Genetix has been awarded US Patent 7,310,147, “Robotic apparatus for picking of cells and other applications with integrated spectroscopic capability.”
The inventor listed on the patent is Yonggang Jiang.
The patent describes a robotic apparatus with a sample manipulation head and associated positioning system mounted above the main bed of the apparatus, the abstract said. The abstract said that the apparatus can be used to pick cells, in particular animal cells, or for other biological or chemical applications. An imaging station is arranged on the main bed where a sample container can be placed in an object position. According to the patent, both excitation and collection optical sub-systems are mounted under the main bed of the apparatus for performing spectroscopic analysis on the sample. The integration is based on a reflection-mode optical solution, which allows all the optical components to be mounted under the main bed of the apparatus. Consequently, ancillary software-driven or manual processes can be performed whether or not spectroscopic measurements are being taken.
SRU Biosystems has been awarded US Patent 7,309,614, “Self-referencing biodetection method and patterned bioassays.”
The inventors listed on the patent are Cheryl Baird, Brian Cunningham, and Peter Li.
The patent describes compositions and methods for detecting biomolecular interactions, according to the abstract. The abstract said that detection can occur without the use of labels and can be done in a high-throughput format. The patent also discusses self-referencing, colorimetric, resonant optical biosensors and optical devices.
Fluidigm has been awarded US Patent 7,307,802, “Optical lens system and method for microfluidic devices.”
The inventor listed on the patent is Marc Unger.
The relevant invention is an apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device, the abstract said. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. According to the abstract, the imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals. In addition, the chamber size is characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.