| ILLUMINA, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120129716 | USE OF MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS IN THE DETECTION OF TARGET ANALYTES USING MICROSPHERE ARRAYS - The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120129704 | GENERATION OF UNIFORM FRAGMENTS OF NUCLEIC ACIDS USING PATTERNED SUBSTRATES - Methods of generating nucleic acid fragments of substantially uniform length from sample nucleic acids comprising linearly stretching the sample nucleic acids over a substrate having a plurality of cleavage regions separated by relatively consistent distances, cleaving the linearly stretched sample nucleic acids at the cleavage regions, and collecting the resulting nucleic acid fragments. The method may further include collecting and concentrating the resultant nucleic acid fragments of substantially uniform length. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120122737 | METHODS FOR SELECTING AND AMPLIFYING POLYNUCLEOTIDES - The invention provides methods for controlling the density of different molecular species on the surface of a solid support. A first mixture of different molecular species is attached to a solid support under conditions to attach each species at a desired density, thereby producing a derivatized support having attached capture molecules. The derivatized support is treated with a second mixture of different molecular species, wherein different molecular species in the second mixture bind specifically to the different capture molecules attached to the solid support. One or more of the capture molecules can be reversibly modified such that the capture molecules have a different activity before and after the second mixture of molecular species are attached. In particular embodiments, the different molecular species are nucleic acids that are reversibly modified to have different activity in an amplification reaction. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120109535 | Gene Expression Profiles to Predict Relapse of Prostate Cancer - The present disclosure provides a method for cancer relapse prediction that provides higher resolution grading than Gleason score alone. In particular, the method provides for prediction of prostate cancer relapse that correlates gene expression of each individual signature gene and deriving a prostate cancer gene expression (GEX) score in the plurality of prostate cancer tissue samples; and correlating said GEX score with the clinical outcome for each prostate carcinoma tissue sample. A set of signature genes is provided that encompasses all or a sub-combination of GI_2094528, KIP2, NRG1, NBL1, Prostein, CCNE2, CDC6, FBP1, HOXC6, MKI67, MYBL2, PTTG1, RAMP, UBE2C, Wnt5A, MEMD, AZGP1, CCK, MLCK, PPAP2B, and PROK1. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108440 | REDUCING ADAPTER DIMER FORMATION - Provided herein is a method of reducing adapter dimer formation comprising contacting a sample comprising target nucleic acid sequences with 5′ and 3′ adapters in the presence of one or more hairpin oligonucleotides. Also provided is a method of preparing a library of nucleic acid sequences comprising contacting first adapter oligonucleotides with a sample comprising target nucleic acid sequences under conditions to form first ligation products, contacting the sample with one or more hairpin oligonucleotides that binds to the first adapter oligonucleotides, and contacting the sample with second adapter oligonucleotides under conditions to bind to the first ligation products and form second ligation products, wherein the second ligation products form the library of nucleic acid sequences. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120074225 | OPTICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR READING ENCODED MICROBEADS - An optical system for reading encoded microbeads. The microbeads provide output light signals onto a Fourier plane when illuminated by an incident light. The system includes an input light source that is configured to illuminate the microbeads thereby providing the output light signals. The output light signals are configured to be projected onto the Fourier plane in a readable manner. The system also includes a reading device that is positioned to detect the output light signals from the Fourier plane. The system also includes a processor that is configured to perform Fourier plane analysis of the optical light signals to determine corresponding codes of the microbeads. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120040364 | COMPENSATOR FOR MULTIPLE SURFACE IMAGING - A system and method for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure are disclosed. The support structure may be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data. This imaging of multiple surfaces may be accomplished either sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, the techniques of the present invention may be used with any type of imaging system. For instance, both epifluorescent and total internal reflection methods may benefit from the techniques of the present invention. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120028815 | NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCING USING MICROSPHERE ARRAYS - The invention relates to DNA sequencing by synthesis techniques, including those utilizing the detection of pyrophosphate (PPi) generated during the DNA synthesis reaction (pyrosequencing). The methods and compositions utilize biosensor arrays comprising microspheres distributed on a surface. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120010091 | GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS IN SINGLE CELLS - The present invention provides methods and compositions for the analysis of gene expression in single cells or in a plurality of single cells. The invention provides methods for preparing a cDNA library from individual cells by releasing mRNA from each single cell to provide a plurality of individual mRNA samples, synthesizing cDNA from the individual mRNA samples, tagging the individual cDNA, pooling the tagged cDNA samples and amplifying the pooled cDNA samples to generate a cDNA library. The invention also provides a cDNA library produced by the methods described herein. The invention farther provides methods for analyzing gene expression in a plurality of cells by preparing a cDNA library as described herein and sequencing the library. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110312529 | CONFORMATIONAL PROBES AND METHODS FOR SEQUENCING NUCLEIC ACIDS - This disclosure provides a method of determining a sequence of nucleotides for a nucleic acid template. The method can include the steps of contacting the nucleic acid template with a conformationally labeled polymerase and at least four different nucleotide species under conditions wherein the conformationally labeled polymerase catalyzes sequential addition of the nucleotide species to form a nucleic acid complement of the nucleic acid template, wherein the sequential addition of each different nucleotide species produces a conformational signal change from the conformationally labeled polymerase and wherein the rate or time duration for the conformational signal change is distinguishable for each different nucleotide species; detecting a series of changes in the signal from the conformationally labeled polymerase under the conditions; and determining the rates or time durations for the changes in the signal, thereby determining the sequence of nucleotides for the nucleic acid template. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110301044 | COMPENSATOR FOR MULTIPLE SURFACE IMAGING - A system and method for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure are disclosed. The support structure may be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data. This imaging of multiple surfaces may be accomplished either sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, the techniques of the present invention may be used with any type of imaging system. For instance, both epifluorescent and total internal reflection methods may benefit from the techniques of the present invention. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110268903 | METHODS OF ATTACHING BIOLOGICAL COMPOUNDS TO SOLID SUPPORTS USING TRIAZINE - Disclosed are methods of attaching biologically active compounds to a solid surface, comprising modifying the solid surface using triazine chloride and attaching the biologically active compound to the triazine moiety. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110250697 | NON-NATURALLY OCCURRING DNA SEQUENCES - DNA compositions having nucleotide sequences that do not occur in nature. Also provided are fluorescently labeled DNA molecules and complementary DNA on solid substrates, such as microspheres. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110220775 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING OPTICAL SIGNALS FROM A SAMPLE - An optical system configured to detect optical signals during imaging sessions. The optical system includes an objective lens that has a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom. The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions when in the imaging position. Also, the optical system includes a transfer device that is configured to move the path compensator. The transfer device locates the path compensator at the imaging position for a first imaging session and removes the path compensator from the imaging position for a second imaging session. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110204212 | CONFOCAL IMAGING METHODS AND APPARATUS - The invention provides imaging apparatus and methods useful for obtaining a high resolution image of a sample at rapid scan rates. A rectangular detector array having a horizontal dimension that is longer than the vertical dimension can be used along with imaging optics positioned to direct a rectangular image of a portion of a sample to the rectangular detector array. A scanning device can be configured to scan the sample in a scan-axis dimension, wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array and the shorter of the two rectangular dimensions for the image are in the scan-axis dimension, and wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array is short enough to achieve confocality in a single axis. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110201524 | PRESERVATION OF INFORMATION RELATED TO GENOMIC DNA METHYLATION - The present invention relates to compositions, methods and systems for analyzing the methylation state of nucleic acids. Some embodiments relate to a compositions, methods and systems for analyzing the methylation state of DNA with a gene array. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110188053 | FOCUSING METHODS AND OPTICAL SYSTEMS AND ASSEMBLIES USING THE SAME - A method for controlling a focus of an optical system. The method includes providing a pair of incident light beams to a conjugate lens. The incident light beams are directed by the lens to converge toward a focal region. The method also includes reflecting the incident light beams with an object positioned proximate to the focal region. The reflected light beams return to and propagate through the lens. The method also includes determining relative separation measured between the reflected light beams and determining a degree-of-focus of the optical system with respect to the sample based upon the relative separation. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110153534 | Expression Profiles to Predict Relapse of Prostate Cancer - The present invention provides a method for preparing a reference model for cancer relapse prediction that provides higher resolution grading than Gleason score alone. The method encompasses obtaining from different individuals a plurality of prostate carcinoma tissue samples of known clinical outcome representing different Gleason scores; selecting a set of signature genes having an expression pattern that correlates positively or negatively in a statistically significant manner with the Gleason scores; independently deriving a prediction score that correlates gene expression of each individual signature gene with Gleason score for each signature gene in said plurality of prostate carcinoma tissue samples; deriving a prostate cancer gene expression (GEX) score that correlates gene expression of said set of signature genes with the Gleason score based on the combination of independently derived prediction scores in the plurality of prostate cancer tissue samples; and correlating said GEX score with the clinical outcome for each prostate carcinoma tissue sample. A set of signature genes is provided that encompasses all or a sub-combination of GI_2094528, KIP2, NRG1, NBL1, Prostein, CCNE2, CDC6, FBP1, HOXC6, MKI67, MYBL2, PTTG1, RAMP, UBE2C, Wnt5A, MEMD, AZGP1, CCK, MLCK, PPAP2B, and PROK1. Also provided a methods for predicting the probability of relapse of cancer in an individual and methods for deriving a prostate cancer gene expression (GEX) score for a prostate carcinoma tissue sample obtained from an individual. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152111 | MULTIPLEX NUCLEIC ACID ANALYSIS USING ARCHIVED OR FIXED SAMPLES - The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for multiplex analyses of nucleic acids from archival tissues. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110136696 | CONTINUOUS POLYMER SYNTHESIZER - Described is a system and method for synthesizing polymeric molecules such as oligonucleotides and polypeptides. The system is capable of continuously synthesizing molecules by providing an array of reaction sites and an array of stations for carrying out synthetic manipulations. The reaction sites in the former array can be placed in a fixed order and at fixed intervals relative to each other. Similarly, the stations can be placed in a fixed order and at fixed intervals relative to each other. The two arrays can be moved relative to each other such that the stations carry out desired steps of a reaction scheme at each reaction site. The relative locations of the stations and the schedule for the relative movement can correlate with the order and duration of reaction steps in the reaction scheme such that once a reaction site has completed a cycle of interacting with the full array of stations then the reaction scheme is complete. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110114729 | OPTICAL READER SYSTEM FOR SUBSTRATES HAVING AN OPTICALLY READABLE CODE - An optical reader system including a source light assembly that has a code-reading beam and a fluorescence-excitation beam that are configured to illuminate encoded substrates. The substrates have optically readable codes that provide output signals when the code-reading beam is incident thereon. The output signals are indicative of the codes. The reader system also includes a fluorescence detector that is configured to detect fluorescent signals from the substrates and code pickup optics that are configured to project the output signals from the optically readable codes onto a Fourier plane. The reader system also includes a code detector that is positioned to detect the output signals in the Fourier plane. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110105366 | MICROFABRICATION METHODS FOR THE OPTIMAL PATTERNING OF SUBSTRATES - The invention is directed to a method of fabricating a microarray. The method includes: (a) providing a substrate having at least two layers of different chemical reactivity, wherein a well in an outer layer exposes an inner layer; (b) contacting the substrate with a first reagent specifically reactive with the outer layer to produce a first modified layer; (c) contacting the substrate with a second reagent specifically reactive with the inner layer of the substrate to produce a modified inner layer, wherein the modified inner layer has a higher affinity for a biopolymer than the modified outer layer, and (d) depositing the biopolymer onto the modified inner layer within the well, wherein the higher affinity of the modified inner layer facilitates localization of the biopolymer onto the well. Methods of fabricating a microarray which include polishing a substrate or functionalizing a plurality of features with a reactive reagent also are provided. A method of fabricating a microarray which includes loading a plurality of discrete nanochannels is additionally provided. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110105361 | MICROVESSELS, MICROPARTICLES, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND USING THE SAME - A method of reading a plurality of encoded microvessels used in an assay for biological or chemical analysis. The method can include providing a plurality of encoded microvessels. The microvessels can include a respective microbody and a reservoir core configured to hold a substance in the reservoir core. The microbody can include a material that surrounds the reservoir core and facilitates detection of a characteristic of the substance within the reservoir core. Optionally, the material can be transparent so as to facilitate detection of an optical characteristic of a substance within the reservoir core. The microbody can include an identifiable code associated with the substance. The method can also include determining the corresponding codes of the microvessels. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110098457 | METHODS OF ATTACHING BIOLOGICAL COMPOUNDS TO SOLID SUPPORTS USING TRIAZINE - Disclosed are methods of attaching biologically active compounds to a solid surface, comprising modifying the solid surface using triazine chloride and attaching the biologically active compound to the triazine moiety. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110072914 | Flow Cells And Manifolds Having An Electroosmotic Pump - A flows cell for use in a microfluidic detection system is provided. The flow cell includes a flows cell body having a channel that is configured to convey a solution through the flows cell body. The flow cell also includes a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface is configured to be removably held by the detection system and the top surface is transparent and permits light to pass therethrough. The flow cell body also includes fluidic inlet and outlet ports that are in fluid communication with the channel. A pump cavity is also provided in the flow cell body. The pump cavity fluidly communicates with, and is interposed between, an end of the channel and one of the fluidic inlet and outlet ports. An electroosmotic (EO) pump is held in the pump cavity. The EO pump induces flow of the solution through the EO pump and channel between the fluidic inlet and outlet ports. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110058172 | METHODS OF IDENTIFYING ANALYTES AND USING ENCODED PARTICLES - A method of identifying analytes that react with probes on encoded particles. The method includes providing a support substrate that has a plurality of the particles randomly distributed on the support substrate. The particles have elongated bodies with codes that extend along the corresponding bodies. The codes identify probes that are attached to the corresponding bodies, wherein at least some of the probes include fluorescent labels from reactions with the analytes. The method also includes detecting fluorescent signals that are emitted from the fluorescent labels. The fluorescent signals emit from random spatial locations along the support substrate. The method also includes detecting the codes of the particles at the random spatial locations along the support substrate and analyzing the codes and the fluorescent signals to identify the analytes that react with the probes on the particles. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110045541 | METHOD OF NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION - A nucleic acid molecule can be annealed to an appropriate immobilised primer. The primer can then be extended and the molecule and the primer can be separated from one another. The extended primer can then be annealed to another immobilised primer and the other primer can be extended. Both extended primers can then be separated from one another and can be used to provide further extended primers. The process can be repeated to provide amplified, immobilised nucleic acid molecules. These can be used for many different purposes, including sequencing, screening, diagnosis, in situ nucleic acid synthesis, monitoring gene expression, nucleic acid fingerprinting, etc. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110020853 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING PHOSPHOMONOESTER - The invention provides a method of modifying a phosphomonoester moiety of a target compound. The method can include the steps of (a) providing a target compound having an electrophilic moiety and a phosphomonoester moiety; (b) contacting the target compound with a first carbodiimide compound under conditions for preferential addition of the first carbodiimide compound to the electrophilic moiety over the phosphomonoester moiety, thereby forming an electrophile-protected target compound; and (c) contacting the electrophile-protected target compound with a second carbodiimide compound and a nucleophilic compound under conditions for addition of the nucleophilic compound to the phosphomonoester. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110009296 | NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009278 | NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110008781 | ISOTHERMAL AMPLIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS ON A SOLID SUPPORT - Methods for isothermal amplification of nucleic acid by means of a solid support are disclosed. These methods are useful for applications needing high throughput, in particular nucleic acid sequencing. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110003394 | ENCODED MICROPARTICLES - An encoded microparticle including an optical substrate comprising a material that permits light to propagate therethrough. The optical substrate has an elongated body that extends in a direction along a central axis. The optical substrate includes an outer region that extends about the central axis. The encoded microparticle also includes an optically detectable code that is disposed within the optical substrate and extends along the central axis. The outer region surrounds the optically detectable code about the central axis. The optically detectable code is readable when the light propagates through the outer region and is at least one of reflected or filtered by the optically detectable code. Said at least one of reflected or filtered light propagates through the outer region to be detected for reading the optically detectable code. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100328732 | HEXAGONAL SITE LINE SCANNING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A scanning technique for imaging sites in an array includes illuminating or irradiating sites in lines of the array, and collecting returned radiation from the sites for imaging. The sites are sequentially scanned by means of confocally directed radiation lines from source optics. The orientation of the radiation lines with respect to the lines of sites in the array is such that the distance between nearest edges of sites in adjacent lines is greater than lines through those edges in a direction parallel to the radiation lines used for scanning The resulting system experiences less crosstalk and a greater ability to distinguish between neighboring sites in resulting images. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100311064 | MULTIPLEX NUCLEIC ACID REACTIONS - The invention is directed to a variety of multiplexing methods used to amplify and/or genotype a variety of samples simultaneously. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100259763 | SYSTEMS FOR AND METHODS OF FACILITATING FOCUSING AN OPTICAL SCANNER - Systems and methods for facilitating focusing of an image scanner, such as a confocal microscope, are disclosed. Measurement of optical characteristics in certain areas of a test sample are compared to stored or baseline optical characteristic profiles to determine an appropriate correction to properly focus the scanner. In one aspect, the method includes obtaining a dynamic profile at a current detection region of a test sample and associating the dynamic profile to a profile selected from a set of stored baseline profiles. Each of the stored baseline profiles is associated with a correction. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100235260 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORDERING OLIGONUCLEOTIDES - A system is described for ordering oligonucleotides through a network, such as the Internet. The system provides a mechanism for validating the data provided by a customer, and then displaying graphical images to represent any data that has errors. The system can also pool multiple oligonucleotide samples together by providing graphical images representing oligonucleotide containers, and allowing the customer to select the proper containers to pool. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100157086 | DYNAMIC AUTOFOCUS METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSAY IMAGER - A method and system are provided for controlling focus dynamically of a sample imager. The method comprises scanning a sample with an optical assembly that apportions the sample into regions based on a scan pattern. The optical assembly has a focal setting with respect to the sample. The method further comprises shifting the focal setting of the optical assembly during scanning of the sample, and detecting one or more images representative of one of the regions from the sample. The one or more images have associated degrees of focus corresponding to the focal setting of the optical assembly. The method analyzes the image(s) to obtain a focus score or scores corresponding thereto, where the focus scores represent a degree to which the optical assembly was in focus when detecting the images. The method adjusts the focus setting based on the focus score(s). | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100138162 | NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING A SUBSET OF SITES OF A SUBSTRATE - A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100137166 | INDEPENDENTLY REMOVABLE NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100092957 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCING - The invention provides nucleoside and nucleotide molecules containing cleavable linkers linking a label such as a dye. The invention also provides nucleosides and nucleotide molecules containing a blocking group, either removable or non-removable. The invention additionally provides methods of using the nucleoside and nucleotide molecules containing a cleavable linker and/or a blocking group. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100088255 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE ACCURACY OF DNA BASE IDENTIFICATIONS - Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method and system for determining the accuracy of DNA base identifications, based at least partly on sampling characteristics of subsets within training data sets. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100087325 | BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention provides a novel approach for controlling the temperature of biological samples on a support structure. The support structure may, for instance, be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with biological samples. A thermoelectric heat exchange device, such as a Peltier device, may be used to heat or cool the biological samples on the support structure. In addition, a fluid circulating heat exchange device, such as a water heating or cooling system, may be used to heat or cool the thermoelectric heat exchange device. In general, the support structure may be located on top of the thermoelectric heat exchange device which, in turn, may be located on top of the fluid circulating heat exchange device. The thermoelectric heat exchange device and fluid circulating heat exchange device may be integrated into a holder bench which may be part of a station within an imaging processing system. The holder bench may be configured to hold multiple support structures at a time. In addition, the support structures may be configured to be evaluated and imaged using both epifluorescent and total internal reflection (TIRF) excitation techniques. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100072278 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING MICROBEADS IN ORDER TO INTERROGATE THE SAME - An optical reader for reading encoded microparticles. Each microparticle has an elongated body with an optically detectable code that extends along a longitudinal axis of the corresponding elongated body. The reader includes a plate that has a plurality of channels. The channels are configured to receive and align the microparticles so that the codes of the microparticles are in a common fixed orientation relative to each other. The reader also includes an illumination source for illuminating the microparticles on the plate. The codes in the microparticles reflect a portion of incident light and permit a portion of the incident light to pass through the microparticles thereby providing an output signal indicative of the code. The reader also includes a detection device that is configured to capture the output signal provided by the microparticles. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100015626 | MULTIPLEX NUCLEIC ACID REACTIONS - The invention is directed to a variety of multiplexing methods used to amplify and/or genotype a variety of samples simultaneously. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100012825 | CONFOCAL IMAGING METHODS AND APPARATUS - The invention provides imaging apparatus and methods useful for obtaining a high resolution image of a sample at rapid scan rates. A rectangular detector array having a horizontal dimension that is longer than the vertical dimension can be used along with imaging optics positioned to direct a rectangular image of a portion of a sample to the rectangular detector array. A scanning device can be configured to scan the sample in a scan-axis dimension, wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array and the shorter of the two rectangular dimensions for the image are in the scan-axis dimension, and wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array is short enough to achieve confocality in a single axis. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20090298716 | COMPOSITE ARRAYS UTILIZING MICROSPHERES WITH A HYBRIDIZATION CHAMBER - The invention relates to sensor compositions comprising a composite array of individual arrays, to allow for simultaneous processing of a number of samples. The invention further provides methods of making and using the composite arrays. The invention further provides a hybridization chamber for use with a composite array. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090272914 | COMPENSATOR FOR MULTIPLE SURFACE IMAGING - A system and method for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure are disclosed. The support structure may, for instance, be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The captured and detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data. This imaging of multiple surfaces may be accomplished either sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, the techniques of the present invention may be used with any type of imaging system. For instance, both epifluorescent and total internal reflection (TIR) methods may benefit from the techniques of the present invention. In addition, the biological samples imaged may be present on the surfaces of the support structure in a random special pattern and need not be at known locations in order for the imaging to be performed. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090194589 | OPTICAL READER SYSTEM FOR SUBSTRATES HAVING AN OPTICALLY READABLE CODE - An optical reader system that includes a plurality of substrates. The substrates have an optically readable code disposed therein and a source light assembly that is configured to illuminate the substrates with a code-reading beam and another beam for detecting another optically readable property of the substrate. The code-reading beam and the other beam form beam spots on the substrates that have different shapes. The system also includes a reader that is configured to receive output signals from the code-reading beam and the other beam when the substrates are illuminated. The output signals from the code-reading beam are indicative of the code. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090191563 | UNIFORM FRAGMENTATION OF DNA USING BINDING PROTEINS - The invention provides a method for preparing and analysing a population of fragmented polynucleotide sequences having a substantially uniform size. The method can include steps of (a) binding at least some protection molecule to at least one polynucleotide sequence; (b) cleaving the at least one polynucleotide sequence to generate a plurality of polynucleotide fragment sequences of substantially uniform size; (c) amplifying the polynucleotide fragments; and (d) determining a sequence characteristic of a plurality of the polynucleotide fragments. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090186349 | DETECTION OF NUCLEIC ACID REACTIONS ON BEAD ARRAYS - The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the use of microsphere arrays to detect and quantify a number of nucleic acid reactions. The invention finds use in genotyping, i.e. the determination of the sequence of nucleic acids, particularly alterations such as nucleotide substitutions (mismatches) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Similarly, the invention finds use in the detection and quantification of a nucleic acid target using a variety of amplification techniques, including both signal amplification and target amplification. The methods and compositions of the invention can be used in nucleic acid sequencing reactions as well. All applications can include the use of adapter sequences to allow for universal arrays. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090137791 | METHODS OF ATTACHING BIOLOGICAL COMPOUNDS TO SOLID SUPPORTS USING TRIAZINE - Disclosed are methods of attaching biologically active compounds to a solid surface, comprising modifying the solid surface using triazine chloride and attaching the biologically active compound to the triazine moiety. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090073520 | ENCODED MICROPARTICLES AND A METHOD FOR FABRICATING - A method for fabricating microparticles is provided. The method includes providing a removable substrate that has a photosensitive material. The substrate has a plurality of inner regions. Each inner region surrounds a corresponding outer region. The method also includes providing at least one optically detectable code within at least one of the inner regions of the substrate and etching lines into the substrate to create a plurality of microparticles having at least one optically detectable code therein. The microparticles have elongated bodies that extend in an axial direction. The optically detectable codes extend in the axial direction within the microparticles. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090034078 | OPTICAL IDENTIFICATION ELEMENT HAVING A NON-WAVEGUIDE SUBSTRATE - An optical identification element including a non-waveguide optical substrate. The optical substrate has a volume and includes an inner region surrounded by an outer region. The inner region has an index of refraction that prevents the optical substrate from forming an optical waveguide. The optical substrate includes a diffraction grating within the volume, and the grating provides an output signal indicative of a code when illuminated by an incident light. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20080290263 | CONFOCAL IMAGING METHODS AND APPARATUS - The invention provides imaging apparatus and methods useful for obtaining a high resolution image of a sample at rapid scan rates. A rectangular detector array having a horizontal dimension that is longer than the vertical dimension can be used along with imaging optics positioned to direct a rectangular image of a portion of a sample to the rectangular detector array. A scanning device can be configured to scan the sample in a scan-axis dimension, wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array and the shorter of the two rectangular dimensions for the image are in the scan-axis dimension, and wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array is short enough to achieve confocality in a single axis. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080262747 | NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262172 | EFFICIENT BIOMOLECULE RECYCLING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A technique is disclosed for recapturing and recycling biomolecule reagents. The technique may be applied in a range of settings, including biopolymer synthesis, sequencing, and so forth. Biomolecule reagents such as nucleotides and oligonucleotides used to process nucleic acids, which may be marked with fluorescent tags, carry blocking agents, and so forth, are introduced to samples in a sample container. After the desired reaction occurs with some of the biomolecule reagents, such as some of the nucleotides or oligonucleotides, the effluent stream is processed to recapture unreacted biomolecule reagents. These may be separated from other reaction components, and recycled into the same or a different sample container. The recaptured biomolecule reagents may be mixed with additional biomolecule reagents prior to reintroduction to the same or different samples. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080242555 | MULTIPLEX NUCLEIC ACID REACTIONS - The invention is directed to a variety of multiplexing methods used to amplify and/or genotype a variety of samples simultaneously. | 10-02-2008 |
