Patents by Inventor Robert F. Zuk
Robert F. Zuk 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: 20130295591Abstract: This invention relates to a cartridge for an immunoassay test. The cartridge comprises (a) a probe well comprising a probe and a cap, the cap being in a closed position to enclose the probe in the probe well, wherein the probe has a bottom tip coated with analyte-binding molecules; (b) a sample well to receive a sample; (c) one or more reagent wells; (d) a plurality of wash wells each containing a first aqueous solution; and (e) a measurement well having a light transmissive bottom, the measurement well containing a second aqueous solution; wherein the openings of the sample well, reagent well, measurement well and wash wells are sealed. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for loading and releasing a probe. The apparatus comprises a push pin and a groove to load and transfer the probe to a plurality of locations, such as different wells in the above-mentioned cartridge, to conduct the immunoassay test.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Hong TAN, Ming XIA, Yushan TAN, Jun CHEN, Erhua CAO, Genqian LI, Robert F. ZUK
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Publication number: 20130273667Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitating an analyte having a wide range concentration in a single assay without having to dilute the sample and repeating the assay. The key feature of the invention is having two cycles of events including sample binding to probe, binding reactions, and detection. After the first cycle of binding and detecting, the probe is dipped into the same sample vessel to bind additional analyte in the sample vessel at a condition that is more favorable to binding than the condition in the first cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: ACCESS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventor: Robert F. ZUK
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Patent number: 8501496Abstract: The present invention is directed immunoassay cuvettes that comprise diffusely bound and non-diffusely bound reagents for carrying out an immunoassay. The reaction and detection are carried out in the immunoassay cuvette. The immunoassay cuvette comprises a transparent front wall, a back wall, side walls, a bottom, and a top opening. The back wall of the cuvette has a substantially planar surface made of a non-porous material and comprises a capture zone having reagents non-diffusedly bound and a signal reagent zone having reagents diffusedly bound.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Access Medical Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Robert F. Zuk, Hong Tan
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Patent number: 8492139Abstract: This invention relates to a detection system for measuring a fluorescent signal in a fluorescent assay. The system comprises a probe having a small sensing surface bound with a fluorescent label, and a light source and a detector both mounted at the proximal side of the sensing surface of the substrate. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample using a probe tip having a small surface area (?5 mm) and a high molecular weight polymer (?1 MD) having multiple binding molecules and multiple fluorescent labels. The binding reaction is accelerated by flowing the reaction solutions laterally and moving the probe tip up and down in the reaction vessels. The invention furthers relates to a fluorescent labeling composition comprising a cross-linked FICOLLĀ® molecule having a plurality of binding molecules and a plurality of fluorescent labels.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Access Medical Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Hong Tan, Robert F. Zuk, Yushan Tan, Erhua Cao, Min Xia, Jun Chen
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Patent number: 8415172Abstract: This invention relates to a detection system for measuring a fluorescent signal in a fluorescent assay. The system comprises a probe having a small sensing surface bound with a fluorescent label, and a light source and a detector both mounted at the proximal side of the sensing surface of the substrate. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample using a probe tip having a small surface area (?5 mm) and a high molecular weight polymer (?1 MD) having multiple binding molecules and multiple fluorescent labels. The binding reaction is accelerated by flowing the reaction solutions laterally and moving the probe tip up and down in the reaction vessels. The invention furthers relates to a fluorescent labeling composition comprising a cross-linked FICOLLĀ® molecule having a plurality of binding molecules and a plurality of fluorescent labels.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Access Medical Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Robert F. Zuk
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Patent number: 8309369Abstract: This invention relates to a detection system for measuring a fluorescent signal in a fluorescent assay. The system comprises a probe having a small sensing surface bound with a fluorescent label, and a light source and a detector both mounted at the proximal side of the sensing surface of the substrate. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample using a probe tip having a small surface area (?5 mm) and a high molecular weight polymer (?1 MD) having multiple binding molecules and multiple fluorescent labels. The binding reaction is accelerated by flowing the reaction solutions laterally and moving the probe tip up and down in the reaction vessels. The invention furthers relates to a fluorescent labeling composition comprising a cross-linked Ficoll molecule having a plurality of binding molecules and a plurality of fluorescent labels.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Access Medical Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Hong Tan, Robert F. Zuk, Yushan Tan, Erhua Cao, Min Xia, Jun Chen
