Patents by Inventor Shirley J. Johnson

Shirley J. Johnson 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: 8573072
    Abstract: A method for removing a fluid substance from a sealed collection device comprising a cap and a fluid-holding vessel, where the method aids in venting air from the collection device when the cap is penetrated by a fluid transfer device used to withdraw a fluid substance from the vessel. Venting is aided by incorporating a pause step between penetrating the cap and contacting the fluid substance held by the vessel with the fluid transfer device or by contacting the cap at a slower speed than the fluid transfer device enters the collection device after the cap has been penetrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Gus G. Tseo
  • Patent number: 7795036
    Abstract: A method for obtaining the contents of a fluid-holding vessel having a cap secured to an open end thereof. The method includes penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device and forming one or more air passageways between the penetrated surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device to allow air to be vented from the vessel. At least a portion of the contents of the vessel is then drawn into the fluid transfer device before the fluid transfer device is removed from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Shirley J. Johnson, Bruce W. Anderson, Mordi I. Iheme, Kathleen A. Dickey, Daniel L. Kacian, Nick M. Carter
  • Publication number: 20100203547
    Abstract: Method for obtaining a fluid from a collection device assembled to isolate a specimen retrieval device from the pathway of a fluid transfer device used to penetrate a cap of the collection device and to draw and remove the fluid from the collection device for analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bruce W. ANDERSON, Nick M. CARTER, Mordi I. IHEME, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. KACIAN, James P. Light, II, Gus G. Tseo
  • Patent number: 7708951
    Abstract: A cap for use in forming a sealed container with a fluid-holding vessel. The cap includes a downwardly tapered inner wall having a plurality of radially extending striations for improving the penetrability of the cap and for facilitating the formation of air passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, II, Gus G. Tseo
  • Publication number: 20090301230
    Abstract: A method for removing a fluid substance from a sealed collection device comprising a cap and a fluid-holding vessel, where the method aids in venting air from the collection device when the cap is penetrated by a fluid transfer device used to withdraw a fluid substance from the vessel. Venting is aided by incorporating a pause step between penetrating the cap and contacting the fluid substance held by the vessel with the fluid transfer device or by contacting the cap at a slower speed than the fluid transfer device enters the collection device after the cap has been penetrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bruce W. ANDERSON, Nick M. CARTER, Mordi I. IHEME, Shirley J. JOHNSON, Daniel L. KACIAN, James P. Light, II, Gus G. TSEO
  • Publication number: 20080305010
    Abstract: A cap for use in forming a sealed container with a fluid-holding vessel. The cap includes a downwardly tapered inner wall having a plurality of radially extending striations for improving the penetrability of the cap and for facilitating the formation of air passageways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bruce W. ANDERSON, Nick M. CARTER, Mordi I. IHEME, Shirley J. JOHNSON, Daniel L. KACIAN, James P. LIGHT, II, Gus G. TSEO
  • Patent number: 7435389
    Abstract: A cap comprising a generally conical wall positioned beneath an opening in the cap and having a plurality of striations formed therein to facilitate penetration of the cap by a fluid transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, II, Gus G. Tseo
  • Publication number: 20080152545
    Abstract: An assembly that includes a specimen-containing vessel and a cap in sealing engagement. The assembly contains a specimen retrieval device having a handle, an end of which is positioned between a depending inner wall of the cap and a closed side wall of the vessel. The inner wall of the cap is adapted to be penetrated by a plastic pipette tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bruce W. ANDERSON, Nick M. CARTER, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, Gus G. Tseo
  • Publication number: 20080118988
    Abstract: A method for obtaining the contents of a fluid-holding vessel having a cap secured to an open end thereof. The method includes penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device and forming one or more air passageways between the penetrated surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device to allow air to be vented from the vessel. At least a portion of the contents of the vessel is then drawn into the fluid transfer device before the fluid transfer device is removed from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shirley J. JOHNSON, Bruce W. ANDERSON, Mordi I. IHEME, Kathleen A. DICKEY, Daniel L. KACIAN, Nick M. CARTER
  • Publication number: 20080110846
    Abstract: A plastic cap having multiple wedge-shaped sections that are structurally interrelated to a closed side wall and adapted to be moveably engaged by a fluid transfer device penetrating the cap. A seal fixed to the cap covers the wedge-shaped sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, Gus G. Tseo
  • Publication number: 20040235005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for detecting the presence or absence of (or quantitating) target nucleic acid sequences using ligation and amplification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Ernest Friedlander, Shirley J. Johnson, Sabine Short, H. Michael Wenz
  • Patent number: 6806094
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with a vessel capable of receiving fluid specimens for clinical analysis and diagnosis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between the fluid specimen and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device, and may include a plurality of striations which were discovered to further improve penetrability of the cap. In this way, substances can be dispensed into or withdrawn from the vessel without having to physically separate the cap from the vessel. Also featured are fluid transfer devices and caps having surface ribs and/or grooves which aid in creating passageways for venting displaced air from a penetrated collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, II, Gus G. Tseo
  • Publication number: 20040151634
    Abstract: A cap comprising a generally conical wall positioned beneath an opening in the cap and having a plurality of striations formed therein to facilitate penetration of the cap by a fluid transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, Gus G. Tseo
  • Publication number: 20040152205
    Abstract: A method for removing a fluid substance from a closed collection device comprising a cap and a fluid-holding vessel, where the method aids in venting air from the collection device when a surface of the cap is punctured by a fluid transfer device used to withdraw a fluid substance from the vessel. Venting is aided by incorporating a pause step between puncturing the cap surface and contacting the fluid substance held by the vessel with the fluid transfer device or by contacting the surface of the cap at a slower speed than the fluid transfer device enters the collection device after the cap surface has been punctured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, Gus G. Tseo
  • Patent number: 6716396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with a vessel capable of receiving fluid specimens for clinical analysis and diagnosis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between the fluid specimen and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device, and may include a plurality of striations which were discovered to further improve penetrability of the cap. In this way, substances can be dispensed into or withdrawn from the vessel without having to physically separate the cap from the vessel. Also featured are fluid transfer devices and caps having surface ribs and/or grooves which aid in creating passageways for venting displaced air from a penetrated collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, Gus G. Tseo
  • Patent number: 6517782
    Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Glenn A. Horner, Shirley J. Johnson, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith, Gus Tseo
  • Patent number: 6517783
    Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Glenn A. Horner, Shirley J. Johnson, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith, Gus Tseo
  • Publication number: 20010041336
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with a vessel capable of receiving fluid specimens for clinical analysis and diagnosis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between the fluid specimen and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device, and may include a plurality of striations which were discovered to further improve penetrability of the cap. In this way, substances can be dispensed into or withdrawn from the vessel without having to physically separate the cap from the vessel. Also featured are fluid transfer devices and caps having surface ribs and/or grooves which aid in creating passageways for venting displaced air from a penetrated collection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, Gus G. Tseo
  • Publication number: 20010007643
    Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be, operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventors: Glenn A. Horner, Shirley J. Johnson, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith, Gus Tseo
  • Patent number: 6086827
    Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Glenn A. Horner, Shirley J. Johnson, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith, Gus Tseo