IP Verse

Systems, Methods, And Apparatuses To Image A Sample For Biological Or Chemical Analysis

Patent No. US11117130 (titled "Systems, Methods, And Apparatuses To Image A Sample For Biological Or Chemical Analysis") was filed by Illumina Cambridge Ltd on May 14, 2020.

What is this patent about?

’130 is related to the field of biological and chemical analysis, specifically to systems used for performing assays such as DNA sequencing. These assays often involve controlled reactions on support surfaces, observed and analyzed to identify properties of the chemicals involved. Existing systems have limitations in capabilities and cost-effectiveness, creating a need for improved systems and apparatuses.

The underlying idea behind ’130 is to create a self-contained system for automated biological and chemical assays. This involves integrating fluid storage, temperature control, fluid delivery, sample handling, and optical detection within a single workstation. The key insight is to automate the entire process, from sample preparation to analysis, minimizing user intervention and improving efficiency.

The claims of ’130 focus on a system comprising an optical deck with optical components, a sample deck with a slidable platform and thermal module for a fluidic device, and a fluid storage system. The fluid storage system includes an enclosure with a cavity, a temperature control assembly, and a fluid removal assembly with an elevator mechanism to move sipper tubes into component wells of a reaction component tray. The system is enclosed in a casing with a door for access.

In practice, the system works by storing reagents in a reaction component tray within the temperature-controlled fluid storage system. The elevator mechanism lowers sipper tubes into the component wells to extract fluids, which are then delivered to the fluidic device on the sample deck. The thermal module controls the temperature of the fluidic device, enabling reactions to occur. Optical components on the optical deck then detect and analyze the results.

This design differentiates itself by integrating all necessary components for automated assays into a single, enclosed system. Prior approaches often involved separate instruments and manual steps for fluid handling and temperature control. By automating the entire process and integrating it within a single casing, the system aims to improve efficiency, reduce user intervention, and potentially lower costs.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the early 2010s when ’130 was filed, biological and chemical assays were typically performed using fluidic devices and optical assemblies to detect desired reactions in samples. At a time when DNA sequencing was commonly implemented using sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) protocols, systems often relied on fluorescent labels and optical detection methods. When hardware or software constraints made cost-effective and simpler systems non-trivial, there was a need for improved systems, methods, and apparatuses capable of performing assay protocols in a more efficient manner.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The examiner approved the application because the closest prior art (Williams et al.) discloses a system with an optical deck, a sample deck, and a fluid storage system with a reagent flow enclosure. However, Williams et al. does not disclose or suggest an enclosure of the fluid storage system that is separate from the optical/sample deck, along with a door providing access through a casing that encloses the optical and sample storage system, in combination with other claim features.

Claims

There are 26 claims in total, with claims 1, 24, and 26 being independent. The independent claims are directed to systems comprising an optical deck, a sample deck, and a fluid storage system with a fluid removal assembly. The dependent claims generally add further details and limitations to the features described in the independent claims, such as specific components, arrangements, and functionalities of the system.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Fluid storage system
(Claim 1, Claim 24, Claim 26)		“Various embodiments include providing a reaction component to a sample. As used herein, a “reaction component” or “reactant” includes any substance that may be used to obtain a desired reaction. For example, reaction components include reagents, enzymes, samples, other biomolecules, and buffer solutions. The reaction components are typically delivered to a reaction site (e.g., area where sample is located) in a solution or immobilized within a reaction site. The reaction components may interact directly or indirectly with the substance of interest.”A system that stores and regulates the temperature of fluids to be delivered to the fluidic device.
Reaction component tray
(Claim 1, Claim 24, Claim 26)		“Various embodiments include providing a reaction component to a sample. As used herein, a “reaction component” or “reactant” includes any substance that may be used to obtain a desired reaction. For example, reaction components include reagents, enzymes, samples, other biomolecules, and buffer solutions. The reaction components are typically delivered to a reaction site (e.g., area where sample is located) in a solution or immobilized within a reaction site. The reaction components may interact directly or indirectly with the substance of interest.”A tray with component wells to store fluids to be delivered to the fluidic device or flow cell.
Sipper tubes
(Claim 1, Claim 24, Claim 26)		“Various embodiments include providing a reaction component to a sample. As used herein, a “reaction component” or “reactant” includes any substance that may be used to obtain a desired reaction. For example, reaction components include reagents, enzymes, samples, other biomolecules, and buffer solutions. The reaction components are typically delivered to a reaction site (e.g., area where sample is located) in a solution or immobilized within a reaction site. The reaction components may interact directly or indirectly with the substance of interest.”Tubes used to remove fluids from the reaction component tray for delivery to the fluidic device or flow cell.
Slidable platform
(Claim 1, Claim 24, Claim 26)		“Different elements and components described herein may be removably coupled. As used herein, when two or more elements or components are “removably coupled” (or “removably mounted,” and other like terms) the elements are readily separable without destroying the coupled components. For instance, elements can be readily separable when the elements may be separated from each other without undue effort, without the use of a tool (i.e. by hand), or without a significant amount of time spent in separating the components. By way of example, in some embodiments, an optical device may be removably mounted to an optical base plate. In addition, flow cells and fluidic devices may be removably mounted to a device holder.”A component of the sample deck that supports a fluidic device or flow cell and is capable of sliding movement.
Thermal module
(Claim 1, Claim 24, Claim 26)		“The fluidic device is configured to be fluidicly coupled to a fluidic network of an assay system. By way of example, a fluidic device may include flow cells or lab-on-chip devices. Flow cells generally hold a sample along a surface for imaging by an external imaging system. Lab-on-chip devices may hold the sample and perform additional functions, such as detecting the desired reaction using an integrated detector. Fluidic devices may optionally include additional components, such as housings or imagers, that are operatively coupled to the flow channels. In particular embodiments, the channels may have channel surfaces where a sample is located, and the fluidic device can include a transparent material that permits the sample to be imaged after a desired reaction occurs.”A component used to control the temperature of the fluidic device or flow cell supported by the slidable platform.

Litigation Cases New

US Latest litigation cases involving this patent.

Case NumberFiling DateTitle
1:25-cv-00602May 15, 2025Illumina, Inc. V. Element Biosciences, Inc.

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US11117130

ILLUMINA CAMBRIDGE LTD
Application Number
US16874412
Filing Date
May 14, 2020
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Oct 14, 2031
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents