Patents Represented by Attorney D. D. Schaper
  • Patent number: 4420566
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting sample fluid on an analysis slide of the type which is used to perform quantitative analyses. The apparatus comprises means for projecting radiation comprising wavelengths absorbed by water onto the slide and means for measuring the intensity of radiation received from the slide, both before fluid is metered on the slide and after fluid has been metered thereon. The difference between radiation received from a wet slide and from a dry slide is compared with known values to determine if the slide contains sufficient fluid for a suitable test result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Jessop, Donald De Jager
  • Patent number: 4340390
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for repeatedly and accurately depositing predetermined amounts of fluid, especially biological fluids, onto generally planar analysis slides. The apparatus comprises a dispenser which is adapted to pick up a disposable metering tip, aspirate fluid into the tip, meter a predetermined amount of fluid from the tip onto an analysis slide, and eject the tip after the metering operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Collins, Glenn E. Tersteeg, Thomas C. Jessop
  • Patent number: 4321122
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for forming electrical contact with an analysis slide of the potentiometric type. A probe unit, electrically connected to an electrometer, comprises a plurality of probe tips which are adapted to penetrate into the electrodes of an analysis slide and to move laterally in a direction generally parallel to the electrode layers after penetration. A means is provided for preloading the probe tips to control the force required to effect lateral movement of the tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Rodney J. Whitcomb, Henry S. Adamski
  • Patent number: 4279861
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to receive a removable cartridge containing material for use in the apparatus, for example, test elements for use in performing analyses of biological fluids. A cartridge discriminator is provided to insure that only a cartridge having a code means corresponding to a selected material can be loaded in the apparatus, and to program the apparatus to operate in a mode which conforms to the selected material. A control means serves to adjust the discriminator for a selected material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Thomas C. Jessop
  • Patent number: 4277440
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to repeatedly and accurately dispense predetermined amounts of fluid, especially biological fluids, onto generally planar test elements. The apparatus comprises a metering pump actuated by an escapement mechanism which moves the pump in precise increments. The fluids are dispensed through a pair of metering tips which are spaced a given distance from the test element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Jessop, William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4269803
    Abstract: A slide transfer mechanism is disclosed for advancing an analysis slide through a plurality of work stations in a chemical analyzer. The transfer mechanism comprises a pair of slidable members which are movable together to advance slides in each of the stations and are movable independently of each other to advance slides in less than all of the stations. The slides are releasably held by spring means in each of the work stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Thomas C. Jessop
  • Patent number: 4257862
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing chemical analysis on selected fluids. The fluids are dispensed onto a test element which is transported to an analysis device where a radiometer or potentiometer is provided for measuring a characteristic of the test element resulting from the fluid deposited thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Paul N. Schnipelsky, Raymond F. Jakubowicz
  • Patent number: 4224032
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing chemical analysis on selected fluids. The apparatus comprises a turntable which carries a plurality of cartridges containing test slides. A transfer mechanism is adapted to receive a slide from a selected cartridge, transport the slide to a metering device where a precise amount of fluid is deposited thereon, and then deliver the slide to a conveyor which moves the slide through an incubator. A radiometric reading of the slide is taken while it is in the incubator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Clyde P. Glover, James E. Ferris, Robert J. Meyer, Edward Muka
  • Patent number: 4219529
    Abstract: An incubator is provided for use with a chemical analyzer of the type in which a fluid sample is metered onto a test slide which is analyzed after a suitable period of incubation. The incubator includes a temperature-controlled chamber having a conveyor mounted therein which comprises a plurality of slide holding members. A drive means for the conveyor is adapted to successively advance the slide holding members past load and unload slots located adjacent slide transfer mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Glenn E. Tersteeg, Louis C. Nosco, Robert J. Meyer, Rodney J. Whitcomb
  • Patent number: 4152390
    Abstract: A chemical analyzer is disclosed for performing analysis on selected fluids. The analyzer comprises a plurality of cartridges containing test slides. A slide transfer mechanism is adapted to feed a slide from a selected cartridge, transport the slide to a metering device where a precise amount of fluid is deposited thereon, deliver the slide to conveyor means which moves the element through an incubator, and transport the slide to an analysis means after a predetermined time in the incubator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1979
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Louis C. Nosco, Henry S. Adamski, Anthony P. Di Fulvio
  • Patent number: 4142656
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for drop-by-drop metering of fluids, especially biological fluids. A metering head, connected to a pressure generating means, is adapted to be selectively moved into fluid communication with a sample cup through which the fluid is metered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Smith, James E. Ferris
  • Patent number: D264873
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Olson, Lawrence E. Hood