HandyLab, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160096178 | HEATER UNIT FOR MICROFLUIDIC DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - The present technology provides for a heater substrate that contains networks of heater elements configured to controllably and selectively deliver heat to one or more PCR reaction chambers in a microfluidic substrate with which the heater substrate makes contact. In exemplary embodiments, the heater substrate can deliver heat to 12, 24, 48, or 96 chambers independently of one another, or simultaneously. The heater substrate is located in a heater unit that may be introduced into a diagnostic apparatus that can receive and position a microfluidic substrate, such as in a cartridge, in contact with the heater unit, receive one or more polynucleotide containing samples into one or more lanes in the microfluidic substrate, and cause amplification of the polynucleotides to occur, and detect presence of absence of specified polynucleotides in the amplified samples. | 04-07-2016 |
20140342352 | HEAT-REDUCTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS RELATED TO MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - Systems and methods for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic device while generating heat in selected regions of the device are described. Current can be supplied to a heating element through electric leads that are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. Unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex can be reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex by, for example, running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex. Unwanted heat can be removed from selected regions of the microfluidic complex using one or more cooling devices. | 11-20-2014 |
20140329301 | MULTIPLEXED DIAGNOSTIC DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHODS - Disclosed herein are devices configured for the amplification and detection of multiple targets from a sample, and methods of using the same. The devices disclosed herein comprise microfluidic cartridges have a first stage (amplification) and a second (detection) stage. The two-stage design of the cartridges enables testing for multiple targets within a sample, i.e., from a single nucleic acid amplification reaction. Methods for the amplification and detection of a plurality of target nucleic acids from a sample are also disclosed herein. | 11-06-2014 |
20140323711 | POLYNUCLEOTIDE CAPTURE MATERIALS, AND METHODS OF USING SAME - Methods for processing polynucleotide-containing biological samples, and materials for capturing polynucleotide molecules such as RNA and/or DNA from such samples. The RNA and/or DNA is captured by polyamindoamine (PAMAM (Generation 0)) bound to a surface, such as the surface of magnetic particles. The methods and materials have high efficiency of binding RNA and of DNA, and of release, and thereby permit quantitative determinations. | 10-30-2014 |
20140323357 | MICROFLUIDIC CARTRIDGE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - The present technology provides for a microfluidic substrate configured to carry out PCR on a number of polynucleotide-containing samples in parallel. The substrate can be a single-layer substrate in a microfluidic cartridge. Also provided are a method of making a microfluidic cartridge comprising such a substrate. Still further disclosed are a microfluidic valve suitable for use in isolating a PCR chamber in a microfluidic substrate, and a method of making such a valve. | 10-30-2014 |
20140297047 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES HAVING A REDUCED NUMBER OF INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS - A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. In one example, a microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals. For example, in one embodiment, each lead connects a corresponding contact to a plurality of terminals to allow the controller to supply to signals to the terminals without requiring a separate contact for each terminal. However, to assure that the components can each be controlled independently of the others, the leads are also arranged so that each component's terminals are connected to a unique combination of contacts. Thus, the external controller can activate a selected component by supplying control signals to the combination of contacts uniquely associated with that component. | 10-02-2014 |
20140212882 | PROCESSING PARTICLE-CONTAINING SAMPLES - A microfluidic device includes an input port for inputting a particle-containing liquidic samples into the device, a retention member, and a pressure actuator. The retention member is in communication with the input port and is configured to spatially separate particles of the particle-containing liquidic sample from a first portion of the liquid of the particle containing fluidic sample. The pressure actuator recombines at least some of the separated particles with a subset of the first portion of the liquid separated from the particles. The device can also include a lysing chamber that receives the particles and liquid from the retention member. The lysing chamber thermally lyses the particles to release contents thereof. | 07-31-2014 |
20140030798 | PROCESSING POLYNUCLEOTIDE-CONTAINING SAMPLES - Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that regain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and/or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and/or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed. | 01-30-2014 |
