Patents by Inventor Ulrich Schaff
Ulrich Schaff 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: 20230404068Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for executing temperature-controlled shipment of relatively small temperature-sensitive payloads. A vacuum shipper may include a vacuum container and a PCM pack with an outer wall broadly form fitting to the vacuum container. The PCM pack includes a payload cavity and may be pre-conditioned at an effective charging temperature for an effective charging time. A temperature-sensitive payload is placed in the payload cavity. An insulated stopper is pressed into a mouth of the vacuum container. The vacuum shipper may then be conveyed by commercial express freight to its destination within an effective endurance time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Mitchell Peevler, Jason Ragar
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Patent number: 11714034Abstract: A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Laboratory Corporation of America HoldingsInventors: Ulrich Schaff, Greg Sommer, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch
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Publication number: 20220347699Abstract: A portable motorized centrifugal system is optimized for low cost manufacture and operation. Separation of inhomogeneous fluid biological samples, such as liquid plasma from whole blood, is a common step in medical diagnostic tests. This system may enable remote separation where access to plug-in power sources are limited. The system may facilitate at-home testing. Due to biohazard concerns, the entire centrifugal apparatus portable and disposable, or the system includes one or more disposable elements within the interior of the centrifuge. Alternatively, the system may contain a module of higher value components that are re-usable after disinfection. Devices and methods for implementing centrifugal separation may include disk-shaped fluidic cartridges and tubes with reduced drag cross-section.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Kyungjin Hong, Tifany Pan, Jason Ragar, Shelby Richmond, Greg Sommer, Sean Hong
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Patent number: 11471881Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Laboratory Corporation of America HoldingsInventors: Ulrich Schaff, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch, Jason Sauers, Greg Sommer
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Publication number: 20220323970Abstract: Embodiments of a portable and compact centrifugal system with methods of energy efficient centrifugation are described. The centrifugal system may be used to separate biological samples contained in conventional laboratory tubes and may be powered by a set of battery cells. The centrifugal system may comprise a vibration damping system which may comprise a tuned mass damper with a damper mass, a damper wall, and an elastic coupler. Many features such as the device's voltages, vibration damping methods, firmware, circuitry, component placement, and material required careful consideration, experimentation, and selection to converge into a functional product. Centrifugation of biological samples typically requires bulky instruments that cannot be readily moved, which can prove inconvenient for remote areas and third world countries. Biological sample quality also degrades outside the body over time, so immediate access to a centrifugal system can improve sample quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Kyungjin Hong, Tifany Pan
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Publication number: 20220022449Abstract: Embodiments for a portable and compact centrifugation and thermal management system capable of separating and transporting biological samples while maintaining sample quality for periods of shipment time are described. A compact, automatic centrifuge holding exactly one sample tube is inside an insulating and thermally managed container suitable for standard shipping. A rotor to retain a sample tube is pre-balanced. An electronic controller starts, times and stops centrifugation automatically, responsive to placement of a lid. Thermal management may comprise a phase change material. Embodiments are free of user controls. Embodiments are free of the need for external power or external control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Applicant: Sandstone Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Angela Le, Tifany Pan, Kyungjin Hong, Clara Neal
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Publication number: 20210316317Abstract: Embodiments of a portable and compact centrifugal system are described, comprising a centrifuge body comprising a motor; and a monolithic rotor, suitable for manufacturing in a straight-pull injection mold, with an attachment hub, fixed retainer for exactly one sample tube, arms for the retainer, and a thin, aerodynamic counterweight. Embodiments include a rotor with a counterweight and wherein the tube retainer and the counterweight are angled downward; a central clearance volume for manual placement of a sample tube; and dimensions optimized to just fill a fixed rotational circle. Embodiments include a centrifuge with: an enclosure, hinged lid, lid-closure sensor, motor, and automatic timer; free of both user controls and user displays.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: Sandstone Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Angela Le, Tifany Pan, Kyungjin Hong, Clara Neal
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Publication number: 20210222224Abstract: A cartridge for determining a concentration of target cells within a sample includes a separation portion and a detection portion. The separation portion includes a first and second surface defining a separation chamber. The separation portion can contain a density medium having a density greater than a density of a first portion of the sample and less than a density of a second portion of the sample (that includes the target cells). The separation chamber can be fluidically coupled to an inlet reservoir such that the sample can pass from the inlet reservoir to the separation chamber during rotation. The detection portion includes a detection surface that forms a boundary of a detection chamber. The detection surface is nonparallel to the first surface such that the target cells impinge on the detection surface when passing into the detection chamber. The detection surface is configured to capture the target cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2019Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Jon EPPERSON, Laura FREDRIKSEN, Kyungjin HONG, Jenq-Thun LI, Bhairavi Rajiv PARIKH, Ulrich SCHAFF
