Patents Represented by Attorney Dana M. Schmidt

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  • Reciprocating transfer mechanism
    Patent number: 5073342
    Abstract: There is disclosed a simplified transfer mechanism that minimmizes both the number of moving parts needed, and the shapes of those parts. An L-shaped pusher blade is mounted to move in and out of a first station such as at an incubator so as to be effective to move a test element from the first station to two or more subsequent stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Johannes J. Porte, Raymond F. Jakubowicz
  • Needle device for safely collecting blood or injecting drugs
    Patent number: 5070884
    Abstract: A needle device and method of use are disclosed, wherein the needle moves out of and into a protective housing, between two operative positions, one of which causes the housing to shield the needle. Each operative position includes releasable locking detents to temporarily hold the needle in one of those positions, the holding force of one being less than the other. A third position beyond the one that shields the needle in the housing is used to permanently lock the needle in the housing against accidental reuse. The needle device can be used with a blood collection container or a syringe drug delivery container, each one releasably mating with the device during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Columbus, Johannes J. Porte, Harvey J. Palmer
  • Reference reading in an analyzer
    Patent number: 5067093
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reading a test element and a reference element in an incubator to insure that a) they are both read at the same wavelength and b) the reading at this wavelength of the reference element used to compare the test element reading, is the closest in point of time to the reading taken of the test element. In some cases, this requires the comparison with a reference element that is read after the reading of the test element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Catherine S. Przybylowicz, Edwin W. Brill, Jr., Luigi A. Carrozziere
  • Prespot detection method and apparatus in an analyzer
    Patent number: 5067092
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an erroneous pre-spotting of liquid onto a test element in an analyzer. The invention utilizes a wetness detector and calculates the estimated second derivative of the R-C time decay curve produced by such a detector, to determine if a sudden increase in a slope exceeds more than a threshold value for two consecutive points. The threshold value is picked so as to exceed sudden increases that can be created by noise in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: J. Eric Hamann
  • Laser-ablating a marking in a coating on plastic articles
    Patent number: 5061341
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of laser-marking plastic articles without unduly damaging the plastic. The method comprises coating the plastic with a contrasting color layer, and intermediate the color layer and the plastic, a protective layer of a dried coverage of at least 1.5 g/m.sup.2.Optionally, the ablation can be carried out beyond the stripe portion to be marked, to clear away any debris from the white support that otherwise can be left behind by the ablation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Maurice A. Kildal, Arthur P. Chipouras
  • Analysis slide positioning apparatus and method for a chemical analyzer
    Patent number: 5059393
    Abstract: A chemical analyzer providing an analysis slide positioning apparatus and method for properly aligning a test slide relative to a sample dispenser of the chemical analyzer. The slide positioning apparatus is capable of moving the slide in three different planes of movement for effecting alignment of the slide and to control fluid application thereto. The positioning apparatus includes a platform which supports the slide, a mechanism for moving the slide on the support in a first direction, and a drive mechanism for moving the platform and the slide carried thereon in second and third directions extending perpendicular to each other and to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John A. Quenin, Johannes J. Porte, Raymond F. Jakubowicz
  • Blood collection device with reduced serum dispensing volume and integral needle
    Patent number: 5055203
    Abstract: An integrated blood collection, separation and dispensing device is disclosed that allows a method of blood collection, serum separation and serum dispensing to occur using a single device (other than a centrifuge). The device preferably includes a transfer chamber for receiving separated serum, that has a three-dimensional shape that is reduced in volume and is configured to avoid air entrapment. A dispensing aperture in the transfer chamber fluidly connects the chamber with the atmosphere. Preferably, means are provided adjacent the dispensing aperture for generating a liquid pressure change indication of the presence of liquid advancing towards the dispensing aperture. A needle and a protective housing optionally are provided as an integral part of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Columbus
  • Used test element collection apparatus and method
    Patent number: 5053198
    Abstract: There are described apparatus for collecting used test elements containing possibly hazardous liquids, and a method of collecting them. The apparatus features a container, and preferably a stacking station used with the container. The container can comprise a variety of configurations, and includes side walls, first and second end walls, access means in one of the side walls near the first end wall defining an aperture to allow test elements to feed into the container, and biasing means for biasing a test element against the first end wall or against a test element adjacent to the first end wall. A highly preferred form of the container is one in which one of the noted side walls is constructed to be a leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: John A. Quenin
  • Removable handle and means for attachment to a syringe or phlebotomy device
    Patent number: 5050617
    Abstract: A combination is disclosed of a handle and a member that is either a phlebotomy device or a drug-injecting syringe. The handle removably attaches by a mating pivot pin and aperture disposed relative to the axis of the handle and the member to ensure that the unlatched configuration is geometrically different from the latched configuration. Latching is achieved by a hook member on one that engages a recessed groove on the other, simply by pivoting the handle until its axis coincides with the axis of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Columbus, Johannes J. Porte
  • Photodynamic therapy of glioma or mammary carcinoma using seleno- or telluropyrylium salts
    Patent number: 5047419
    Abstract: There are disclosed pyrylium salts and a method of using them medicinally in photodynamic therapy for increasing the survival time of animals affected with glioma or mammary carcinoma. The salts are seleno- or telluropyrylium compounds having a singlet oxygen quantum efficiency of at least 0.005 when exposed as described at wavelengths between about 650 and 1000 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Detty, Stephen K. Powers
