| Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120116687 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENOTYPE ANALYSIS AND ENHANCED MONTE CARLO SIMULATION METHOD TO ESTIMATE MISCLASSIFICATION RATE IN AUTOMATED GENOTYPING - The present invention relates to methods and systems for the analysis of the dissociation behavior of nucleic acids. The present invention includes methods and systems for analyzing dynamic profiles of genotypes of nucleic acids, including the steps of using a computer, including a processor and a memory, to convert dynamic profiles of known genotypes of a nucleic acid to multi-dimensional data points, wherein the dynamic profiles each comprise measurements of a signal representing a physical change of a nucleic acid containing the known genotype relative to an independent variable; using the computer to reduce the multi-dimensional data points into reduced-dimensional data points; and generating a plot of the reduced-dimensional data points for each genotype. The present invention also relates to methods and systems for calculating error statistics for an assay for identifying a genotype in a biological sample using an enhanced Monte Carlo simulation method to generate a set of N random data points for each known genotype within a class of known genotypes, where each set of N random data points has the same mean data point and covariance matrix as a data set for each of the known genotypes. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115190 | AIR COOLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - Systems and methods for air cooling a microfluidic device using confinement channels to isolate cooling air from exposed liquids are disclosed. The systems and methods may also thermally condition the cooling airflow for improved robustness of the microfluidic device. In one embodiment, the air cooling system includes a split-level cooling manifold including an inlet duct that directs cooling air to a microfluidic device and an outlet duct that directs air heated by the microfluidic device away from the microfluidic device. The temperature of cooling air may be measured. The cooling air may be preheated to a temperature that is higher than an expected ambient temperature. The temperature of the cooling air after being heated by a microfluidic device may be measured. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120088236 | Methods and Systems for Sequential Determination of Genetic Mutations and/or Varients - The present invention relates to methods and systems for genome scanning using high resolution melting analysis for identifying mutations and/or variants in genes of interest. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120058571 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR FLUID MIXING AND CHIP INTERFACE - In one aspect, the present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for ensuring that multiple components of a mixture are fully mixed in a continuous flow microfluidic system while ensuring that mixing between segments flowing through the chip is minimized. In some embodiments, the present invention includes mixing fluids in a droplet maintained at the tip of a pipette before the mixture is introduced to the microfluidic device. In another aspect, the present invention provides a pipette tip having a ratio of an outside diameter to an inside diameter that provides sufficient surface area for a droplet comprising up to the entire volume of the liquid to suspend from the pipette tip intact. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for delivering a reaction mixture to a microfluidic chip comprising a docking receptacle, an access tube and a reservoir. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120058519 | METHOD, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR FLUID MIXING AND CHIP INTERFACE - In one aspect, the present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for ensuring that multiple components of a mixture are fully mixed in a continuous flow microfluidic system while ensuring that mixing between segments flowing through the chip is minimized. In some embodiments, the present invention includes mixing fluids in a droplet maintained at the tip of a pipette before the mixture is introduced to the microfluidic device. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for creating segments that move through a microfluidic chip with minimal mixing between segments. The microfluidic chip may have an interface chip and a reaction chip. In some embodiments, the present invention includes creating segments that flow through an interface chip and a reaction chip, wherein the interface chip and a reaction chip have separate flow control mechanisms and produce minimal mixing between segments. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120058460 | SLUG CONTROL DURING THERMAL CYCLING - The present invention, in one aspect, provides methods and systems for controlling slugs using temperature dependent fluorescent dyes. In some embodiments, the present invention uses one or more techniques to enhance the visibility of slugs, enhance a system's ability to differentiate between slugs, and enhance a system's ability to identify the positions of slugs. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20110306119 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING THE AMPLIFICATION AND DISSOCIATION BEHAVIOR OF DNA MOLECULES - The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules. The present invention in one embodiment provides a system that includes a microfluidic channel comprising a PCR processing zone and an HRTm analysis zone; and an image sensor having a first image sensor region having a first field of view and a second image sensor region having a second field of view, wherein the second field of view is different than the first field of view, wherein at least a portion of the PCR processing zone is within the first field of view; and at least a portion of the HRTm analysis zone is within the second field of view. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110262316 | METHOD AND MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE FOR DETECTION, ANALYSIS AND IDENTIFICATION OF GENOMIC DNA - At least one exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a molecular diagnostic device that comprises a cartridge configured to eject samples comprising genomic material into a microfluidic chip that comprises an amplification area, a detection area, and a matrix analysis area. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110091877 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MINIMIZATION OR ELIMINATION OF DIFFUSION EFFECTS IN A MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM - The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110081136 | COMBINED THERMAL DEVICES FOR THERMAL CYCLING - 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. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110077897 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES WITH INTEGRATED RESISTIVE HEATER ELECTRODES INCLUDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AND MEASURING THE TEMPERATURES OF SUCH HEATER ELECTRODES - The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed heater electrodes, wherein the heater electrodes are part of a multiplex circuit including a common lead connecting the heater electrodes to a power supply, each of the heater electrodes being associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to regulate power applied to each heater electrode by varying a duty cycle, the control system being further configured to determine the temperature of each heater electrode by determining the resistance of each heater electrode. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110064628 | MICROFLUIDIC CHIP FEATURES FOR OPTICAL AND THERMAL ISOLATION - A microfluidic chip includes microfluidic channels, elements for thermally and optically isolating the microfluidic channels, and elements for enhancing the detection of optical signal emitted from the microfluidic channels. The thermal and optical isolation elements may comprise barrier channels interposed between adjacently-arranged pairs of microfluidic channels for preventing thermal and optical cross-talk between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The isolation element may alternatively comprise reflective film embedded in the microfluidic chip between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The signal enhancement elements comprise structures disposed adjacent to the microfluidic channels that reflect light passing through or emitted from the microfluidic channel in a direction toward a detector. The structures may comprise channels or a faceted surface that redirects the light by total internal reflection or reflective film material embedded in the microfluidic chip. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110056926 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES WITH INTEGRATED RESISTIVE HEATER ELECTRODES INCLUDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AND MEASURING THE TEMPERATURES OF SUCH HEATER ELECTRODES - The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed heater electrodes, wherein the heater electrodes are part of a multiplex circuit including a common lead connecting the heater electrodes to a power supply, each of the heater electrodes being associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to regulate power applied to each heater electrode by varying a duty cycle, the control system being further configured to determine the temperature of each heater electrode by determining the resistance of each heater electrode. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110048547 | MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERMAL CONTROL - The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed resistive thermal detectors (RTDs). Each of the RTDs is associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The RTDs are connected to a power supply through individual electrodes and pairs of common electrodes. Adjacent RTDs may be driven with alternating polarities, and the current in the common electrodes may be minimized using a virtual ground circuit. The compact microfluidic device is capable of fast heating and highly precise thermal control. The compact microfluidic device is also capable using the RTDs to sense temperature without their heating capability. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110014605 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DNA ISOLATION ON A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE - The present invention relates to methods and systems for the isolation of DNA on a microfluidic device and the subsequent analysis of the DNA on the microfluidic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for the isolation of DNA from patient samples on a microfluidic device and use of the DNA for performing amplification reactions, such as PCR, and detection, such as thermal melt analysis, on the microfluidic | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110010103 | RAPID METHOD OF PATTERN RECOGNITION, MACHINE LEARNING, AND AUTOMATED GENOTYPE CLASSIFICATION THROUGH CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF DYNAMIC SIGNALS - The present invention relates to methods and systems for the analysis of the dissociation behavior of nucleic acids and the identification of determining whether a genotype is present in a biological sample. The present invention includes methods and systems for determining whether a genotype is present in a biological sample, through generating a dynamic profile an unknown genotype, correlating the dynamic profile to an average profile for a known genotype to generate a correlation value, and determining whether the correlation value falls within an acceptable threshold to determine if the unknown genotype is the known genotype. The present invention also relates to methods and systems for generating a training set to allow a machine to recognize a known genotype from within a class of known genotypes through generating dynamic profiles of a known genotype, averaging the dynamic profiles to generate an average profile for the genotype, and correlating the dynamic profiles of the genotype with an average profile for each known genotype in a class of genotypes to generate a correlation vector. The training set generated by these methods and systems may be used to assist in identification of unknown genotypes. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110008223 | FLUID INTERFACE CARTRIDGE FOR A MICROFLUIDIC CHIP - 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. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100285571 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTO-CALIBRATION OF RESISTIVE TEMPERATURE SENSORS - The invention relates to systems and methods for calibrating and using resistance temperature detectors. In one embodiment, the system includes a calibration circuit comprising a resistance temperature detector in a bridge circuit with at least one potentiometer, and a programmable gain amplifier coupled to the bridge circuit. Embodiments of the invention further comprise methods for calibrating the bridge circuit and the programmable gain amplifier for use with the resistance temperature detector and methods for determining the self heating voltage of the bridge circuit. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100233687 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TEMPERATURE CORRECTION IN THERMAL MELT ANALYSIS - The present invention relates to methods and systems for temperature correction in thermal melt analysis. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to the correction of the melting temperature (T | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100191482 | MICROFLUIDIC FLOW MONITORING - The present invention relates to systems and methods of monitoring velocity or flow in channels, especially in microfluidic channels. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and methods of monitoring velocity or flow rate in systems and methods for performing a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a continuous-flow microfluidic system. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100167279 | UNSYMMETRICAL CYANINE DYES FOR HIGH RESOLUTION NUCLEIC ACID MELTING ANALYSIS - The present invention relates to novel unsymmetrical cyanine dyes and to methods of performing nucleic acid analysis in the presence of such dyes. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that have high affinity to double-stranded nucleic acids and that do not inhibit amplification reactions, particularly the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100068765 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE AMPLIFICATION OF DNA - 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. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100028980 | REAL-TIME PCR IN MICRO-CHANNELS - The present invention relates to methods for amplifying nucleic acids in micro-channels. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for performing a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a continuous-flow microfluidic system and to methods for monitoring real-time PCR in such systems. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100021910 | Methods and Systems for Microfluidic DNA Sample Preparation - The present invention relates to methods and systems for microfluidic DNA sample preparation. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for the isolation of DNA from patient samples on a microfluidic device and use of the DNA for downstream processing, such as performing amplification reactions and thermal melt analysis on the microfluidic device. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20090325159 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PREVENT CROSS-CONTAMINATION IN ASSAYS PERFORMED IN A MICROFLUIDIC CHANNEL - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090324037 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING THE AMPLIFICATION AND DISSOCIATION BEHAVIOR OF DNA MOLECULES - The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090320930 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICROFLUIDIC FLOW CONTROL - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090318306 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TEMPERATURE REFERENCING FOR MELT CURVE DATA COLLECTION - The present invention relates to systems and methods of temperature referencing for melt curve data collection. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for collecting DNA melt curve data for a DNA sample and a temperature reference material. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090317874 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AMPLIFYING NUCLEIC ACIDS - 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. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090317806 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING THE AMPLIFICATION OF DNA - A system and method for amplifying and detecting nucleic acids are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes: a microfluidic device comprising a channel for receiving a sample of solution containing real-time PCR reagents; a temperature control system configured to cycle the temperature of the sample; an excitation source for illuminating the sample; a fiber optic probe comprising (i) an optical fiber having a distal end and a proximal end and (ii) a probe head connected to the distal end of the optical fiber and positioned between the distal end of the optical fiber and the channel; and a detector configured to detect emissions exiting the proximal end of the optical fiber. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090248349 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES WITH INTEGRATED RESISTIVE HEATER ELECTRODES INCLUDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AND MEASURING THE TEMPERATURES OF SUCH HEATER ELECTRODES - The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed heater electrodes, wherein the heater electrodes are part of a multiplex circuit including a common lead connecting the heater electrodes to a power supply, each of the heater electrodes being associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to regulate power applied to each heater electrode by varying a duty cycle, the control system being further configured to determine the temperature each heater electrode by determining the resistance of each heater electrode. