Patents by Inventor Jeff W. Lichtman

Jeff W. Lichtman 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: 11085853
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for facilitating automated or semi-automated collection of tissue samples cut by a microtome. In one example, a collection apparatus may be moved back and forth between respective positions at which the collection apparatus is operatively coupled to a microtome so as to collect cut tissue samples, or routine access to the microtome is provided. Relatively easy movement and positioning of the collection apparatus is facilitated, while at the same time ensuring structural stability and appropriate alignment and/or isolation between the collection apparatus and the microtome. A fluid reservoir receives samples cut by the microtome, and the collection apparatus may collect samples via a conveyor-like substrate disposed near/in the reservoir. A linear movement of the substrate may be controlled based on a cutting rate of the microtome, and the fluid level in the reservoir may be automatically maintained to facilitate effective sample collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Kenneth Jeffrey Hayworth, Richard Schalek, Juan Carlos Tapia, Narayanan Kasthuri, Jeff W. Lichtman
  • Publication number: 20200393332
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for facilitating automated or semi-automated collection of tissue samples cut by a microtome. In one example, a collection apparatus may be moved back and forth between respective positions at which the collection apparatus is operatively coupled to a microtome so as to collect cut tissue samples, or routine access to the microtome is provided. Relatively easy movement and positioning of the collection apparatus is facilitated, while at the same time ensuring structural stability and appropriate alignment and/or isolation between the collection apparatus and the microtome. A fluid reservoir receives samples cut by the microtome, and the collection apparatus may collect samples via a conveyor-like substrate disposed near/in the reservoir. A linear movement of the substrate may be controlled based on a cutting rate of the microtome, and the fluid level in the reservoir may be automatically maintained to facilitate effective sample collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: KENNETH JEFFREY HAYWORTH, Richard Schalek, Juan Carlos Tapia, Narayanan Kasthuri, Jeff W. Lichtman
  • Patent number: 10704992
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for facilitating automated or semi-automated collection of tissue samples cut by a microtome. In one example, a collection apparatus may be moved back and forth between respective positions at which the collection apparatus is operatively coupled to a microtome so as to collect cut tissue samples, or routine access to the microtome is provided. Relatively easy movement and positioning of the collection apparatus is facilitated, while at the same time ensuring structural stability and appropriate alignment and/or isolation between the collection apparatus and the microtome. A fluid reservoir receives samples cut by the microtome, and the collection apparatus may collect samples via a conveyor-like substrate disposed near/in the reservoir. A linear movement of the substrate may be controlled based on a cutting rate of the microtome, and the fluid level in the reservoir may be automatically maintained to facilitate effective sample collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Kenneth Jeffrey Hayworth, Richard Schalek, Juan Carlos Tapia, Narayanan Kasthuri, Jeff W. Lichtman
  • Publication number: 20190250071
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for facilitating automated or semi-automated collection of tissue samples cut by a microtome. In one example, a collection apparatus may be moved back and forth between respective positions at which the collection apparatus is operatively coupled to a microtome so as to collect cut tissue samples, or routine access to the microtome is provided. Relatively easy movement and positioning of the collection apparatus is facilitated, while at the same time ensuring structural stability and appropriate alignment and/or isolation between the collection apparatus and the microtome. A fluid reservoir receives samples cut by the microtome, and the collection apparatus may collect samples via a conveyor-like substrate disposed near/in the reservoir. A linear movement of the substrate may be controlled based on a cutting rate of the microtome, and the fluid level in the reservoir may be automatically maintained to facilitate effective sample collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Kenneth Jeffrey Hayworth, Richard Schalek, Juan Carlos Tapia, Narayanan Kasthuri, Jeff W. Lichtman
  • Patent number: 6869772
    Abstract: A method is provided for the labeling of individual cells. Labeling is accomplished by coating a particle with at least one dye or nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker protein. The particle is then propelled toward the cell resulting in the particle contacting the cell for a time sufficient for the dye or nucleic acid to leave the particle and enter the cell. The present method allows for the differential labeling of individual cells within dense populations of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventors: Jeff W. Lichtman, Wai T. Wong, Rachel Wong, Wen-Biao Gan, Jamie Grutzendler
  • Publication number: 20020155520
    Abstract: A method is provided for the labeling of individual cells. Labeling is accomplished by coating a particle with at least one dye or nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker protein. The particle is then propelled toward the cell resulting in the particle contacting the cell for a time sufficient for the dye or nucleic acid to leave the particle and enter the cell. The present method allows for the differential labeling of individual cells within dense populations of cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Jeff W. Lichtman, Wai T. Wong, Rachel Wong, Wen-Biao Gan, Jamie Grutzendler
  • Publication number: 20010039034
    Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided with a pair of side flaps lying transversely outside the associated side edge of an absorbent core, and the side flaps is formed by a first side sheet connected to the associated side edge portion of a topsheet lying in the vicinity of the associated side edge of the core and extending longitudinally of the diaper and a second side sheet connected to the associated side edge portion of the topsheet and the associated side edge portion of a backsheet both lying in the vicinity of the associated side edge of the core wherein both the first and second side sheets have a water pressure resistance of 100˜1500 mm and a breathing resistance of 0.03˜0.8 Kpa·s/m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Jeff W. Lichtman, Wai T. Wong, Rachel Wong, Wen-Biao Gan, Jamie Grutzendler
  • Patent number: 5831736
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an image of a specimen comprises dividing the in-focus plane of an objective of an optical apparatus into a plurality of grid regions. Incident light is directed to the grid regions to illuminate surface portions of the specimen that are within the grid regions. Light reflected from the surface portions is sensed to determine approximate spatial slopes of each surface portion associated with each grid region. The spatial slopes are integrated to generate a topographical map representative of surface portions of the specimen that are within the depth of focus of the objective. Consecutive planes can be obtained to generate topographical maps thicker than the depth of focus of the objective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventors: Jeff W. Lichtman, Jose-Angel Conchello