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Publication number: 20210156842Abstract: A centrifugal cartridge or disk used for extraction of light supernatant fractions from fluid samples is described, particularly for non-homogenous fluid biological samples such as whole blood. The device may be used to collect cell-free blood plasma or a fraction of whole blood containing target cells such as leukocytes. Single or multiple channels are described, including channels with passive valves, gaskets, receiving cavities, inlet holes, capillary wicking ridges, distal cavities for cell retention, separator gel, and density medium. Centrifugal action causes whole blood in a receiving cavity to pass into one or more channels where it separates into blood cells, plasma and optionally fractions of an intermediate density. After spin, the plasma returns to the receiving cavity by way of the one or more channels for extraction through the inlet hole or other inwardly located hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2019Publication date: May 27, 2021Applicant: Sandstone Diagnostics, IncInventors: Ulrich SCHAFF, Kyungjin HONG, Laura FREDRIKSEN, Gabriella IACOVETTI, Jon EPPERSON, Ali RAHIMIAN, Greg SOMMER, Sean HONG, Eric KENDALL
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Patent number: 10870109Abstract: A cup used to receive, hold, measure and pour liquids, such a specimens, such as for a medical assay, is described. The cup comprises an open receiving upper chamber, two or more open sample-directing channels, and an open, calibrated and marked measuring column. When sitting on a level surface, fluid flows freely from the upper chamber through the sample-directing channels into the measuring column. A foot is under each fluid-directing channel. The base of the measuring column functions as an additional, such as a third, foot. Cups nest, with the two feet of the upper cup sitting into two sample-directing columns of lower cup. The measuring column and upper chamber taper to permit nesting. If the cup is tipped, it rests on two of three of: the two feet and the base of the measuring column, and a point on a lower perimeter of the upper chamber, such that fluid will not spill.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Sandstone Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Jon Epperson, Laura Fredriksen, Kirk Harmon
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Publication number: 20200030789Abstract: A cup used to receive, hold, measure and pour liquids, such a specimens, such as for a medical assay, is described. The cup comprises an open receiving upper chamber, two or more open sample-directing channels, and an open, calibrated and marked measuring column. When sitting on a level surface, fluid flows freely from the upper chamber through the sample-directing channels into the measuring column. A foot is under each fluid-directing channel. The base of the measuring column functions as an additional, such as a third, foot. Cups nest, with the two feet of the upper cup sitting into two sample-directing columns of lower cup. The measuring column and upper chamber taper to permit nesting. If the cup is tipped, it rests on two of three of: the two feet and the base of the measuring column, and a point on a lower perimeter of the upper chamber, such that fluid will not spill.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2017Publication date: January 30, 2020Applicant: Sandstone Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Jon Epperson, Laura Fredriksen, Kirk Harmon
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Publication number: 20190308188Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch, Jason Sauers, Greg Sommer
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Publication number: 20190285524Abstract: A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Greg Sommer, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch
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Patent number: 10376877Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Sandstone Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch, Jason Sauers, Greg Sommer
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Patent number: 10197480Abstract: A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: SANDSTONE DIAGNOSTICS, INC.Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Greg Sommer, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch
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Publication number: 20160320276Abstract: A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2013Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Greg Sommer, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch
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Publication number: 20160023204Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Christopher Tomkins-Tinch, Jason Sauers, Greg Sommer
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Patent number: D837998Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Sandstone Diagnostics, IncInventors: Ulrich Schaff, Laura Fredriksen, Jon Epperson, Kirk Harmon, Greg Sommer
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Patent number: D867611Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Sandstone Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Ulrich Schaff, Jon Epperson, Laura Fredriksen, Kirk Harmon
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Patent number: D877354Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Vium, IncInventors: Ulrich Schaff, Greg Sommer