Patents by Inventor James T. Tuggle
James T. Tuggle 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).
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Publication number: 20240158834Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided for processing a biological sample. Exemplary methods comprise transferring a swab associated with an aliquot of the biological sample into a sample transport media. The methods can provide efficient transfer of a target material such as cells or nucleic acid into the sample transport media for extraction, amplification, and detection of the target material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2022Publication date: May 16, 2024Inventors: Anne-Laure SHAPIRO, James T. TUGGLE, David OPALSKY, Sangeetha Vikaysri NAIR
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Publication number: 20240124923Abstract: A method of determining whether one or more forms of a nucleic acid analyte are present in a sample. The method includes dissolving an amplification reagent with a first solvent, where the amplification reagent contains oligonucleotides sufficient to amplify and detect a first region of a first form of the analyte, where the first solvent contains one or more oligonucleotides which, in combination with the oligonucleotides of the amplification reagent, are sufficient to amplify and detect a second region of a second form of the analyte, where the one or more oligonucleotides of the first solvent are insufficient to amplify and detect the first or second form of the analyte, and where the first and second regions each comprise a different nucleotide base sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Patrick L. PETERSON, Jennifer L. TIDD, Anne-Laure SHAPIRO, Ankur H. SHAH, James T. TUGGLE, David OPALSKY, Alberto A. LIO, Timothy J. SCHEER, Jason F. RHUBOTTOM, David Aaron BUSE
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Publication number: 20240093277Abstract: An automated system for performing nucleic acid amplification assays on samples provided to the system, where the system includes data input components configured to enable input specifying one or more user-defined assay parameters; data storage media storing a first set of assay parameters, the first set of assay parameters consisting of system-defined parameters, and a second set of assay parameters, the second set of assay parameters including the one or more user-defined parameters; and command input components configured to enable input specifying (i) that a first nucleic acid amplification assay be performed on a first sample in accordance with the first set of assay parameters, and (ii) that a second nucleic acid amplification assay be performed on a second sample in accordance with the second set of assay parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Jennifer L. TIDD, Ann-Laure SHAPIRO, Ankur H. SHAH, James T. TUGGLE, David OPALSKY, Alberto A. LIO, Timothy J. SCHEER, Jason F. RHUBOTTOM, David Aaron BUSE
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Publication number: 20240043916Abstract: A method of performing a lab developed test for detecting a nucleic acid analyte on an automated analyzer. The method includes a first step of using a computer to select, define or modify one or more user-defined parameters of a protocol for performing the lab developed test on the analyzer, where each user-defined parameter of the protocol defines a step to be performed by the analyzer during the lab developed test. The method further includes a second step of performing the lab developed test with the protocol of the first step, where the analyzer stores one or more system-defined parameters for performing the lab developed test, the one or more system-defined parameters being installed on the analyzer prior to performing first step.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Jennifer L. TIDD, Ann-Laure SHAPIRO, Ankur H. SHAH, James T. TUGGLE, David OPALSKY, Alberto A. LIO, Timothy J. SCHEER, Jason F. RHUBOTTOM, David Aaron BUSE
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Publication number: 20230095546Abstract: A method for performing a magnetic separation procedure that includes transporting a receptacle containing a fluid medium to a first location of a system, where the fluid medium contains both a sample material and a suspension of magnetically-responsive solid supports. At the first location, the fluid medium is exposed to a first magnetic field for a first dwell period, thereby isolating the solid supports within the receptacle, where no portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle at the first location. The receptacle is then transported from the first location to a second location of the system, where the fluid medium is exposed to a second magnetic field for a second dwell period. Following the second dwell period, at least a portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle. A suspension fluid is then dispensed into the receptacle, and the contents of the receptacle are agitated to suspend the solid supports within the suspension fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Christopher B. DAVIS, Norbert D. HAGEN, James T. TUGGLE
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Patent number: 11524300Abstract: A method for performing a magnetic separation procedure that includes transporting a receptacle containing a fluid medium to a first location of a system, where the fluid medium contains both a sample material and a suspension of magnetically-responsive solid supports. At the first location, the fluid medium is exposed to a first magnetic field for a first dwell period, thereby isolating the solid supports within the receptacle, where no portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle at the first location. The receptacle is then transported from the first location to a second location of the system, where the fluid medium is exposed to a second magnetic field for a second dwell period. Following the second dwell period, at least a portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle. A suspension fluid is then dispensed into the receptacle, and the contents of the receptacle are agitated to suspend the solid supports within the suspension fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Christopher B. Davis, Norbert D. Hagen, James T. Tuggle
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Patent number: 11345946Abstract: A fluid container holder includes a body having a receptacle configured to receive a container. The body has a conductive outer surface for connection to an electrical ground or voltage source, and the holder is not formed solely of an electrically conductive metal. A fluid container handling assembly includes a drawer having a holder supporting a fluid container, and a frame supporting the holder. The frame is movable between a first position providing access to the holder and a second position positioning the holder within the instrument. The assembly also includes a first lock securing the holder to the frame when the frame is at the first frame position and unlocking the holder from the frame when the frame is at the second frame position. The assembly also includes a holder transporter configured to move the holder between a first holder position and a second holder position within the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: David Opalsky, David Buse, James T. Tuggle, Alexander Navarro, Patrick Sheehan
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Publication number: 20210317515Abstract: A system, method, computer, and computer readable medium enabling a user to quantify a target nucleic acid analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2019Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventors: Xianqun WANG, James T. TUGGLE, Ankur H. SHAH
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Publication number: 20210155978Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a plurality of nucleic acid amplification assays in an automated analyzer. A first nucleic acid amplification assay of the plurality is performed in accordance with a first set of assay parameters which consist of system-defined parameters. And a second nucleic acid amplification assay of the plurality is performed in accordance with a second set of assay parameters which includes one or more user-defined parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2018Publication date: May 27, 2021Applicant: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Jennifer L. TIDD, Anne-Laure SHAPIRO, Ankur H. SHAH, James T. TUGGLE, David OPALSKY, Alberto A. LIO, Timothy J. SCHEER, Jason F. RHUBOTTOM, David Aaron BUSE
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Publication number: 20210071242Abstract: A system, method and computer readable medium enabling a user to specify user-defined assay parameters of an assay protocol for processing a sample and causing a computer-controlled analyzer to perform an assay in accordance with the assay protocol.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2019Publication date: March 11, 2021Applicant: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Jennifer L. TIDD, Anne-Laure SHAPIRO, Jason F. RHUBOTTOM, Alberto A. LIO, Timothy J. SCHEER, James T. TUGGLE, Ankur H. SHAH, David OPALSKY
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Publication number: 20200338559Abstract: A method for performing a magnetic separation procedure that includes transporting a receptacle containing a fluid medium to a first location of a system, where the fluid medium contains both a sample material and a suspension of magnetically-responsive solid supports. At the first location, the fluid medium is exposed to a first magnetic field for a first dwell period, thereby isolating the solid supports within the receptacle, where no portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle at the first location. The receptacle is then transported from the first location to a second location of the system, where the fluid medium is exposed to a second magnetic field for a second dwell period. Following the second dwell period, at least a portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle. A suspension fluid is then dispensed into the receptacle, and the contents of the receptacle are agitated to suspend the solid supports within the suspension fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Christopher B. DAVIS, Norbert D. HAGEN, James T. TUGGLE
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Publication number: 20200030805Abstract: A system for separating an analyte from other components of a sample includes a receptacle holding station and a magnetic separation station. The receptacle holding station includes one or more stationary, permanent magnets positioned to apply a magnetic field to the contents of a receptacle held stationary within the receptacle holding station. The magnetic separation station includes one or more permanent magnets and is configured to perform a magnetic separation procedure on the contents of a receptacle transported from the receptacle holding station to the magnetic separation station. The magnetic separation procedure includes isolating an analyte immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support within the receptacle and removing other components of the sample from the receptacle. The magnetic separation station is configured to provide relative movement between the receptacle and the one or more permanent magnets after the receptacle is transported to the magnetic separation station.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: Christopher B. DAVIS, Norbert D. HAGEN, James T. TUGGLE
