Patents by Inventor Christopher Tomkins-Tinch

Christopher Tomkins-Tinch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11714034
    Abstract: A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
    Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Greg Sommer, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch
  • Patent number: 11471881
    Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
    Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch, Jason Sauers, Greg Sommer
  • Publication number: 20190308188
    Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch, Jason Sauers, Greg Sommer
  • Publication number: 20190285524
    Abstract: A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Greg Sommer, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch
  • Patent number: 10376877
    Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Sandstone Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch, Jason Sauers, Greg Sommer
  • Patent number: 10197480
    Abstract: A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SANDSTONE DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Greg Sommer, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch
  • Publication number: 20160320276
    Abstract: A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Greg Sommer, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch
  • Publication number: 20160023204
    Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch, Jason Sauers, Greg Sommer
  • Publication number: 20150300932
    Abstract: A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Greg Sommer, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch