Patents by Inventor Shulin Zeng
Shulin Zeng 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: 20110008223Abstract: An interface cartridge for a microfluidic chip, with microfluidic process channels and fluidic connection holes at opposed ends of the process channels, provides ancillary fluid structure, including fluid flow channels and input and/or waste wells, which mix and/or convey reaction fluids to the fluidic connection holes and into the process channels of the microfluidic chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Ray Tsao, Hiroshi Inoue, Shulin Zeng, Brian Murphy, Kenton C. Hasson
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Patent number: 7851185Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including a combination of thermal generating device technologies to achieve more efficiency and accuracy in PCR temperature cycling of nucleic samples undergoing amplification.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Dale, Shulin Zeng, Kenton C. Hasson
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Publication number: 20100074799Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides fluidic systems having a plurality of reaction sites surrounded by optical barriers to reduce the amount of optical cross-talk between signals detected from various reaction sites. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing fluidic systems and methods of using the systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Timothy M. Kemp, Chris Todd, Ron Oral, Shulin Zeng, John Howard, Jeff Fenton
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Publication number: 20100068765Abstract: A system for amplifying nucleic acids is disclosed which, in one embodiment, includes a fluidic device having a sample channel and a heat exchange channel disposed sufficiently close to the sample channel such that a heat exchange fluid in the heat exchange channel can cause a sample in the sample channel to gain or lose heat at desired levels. In one illustrative embodiment, the system further includes three reservoirs coupled to the heat exchange channel and a temperature control system configured to heat fluids stored in the respective reservoirs at different temperatures. One or more pumps and a controller are configured to cause fluid stored in the reservoirs to enter and flow through the heat exchange channel at different times.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: CANON U.S. LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Shulin Zeng, Kenton C. Hasson, Gregory A. Dale
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Publication number: 20090325159Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for preventing contamination in assays performed in microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a buffer of non-reactive fluid is provided between an input port and a microchannel in which assays are performed during such times that flow from the input port is stopped. In general, an amount of non-reactive fluid is drawn into a channel connecting the stopped input port to the microchannel. Thus, any seepage, or diffusion, from the channel connecting the stopped input port to the microchannel will be of the non-reactive fluid, not the reagent, or other potentially-contaminating fluid, introduced through the input port. In one embodiment, microvalves and a negative pressure differential source control flow of reagents into the microchannel and the flow of non-reactive fluid into the inlet conduits.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: CANON U.S. LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventor: Shulin Zeng
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Publication number: 20090320930Abstract: A system and method for controlling fluid flow within a microchannel includes a fluid circuit comprising a fluid outlet well and one or more fluid inlet wells, all in communication with a microchannel. A negative pressure differential is applied to the outlet well and fluid flow from an inlet well into the microchannel is controlled by opening or closing the inlet well to atmospheric pressure. To stop fluid flow from the inlet well, a negative pressure differential may be applied to the inlet well to equalize pressure between the inlet and outlet wells. By sequentially opening and closing different inlet wells to atmosphere, controlled amounts of different reagents can be serially introduced into the microchannel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: CANON U.S. LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Shulin Zeng, Gregory A. Dale
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Publication number: 20090317874Abstract: An apparatus for performing a thermocyclic process, such as amplifying DNA, includes a microfluidic chip with a channel formed therein and one or more thermal distribution elements disposed over portions of the chip. Each thermal distribution element is configured to distribute thermal energy from an external thermal energy source substantially uniformly over the portion of the chip covered by the thermal distribution element. The portion of the chip covered by the thermal distribution element thereby comprises a discrete temperature zone. Other temperature zones can be defined by other thermal distribution elements or by portions of the chip not covered by a thermal distribution element. The channel is configured so that a fluid flowing through the channel would enter and exit the different temperature zones a plurality of times, thereby alternately exposing the fluid to the temperature of each zone for a period of time required for the fluid to traverse the zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Dale, Kenton C. Hasson, Shulin Zeng, Michele Stone
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Publication number: 20090053726Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a systems and methods for the real-time amplification and analysis of a sample of DNA.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Gregory H. Owen, Gregory A. Dale, Kenton C. Hasson, Shulin Zeng, Dwayne W. Warfield, Sarah Warfield
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Patent number: 7449122Abstract: An electrokinetic pump for pumping a liquid includes a pumping body having a plurality of narrow, short and straight pore apertures for channeling the liquid through the body. A pair of electrodes for applying a voltage differential are formed on opposing surfaces of the pumping body at opposite ends of the pore apertures. The pumping body is formed on a support structure to maintain a mechanical integrity of the pumping body. The pump can be fabricated using conventional semiconductor processing steps. The pores are preferably formed using plasma etching. The structure is oxidized to insulate the structure and also narrow the pores. A support structure is formed by etching a substrate and removing an interface oxide layer. Electrodes are formed to apply a voltage potential across the pumping body. Another method of fabricating an electrokinetic pump includes providing etch stop alignment marks so that the etch step self-terminates.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Cooligy Inc.Inventors: David Corbin, Kenneth Goodson, Thomas Kenny, Juan Santiago, Shulin Zeng