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090143233 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DIGITAL MULTIPLEX PCR ASSAYS - A method and device for digital multiplex PCR assays employ a microfluidic chip for performing real-time, continuous flow PCR within microchannels of the chip. A stream of sample material is introduced into each microchannel and alternating boluses of assay-specific reagents and buffer are introduced into the stream to form sequentially configured test boluses. A PCR procedure is performed on the test boluses followed by a thermal melt procedure. During the thermal melt procedure, fluorescent output is detected and fluorescence vs temperature data is collected and compared to expected normal correlations. The results, positive or negative, are converted to digital format, with positive results designated as “1” and negative results designated as “0”, or vice versa. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090137024 | Method of Separating Target DNA from Mixed DNA - The present invention relates to methods of separating target DNA from mixed DNA in a sample. In some embodiments, the target DNA may be viral DNA, bacterial DNA, fungal DNA or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the mixed DNA includes target DNA and non-target DNA. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090130746 | MICROCHANNEL SURFACE COATING - The present invention relates to a method for improving the efficiency of biochemical reactions in channels of microfluidic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of chitosan or a chitosan derivative for coating channel surfaces to reduce non-specific adsorption of reagents to microfluidic channels. This reduction of non-specific adsorption improves the efficiency and reproducibility of the reaction, e.g., amplification reactions, such as PCR, and reduces cross-contamination. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090112484 | HIGH-RESOLUTION MELTING ANALYSIS - The present invention relates to methods and systems for the analysis of the dissociation behavior of nucleic acids and the identification of nucleic acids. In one aspect, methods and systems are disclosed for identifying a nucleic acid in a sample including an unknown nucleic acid and for detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism in a nucleic acid in a sample. In another aspect, methods and systems are disclosed for identification of a nucleic acid in a biological sample including at least one unknown nucleic acid by fitting denaturation data including measurements of a quantifiable physical change of the sample at a plurality of independent sample property points to a function to determine an intrinsic physical value and to obtain an estimated physical change function, and identifying the nucleic acid in the biological sample by comparing the intrinsic physical value for at least one unknown nucleic acid to an intrinsic physical value for a known nucleic acid. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090112481 | HIGH-RESOLUTION MELTING ANALYSIS - The present invention relates to methods and systems for the analysis of the dissociation behavior of nucleic acids and the identification of nucleic acids. In one aspect, methods and systems are disclosed for resolving a denaturation curve of a sample containing a first and second nucleic acid into a resolved denaturation curve for the first nucleic acid and a resolved denuration curve for the second nucleic acid. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111149 | METHOD OF REDUCING CROSS-CONTAMINATION IN CONTINUOUS AMPLIFICATION REACTIONS IN A CHANNEL - The present invention relates to a method for reducing cross-contamination in continuous amplification reactions in channels of microfluidic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of specific materials continuously flowing in the channels to reduce adsorption of MgCl | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090093036 | METHOD FOR RELEASING GENETIC MATERIAL FROM SOLID PHASE - The present invention relates to systems for releasing genetic materials from a solid medium. The present invention also relates to methods for releasing genetic materials from a solid medium. The present invention further relates to methods for isolating genetic material from a biological sample. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090061489 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES WITH INTEGRATED RESISTIVE HEATER ELECTRODES INCLUDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AND MEASURING THE TEMPERATURES OF SUCH HEATER ELECTRODES - The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the microfluidic device includes a microfluidic chip comprising a first zone having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a second zone having a plurality of microfluidic channels, wherein the microfluidic channels in the first and second zones are in fluid communication. The microfluidic device further comprising a thin-film heater in thermal communication with each of the microfluidic channels in the first and second zones. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to independently control the temperature of each of the thin-film heaters using pulse width modulation (PWM) control signals that are optimized for each of the thin-film heaters. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090060795 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES WITH INTEGRATED RESISTIVE HEATER ELECTRODES INCLUDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AND MEASURING THE TEMPERATURES OF SUCH HEATER ELECTRODES - The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling the temperature of a heater electrode associated with a microfluidic channel of a microfluidic device, wherein power applied to the heater electrode is regulated by varying the duty cycle of a pulse width modulation (PWM). In another aspect, the present invention a controller configured to compute the temperature of the heater electrode during the power-on portion of the duty cycle and the during the power-off portion of the duty cycle and to adjust the duty cycle as necessary to achieve a desired temperature in the heater electrode. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090053726 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REAL-TIME PCR - In one aspect, the present invention provides a systems and methods for the real-time amplification and analysis of a sample of DNA. | 02-26-2009 |