  • Use of dry analytical elements to determine analytes
    Patent number: 5047322
    Abstract: Dry transparent analytical elements can be used to determine analytes which have been separated by electrically induced migration through a solid medium, e.g. by electrophoresis, or which are intracellular enzymes. The dry transparent element is placed on a plate containing the analytes, and kept there until the analytes have reacted to produce a non-diffusible detectable species solely in the element. The element is removed and the detectable species is evaluated therein. The elements contain a water-insoluble binder material having an interactive composition dispersed therein which reacts with analyte to produce the non-diffusible species. The same electrophoretic plate can be used to successively determine the same or a plurality of analytes since it is not altered or destroyed by contact with the dry element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Emmons, Linda A. Mauck, John C. Mauck, TaiWing Wu, Royden N. Rand, Angelo P. Andrese
  • Analyzer having humidity control apparatus
    Patent number: 5043143
    Abstract: There is described an analyzer for determining analytes of a body liquid, in which stacks of test elements are stored prior to use. To control the level of humidity in which the stacks are stored, first and second compartments are provided with access openings connecting them to the stack-storage area. A mechanism is provided for selectively closing off and opening up the access openings, and for actively forcing air to flow from either of the compartments into the storage area. One of the compartments has a supply of water, and the other has a desiccant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James D. Shaw, Martin F. Muszak
  • Container using a mass of porous material for liquid retention
    Patent number: 5042978
    Abstract: There are disclosed a container and a method of aspirating body liquids, that allow controlled capillary attraction to hold the liquid in place for storage, but not so tightly that the liquid cannot be aspirated away. A mass of compatible porous material is used in the container and comprises fibers with a controlled capillary attraction that supports a column of water that is between about 2 mm and about 60 mm in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John A. Quenin, Raymond F. Jakubowicz, Richard L. Columbus
  • Blood collection and centrifugal separation device including a valve
    Patent number: 5039401
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that causes phase separation of whole blood, using much lower centrifugal forces. As a result, lymphocytes are separated from blood cells having specific gravities of 1.08 g/ml or higher. The device features a separation chamber arranged so that its long dimension or axis is parallel, not perpendicular, to the spin axis, and a valve that allows automatic removal of the lighter phase(s). The valve is constructed to respond only to the head of liquid pressure generated by an increased centrifugal force, and not to that increased force alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Columbus, Harvey J. Palmer
  • Incubator
    Patent number: 5037613
    Abstract: There is described an incubator comprising a rotor moving above a stationary surface, the rotor comprising stations having a cover member, a lower support for a test element, and a spring biasing the cover member against the lower support. In one aspect of the invention, three reference surfaces are provided in the stationary surface for the lower support of the rotor to slide against. In another aspect, an improved spring is provided for ready, releasible capture by the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James D. Shaw, Martin F. Muszak
  • Toner fusing device and method of using the same
    Patent number: 5035927
    Abstract: A device for fusing and fixing electrophotographic toner powder to a receiver sheet and a method for using the same. The device comprises a first fusing member, such as a fusing roll, having a resilient surface for pressure contact with thermoplastic toner on the receiver sheet. A second member, which can be a non-resilient pressure roll, presses the toner into contact with the resilient surface. The device also is designed to heat the toner. The fusing member has a layer of an elastomeric, amorphous silarylene-siloxane alternating or random copolymer which is thermally stable, has good wear resistance, and good thermal conductivity and exhibits little or no swelling when contacted with poly(dimethylsiloxane) release oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Tsang J. Chen, Paul L. Nielsen, Joseph A. Pavlisko
  • Incubator and analyzer with improved cap raising means
    Patent number: 5034191
    Abstract: There are described an incubator and an analyzer using such, in which the evaporation caps of the test element holding means are caused to be raised at loading and unloading stations by a fixed camming surface and a cam follower on each of the caps. As a result, size and complexity of the incubator are substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Johannes J. Porte
  • Blood collection method
    Patent number: 5032288
    Abstract: A method of use is disclosed of a device that causes phase separation of whole blood, using much lower centrifugal forces. As a result, leukocytes are separated from blood cells having specific gravities of 1.09 g/ml or higher. The method preferably uses a separation chamber arranged so that its long dimension or axis is parallel, not perpendicular, to the spin axis, and a valve that allows automatic removal of the ligher phase(s).In one aspect, the method separates a lighter phase from a heavier phase, for example, lymphocytes from whole blood, using a centrifugal force of reduced amount. In another aspect, DNA is extracted readily from the separated lighter phase since it is less likely that the lighter phase will be contaminated by erythrocytes as occurs in conventional separation techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Columbus, Susan M. Atwood, Deborah P. Freyler, Harvey J. Palmer
  • Heat exchanger for film processor
    Patent number: 5027145
    Abstract: There is described a film processor wherein an improved heat exchanger is provided for the liquid chemicals of two of its baths. The method of heat exchanging is also described. Specifically, the heat exchanger is a thermoelectric Peltier device that cools the developer at its heat sink and heats the wash water at its heat-emitting source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: James T. Samuels
  • Automated capping means for analyzer pipette
    Patent number: 5026526
    Abstract: There is described an analyzer capping element for blocking off air access to pipette tips, such capping element being mounted for automatic unblocking directly in response to movement of a test element into position for pipette dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John A. Quenin, Raymond F. Jakubowicz