Christopher Jo Field

US Patent:

20210333194, Oct 28, 2021

Filed:

Apr 22, 2021

Appl. No.:

17/237142

Inventors:

- Charlottesville VA, US
Colin Hebert - Charlottesville VA, US
Christopher Field - Arlington VA, US
Shweta Krishnan - Charlottesville VA, US

International Classification:

G01N 15/14
G01N 21/05
G01N 21/85
B01L 3/00

Abstract:

A microfluidic chip configuration wherein injection occurs in an upwards vertical direction, and fluid vessels are located below the chip in order to minimize particle settling before and at the analysis portion of the chip's channels. The input and fluid flow up through the bottom of the chip, in one aspect using a manifold, which avoids orthogonal re-orientation of fluid dynamics. The contents of the vial are located below the chip and pumped upwards and vertically directly into the first channel of the chip. A long channel extends from the bottom of the chip to near the top of the chip. Then the channel takes a short horizontal turn that nearly negates any influence of cell settling due to gravity and zero flow velocity at the walls. The fluid is pumped up to a horizontal analysis portion that is the highest channel/fluidic point in the chip and thus close to the top of the chip, which results in clearer imaging. A laser may also suspend cells or particles in this channel during analysis which prevents them from settling.

US Patent:

20190308191, Oct 10, 2019

Filed:

Apr 8, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/378067

Inventors:

- Charlottesville VA, US
Colin Hebert - Charlottesville VA, US
Margaret McCoy - Charlottesville VA, US
Shewta Krishnan - Malden MA, US
Christopher Field - Arlington VA, US
Zachary Evans - Charlottesville VA, US
Adam Lubrano - Waynesboro VA, US
Nathan LaPuma - Palmyra VA, US

International Classification:

B01L 3/00

Abstract:

Provided are devices for automated analysis of one or more samples in single or multi-well plates or vessels, wherein the process of automated analysis comprises automated flow, wherein the samples comprise liquid or particles in a sample vessel, and wherein the devices comprise an assembly of components that enable processing of a sample for analytical assessment by fluidic and/or particle based instruments. Automated flow may comprise systems for moving samples including vacuum systems, pressure-based systems, pneumatic systems, pumps, peristaltic pumps, diaphragms, or syringes. The devices may comprise an assembly of components that enable movement in X, Y, and Z dimensions, as well as switches, microfluidic tubing, well plate block, electronic pressure controllers, pneumatic or fluidic mixing devices, components for fluid handling, sampling vessels, and mechanical components for translating or transporting system components.

US Patent:

20190195773, Jun 27, 2019

Filed:

Dec 23, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/853763

Inventors:

- Charlottesville VA, US
Colin Hebert - Charlottesville VA, US
Christopher Field - Arlington VA, US
Shweta Krishnan - Charlottesville VA, US

International Classification:

G01N 15/14
G01N 21/05
G01N 21/85
B01L 3/00

Abstract:

A microfluidic chip configuration wherein injection occurs in an upwards vertical direction, and fluid vessels are located below the chip in order to minimize particle settling before and at the analysis portion of the chip's channels. The input and fluid flow up through the bottom of the chip, in one aspect using a manifold, which avoids orthogonal re-orientation of fluid dynamics. The contents of the vial are located below the chip and pumped upwards and vertically directly into the first channel of the chip. A long channel extends from the bottom of the chip to near the top of the chip. Then the channel takes a short horizontal turn that nearly negates any influence of cell settling due to gravity and zero flow velocity at the walls. The fluid is pumped up to a horizontal analysis portion that is the highest channel/fluidic point in the chip and thus close to the top of the chip, which results in clearer imaging. A laser may also suspend cells or particles in this channel during analysis which prevents them from settling.