Patents by Inventor Wayne D. Volkmuth

Wayne D. Volkmuth 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).

  • Method and Apparatus for Analysis and Sorting of Polynucleotides Based on Size
    Publication number: 20100171954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen Quake, Wayne D. Volkmuth
  • Method and apparatus for analysis and sorting of polynucleotides based on size
    Patent number: 6964736
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen Quake, Wayne D. Volkmuth
  • Method and apparatus for analysis and sorting of polynucleotides based on size
    Publication number: 20020053532
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen Quake, Wayne D. Volkmuth
  • Methods for analysis and sorting of polynucleotides
    Patent number: 6344325
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting individual polynucleotides, e.g., by size according to an optical signal measured within a detection region of the device. An optical signal such as fluorescence from a reporter molecule associated with the polynucleotide molecules can be used to determine polynucleotide size or to direct selected polynucleotides into one or more selected branch channels of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen Quake, Wayne D. Volkmuth
  • Method and apparatus for analysis and sorting of polynucleotides based on size
    Patent number: 6221654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting of single polynucleotides, e.g. by size, according to an optical signal measured within a detection region of the device. An optical signal such as fluorescence from a reporter molecule associated with the polynucleotide molecules can be used to determine polynucleotide size or to direct selected polynucleotides into one or more selected branch channels of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen Quake, Wayne D. Volkmuth
  • Microlithographic array for macromolecule and cell fractionation
    Patent number: 5837115
    Abstract: A sorting apparatus and method for fractionating and simultaneously viewing individual microstructures, such as free cells, viruses, macromolecules, or minute particles in a fluid medium. The sorting apparatus is composed of a substrate having a receptacle located therein, the receptacle having sidewalls and a floor. An array of obstacles is positioned within the receptacle with the obstacles upstanding from the floor of the receptacle. A transparent cover overlies the array of obstacles to cover the receptacle and afford visual observation of migration of the microstructures exclusively through the array of obstacles. Electrodes may be positioned within the receptacle to generate an electric field in the fluid medium in the receptacle in order to induce the migration of the microstructures. Migration of the microstructures may also occur, for example, by a hydrodynamic field, an optical field, a magnetic field, or a gravity field applied to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignees: British Technology Group USA Inc., Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Austin, Wayne D. Volkmuth, Lynn C. Rathbun
  • Microlithographic array for macromolecule and cell fractionation
    Patent number: 5427663
    Abstract: A sorting apparatus and method for fractionating and simultaneously viewing individual microstructures, such as free cells, viruses, macromolecules, or minute particles in a fluid medium. The sorting apparatus is composed of a substrate having a receptacle located therein, the receptacle having sidewalls and a floor. An array of obstacles is positioned within the receptacle with the obstacles upstanding from the floor of the receptacle. A transparent cover overlies the array of obstacles to cover the receptacle and afford visual observation of migration of the microstructures exclusively through the array of obstacles. Electrodes may be positioned within the receptacle to generate an electric field in the fluid medium in the receptacle in order to induce the migration of the microstructures. Migration of the microstructures may also occur, for example, by a hydrodynamic field, an optical field, a magnetic field, or a gravity field applied to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignees: British Technology Group USA Inc., Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Austin, Wayne D. Volkmuth, Lynn C. Rathburn