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Patent number: 8304255Abstract: The present invention is directed immunoassay cuvettes that comprise diffusely bound and non-diffusely bound reagents for carrying out an immunoassay. The reaction and detection are carried out in the immunoassay cuvette. The immunoassay cuvette comprises a transparent front wall, a back wall, side walls, a bottom, and a top opening. The back wall of the cuvette has a substantially planar surface made of a non-porous material and comprises a capture zone having reagents non-diffusedly bound and a signal reagent zone having reagents diffusedly bound.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Access Medical Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Robert F. Zuk, Hong Tan
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Publication number: 20110312105Abstract: This invention relates to a detection system for measuring a fluorescent signal in a fluorescent assay. The system comprises a probe having a small sensing surface bound with a fluorescent label, and a light source and a detector both mounted at the proximal side of the sensing surface of the substrate. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample using a probe tip having a small surface area (?5 mm) and a high molecular weight polymer (?1 MD) having multiple binding molecules and multiple fluorescent labels. The binding reaction is accelerated by flowing the reaction solutions laterally and moving the probe tip up and down in the reaction vessels. The invention furthers relates to a fluorescent labeling composition comprising a cross-linked Ficoll molecule having a plurality of binding molecules and a plurality of fluorescent labels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventors: Hong Tan, Robert F. Zuk, Yushan Tan, Erhua Cao, Min Xia, Jun Chen
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Publication number: 20110305599Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly for use in detecting an analyte in a sample based on thin-film spectral interference. The assembly comprises a waveguide, a monolithic substrate optically coupled to the waveguide, and a thin-film layer directly bonded to the sensing side of the monolithic substrate. The refractive index of the monolithic substrate is higher than the refractive index of the transparent material of the thin-film layer. A spectral interference between the light reflected into the waveguide from a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface varies as analyte molecules in a sample bind to the analyte binding molecules coated on the thin-film layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Hong Tan, Yushan Tan, Erhua Cao, Min Xia, Robert F. Zuk
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Publication number: 20090204027Abstract: An improved lancet as well as methods and devices for using the improved lancet are provided. The improved lancet comprises a body section with a lance arm and one or more protective arms extending from the body section. The lance arm has a lance with a sharp portion for piercing skin disposed on the lance arm. The sharp portion of the lance extends at an angle of about 45 to 135 degrees to the direction of extension of the lance arm from the body section. The protective arms have a protective section for shielding the sharp portion of the lance. The sharp portion of the lance is exposed from the protective section by application of pressure to the lance arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Robert F. Zuk, Hong TAN
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Patent number: 6755853Abstract: A method for inhibiting hyperplasia at an anastomotic junction of a vascular fistula or vascular graft comprises exposing the anastomotic junction to vibrational energy at a mechanical index and for a time sufficient to inhibit hyperplasia. Kits are described comprising the catheter or a probe suitable for performing the methods together with instructions for use setting forth the methods. The methods and kits are particularly suitable for treating anastomotic junctions formed to provide vascular access for hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and the like. The methods and kits are also suitable for treating other vascular grafts, such as those formed during cardiac bypass graft surgery, vascular repair, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Pharmasonics, Inc.Inventors: John R. McKenzie, Robert F. Zuk, Axel F. Brisken, Paul D. Corl
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Publication number: 20030069525Abstract: Atherosclerotic plaque and blood vessels may be stabilized by directing vibrational energy, typically ultrasonic energy, into the adjacent blood vessel wall. Application of the vibrational energy, optionally in combination with growth factors, growth factor genes, or other substances which enhance growth stability of a fibrotic cap over the plaque, will reduce the risk of rupture of unstable plaque and inhibit the conversion of stable plaque into unstable plaque.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Applicant: PHARMASONICS, INC.Inventors: Axel F. Brisken, Paulina Moore, Robert F. Zuk
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Patent number: 6524271Abstract: A method of treating a target region in a body lumen, said method comprising: directing a uniform dose of ultrasonic energy from an interior of the lumen radially outward over a treatment length of the lumen, wherein the dosage of ultrasonic energy received at any one point along the length varies by no more than plus or minus 6 decibels from that received at any other point along the length.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Pharmasonics, Inc.Inventors: Axel F. Brisken, John R. McKenzie, Robert F. Zuk, Menahem Nassi, Mark W. Cowan, Paul D. Corl
