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US 12,606,782 B2Granted
In vitro fertilization system and components associated therewith
AssigneeOverture Life, Inc.
InventorsJose Antonio Horcajadas Almansa, Tamara Martin Villalba, Santiago Munne, Hannah Victoria Hare, Edwin James Stone, Michael Ian Walker, Jonathan Patrick Casey, Peter Lee Crossley, Alan James Judd, Gary Keith Jepps
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Abstract
Described herein are devices, systems, and methods to aid in the manipulation of cells. The devices, methods, and systems disclosed herein can be applied towards, for example, automation of the in vitro fertilization process.
Claims15
A biochip comprising:
- (a) a first layer comprising a plurality of reservoirs;
- (b) a second layer comprising:
- (i) a plurality of channels imprinted in the second layer, wherein the channels are in fluidic communication with the reservoirs;
- (ii) a plurality of valves configured to control liquid flow within the plurality of channels;
- and
- (iii) at least one well imprinted in the second layer fluidically connected to the plurality of reservoirs by the plurality of channels,
- wherein the well comprises:
- (I) an open upper end;
- (II) a closed lower end;
- (III) a perimeter body connecting the closed lower end and the open upper end;
- (IV) an inlet;
- and
- (V) an outlet
- wherein:
- the well is dimensioned to receive a cell or a group of cells;
- the size of the inlet in a first dimension is larger than a diameter of the cell or group of cells;
- the size of the inlet in a second dimension is smaller than the diameter of the cell or group of cells;
- the size of the outlet in a first dimension is larger than the diameter of the cell or group of cells;
- and
- the size of the outlet in a second dimension is smaller than the diameter of the cell or group of cells;
- the well is placed between one inner valve placed before the inlet and one outer valve placed after the outlet;
- wherein the second dimension of the inlet and the second dimension of the outlet become larger before joining one of the plurality of channels;
- and
- (c) a housing encasing the first layer and the second layer.
21 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.