Affymetrix has received US Patent No. 7,135,285, “Identification of molecular sequence signatures and methods involving the same.” The patent claims means and methods for analyzing hybridization data derived from hybridization assays between a target nucleic acid and differently sequenced polynucleotide probes. The method involves selecting probe sets that define reference sequences for sequence signatures and deriving useful data about the nature of the target nucleic acid molecule based on its hybridization to the probes, according to the patent’s abstract. The methods are useful for determining whether the target contains a nucleic acid or polypeptide sequence signature, whether the target encodes a member of a gene family, or whether the target is derived from one of any number of genes, the abstract states.
Applera has received US Patent No. 7,135,667, “Array imaging system.” The patent claims an apparatus for imaging an array of a plurality of features associated with a sample tile. According to the patent’s abstract, the apparatus includes a stage that supports the sample tile in an illumination region, and an illumination source having a plurality of LEDs adapted to emit light. Additionally, the apparatus can include an image-collecting device adapted to selectively collect images of either a first signal when the illumination source is illuminating the illumination region, or a second signal absent illumination of the illumination region.
Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique of Paris has received US Patent No. 7,136,517, “Image analysis process for measuring the signal on biochips.” The patent claims an image analysis process for measuring the signal on biochips that are organized into one or several blocks with each comprising a large number of spots that are, in turn, each composed of at least one probe. According to the patent’s abstract, the process works by making a deposit with a constant pitch where the spots appear in the form of a periodic and regular signal. The periodicity property is then used to identify the position of the blocks and the spots.