Patents Assigned to Biopath Automation, L.L.C.
  • Patent number: 9194779
    Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: BioPath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Stephen P. Whitlatch
  • Patent number: 9097630
    Abstract: A method of staging a tissue sample cassette, including a cassette body and a lid, from an upper position in a frame used during a tissue embedding process to a lower position in the frame. The method comprises coupling the cassette with the frame such that the cassette is in the upper position and positively stopped at the upper position by first structure on a wall of the frame. The cassette is moved relative to the frame to the lower position by selectively engaging the cassette with a staging mechanism. An external force is applied to the cassette with the staging mechanism in a direction to move the cassette from the upper position toward the lower position. The cassette is retained in the lower position using second structure on the wall of the frame, such that the cassette is exposed for embedding the cassette in an embedding medium and subsequently slicing the tissue sample embedded in the embedding medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: BioPath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky, Stephen P. Whitlatch, Thomas J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20150198509
    Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: BIOPATH AUTOMATION, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Stephen P. Whitlatch
  • Patent number: 8999270
    Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: BioPath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Stephen P. Whitlatch
  • Patent number: 8877146
    Abstract: A cassette for holding a tissue sample includes a body having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly with respect to the bottom wall to define an interior space for receiving the tissue sample. A lid is configured to be received in the interior space, and the cassette is sectionable in a microtome. Sensing elements are associated with the body or lid and configured to allow an automated sensing system to determine at least one characteristic of the cassette. A flange extends along upper portions of at least two of the side walls and includes a plurality of holes. Other features are included to more effectively and efficiently manufacture and use the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Biopath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Thomas J. Ward, Stephen P. Whitlatch
  • Publication number: 20140255986
    Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BIOPATH AUTOMATION, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Thomas J. Ward, Douglas P. Allen
  • Patent number: 8796038
    Abstract: Tissue orientation devices include a perforated tissue support with at least one perforated channel for receiving a tissue sample, and a plurality of tabs configured to extend along and into the channel to retain the tissue sample during processing and embedding. Tissue orientation devices include elongated legs coupled together for holding one or more biopsy tissue samples therebetween. Associated methods include using the cassettes and orientation devices to hold and orient tissue samples for processing, embedding and microtome sectioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Biopath Automation, L.L.C., Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Stephen P. Whitlatch, Carlos A. Saez
  • Publication number: 20140205515
    Abstract: Tissue orientation devices include a perforated tissue support with at least one perforated channel for receiving a tissue sample, and a plurality of tabs configured to extend along and into the channel to retain the tissue sample during processing and embedding. Tissue orientation devices include elongated legs coupled together for holding one or more biopsy tissue samples therebetween. Associated methods include using the cassettes and orientation devices to hold and orient tissue samples for processing, embedding and microtome sectioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicants: SAKURA FINETEK U.S.A., INC., BIOPATH AUTOMATION, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Stephen P. Whitlatch, Carlos A. Saez
  • Patent number: 8734735
    Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Biopath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Thomas J. Ward, Stephen P. Whitlatch
  • Publication number: 20140113328
    Abstract: A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue support formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. A resilient cellular material is coupled to the tissue support and is configured to engage and retain tissue in place during processing and embedding. The resilient cellular material is also capable of successful sectioning in the microtome and porous to allow infiltration of the solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue, and of embedding material used to embed the tissue while the tissue is retained by the resilient cellular material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: BioPath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Warren P. Williamson, IV
  • Publication number: 20140099661
    Abstract: A method of staging a tissue sample cassette, including a cassette body and a lid, from an upper position in a frame used during a tissue embedding process to a lower position in the frame. The method comprises coupling the cassette with the frame such that the cassette is in the upper position and positively stopped at the upper position by first structure on a wall of the frame. The cassette is moved relative to the frame to the lower position by selectively engaging the cassette with a staging mechanism. An external force is applied to the cassette with the staging mechanism in a direction to move the cassette from the upper position toward the lower position. The cassette is retained in the lower position using second structure on the wall of the frame, such that the cassette is exposed for embedding the cassette in an embedding medium and subsequently slicing the tissue sample embedded in the embedding medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: BIOPATH AUTOMATION, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky, Stephen P. Whitlatch, Thomas J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20140073004
