Patents by Inventor Wolfgang Hinz

Wolfgang Hinz 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).

  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING ANALYTES USING LARGE SCALE FET ARRAYS
    Publication number: 20150329904
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan M. ROTHBERG, Wolfgang Hinz, Kim L. Johnson, James Bustillo
  • IMMOBILIZED BUFFER PARTICLES AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20150299787
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to novel particle compositions and methods of making said compositions having applications in nucleic acid analysis, as well as apparatuses and systems for the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Wolfgang HINZ, David LIGHT, Todd REARICK, James A. BALL
  • Hydrophilic polymeric particles and methods for making and using same
    Patent number: 9156925
    Abstract: A method of forming a particle includes, in a disperse phase within an aqueous suspension, polymerizing a plurality of mer units of a hydrophilic monomer having a hydrophobic protection group, thereby forming a polymeric particle including a plurality of the hydrophobic protection groups. The method further includes converting the polymeric particle to a hydrophilic particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Geir Fonnum, Grete I. Modahl, Nini H. Kjus, Astrid E. Molteberg, Diem Tran, Jo Aaserud, Talha M. Gokmen, Steven M. Menchen, Carl Fuller, Luisa Andruzzi, Wolfgang Hinz
  • Hydrophilic polymeric particles and methods for making and using same
    Patent number: 9139665
    Abstract: A method of forming a particle includes, in a disperse phase within an aqueous suspension, polymerizing a plurality of mer units of a hydrophilic monomer having a hydrophobic protection group, thereby forming a polymeric particle including a plurality of the hydrophobic protection groups. The method further includes converting the polymeric particle to a hydrophilic particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignees: Life Technologies Corporation, Life Technologies AS
    Inventors: Geir Fonnum, Grete I. Modahl, Nini H. Kjus, Astrid E. Molteberg, Diem Tran, Jo Aaserud, Talha M. Gokmen, Steven M. Menchen, Carl Fuller, Luisa Andruzzi, Wolfgang Hinz
  • Hydrophilic polymeric particles and methods for making and using same
    Patent number: 9139666
    Abstract: A method of forming a particle includes, in a disperse phase within an aqueous suspension, polymerizing a plurality of mer units of a hydrophilic monomer having a hydrophobic protection group, thereby forming a polymeric particle including a plurality of the hydrophobic protection groups. The method further includes converting the polymeric particle to a hydrophilic particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignees: Life Technologies Corporation, Life Technologies AS
    Inventors: Geir Fonnum, Grete I. Modahl, Nini H. Kjus, Astrid E. Molteberg, Diem Tran, Jo Aaserud, Talha M. Gokmen, Steven M. Menchen, Carl Fuller, Luisa Andruzzi, Wolfgang Hinz
  • MODIFIED PROTEINS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME
    Publication number: 20150260680
    Abstract: Methods, compositions, systems, apparatuses and kits comprising modified proteins, particularly modified nucleic acid-binding proteins with altered buffering properties are provided. For example, in some embodiments, methods of forming modified proteins including one or more amino acid modifications to achieve desired pKa values are described. Furthermore, the invention provides methods for using such modified proteins in ion-producing reactions, such as ion-based nucleic acid sequencing reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: John DAVIDSON, Wolfgang HINZ, Jonathan ROTHBERG, Richard WHITAKER
  • Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes using large scale FET arrays
    Patent number: 9134269
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Rothberg, Wolfgang Hinz, Kim Johnson, James Bustillo
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR POINT OF USE REMOVAL OF SACRIFICIAL MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20150206762
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor, the method including forming an array of chemically-sensitive field effect transistors (chemFETs), depositing a dielectric layer over the chemFETs in the array, depositing a protective layer over the dielectric layer, etching the dielectric layer and the protective layer to form cavities corresponding to sensing surfaces of the chemFETs, and removing the protective layer. The method further includes, etching the dielectric layer and the protective layer together to form cavities corresponding to sensing surfaces of the chemFETs. The protective layer is at least one of a polymer, photoresist material, noble metal, copper oxide, and zinc oxide. The protective protective layer is removed using at least one of sodium hydroxide, organic solvent, aqua regia, ammonium carbonate, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, and phosphoric acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Christina E. INMAN, Alexander MASTROIANNI, Wolfgang HINZ, Shifeng LI, Scott C. BENSON
  • Methods and systems for point of use removal of sacrificial material
    Patent number: 9080968
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor, the method including forming an array of chemically-sensitive field effect transistors (chemFETs), depositing a dielectric layer over the chemFETs in the array, depositing a protective layer over the dielectric layer, etching the dielectric layer and the protective layer to form cavities corresponding to sensing surfaces of the chemFETs, and removing the protective layer. The method further includes, etching the dielectric layer and the protective layer together to form cavities corresponding to sensing surfaces of the chemFETs. The protective layer is at least one of a polymer, photoresist material, noble metal, copper oxide, and zinc oxide. The protective layer is removed using at least one of sodium hydroxide, organic solvent, aqua regia, ammonium carbonate, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, and phosphoric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christina Inman, Alexander Mastroianni, Wolfgang Hinz, Shifeng Li, Scott Benson
