Patents by Inventor John J. Kotlarik
John J. Kotlarik 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: 20100035684Abstract: An amusement game and method that utilize an image sensing device to track and determine the position of a plurality of game objects on a playfield. The amusement game includes an image sensing device, such as a CCD or CMOS camera, that is positioned to view the playfield of the amusement game and track the movement of a plurality of game objects along the playfield. During game play, the control unit may control the movement of one or more of the game objects along the playfield. The control unit receives a series of sequential image scans from the image sensing device and determines the position and movement of the game objects along the playfield. Based upon the detected position of the game objects under computer control, the control unit modifies the control parameters of the game object during game play.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: Bay Tek Games, Inc.Inventors: John J. Kotlarik, David A. Myus
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Publication number: 20090062002Abstract: An amusement game and method that tracks the movement of a game object utilizing an image sensing device that communicates with a control unit for the amusement game. The amusement game includes an image sensing device, such as a CCD or CMOS camera, that is positioned to view the playfield of the amusement game and track the movement of a game object along the playfield. The control unit receives a series of sequential image scans from the image sensing device and determines the position of the game object along the playfield. Based upon the detected position of the game object, the control unit modifies the operation of the game or awards player points.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: BAY TEK GAMES, INC.Inventors: John J. Kotlarik, David A. Myus, Python Anghelo
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Publication number: 20090036199Abstract: A system and method for operating a game of skill to provide awards or prizes to players of the game when the player has been successful in completing the game task. The game of skill is operated at a current skill level and the game monitors a rule parameter, such as a winning percentage or payout percentage, as the game is played. If the rule parameter exceeds a maximum limit, the difficulty level of the game is adjusted. Likewise, if the rule parameter is below a minimum limit, the difficulty level of the game is decreased. At each and every difficulty level, the player is able to succeed in winning the game of skill.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: BAY TEK GAMES, INC.Inventors: David A. Myus, John J. Kotlarik
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Patent number: 6914555Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: James H. Lipscomb, Anna Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski, Larry Jurik
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Patent number: 6851453Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: James H. Lipscomb, Anna Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski, Larry Jurik
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Patent number: 6786874Abstract: The present invention involves apparatus and methods for use in collecting bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, from the epidermal layer of an animal. A preferred apparatus includes a pressure head and, optionally, a holder therefor for supplying a positive pressure to the head. The methods include the application of a positive pressure to the area surrounding an epidermal site from which stratum corneum has been breached, such as by laser ablation, to cause bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, to exude from the site and collecting the fluids exuding therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: John P. Grace, Neil W. Loomis, Thomas G. Schapira, Sie Ting Wong, Kristin M. Noonan, Michael G. Lowery, Pete M. Bojan, Daniel P. Schmidt, Tung-Ming Huang, Robert G. Hiltibran, Mark R. Pope, John J. Kotlarik, Brian Joseph Tarkowski, David Dean Cunningham
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Patent number: 6663353Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski
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Patent number: 6658946Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant device for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski
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Publication number: 20030209093Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski, Anna Jurik
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Publication number: 20030200801Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski, Anna Jurik
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Patent number: 6604054Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Gen-Probe, Inc.Inventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski
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Publication number: 20030114774Abstract: The present invention involves apparatus and methods for use in collecting bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, from the epidermal layer of an animal. A preferred apparatus includes a pressure head and, optionally, a holder therefor for supplying a positive pressure to the head. The methods include the application of a positive pressure to the area surrounding an epidermal site from which stratum corneum has been breached, such as by laser ablation, to cause bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, to exude from the site and collecting the fluids exuding therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: John P. Grace, Neil W. Loomis, Thomas G. Schapira, Sie Ting Wong, Kristin M. Noonan, Michael G. Lowery, Pete M. Bojan, Daniel P. Schmidt, Tung-Ming Huang, Robert G. Hiltibran, Jon G. Hiltibran, Mark R. Pope, John J. Kotlarik, Brian Joseph Tarkowski, David Dean Cunningham
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Publication number: 20020189324Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant means for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski
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Publication number: 20020189373Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant means for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski
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Patent number: 6468229Abstract: The present invention involves apparatus and methods for use in collecting bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, from the epidermal layer of an animal. A preferred apparatus includes a pressure head and, optionally, a holder therefor for supplying a positive pressure to the head. The methods include the application of a positive pressure to the area surrounding an epidermal site from which stratum corneum has been breached, such as by laser ablation, to cause bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, to exude from the site and collecting the fluids exuding therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: John P. Grace, Neil W. Loomis, Thomas G. Schapira, Sie Ting Wong, Kristin M. Noonan, Michael G. Lowery, Pete M. Bojan, Daniel P. Schmidt, Tung-Ming Huang, Robert G. Hiltibran, Mark R. Pope, John J. Kotlarik, Brian Joseph Tarkowski, David Dean Cunningham
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Publication number: 20010047692Abstract: A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant means for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2001Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventors: James H. Lipscomb, Larry Jurik, Bernard Katz, Michael J. Keating, Stone Klengler, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski
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Patent number: 6068978Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a one or two-tier thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then mated with a detection chamber to form the reaction/detection unit. A first heating element of the thermal cycling apparatus applies a desired temperature to the reaction/detection device to amplify target nucleic acid in the sample. The reaction mixture is then transferred to the detection chamber by the second heating element and amplified target nucleic acid is immobilized on a support in the detection chamber. Microprocessor control controls the heat applied by the second element independently of the heat applied by the first element. A detection system associated with the apparatus detects and analyzes the immobilized amplified nucleic acid target.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Peter Zaun, Stanley R. Bouma, Julian Gordon, John J. Kotlarik, Natalie A. Solomon
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Patent number: 5415839Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a two-tier thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then mated with a detection chamber to form the reaction detection unit. A first heating element of the thermal cycling apparatus applies a desired temperature to the reaction/detection device to amplify target nucleic acid in the sample. The reaction mixture is then transferred to the detection chamber by the second heating element and amplified target nucleic acid is immobilized on a support in the detection chamber. A detection system associated with the apparatus detects and analyzes the immobilized amplified nucleic acid target.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Peter Zaun, Stanley R. Bouma, Julian Gordon, John J. Kotlarik
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Patent number: 5275951Abstract: An apparatus is provided which includes a reaction cartridge having a plurality of reaction wells having different reagents disposed thereon, at least one well adapted to receive a sample, a well containing particles adapted to bind to the sample and which have the capability of being separated from cells which are not bound to the separation particles and at least one fluorophore adapted to bind to a specific type of cell in the sample, and a wash area adapted for washing a probe. An image forming device is provided to detect images which indicate whether specific reactions have occurred in each of the reaction wells. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for dispensing and aspirating liquids including a mechanism for detecting liquid levels. The device further includes logic for analyzing the information received from the image detection apparatus and processing the information to generate a visual indication of the results of the assays being performed.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Herbert S. Chow, John J. Kotlarik, Mieczyslaw Wroblewski, Thomas J. Wilson, Jimmy D. McCoy