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Patent number: 10279351Abstract: A system for separating an analyte from other components of a sample includes a receptacle holding station and a magnetic separation station. The receptacle holding station includes one or more stationary, permanent magnets positioned to apply a magnetic field to the contents of a receptacle held stationary within the receptacle holding station. The magnetic separation station includes one or more permanent magnets and is configured to perform a magnetic separation procedure on the contents of a receptacle transported from the receptacle holding station to the magnetic separation station. The magnetic separation procedure includes isolating an analyte immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support within the receptacle and removing other components of the sample from the receptacle. The magnetic separation station is configured to provide relative movement between the receptacle and the one or more permanent magnets after the receptacle is transported to the magnetic separation station.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Christopher B. Davis, Norbert D. Hagen, James T. Tuggle
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Publication number: 20180282788Abstract: A fluid container holder includes a body having a receptacle configured to receive a container. The body has a conductive outer surface for connection to an electrical ground or voltage source, and the holder is not formed solely of an electrically conductive metal. A fluid container handling assembly includes a drawer having a holder supporting a fluid container, and a frame supporting the holder. The frame is movable between a first position providing access to the holder and a second position positioning the holder within the instrument. The assembly also includes a first lock securing the holder to the frame when the frame is at the first frame position and unlocking the holder from the frame when the frame is at the second frame position. The assembly also includes a holder transporter configured to move the holder between a first holder position and a second holder position within the instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: David OPALSKY, David BUSE, James T. TUGGLE, Alexander NAVARRO, Patrick SHEEHAN
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Publication number: 20160124005Abstract: A system for separating an analyte from other components of a sample includes a receptacle holding station and a magnetic separation station. The receptacle holding station includes one or more stationary, permanent magnets positioned to apply a magnetic field to the contents of a receptacle held stationary within the receptacle holding station. The magnetic separation station includes one or more permanent magnets and is configured to perform a magnetic separation procedure on the contents of a receptacle transported from the receptacle holding station to the magnetic separation station. The magnetic separation procedure includes isolating an analyte immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support within the receptacle and removing other components of the sample from the receptacle. The magnetic separation station is configured to provide relative movement between the receptacle and the one or more permanent magnets after the receptacle is transported to the magnetic separation station.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2016Publication date: May 5, 2016Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: CHRISTOPHER B. DAVIS, NORBERT D. HAGEN, JAMES T. TUGGLE
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Patent number: 9259732Abstract: A system for separating an analyte from other components of a sample contained in a receptacle, where the system includes a receptacle holding station and a magnetic separation station. The receptacle holding station is configured to receive and hold a receptacle and includes one or more magnets positioned to apply a magnetic field to the contents of the receptacle. When present in the receptacle holding station, a receptacle remains stationary relative to the one or more magnets. The magnetic separation station includes one or more magnets and is constructed and arranged to perform a magnetic separation procedure on the contents of a receptacle transported from the receptacle holding station to the magnetic separation station by an automated receptacle transport. The magnetic separation procedure includes isolating an analyte immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support within the receptacle and removing other components of the sample from the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Christopher B. Davis, Norbert D. Hagen, James T. Tuggle
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Publication number: 20150027933Abstract: A system for separating an analyte from other components of a sample contained in a receptacle, where the system includes a receptacle holding station and a magnetic separation station. The receptacle holding station is configured to receive and hold a receptacle and includes one or more magnets positioned to apply a magnetic field to the contents of the receptacle. When present in the receptacle holding station, a receptacle remains stationary relative to the one or more magnets. The magnetic separation station includes one or more magnets and is constructed and arranged to perform a magnetic separation procedure on the contents of a receptacle transported from the receptacle holding station to the magnetic separation station by an automated receptacle transport. The magnetic separation procedure includes isolating an analyte immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support within the receptacle and removing other components of the sample from the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Christopher B. DAVIS, Norbert D. HAGEN, James T. TUGGLE
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Patent number: 8844731Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Christopher B. Davis, Norbert D. Hagen, James T. Tuggle
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Publication number: 20130026079Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Christopher B. DAVIS, Norbert D. HAGEN, James T. TUGGLE
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Patent number: 8276762Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Christopher B. Davis, Norbert D. Hagen, James T. Tuggle