Patents Assigned to BioLife Solutions, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11938486
    Abstract: A consistent and repeatable thawing method of frozen samples in a bag-format storage vessel is described herein. Methods and systems may allow for multiple bag-format storage vessel sizes to be used in the same device. A subset of a plurality of sensors may be qualified for the thawing method. The method may further include heating a frozen sample using a first heater bank and a second heater bank. In addition, the method may include measuring a plurality of second temperatures of the bag-format vessel. At or slightly after a second threshold temperature, the method may include heating using the first heater bank and terminating heating using the second heater bank. The method may include terminating the heating of the partially thawed sample using the first heater bank after the partially thawed sample has been heated using the first heater bank for a duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Schryver, Ryan Braunstein
  • Patent number: 11813614
    Abstract: Cryogenic devices are provided in which solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used to maintain a temperature zone in which samples can be manipulated under conditions in which the sample is maintained at a temperature below ?50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Schryver
  • Patent number: 11542085
    Abstract: A shock absorbing container to protect cryogenically frozen biological material includes an outer case, which includes a first outer panel and a second outer panel, the first outer panel and the second outer panel movable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, the first outer panel and the second outer panel defining a storage space in the closed position, the first outer panel having a first side facing the storage space, the second outer panel having a first side facing the storage space, wherein moving the first outer panel and the second outer panel into the open position creates or enlarges an opening to access the storage space. A first foam panel is on the first side of the first outer panel, and a second foam panel on the first side of the second outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce McCormick
  • Patent number: 11229913
    Abstract: Cryogenic devices are provided in which solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used to maintain a temperature zone in which samples can be manipulated under conditions in which the sample is maintained at a temperature below ?50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: BioLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Schryver
  • Patent number: 10917941
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to thawing a cryogenically frozen sample. The systems, devices, and methods may be used to heat a sample holder, the sample holder configured to receive a sample container holding the frozen sample. A sample thaw start time may be identified by measuring a temperature of the sample container and/or a temperature of the sample. A sample thaw end time may be calculated as a function of the sample thaw start time. In some embodiments, the same thaw start time may be identified by a significant change in a first derivative of a warming curve of recorded temperature measurements. The sample end time may be calculated by adding a constant to the sample thaw start time. The constant may be the average sample thaw time per the sample container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: BioLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Schryver, David Shannon
  • Patent number: 10729126
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to sample thawing. Features described herein may limit power requirements of the thawing device and may thereby increase the portability of the thawing device. The device may include a housing; a heater block housed within the housing and forming a vial receptacle; a thermally-conductive compliant material may line an inner surface of the receptacle; and a heating element may be coupled with the heater block. The thermally-conductive compliant material may be molded to a shape of a bottom portion of the vial so as to fittingly mate with the bottom portion of the vial. In some embodiments, the heater block does not have moveable components and may be a single non-segmented piece. An ejection pin may be provided configured to break contact between the vial and the thermally-conductive compliant material. Additionally, the receptacle may be localized to the vial region adjacent to the frozen sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: BioLIfe Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas McPherson, Brian Schryver, Scott Comiso
  • Patent number: 10555374
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to thawing a cryogenically frozen sample. The systems, devices, and methods may be used to heat a sample holder, the sample holder configured to receive a sample container holding the frozen sample. A sample thaw start time may be identified by measuring a temperature of the sample container and/or a temperature of the sample. A sample thaw end time may be calculated as a function of the sample thaw start time. In some embodiments, the same thaw start time may be identified by a significant change in a first derivative of a warming curve of recorded temperature measurements. The sample end time may be calculated by adding a constant to the sample thaw start time. The constant may be the average sample thaw time per the sample container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: BioLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Schryver, David Shannon
  • Patent number: 10531656
    Abstract: Cryogenic devices are provided in which liquid nitrogen is used to maintain ultra-low temperatures in which samples can be manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: BioLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Schryver
  • Patent number: 9125397
    Abstract: Provided are apparatuses for cryopreserving cells which include a vessel comprising a biocompatible substrate, wherein the vessel further comprises an interior and an exterior, and a mechanical ice nucleating device disposed in or on the vessel interior for initiating ice crystal formation. Also provided are kits comprising one or more apparatuses for cryopreserving cells and a biopreservation medium. Further provided are compositions comprising a vessel for holding cells, a mechanical ice nucleating device, a biopreservation medium, and cells disposed in the vessel. The apparatuses, kits, and compositions of the invention can optionally include an insulating material which is disposed on all or a portion of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: BioLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic M. Clarke, Ian B. Nicoud, Aby J. Mathew, Michael Rice
  • Publication number: 20140322698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for hypothermic collection of whole blood, and components thereof, which can extend the holding time of blood beyond the current usable limit. Additionally, blood can be drawn directly into a hypothermic preservation solution without the addition of standard anticoagulants. This is enabled by providing sustained cellular viability under hypothermic conditions using a nutrient matrix devoid of animal proteins and containing energy substrates, free-radical scavengers, and impermeants that is ionically balanced for storage of biologic materials at low temperatures to prevent cellular stress-induced apoptosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ian B. Nicoud, Dominic M. Clarke, Aby J. Matthew, Michael Rice