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Publication number: 20080176230Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a systems and methods for the real-time amplification and analysis of a sample of DNA.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: CANON U.S. LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Gregory H. Owen, Gregory A. Dale, Kenton C. Hasson, Shulin Zeng, Dwayne W. Warfield, Sarah Warfield
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Publication number: 20080176289Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an apparatus that includes a microfluidic channel and at least one energy absorbing element, where the energy absorbing element is configured to absorb at least a portion of an incident electromagnetic radiation. The absorption of the radiation by the energy absorbing element varies the temperature of a sample in the microfluidic channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: CANON U.S. LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Shulin Zeng, Kenton C. Hasson, Gregory A. Dale, John Keady
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Patent number: 7402029Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Cooligy Inc.Inventors: Mark Munch, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin, Shulin Zeng, Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook
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Publication number: 20080124723Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including a combination of thermal generating device technologies to achieve more efficiency and accuracy in PCR temperature cycling of nucleic samples undergoing amplification.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: CANON U.S. LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Gregory A. Dale, Shulin Zeng, Kenton C. Hasson
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Patent number: 7344363Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Cooligy Inc.Inventors: Mark Munch, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin, Shulin Zeng, Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook
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Patent number: 7334630Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to the present invention utilize micropumps that are capable of generating high pressure and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated reduction in reliability. These micropumps are fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance, efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to presently available micropumps. These micropumps also can allow for recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials, which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation. Apparatus and methods according to the present invention also allow active regulation of the temperature of the device through electrical control of the flow through the pump and can utilize multiple cooling loops to allow independent regulation of the spatial and temporal characteristics of the device temperature profiles. Novel enclosed microchannel structures are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Kenneth E. Goodson, Chuan-Hua Chen, David E. Huber, Linan Jiang, Thomas W. Kenny, Jae-Mo Koo, Daniel J. Laser, James C. Mikkelsen, Juan G. Santiago, Evelyn Ning-Yi Wang, Shulin Zeng, Lian Zhang
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Patent number: 7278549Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Cooligy Inc.Inventors: Mark Munch, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin, Shulin Zeng, Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook
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Patent number: 7201214Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.Inventors: Mark Munch, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin, Shulin Zeng, Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook
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Patent number: 7201012Abstract: A liquid cooling system utilizing minimal size and volume enclosures, air pockets, compressible objects, and flexible objects is provided to protect against expansion of water-based solutions when frozen. In such a system, pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers are designed to prevent cracking of their enclosures and chambers. Also described are methods of preventing cracking in a liquid cooling system. In all these cases, the system must be designed to tolerate expansion when water is frozen.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Cooligy, Inc.Inventors: Mark Munch, Kenneth Goodson, David Corbin, Shulin Zeng, Thomas W. Kenny, James Gill Shook
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Patent number: 7185697Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to the present invention preferably utilize electroosmotic pumps that are capable of generating high pressure and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated reduction in reliability. These electroosmotic pumps are preferably fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance, efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to presently available micropumps. These electroosmotic pumps also preferably allow for recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials, which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation. Apparatus and methods according to the present invention also allow active regulation of the temperature of the device through electrical control of the flow through the pump and can utilize multiple cooling loops to allow independent regulation of the special and temporal characteristics of the device temperature profiles.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Kenneth E. Goodson, Chuan-Hua Chen, David E. Huber, Linan Jiang, Thomas W. Kenny, Jae-Mo Koo, Daniel J. Laser, James C. Mikkelsen, Juan G. Santiago, Evelyn Ning-Yi Wang, Shulin Zeng, Lian Zhang
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Publication number: 20060264779Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides fluidic systems having a plurality of reaction sites surrounded by optical barriers to reduce the amount of optical cross-talk between signals detected from various reaction sites. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing fluidic systems and methods of using the systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Inventors: Timothy Kemp, Chris Todd, Ron Oral, Shulin Zeng, John Howard, Jeff Fenton