Allen D Thompson

US Patent:

7101508, Sep 5, 2006

Filed:

Jul 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/210126

Inventors:

Allen C. Thompson - San Francisco CA, US
William D. Fisher - San Jose CA, US
Michael P. Caren - Palo Alto CA, US

Assignee:

Agilent Technologies, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B32B 5/02
G01N 15/06
G01N 1/10
B01L 3/02
G06K 9/00

US Classification:

422 67, 422100, 422 63, 422 681, 422 8205, 436180, 382149, 382151, 382287, 382291

Abstract:

A method of fabricating an addressable array of chemical probes at respective feature locations on a substrate surface. The method may use a deposition apparatus with a substrate unit which includes the substrate and with a drop deposition unit which includes a drop deposition head. Such an apparatus when operated according to a target drive pattern based on nominal operating parameters of the apparatus provides the probes on the substrate surface in the target array pattern. The method may include depositing at least one drop from the head unit onto the substrate surface. A fiducial on the substrate unit is optionally viewed from a sensor. A deposited drop on the substrate surface is viewed from a sensor. An actual position of the viewed deposited drop may be determined relative to a fiducial on the substrate unit, based on the views of the fiducial and deposited drop. An error is determined based on any difference between the actual and target positions.

US Patent:

7153689, Dec 26, 2006

Filed:

Aug 1, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/211623

Inventors:

Brent T. Tolosko - Santa Clara CA, US
Allen C. Thompson - San Francisco CA, US

Assignee:

Agilent Technologies, Inc. - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

G01N 35/02

US Classification:

436 49, 436180

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for cleaning and priming a droplet dispensing device having a plurality of nozzles aligned in at least one row. A dispensing surface of the dispensing device comprising the nozzles is sealingly engaged to form a chamber adjacent the dispensing surface. A wash fluid is introduced into the chamber and removed from the chamber. A priming vacuum is applied individually, and preferably, simultaneously, to at least a portion of the plurality of the nozzles. Optionally, a wash fluid is subsequently introduced into the chamber and removed from the chamber to rinse the dispensing surface.

US Patent:

7468160, Dec 23, 2008

Filed:

Dec 5, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/729606

Inventors:

Allen C. Thompson - Sunnyvale CA, US
George P. Tsai - San Jose CA, US
Russell Alan Parker - San Jose CA, US

Assignee:

Agilent Technologies, Inc. - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

G01N 21/00
G01N 15/06
B01L 3/00
C12M 1/34
C12M 1/36

US Classification:

422 56, 422 681, 422102, 422 58, 422 61, 4352879, 4352883, 4352865

Abstract:

Devices and methods for performing an array assay are provided. Embodiments of the subject array assay devices include (1) a base, (2) a cover, and (3) a clamping member for holding the cover to the base, wherein when the cover is operatively held to the base about a structure that includes an array assembly spaced-apart from a backing element, the array assembly and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature. Embodiments of the subject methods include contacting a sample with a backing element and placing the backing element supported sample in contact with an array assembly to form a structure that includes the backing element and array assembly. The structure is then held together using a subject array assay device and the array substrate and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature.

US Patent:

20040082058, Apr 29, 2004

Filed:

Oct 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/283450

Inventors:

Arthur Schleifer - Portola Valley CA, US
Allen Thompson - San Francisco CA, US
Duane Dutton - San Jose CA, US
Joseph Worrall - Lomond CA, US

International Classification:

C12M001/34

US Classification:

435/287200, 435/293100, 435/288300

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for making array hybridization chambers with uniform sample volumes. The apparatus employs a spacer to define a hybridization chamber of uniform volume between a slide, substrate, and gasket after the slide, substrate, spacer and gasket have been contacted. The spacer is non deformable or partially deformable and will only allow the adjacent gasket to a similar height or volume. Methods of making the hybridization apparatus and chambers are also disclosed.

US Patent:

20050196761, Sep 8, 2005

Filed:

Mar 8, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/796488

Inventors:

Allen Thompson - San Jose CA, US

International Classification:

C12Q001/68
C12M001/34

US Classification:

435006000, 435287200

Abstract:

An array hybridization apparatus and method. The apparatus employs a substrate backing, a slide, a spacer, and a gasket. In certain embodiments a lever and one or more tabs may be employed. The invention allows for more easily separating an array slide from a substrate backing. Methods of disassembly of the apparatus are also disclosed.

US Patent:

20050202445, Sep 15, 2005

Filed:

Mar 9, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/797764

Inventors:

Allen Thompson - San Jose CA, US
Andre Chow - Belmont CA, US

International Classification:

C12Q001/68
C12M001/34

US Classification:

435006000, 435287200

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for making an array hybridization chamber that holds a thermoplastic substrate in a flat position. The apparatus employs a thermoplastic substrate having one or more support ridges. Methods of making the hybridization apparatus and chamber are also disclosed.

US Patent:

20060046269, Mar 2, 2006

Filed:

Sep 2, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/934616

Inventors:

Allen Thompson - Sunnyvale CA, US
Arthur Schleifer - Portola Valley CA, US

International Classification:

C40B 40/10
C40B 60/02

US Classification:

435007100, 435287200, 279002050

Abstract:

The subject invention provides methods and devices for processing at least one chemical array on a flexible substrate. Also provided are methods of using chemical arrays produced according to the subject invention, and arrays processing according to the subject methods, and arrays processed according to the subject methods, as well as systems and kits for practicing the subject methods.

US Patent:

20060057023, Mar 16, 2006

Filed:

Sep 14, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/941968

Inventors:

Allen Thompson - Sunnyvale CA, US
Jacqueline Tso - Los Gatos CA, US

International Classification:

B01J 19/00

US Classification:

422058000, 422130000

Abstract:

The subject invention provides array assemblies that include at least one array of an addressable set of probes and devices, as well as methods for fabricating and using the same. Embodiments include array assemblies that include a base supporting a plurality of prongs wherein at least one prong includes an array of an addressable set of probes. Embodiments of the subject methods include generating at least one chemical array on a surface of at least one prong of a device that includes a base supporting a plurality of prongs. The subject invention also includes methods for performing array assays. Systems and kits for practicing the subject methods are also provided.