  • Patent number: 8642255
    Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for hypothermic collection of whole blood, and components thereof, which can extend the holding time of blood beyond the current useable limit. Additionally, blood can be drawn directly into a hypothermic preservation solution without the addition of standard anticoagulants. This is enabled by providing sustained cellular viability under hypothermic conditions using a nutrient matrix devoid of animal proteins and containing energy substrates, free-radical scavengers, and impermeants that is ionically balanced for storage of biologic materials at low temperatures to prevent cellular stress-induced apoptosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Biolife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian B. Nicoud, Dominic M. Clarke, Aby J. Mathew, Michael Rice
  • Publication number: 20120040450
    Abstract: Provided are apparatuses for cryopreserving cells which include a vessel comprising a biocompatible substrate, wherein the vessel further comprises an interior and an exterior, and a mechanical ice nucleating device disposed in or on the vessel interior for initiating ice crystal formation. Also provided are kits comprising one or more apparatuses for cryopreserving cells and a biopreservation medium. Further provided are compositions comprising a vessel for holding cells, a mechanical ice nucleating device, a biopreservation medium, and cells disposed in the vessel. The apparatuses, kits, and compositions of the invention can optionally include an insulating material which is disposed on all or a portion of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Dominic M. Clarke, Ian B. Nicoud, Aby J. Mathew, Michael Rice
  • Publication number: 20110152719
    Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for hypothermic collection of whole blood, and components thereof, which can extend the holding time of blood beyond the current useable limit. Additionally, blood can be drawn directly into a hypothermic preservation solution without the addition of standard anticoagulants. This is enabled by providing sustained cellular viability under hypothermic conditions using a nutrient matrix devoid of animal proteins and containing energy substrates, free-radical scavengers, and impermeants that is ionically balanced for storage of biologic materials at low temperatures to prevent cellular stress-induced apoptosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ian B. Nicoud, Dominic M. Clarke, Aby J. Mathew, Michael Rice
  • Publication number: 20100305000
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and proteogenomic methods for predicting the success of the transplant of a cell, tissue, or organ by providing a means to determine the quality of the cell, tissue, or organ to be transplanted. In one embodiment, the present invention uses samples from the preservation solution to obtain phenomic fingerprints correlated with transplant pre-operative and post-operative data as a pre-operative tissue diagnostic and procedural success predictive indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Biolife Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Aby J. Mathew, Robert Van Buskirk, John G. Baust, John M. Baust, Dominic M. Clarke, Ian B. Nicoud
  • Publication number: 20090149335
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and proteogenomic methods for predicting the success of the transplant of a cell, tissue, or organ by providing a means to determine the quality of the cell, tissue, or organ to be transplanted. In one embodiment, the present invention uses samples from the preservation solution to obtain phenomic fingerprints correlated with transplant pre-operative and post-operative data as a pre-operative tissue diagnostic and procedural success predictive indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Aby J. Mathew, Robert Van Buskirk, John G. Baust, John M. Baust, Dominic Clarke, Ian Nicoud
  • Publication number: 20070048726
    Abstract: Gel-based medium compositions and a method of use thereof in normothermic, hypothermic or cryopreservative storage and transport of cell samples are described. These gel-based compositions preferably include an agent that inhibits apoptosis, together with a gelling agent. Such gel-based medium compositions protect various cell samples, such as animal or plant organs, tissues and cells, from the mechanical, physiological and biochemical stresses inherently associated with liquid preservation techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John Baust, Robert Van Buskirk, John Baust, Kristi Snyder, Aby Mathew
  • Publication number: 20040096813
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for the hypothermic preservation of cells, tissues and organs. In particular, the invention provides methods for the hypothermic preservation or storage of cells, tissues or organs in the vitreous state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: BioLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Baust, John G. Baust, Robert VanBuskirk, Aby J. Mathew
  • Publication number: 20030232396
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for assessing the success of the transplant of a cell, tissue, or organ before and after transplant. Protein array technology is used to obtain a biomarker pattern for the cell, tissue, or organ that is being considered for transplant or that has been transplanted. Samples for the identification of biomarkers and biomarker patterns are obtained from the cell, tissue or organ itself, or from a body fluid of the donor or recipient. Sample biomarker data are compared to reference biomarker data obtained from donors, recipients or cells, tissues or organs that have been transplanted. Correlation of a sample biomarker pattern with the reference biomarker pattern, where transplant outcome for the samples used for the reference biomarkers is known, permits a suggested treatment determination. A computerized system to identify the condition of transplant before or after implantation is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: BioLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Aby J. Mathew, John M. Baust, Robert VanBuskirk, John G. Baust
  • Patent number: 6632666
    Abstract: Gel-based medium compositions and a method of use thereof in normothermic, hypothermic or cryopreservative storage and transport of cell samples are described. These gel-based compositions contain a cell maintenance and preservation medium together with a gelling agent. Such gel-based medium compositions protect various cell samples, such as animal or plant organs, tissues and cells, from the mechanical, physiological and biochemical stresses inherently associated with liquid preservation techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: BioLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Baust, Robert Van Buskirk, John G. Baust
  • Publication number: 20020172934
    Abstract: Gel-based medium compositions and a method of use thereof in normothermic, hypothermic or cryopreservative storage and transport of cell samples are described. These gel-based compositions contain a cell maintenance and preservation medium together with a gelling agent. Such gel-based medium compositions protect various cell samples, such as animal or plant organs, tissues and cells, from the mechanical, physiological and biochemical stresses inherently associated with liquid preservation techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: BioLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Baust, Robert Van Buskirk, John G. Baust