20130251602 | HEAT-REDUCTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS RELATED TO MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - The present relates to a system and method for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic of the device while generating heat in selected regions of the device. Current can be supplied to a heating element through electric leads that are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. Unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex can be reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex by, for example, running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex. Unwanted heat can be removed from selected regions of the microfluidic complex using one or more cooling devices. | 09-26-2013 |
20130217102 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERMAL ACTUATION OF MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - A microfluidic processing device includes a substrate defining a microfluidic network. The substrate is in thermal communication with a plurality of N independently controllable components and a plurality of input output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller. Each component has at least two terminals. Each terminal is in electrical communication with at least one contact. The number of contacts required to independently control the N components is substantially less than the total number of terminals. Upon actuation, the components typically heat a portion of the microfluidic network and/or sense a temperature thereof. | 08-22-2013 |
20130164832 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES HAVING A REDUCED NUMBER OF INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS - Provided herein are systems and methods for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. For example, provided herein is a device with three groups of independently controllable components, where the first group includes a first lead and a first heater configured to heat a valve; where the second group includes a second lead and a second heater configured to heat a reaction chamber; where the third group includes a third lead and the first and second heaters; and where the first heater is independently controllable via a combination of the first lead and the third lead, and the second heater is independently controllable via a combination of the second lead and the third lead. | 06-27-2013 |
20130101990 | MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM FOR AMPLIFYING AND DETECTING POLYNUCLEOTIDES IN PARALLEL - The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously. | 04-25-2013 |
20130096292 | POLYNUCLEOTIDE CAPTURE MATERIALS, AND METHODS OF USING SAME - Methods for processing polynucleotide-containing biological samples, and materials for capturing polynucleotide molecules such as RNA and/or DNA from such samples. The RNA and/or DNA is captured by polyamindoamine (PAMAM (Generation 0)) bound to a surface, such as the surface of magnetic particles. The methods and materials have high efficiency of binding RNA and of DNA, and of release, and thereby permit quantitative determinations. | 04-18-2013 |
20130071851 | MOVING MICRODROPLETS IN A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE - The present invention relates to a system and method for moving samples, such as fluid, within a microfluidic system using a plurality of gas actuators for applying pressure at different locations within the microfluidic. The system includes a substrate which forms a fluid network through which fluid flows, and a plurality of gas actuators integral with the substrate. One such gas actuator is coupled to the network at a first location for providing gas pressure to move a microfluidic sample within the network. Another gas actuator is coupled to the network at a second location for providing gas pressure to further move at least a portion of the microfluidic sample within the network. A valve is coupled to the microfluidic network so that, when the valve is closed, it substantially isolates the second gas actuator from the first gas actuator. | 03-21-2013 |
20130037564 | AUTOMATED PIPETTING APPARATUS HAVING A COMBINED LIQUID PUMP AND PIPETTE HEAD SYSTEM - The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run. | 02-14-2013 |
20120258463 | RACK FOR SAMPLE TUBES AND REAGENT HOLDERS - A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples. | 10-11-2012 |
20120183454 | HEAT-REDUCTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS RELATED TO MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - The present relates to a system and method for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic of the device while generating heat in selected regions of the device. Current can be supplied to a heating element through electric leads that are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. Unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex can be reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex by, for example, running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex. Unwanted heat can be removed from selected regions of the microfluidic complex using one or more cooling devices. | 07-19-2012 |
20120171759 | INTEGRATED APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING NUCLEIC ACID EXTRACTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON MULTIPLE BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES - The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. | 07-05-2012 |
20120160826 | HEATER UNIT FOR MICROFLUIDIC DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - The present technology provides for a heater substrate that contains networks of heater elements configured to controllably and selectively deliver heat to one or more PCR reaction chambers in a microfluidic substrate with which the heater substrate makes contact. In exemplary embodiments, the heater substrate can deliver heat to 12, 24, 48, or 96 chambers independently of one another, or simultaneously. The heater substrate is located in a heater unit that may be introduced into a diagnostic apparatus that can receive and position a microfluidic substrate, such as in a cartridge, in contact with the heater unit, receive one or more polynucleotide containing samples into one or more lanes in the microfluidic substrate, and cause amplification of the polynucleotides to occur, and detect presence of absence of specified polynucleotides in the amplified samples. | 06-28-2012 |
