Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080219888 | Multi-Channel Flow Cells - A multi-channel flow cell can allow for reduced cross-contamination in sample loading and the ability to observe activity within the flow cell once the channels are loaded. A multi-channel flow cell includes a plurality of independently-addressable channels sandwiched between a two substrates. Each of the channels can be coated with a layer that facilitates support-binding of an analyte. Each of the channels terminates on one end in an inlet and on the other end in an outlet. A loading block having inlet ports that match the inlets of the channels can be mated to the inlets of the channels, and an outlet block can be mated to the outlets of the channels. Analytes can be introduced into the channels via the inlet ports of the loading block and are pulled through the channels by capillary action or by vacuum. Once analyte has been introduced into each of the channels, the loading and outlet blocks can be removed and the device turned over. Such a flow cell can be used for streamlining the process of reaction and interrogation of biochemical assays at the microfluidic level. Reagents can be introduced into each of the channels of the flow cell for chemical reactions therein, excess reagent being washed out through the channel outlets. Observation of optically-detectable moieties is then conducted. With such a flow cell optical labels associated with incorporation in a sequencing-by-synthesis reaction can be observed. | 09-11-2008 |
20080219890 | SAMPLE LOADING AND RECOVERY - A apparatus and method for loading a sample into a microfluidic flow cell allows for more precise loading, reduced cross-contamination, and more efficient use of samples to be analyzed. The system for loading a sample into a flow cell includes a flow cell defining a plurality of individually isolated channels through which fluid can flow. The flow cell also defines an inlet port and an outlet port for each of the channels. The system also includes a base that defines a chamber for receiving the flow cell, a cover pivotally attached to the base, and a passive vacuum source for pulling a volume through the flow cell. The method of loading a sample includes inserting the flow cell into the sample loading apparatus, placing a sample in at least one of the wells of the loading block, activating a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the outlet ports to pull the sample into the channel, and optionally aspirating the unused sample from the well. | 09-11-2008 |
20090129980 | Multi-Channel Flow Cells - A multi-channel flow cell can allow for reduced cross-contamination in sample loading and the ability to observe activity within the flow cell once the channels are loaded. A multi-channel flow cell includes a plurality of independently-addressable channels sandwiched between a two substrates. Each of the channels can be coated with a layer that facilitates support-binding of an analyte. Each of the channels terminates on one end in an inlet and on the other end in an outlet. A loading block having inlet ports that match the inlets of the channels can be mated to the inlets of the channels, and an outlet block can be mated to the outlets of the channels. Analytes can be introduced into the channels via the inlet ports of the loading block and are pulled through the channels by capillary action or by vacuum. Once analyte has been introduced into each of the channels, the loading and outlet blocks can be removed and the device turned over Such a flow cell can be used for streamlining the process of reaction and interrogation of biochemical assays at the microfluidic level. Reagents can be introduced into each of the channels of the flow cell for chemical reactions therein, excess reagent being washed out through the channel outlets. Observation of optically-detectable moieties is then conducted. With such a flow cell optical labels associated with incorporation in a sequencing-by-synthesis reaction can be observed. | 05-21-2009 |
20090275034 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM - Single molecule technologies generally require sensitive optical detection and the ability to operate at multiple temperatures simultaneously in different parts of the instrument. The system for controlling the temperature of a microfluidic device and methods for controlling the temperature of sequencing reactions includes a chamber for receiving a microfluidic device, a heating control device in fluid communication with the chamber for delivering a heated fluid to the chamber to heat the microfluidic device, and a cooling control device in liquid communication with the chamber for delivering a cooled fluid to the chamber to cool the microfluidic device. A temperature control unit in liquid communication with a cooling element and/or a heating element are used to regulate temperature of sequencing substrates and objective lenses for optical detection of sequencing reactions. | 11-05-2009 |
20100081303 | HIGH DENSITY PLUGGABLE ELECTRICAL AND OPTICAL CONNECTOR - A connector assembly is provided that includes a front end mating connector which is received in a socket. The front end mating connector includes a pluggable transceiver, latching mechanism, and passive optical connector. Standard optical ribbon fibers are provided that plug into the passive connector, which in turn plugs into the transceiver. The passive connector and the transceiver are coupled together by the latching mechanism. The coupled connector then plugs into the socket in a first direction. The socket includes electrical connector wafers. As the transceiver is plugged into the socket, circuit boards within the transceiver move in a second direction to engage the wafers. The transceiver has a circuit that converts the optical signals received by the receiver ribbons into electrical signals that are recognized by the wafers and passed to the circuit board. The circuit also converts the electrical signals received from the circuit board through the wafers in the socket into optical signals for transmission by the optical ribbon fibers. | 04-01-2010 |