    Abstract: A sectionable tissue sample support structure including a gel compound formed into a self supporting geometric shape for retention and orientation of at least one tissue sample during a histopathology process including processing, embedding and microtome slicing of the tissue sample. A method of orienting, processing, embedding and microtome slicing a tissue sample using a gel compound preformed into a self supporting geometric shape. A combination including the sectionable tissue sample support structure and a package containing the sectionable tissue sample support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicants: Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc., BioPath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Richard W. Dapson, Amit D. Shah
  • Patent number: 8623300
    Abstract: A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue support formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. A resilient cellular material is coupled to the tissue support and is configured to engage and retain tissue in place during processing and embedding. The resilient cellular material is also capable of successful sectioning in the microtome and porous to allow infiltration of the solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue, and of embedding material used to embed the tissue while the tissue is retained by the resilient cellular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Biopath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Warren P. Williamson, IV
  • Patent number: 8609431
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cassette, frame and mold for holding a tissue sample during an embedding and mircotoming process, and related methods. The cassette is sectionable in a microtome and includes a body with a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. First and second side walls are generally V-shaped to present an apex of the ā€œVā€ to the microtome blade. A lid of the cassette is stiffer than the bottom wall of the cassette to assist with positioning the tissue sample. The side walls of the cassette are perforated so as to significantly reduce the amount of cassette material that must be cut by the microtome blade. In one embodiment, to additionally reduce blade wear the ribs on one side wall are offset lengthwise relative to the ribs on an opposite side wall. An upper flange of the cassette includes depressions configured to register with detents in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Biopath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky, Stephen P. Whitlatch, Thomas J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20130078670
    Abstract: Tissue orientation devices include a perforated tissue support with at least one perforated channel for receiving a tissue sample, and a plurality of tabs configured to extend along and into the channel to retain the tissue sample during processing and embedding. Tissue orientation devices include elongated legs coupled together for holding one or more biopsy tissue samples therebetween. Associated methods include using the cassettes and orientation devices to hold and orient tissue samples for processing, embedding and microtome sectioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicants: SAKURA FINETEK U.S.A., INC., BIOPATH AUTOMATION, L.L.C.
    Inventors: BIOPATH AUTOMATION, L.L.C., SAKURA FINETEK U.S.A., INC.
  • Patent number: 8383067
    Abstract: A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue support formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. A resilient cellular material is coupled to the tissue support and is configured to engage and retain tissue in place during processing and embedding. The resilient cellular material is also capable of successful sectioning in the microtome and porous to allow infiltration of the solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue, and of embedding material used to embed the tissue while the tissue is retained by the resilient cellular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Biopath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Warren P. Williamson, IV
  • Publication number: 20130004990
    Abstract: A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue support formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. A resilient cellular material is coupled to the tissue support and is configured to engage and retain tissue in place during processing and embedding. The resilient cellular material is also capable of successful sectioning in the microtome and porous to allow infiltration of the solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue, and of embedding material used to embed the tissue while the tissue is retained by the resilient cellular material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: BioPath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Warren P. Williamson, IV
  • Patent number: 8329120
    Abstract: Tissue orientation devices include a perforated tissue support with at least one perforated channel for receiving a tissue sample, and a plurality of tabs configured to extend along and into the channel to retain the tissue sample during processing and embedding. Tissue orientation devices include elongated legs coupled together for holding one or more biopsy tissue samples therebetween. Associated methods include using the cassettes and orientation devices to hold and orient tissue samples for processing, embedding and microtome sectioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Biopath Automation, L.L.C., Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Stephen P. Whitlatch, Carlos A. Saez
  • Publication number: 20110182783
    Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: BioPath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Thomas J. Ward, Stephen P. Whitlatch
  • Publication number: 20110165615
    Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: BIOPATH AUTOMATION, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Douglas P. Allen, Dominic P. DiNovo, George A. Keller, Rebeccah P. Quam, Thomas J. Ward, Warren P. Williamson, IV