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Publication number: 20020077694Abstract: A method for inhibiting hyperplasia at an anastomotic junction of a vascular fistula or vascular graft comprises exposing the anastomotic junction to vibrational energy at a mechanical index and for a time sufficient to inhibit hyperplasia. Kits are described comprising the catheter or a probe suitable for performing the methods together with instructions for use setting forth the methods. The methods and kits are particularly suitable for treating anastomotic junctions formed to provide vascular access for hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and the like. The methods and kits are also suitable for treating other vascular grafts, such as those formed during cardiac bypass graft surgery, vascular repair, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Applicant: PHARMASONICS, INC.Inventors: John R. McKenzie, Robert F. Zuk, Axel F. Brisken, Paul D. Corl
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Patent number: 6387116Abstract: A method for inhibiting hyperplasia at an anastomotic junction of a vascular fistula or vascular graft comprises exposing the anastomotic junction to vibrational energy at a mechanical index and for a time sufficient to inhibit hyperplasia. Kits are described comprising the catheter or a probe suitable for performing the methods together with instructions for use setting forth the methods. The methods and kits are particularly suitable for treating anastomotic junctions formed to provide vascular access for hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and the like. The methods and kits are also suitable for treating other vascular grafts, such as those formed during cardiac bypass graft surgery, vascular repair, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Pharmasonics, Inc.Inventors: John R. McKenzie, Robert F. Zuk, Axel F. Brisken, Paul D. Corl
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Publication number: 20020025583Abstract: An analytical rotor intended primarily for performing immunoassays comprises one or more inlet chambers for sample, wash reagents, and labelling reagents. A reaction chamber is disposed radially outwardly from the inlet chambers and connected thereto by low flow resistance flow paths. A collection chamber is located radially outwardly from the reaction chamber and connected thereto by a high flow resistance flow path. Samples are introduced to the sample inlet chamber by a transfer device, with sample volumes optionally determined by detecting when the sample inlet chamber is filled. Reagents initially introduced to the inlet chambers may be selectively transferred to the reaction chamber by low speed rotation of the rotor. The reaction chamber may then be emptied by high speed rotation of the rotor. In this way, heterogeneous immunoassays requiring sequential contact of reaction zones with sample and different reagents may be performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 1995Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventors: STOUGHTON L. ELLSWORTH, ARJUNA R. KARUNARATNE, JEFFREY A. PIERCE, LAWRENCE M. ENSLER, ROBERT F. ZUK, ERIC K. GUSTAFSON
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Publication number: 20010041880Abstract: A method of treating a target region in a body lumen, said method comprising: directing a uniform dose of ultrasonic energy from an interior of the lumen radially outward over a treatment length of the lumen, wherein the dosage of ultrasonic energy received at any one point along the length varies by no more than plus or minus 6 decibels from that received at any other point along the length.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Axel F. Brisken, John R. McKenzie, Robert F. Zuk, Menahem Nassi, Mark W. Cowan, Paul D. Corl
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Patent number: 6296619Abstract: A method of treating a target region in a body lumen, said method comprising: directing a uniform dose of ultrasonic energy from an interior of the lumen radially outward over a treatment length of the lumen, wherein the dosage of ultrasonic energy received at any one point along the length varies by no more than plus or minus 6 decibels from that received at any other point along the length.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Pharmasonics, Inc.Inventors: Axel F. Brisken, John R. McKenzie, Robert F. Zuk, Menahem Nassi, Mark W. Cowan, Paul D. Corl
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Patent number: 6291169Abstract: The present invention encompasses a capture membrane comprising a porous filter membrane having a hapten bound directly or indirectly to the membrane wherein complexes formed by specific binding having an anti-hapten bound to a binding member of the specifically binding complex are removed from a solution by the hapten as the solution passes through the membrane. In the preferred embodiment biotin is the hapten and avidin or streptavidin is the anti-hapten.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Molecular Devices CorporationInventors: John D. Olson, Robert F. Zuk, Richard D. Armenta, Charles R. Burke, Viola T. Kung, Edward L. Sheldon
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Patent number: 5888728Abstract: The present invention encompasses a capture membrane comprising a porous filter membrane having a hapten bound directly or indirectly to the membrane wherein complexes formed by specific binding having an anti-hapten bound to a binding member of the specifically binding complex are removed from a solution by the hapten as the solution passes through the membrane. In the preferred embodiment biotin is the hapten and avidin or streptavidin is the anti-hapten.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Molecular Devices CorporationInventors: John D. Olson, Robert F. Zuk, Richard D. Armenta, Charles R. Burke, Viola T. Kung, Edward L. Sheldon