20120122108 | MICROFLUIDIC CARTRIDGE - The technology described herein generally relates to microfluidic cartridges configured to amplify and detect polynucleotides extracted from multiple biological samples in parallel. The technology includes a microfluidic substrate, comprising: a plurality of sample lanes, wherein each of the plurality of sample lanes comprises a microfluidic network having, in fluid communication with one another: an inlet; a first valve and a second valve; a first channel leading from the inlet, via the first valve, to a reaction chamber; and a second channel leading from the reaction chamber, via the second valve, to a vent. | 05-17-2012 |
20120085416 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE HAVING A REDUCED NUMBER OF INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS - A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. A microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals. The components are independently controlled by arranging the leads so that each component's terminals are connected to a unique combination of contacts. | 04-12-2012 |
20120022695 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROL OF MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - The present invention provides control methods, control systems, and control software for microfluidic devices that operate by moving discrete micro-droplets through a sequence of determined configurations. Such microfluidic devices are preferably constructed in a hierarchical and modular fashion which is reflected in the preferred structure of the provided methods and systems. In particular, the methods are structured into low-level device component control functions, middle-level actuator control functions, and high-level micro-droplet control functions. Advantageously, a microfluidic device may thereby be instructed to perform an intended reaction or analysis by invoking micro-droplet control function that perform intuitive tasks like measuring, mixing, heating, and so forth. The systems are preferably programmable and capable of accommodating microfluidic devices controlled by low voltages and constructed in standardized configurations. Advantageously, a single control system can thereby control numerous different reactions in numerous different microfluidic devices simply by loading different easily understood micro-droplet programs. | 01-26-2012 |
20110039345 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION OF BIOLOGICAL COMPOUNDS - The present invention relates to an electrochemical method for detecting a target polynucleotide. An electrode comprising an electrode surface is provided. The electrode surface includes at least one probe molecule reversibly immobilized with respect to the electrode surface. A first electrochemical signal indicative of an amount of probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface is obtained. The electrode surface is contacted with a liquid comprising the target polynucleotide. Upon the contacting step, at least some of the probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface dissociates therefrom. A second electrochemical signal indicative of an amount of probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface is obtained. The presence of the target polynucleotide is determined at least partially on the basis of the first and second electrochemical signals. | 02-17-2011 |
20110027151 | REAGENT TUBE - A reagent tube configured with a stellated shaped pattern, on its bottom interior surface, configured to facilitate complete or near-complete withdrawal of fluid from the tube, via a pipette tip. The reagent tube may be used for transporting reagents and for carrying out processing operations on biological samples with the reagents, such as preparing polynucleotides extracted from the sample for amplification. | 02-03-2011 |
20100279430 | SAMPLE PREPARATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A sample preparation device for reducing a concentration of one or more concomitant components of a sample and/or increasing a concentration of one or more desired sample components is described. | 11-04-2010 |
20100197008 | PROCESSING PARTICLE-CONTAINING SAMPLES - A microfluidic device includes an input port for inputting a particle-containing liquidic samples into the device, a retention member, and a pressure actuator. The retention member is in communication with the input port and is configured to spatially separate particles of the particle-containing liquidic sample from a first portion of the liquid of the particle containing fluidic sample. The pressure actuator recombines at least some of the separated particles with a subset of the first portion of the liquid separated from the particles. The device can also include a lysing chamber that receives the particles and liquid from the retention member. The lysing chamber thermally lyses the particles to release contents thereof. | 08-05-2010 |