  • Methods and apparatus for detecting molecular interactions using FET arrays
    Patent number: 9039888
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses relating to large scale FET arrays for analyte detection and measurement are provided. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Rothberg, Wolfgang Hinz
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING ANALYTES USING LARGE SCALE FET ARRAYS
    Publication number: 20150126378
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in the concentration of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), hydrogen ions, and nucleotide triphosphates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: JONATHAN M. ROTHBERG, WOLFGANG HINZ, KIM L. JOHNSON, JAMES BUSTILLO, JOHN LEAMON, JONATHAN SCHULTZ
  • High density sensor array without wells
    Patent number: 9023189
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Wolfgang Hinz, Kim L. Johnson, James Bustillo
  • Methods and apparatus for detecting molecular interactions using FET arrays
    Patent number: 9005427
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses relating to large scale FET arrays for analyte detection and measurement are provided. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Rothberg, Wolfgang Hinz
  • Methods for sequencing individual nucleic acids under tension
    Patent number: 8906617
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and methods of use thereof for sequencing nucleic acids subjected to a force, and thus considered under tension. The methods may employ but are not dependent upon incorporation of extrinsically detectably labeled nucleotides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, John H. Leamon, John F. Davidson, Antoine M. Van Oijen, Wolfgang Hinz, Melville Davey, Bradley Hann, Jonathan Schultz
  • Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes using large scale FET arrays
    Patent number: 8890216
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Wolfgang Hinz, Kim L. Johnson
  • MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE IN THE FORMATION AND CONTROL OF NANOREACTORS
    Publication number: 20140323317
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays and combinatorial chemistry. The invention provides for aqueous based emulsions containing uniquely labeled cells, enzymes, nucleic acids, etc., wherein the emulsions further comprise primers, labels, probes, and other reactants. An oil based carrier-fluid envelopes the emulsion library on a microfluidic device, such that a continuous channel provides for flow of the immiscible fluids, to accomplish pooling, coalescing, mixing, sorting, detection, etc., of the emulsion library.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: RAINDANCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Darren R. Link, Laurent Boitard, Jeffrey Branciforte, Yves Charles, Gilbert Feke, John Q. Lu, David Marran, Ahmadali Tabatabai, Michael Weiner, Wolfgang Hinz, Jonathan M. Rothberg
  • MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE IN THE FORMATION AND CONTROL OF NANOREACTORS
    Publication number: 20140256595
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays and combinatorial chemistry. The invention provides for aqueous based emulsions containing uniquely labeled cells, enzymes, nucleic acids, etc., wherein the emulsions further comprise primers, labels, probes, and other reactants. An oil based carrier-fluid envelopes the emulsion library on a microfluidic device, such that a continuous channel provides for flow of the immiscible fluids, to accomplish pooling, coalescing, mixing, sorting, detection, etc., of the emulsion library.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: RAINDANCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Darren R. Link, Laurent Boitard, Jeffrey Branciforte, Yves Charles, Gilbert Feke, John Q. Lu, David Marran, Ahmadali Tabatabai, Michael Weiner, Wolfgang Hinz, Jonathan M. Rothberg
  • Titanium nitride as sensing layer for microwell structure
    Patent number: 8821798
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a microwell in an array structure is disclosed herein. The array structure can include a plurality of field effect transistors (FETs), where each FET has a gate structure. The method can include disposing a titanium nitride (TiN) layer on at least one conductive layer coupled to the gate structure of at least one FET. A insulation layer can also be disposed on the array structure, where the insulation layer lies above the TiN layer. Further, an opening above the gate structure of the at least one FET can be etched to remove the insulation layer above the gate structure and to expose the TiN layer. A microwell with at least one sidewall formed from the insulation layer and with a bottom surface formed from the TiN layer is a result of the etching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James Bustillo, Todd Rearick, Wolfgang Hinz, Keith Fife
  • CHEMICAL SENSOR WITH CONDUCTIVE CUP-SHAPED SENSOR SURFACE
    Publication number: 20140220697
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor including a sensor pad and a well wall structure defining a well operatively coupled to the sensor pad. The well is further defined by a lower surface disposed over the sensor pad. The well wall structure defines an upper surface and defines a wall surface extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The system further includes a conductive layer disposed over the lower surface and the wall surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shifeng LI, James BUSTILLO, Wolfgang HINZ
  • ELECTRIC FIELD DIRECTED LOADING OF MICROWELL ARRAY
    Publication number: 20140217477
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a device substrate including an array of sensors. Each sensor of the array of sensors can include a electrode structure disposed at a surface of the device substrate. The apparatus further includes a wall structure overlying the surface of the device substrate and defining an array of wells at least partially corresponding with the array of sensors. The well structure including an electrode layer and an insulative layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kristopher BARBEE, John F. DAVIDSON, Wolfgang HINZ, Shifeng LI, James BUSTILLO