20150065396 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES AND METHODS OF THEIR USE - Methods and systems for manipulating drops in microfluidic channels are provided. | 03-05-2015 |
20150094232 | MANAGING VARIATION IN SPECTROSCOPIC INTENSITY MEASUREMENTS THROUGH THE USE OF A REFERENCE COMPONENT - The present invention generally pertains to methods and kits for managing the variation in spectroscopic intensity measurements through the use of a reference component. The reference component may comprise a reference spectroscopic substance and may be contained together with a sample of interest in a sample to be tested, wherein the sample of interest may comprise a sample spectroscopic substance. Each sample to be tested may be uniquely identified and, hence, “barcoded” by combinations of different colors and concentrations of spectroscopic substances, contained therein. | 04-02-2015 |
20150209785 | INTEGRATED MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM, METHOD AND KIT FOR PERFORMING ASSAYS - The present invention provides a microfluidic system, method and kit for performing assays. The system may comprise a microfluidic device and a detector, wherein the assay yields results that may be read by a detector and analyzed by the system. The assay may comprise one or more chemical or biological reaction against, or performed on, a sample or multiple samples. The sample(s) may become larger and/or smaller during the performance of the assay. The sample(s) may be present within a vehicle, or on a carrier within a vehicle, in the microfluidic device, and wherein the vehicle may become larger and/or smaller during the performance of the assay. The assay may be a cascading assay comprising a series of multiple assays, wherein each assay may be the same or different, and wherein each assay in the series of multiple as says may further comprise one or more process or step. | 07-30-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080269946 | PROCESSING OF UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL - In some example, a computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation comprises generating a fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The fingerprint is derived from the feature of the mail piece that is identified during the first pass. The multiple pass mail sort operation comprises performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the second pass comprises determining a final disposition of the mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed, wherein the fingerprint is used to identify the mail piece during the determining of the final disposition. | 10-30-2008 |
20090143898 | DETERMINING DISPOSITION OF UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL - In some example, a computerized method includes sorting mail, wherein sorting mail for a mail piece comprises reading an encoded value located on the mail piece. Sorting the mail also includes decoding the encoded value to determine an identification of a class of the mail piece and an identification of a service type of the mail piece. Sorting the mail includes performing the following operation in response to determining that the mail piece is undeliverable as addressed: performing final disposition of the mail piece using at least one of the identification of the class of the mail piece or the identification of the service type of the mail piece derived from the encoded value, in response to a determination that the mail piece is an actual undeliverable as addressed mail piece. | 06-04-2009 |
20120072014 | PROCESSING OF UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL - A computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein the multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes generating a first fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. Performing the second pass includes determining a final disposition of the mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed. | 03-22-2012 |
20130030564 | PROCESSING OF UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL - A computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein the multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes generating a first fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. Performing the second pass includes determining a final sorting of the mail piece. | 01-31-2013 |
20130096714 | DETERMINING DISPOSITION OF UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL - Some embodiments include a machine-readable medium including instructions which when executed by a machine causes the machine to perform operations. The operations include sorting mail. The sorting of the mail includes reading an encoded value located on the mail piece. The sorting of the mail includes decoding the encoded value to determine a delivery point for the mail piece, an identification of a sender of the mail piece, an identification of a recipient of the mail piece, an identification of a class of the mail piece and an identification of a service type of the mail piece. The sorting of the mail includes determining whether the mail piece is a candidate undeliverable as addressed mail piece using the identification of the recipient of the mail piece within the encoded value and the identification of a delivery point for the mail piece within the encoded value. | 04-18-2013 |
20130178976 | PROCESSING OF UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL - A computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein the multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes generating a first fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. Performing the second pass includes determining a final disposition of the mail piece that is undeliverable as addressed. | 07-11-2013 |
20140005824 | PROCESSING OF UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL | 01-02-2014 |