7901897
    Abstract: The invention relates to sensor compositions comprising a composite array of individual arrays, to allow for simultaneous processing of a number of samples. The invention further provides methods of making and using the composite arrays. The invention further provides a hybridization chamber for use with a composite array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: John R Stuelpnagel, Mark S Chee, Steven R Auger, Gan G Wang, Laura S Casas, Shawn Christopher Baker, Robert C Kain