20100158754 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES HAVING A REDUCED NUMBER OF INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS - A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. In one example, a microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals. For example, in one embodiment, each lead connects a corresponding contact to a plurality of terminals to allow the controller to supply to signals to the terminals without requiring a separate contact for each terminal. However, to assure that the components can each be controlled independently of the others, the leads are also arranged so that each component's terminals are connected to a unique combination of contacts. Thus, the external controller can activate a selected component by supplying control signals to the combination of contacts uniquely associated with that component. | 06-24-2010 |
20100009351 | Polynucleotide Capture Materials, and Method of Using Same - Methods for processing polynucleotide-containing biological samples, and materials for capturing polynucleotide molecules such as DNA from such samples. The DNA is captured by polyethyeleneimine (PEI) bound to a surface, such as the surface of magnetic particles. The methods and materials have high efficiency of binding DNA and of release, and thereby permit quantitative determinations. | 01-14-2010 |
20090298049 | METHODS FOR SAMPLE TRACKING - A method and apparatus are provided for identifying a biological sample obtained during either paternity screening, genetic screening, prenatal diagnosis, presymptomatic diagnosis, diagnosis to detect the presence of a target microorganism carrier detection analysis, forensic chemical analysis, or diagnosis of a subject to determine whether a subject is afflicted with a particular disease or disorder, or is at risk of developing a particular disorder, wherein the result obtained from the analysis is associated with the unique DNA fingerprint biological barcode of the genotype of the subject being analyzed. The methods and apparatus of the invention have application in the fields of diagnostic medicine, disease diagnosis in animals and plants, identification of genetically inherited diseases in humans, family relationship analysis, forensic analysis, and microbial typing. | 12-03-2009 |
20090221059 | Integrated apparatus for performing nucleic acid extraction and diagnostic testing on multiple biological samples - The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. | 09-03-2009 |
20090155123 | Automated Pipetting Apparatus Having a Combined Liquid Pump and Pipette Head System - The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run. | 06-18-2009 |
20090136386 | Rack for Sample Tubes and Reagent Holders - A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples. | 05-28-2009 |
20090136385 | Reagent Tube - A reagent tube configured with a stellated shaped pattern, on its bottom interior surface, configured to facilitate complete or near-complete withdrawal of fluid from the tube, via a pipette tip. The reagent tube may be used for transporting reagents and for carrying out processing operations on biological samples with the reagents, such as preparing polynucleotides extracted from the sample for amplification. | 05-28-2009 |
20090134069 | Integrated Heater and Magnetic Separator - An apparatus for providing thermal and magnetic energy to a receptacle containing a reaction mixture and a magnetic retention member. The apparatus can also control heating of a reaction mixture, and bring about a separation of magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture typically comprises polynucleotides from a biological sample that are being brought into a PCR-ready form. | 05-28-2009 |
20090131650 | Polynucleotide Capture Materials, and Methods of Using Same - Methods for processing polynucleotide-containing biological samples, and materials for capturing polynucleotide molecules such as RNA and/or DNA from such samples. The RNA and/or DNA is captured by polyamidoamine (PAMAM(Generation 0)) bound to a surface, such as the surface of magnetic particles. The methods and materials have high efficiency of binding RNA and of DNA, and of release, and thereby permit quantitative determinations. | 05-21-2009 |
20090130745 | Integrated Apparatus for Performing Nucleic Acid Extraction and Diagnostic Testing on Multiple Biological Samples - The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. | 05-21-2009 |
20090130719 | Microfluidic Cartridge - The technology described herein generally relates to microfluidic cartridges configured to amplify and detect polynucleotides extracted from multiple biological samples in parallel. The technology includes a microfluidic substrate, comprising: a plurality of sample lanes, wherein each of the plurality of sample lanes comprises a microfluidic network having, in fluid communication with one another: an inlet; a first valve and a second valve; a first channel leading from the inlet, via the first valve, to a reaction chamber; and a second channel leading from the reaction chamber, via the second valve, to a vent. | 05-21-2009 |
20090129978 | Reagent holder, and kits containing same - A holder for reagents, such as may be used for transporting the reagents and for carrying out processing operations on biological samples with the reagents. The holders typically hold reagents for amplifying polynucleotides extracted from the samples. The holder comprises a connecting member; a process tube affixed to the connecting member and having an aperture located in the connecting member; at least one socket, located in the connecting member, and configured to accept a pipette tip; two or more reagent tubes disposed on the underside of the connecting member, each having an inlet aperture located in the connecting member; and one or more receptacles, located in the connecting member and each being configured to receive a reagent tube. Also described are reagent tubes configured with stellated shaped patterns, on their bottom interior surfaces, configured to facilitate complete or near-complete withdrawal of fluid from the tube, via a pipette tip. | 05-21-2009 |