IP Library › Granted Patent US 12678795
Granted Patent B2
US 12678795 · App. 18/002,427 · Granted Jul 14, 2026

Cartridges and related systems and methods

Inventors: Steven Barnard (Del Mar, CA); Craig Ciesla (Mountain View, CA); Paul Crivelli (San Diego, CA); Justin Davidson (Solana Beach, CA); Darren Segale (San Diego, CA)
Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
B01L9/06B01L2200/025B01L2200/04B01L2200/143B01L2300/021
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12678795
App. No.
18/002,427
Granted
Jul 14, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Cartridges and related systems and methods are disclosed. In accordance with an implementation, a method includes securing a sample container in a sample container receptacle of a cartridge using a sample container lock and coupling the cartridge to a cartridge receptacle of a system. The method also includes depositing a sample from the sample container within a sample well of the cartridge and determining a presence of a target molecule within the sample using the system. In response to the target molecule being present within the sample, the method includes releasing the sample container lock of the cartridge to allow the sample container to be removed from the sample container receptacle and for the cartridge to remain coupled to the system.

Claims (14)

1 . A method, comprising:

securing a sample container in a sample container receptacle of a cartridge using a sample container lock;

coupling the cartridge to a cartridge receptacle of a system;

depositing a sample from the sample container within a sample well of the cartridge;

determining a presence of a target molecule within the sample using the system;

illuminating the sample container using the system in response to at least one of: 1) the target molecule being present within the sample; or 2) the target molecule not being present within the sample; and

in response to the target molecule being present within the sample, releasing the sample container lock of the cartridge to allow the sample container to be removed from the sample container receptacle.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the target molecule is associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein releasing the sample container lock of the cartridge includes actuating the sample container lock.

4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein, in response to the target molecule not being present within the sample, uncoupling the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle to allow the cartridge and the sample container secured thereto to be removed from the system.

5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the sample container lock comprises a spring-biased pawl and the sample container comprises a flange and wherein securing the sample container in the sample container receptacle comprises positioning the spring-biased pawl over top of the flange.

6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising reading, using the system, a code on at least one of the cartridge or the sample container.

7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein securing the sample container in the sample container receptacle includes positioning the sample container through a collar of the cartridge.

8 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising exposing the sample to a reagent, wherein exposing the sample to the reagent comprises flowing a reagent from a reagent reservoir of the cartridge through a fluidic line of the cartridge toward the sample well.