Patents by Inventor William J. Dreyer

William J. Dreyer 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: 20040029159
    Abstract: Methods are provided for characterizing a developmental or lineage-specific cell type or other cell types by analyzing nucleic acid switch patterns or profiles and/or proteins indicative of these switches. Such a method can include, for example, comparing the nucleic acid of the cell with nucleic acid from a corresponding germline cell or other cell, wherein a difference in the nucleic acid is indicative of a nucleic acid switch. Optionally, the cell type can be further characterized in terms of developmental or lineage specific cell type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: William J. Dreyer, Janet Roman-Dreyer
  • Patent number: 5132206
    Abstract: A general method of assay for biological molecules using daylight fluorescent particles. The method described is applicable to assays involving immunological reagents, nucleic acids, hormones and neurotransmitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: William J. Dreyer
  • Patent number: 5075215
    Abstract: A general method of assay for biological molecules using daylight fluorescent particles. The method described is applicable to assays involving immunological reagents, nucleic acids, hormones and neurotransmitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: William J. Dreyer
  • Patent number: 4704256
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for the sequential performance of chemical processes on a sample of chemical material wherein the sample is embedded in a solid matrix of fluid permeable material located within a reaction chamber and is sequentially subjected to a plurality of fluids passed through the chamber in a pressurized stream, causing chemical interaction between the sample and the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Leroy E. Hood, Michael W. Hunkapiller, William J. Dreyer, Rodney M. Hewick, Anton W. Stark
  • Patent number: 4610847
    Abstract: Conversion flask for use is an apparatus for the sequential performance of chemical processes on a sample of chemical material. The flask includes at least three capillary tubes and a large bore tube extending into the interior thereof for the introduction and withdrawal of various fluids. The capillary tubes are constructed to introduce a plurality of fine bubbles into a liquid within the flask to agitate the liquid and accelerate drying, to impinge chemicals on the walls of the flask, and to produce a spray onto the interior walls of the flask in proximity to its upper end to wash down the interior walls of the flask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Leroy E. Hood, Michael W. Hunkapiller, William J. Dreyer, Rodney M. Hewick, Anton W. Stark
  • Patent number: 4603114
    Abstract: An improved method for the sequential performance of chemical processes on a sample of chemical material wherein the sample is embedded in a solid matrix of fluid permeable material located within a reaction chamber and is sequentially subjected to a plurality of fluids passed through the chamber in a pressurized stream, causing chemical interaction between the sample and the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Leroy E. Hood, Michael W. Hunkapiller, William J. Dreyer, Rodney M. Hewick, Anton W. Stark
  • Patent number: 4314156
    Abstract: An automated mass spectrometer analysis system is disclosed, in which samples are automatically processed in a sample processor and converted into volatilizable samples, or their characteristic volatilizable derivatives. Each volatilizable sample is sequentially volatilized and analyzed in a double focusing mass spectrometer, whose output is in the form of separate ion beams all of which are simultaneously focused in a focal plane. Each ion beam is indicative of a different sample component or different fragments of one or more sample components and the beam intensity is related to the relative abundance of the sample component. The system includes an electro-optical ion detector which automatically and simultaneously converts the ion beams, first into electron beams which in turn produce a related image which is transferred to the target of a vilicon unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Aron Kuppermann, William J. Dreyer, Charles E. Giffin, Heinz G. Boettger
  • Patent number: 4224198
    Abstract: Small, round, bio-compatible microspheres capable of covalently bonding proteins and having a uniform diameter below about 3500 A are prepared by substantially instantaneously initiating polymerization of an aqueous emulsion containing no more than 35% total monomer including an acrylic monomer substituted with a covalently bondable group such as hydroxyl, amino or carboxyl and a minor amount of a cross-linking agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Alan Rembaum, Shiao-Ping S. Yen, William J. Dreyer
  • Patent number: 4138383
    Abstract: Small, round, bio-compatible microspheres capable of covalently bonding proteins and having a uniform diameter below about 3500 A are prepared by substantially instantaneously initiating polymerization of an aqueous emulsion containing no more than 35% total monomer including an acrylic monomer substituted with a covalently bondable group such a hydroxyl, amino or carboxyl and a minor amount of a cross-linking agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Alan Rembaum, Shiao-Ping S. Yen, William J. Dreyer
  • Patent number: 4108972
    Abstract: A broad new class of reagents permits extremely sensitive and specific assay for, or chemical separation of, a broad range of biological and nonbiological substances. Each reagent consists of a suspension of microscopic carrier material particles, each particle bearing (1) tracer material - fluorescent, radioactive or otherwise - and (2) a coating of biological homologue, that is, antibody, antigen, or portions or equivalents thereof, for the substance whose assay is desired.The latter substance if introduced into the suspension links the particles together in pairs or clumps, which may be sensitively and accurately detected by monitoring the tracer. The carrier is preferably partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide resin, or in appropriate applications acrylic acid and other derivatives thereof, and other polymers including agar, and the coupling effected by covalent bonding. Other embodiments, including various mechanical forms of carrier, for greater ease of handling and separation, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Inventor: William J. Dreyer
  • Patent number: 4084090
    Abstract: An automated mass spectrometer analysis system is disclosed, in which samples are automatically processed in a sample processor and converted into volatilizable samples, or their characteristic volatilizable derivatives. Each volatizable sample is sequentially volatilized and analyzed in a double focusing mass spectrometer, whose output is in the form of separate ion beams all of which are simultaneously focused in a focal plane. Each ion beam is indicative of a different sample component or different fragments of one or more sample components and the beam intensity is related to the relative abundance of the sample component. The system includes an electro-optical ion detector which automatically and simultaneously converts the ion beams, first into electron beams which in turn produce a related image which is transferred to the target of a vidicon unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Heinz G. Boettger, Charles E. Giffin, William J. Dreyer, Aron Kuppermann
  • Patent number: 4065412
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sequential degradation of protein or peptide molecules by successive coupling and cleavage reactions. Such molecules are immobilized on a macroporous reaction support surface and placed in a flowthrough reaction chamber which is mounted in a sequencer. In the Edman sequencing technique, reagents driven by pressurized inert gas are passed through the reaction chamber as follows: (a) liquid or vapor coupling reagent, (b) coupling base vapor, (c) washing solvent, (d) inert gas to partially dry the support surface, (e) cleavage reagent vapor to cleave amino acid derivatives from the immobilized coupled protein or peptide chains, (f) liquid extracting solvent to withdraw the cleaved amino acid derivative. An automated sequencer to carry out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1977
    Assignee: Durrum Instrument Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Dreyer
  • Patent number: 4046720
    Abstract: Uniformly-shaped, porous, round beads are prepared by the co-polymerization of an acrylic monomer and a cross-linking agent in the presence of 0.05 to 5% by weight of an aqueous soluble polymer such as polyethylene oxide. Cross-linking proceeds at high temperature above about 50.degree. C or at a lower temperature with irradiation. Beads of even shape and even size distribution of less than 2 micron diameter are formed. The beads will find use as adsorbents in chromatography and as markers for studies of cell surface receptors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1977
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Alan Rembaum, Shiao-Ping S. Yen, William J. Dreyer
  • Patent number: 3985632
    Abstract: Uniformly-shaped, porous, round beads are prepared by the co-polymerization of an acrylic monomer and a cross-linking agent in the presence of 0.05 to 5% by weight of an aqueous soluble polymer such as polyethylene oxide. Cross-linking proceeds at high temperature above about 50.degree.C or at a lower temperature with irradiation. Beads of even shape and even size distribution of less than 2 micron diameter are formed. The beads will find use as adsorbents in chromatography and as markers for studies of cell surface receptors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1976
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Alan Rembaum, Shiao-Ping Siao Yen, William J. Dreyer
  • Patent number: 3957741
    Abstract: Uniformly-shaped, porous, round beads are prepared by the co-polymerization of an acrylic monomer and a cross-linking agent in the presence of 0.05 to 5% by weight of an aqueous soluble polymer such as polyethylene oxide. Cross-linking proceeds at high temperature above about 50.degree.C or at a lower temperature with irradiation. Beads of even shape and even size distribution of less than 2 micron diameter are formed. The beads will find use as adsorbents in chromatography and as markers for studies of cell surface receptors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1976
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Alan Rembaum, Shiao-Ping Siao Yen, William J. Dreyer