Patents Assigned to Charm Sciences, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20250116600
    Abstract: Analyte testing devices, assemblies, methods, operations, and systems are shown and described. In one embodiment, an apparatus to generate a test result from an assay, when contacted with a sample, includes a non-planar optics module, an imaging device, and a direct, dynamically-controlled lighting assembly. The assembly may include an aperture carrier heat block having a plurality of optical windows and enhancing manipulation of an assay about the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Graham, Robert J. Markovsky
  • Publication number: 20250102393
    Abstract: A leak detection system and assembly. In one embodiment, a refrigeration system includes a non-invasive ultrasonic flowmeter to monitor an ultrasonic signal. The result is a refrigeration system to trigger a leak detection alert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Skiffington
  • Patent number: 11933665
    Abstract: A handheld luminometer system and assembly are shown and described. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a portable luminometer and a front end platform having a microcontroller circuit to communicate with a host device. Typically, the portable luminometer includes a sample port to accept a test sample holder, a photomultiplier assembly with at least one photomultiplier tube, and a base. The result is a luminometer assembly for use with a single-use test sample holder in communication with a host device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E Graham
  • Publication number: 20230330657
    Abstract: Sample preparation and detection devices, methods, and assemblies are shown and described. In one embodiment, an assembly for preparing a sample for predicting a bacterial presence includes a compartmentalized container having a sample collector reservoir, a first storage compartment, and a second storage compartment. The result is improved efficient and effective predicting of a bacterial presence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S Salter, Richard Skiffington, Shishan Wang
  • Publication number: 20230242965
    Abstract: A method of preparing for analysis of a sample is shown and described. In one embodiment, the method includes soaking at least one sample collector in an apyrase solution, and removing the apyrase solution. The result is preparing the sample collector by removing adenosine triphosphate from the sample collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J Markovsky, David Legg
  • Publication number: 20220348861
    Abstract: Reader and plate methods, operations, and systems for observing a biological sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, a device for observing biological growth, when present, on a growth plate, includes an imaging device and a variable positioning nest. The nest may include a first sunken frame to receive a first growth plate, and an offset second sunken frame to receive a distinct second growth plate in an operating position offset about the first operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Salter, Paul Graham, Jeffrey Verrette, Richard T Skiffington
  • Publication number: 20220291133
    Abstract: Analyte testing devices, assemblies, methods, operations, and systems are shown and described. In one embodiment, an apparatus to generate a test result from an assay when contacted with a sample includes a non-planar optics module to align the assay in an offset testing position. A modular interface assembly may support a motherboard and at least one non-planar optics module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: Charm Sciences Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Graham, Robert J Markovsky
  • Patent number: 11427849
    Abstract: Culture medium devices and systems are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a culture medium adapted for test fluid inoculation without the concerns associated with a spreading step. In particular examples, a printed grid on the outer surface of a culture device is visible on the inner surface for colony counting after a test has been developed. The result is a device that allows for detection, identification, and transportation of various microorganisms without preparation or spreading steps, and more particularly to a culture medium in which a test fluid inoculated thereto diffuses rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Salter, Gregory W. Durbin, Stanley E. Charm, Richard T. Skiffington
  • Publication number: 20220236151
    Abstract: A method for extracting a mycotoxin, when present, from a sample. Compositions and methods include the use of high ionic strength compositions including compositions that include many amine and/or carboxyl groups such as protein based, amino acid based and polyethylene glycol based composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: John Jabour, Steven J. Saul, Mark E. Tess
  • Publication number: 20210308667
    Abstract: Sample collection and analysis devices, methods, and assemblies are shown and described. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a sample collection device and a removable vial having a penetrable barrier seal to prevent access to the vial until at least one penetrable activation. The result is improved efficient and effective sample collection and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Salter, Robert J. Markovsky, Meikel Brewster
  • Patent number: 11119102
    Abstract: Test strip devices, assemblies, systems, and methods for the analysis of a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, a test strip includes a nitrocellulose membrane, a filtration conjugate pad with a fibrous labeled receptor bottom side, and an overlay tape enclosing the nitrocellulose membrane and a portion of the filtration conjugate pad. An assembly may include a delivery device for delivering sample to the test strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J Markovsky, Cody Thiboult
  • Patent number: 11073520
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include detecting an analyte in a low pH sample. Some embodiments include detection of multiple analytes in a sample utilizing a plurality of analyte binders and a control zone containing multiple control zone capture agents. In some embodiments, the multiple control zone capture agents capture a plurality of binders within one control zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Markovsky, David W. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20210215615
    Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, the assembly generates a test result from an assay and includes an integrated reader and incubator, wherein the incubator incubates the assay as the reader generates the test result. The reader typically has an optical detector aligned with a light source for detecting a plurality of transmission of light on the assay. The result is systems and methods to improve the detection of the presence and/or absence of at least one analyte in a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Markovsky, Stanley E. Charm, Paul E. Graham, Richard T. Skiffington
  • Patent number: 11035764
    Abstract: A method and composition for extracting an analyte from a test sample such as grain, so as to determine whether the test sample is contaminated with a toxin. The method is particularly useful for detecting the presence in a batch of grain of a mycotoxin, such as for example aflatoxin, ochratoxin, T2, zearalanone, vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol a/k/a DON), patulin and fumonisin. Extraction is performed with use of a composition that includes a proteinaceous material, such as albumin, as an extraction agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: John Jabour, Steven J. Saul, Mark E. Tess
  • Patent number: 11009446
    Abstract: Reader observation and monitoring of the imaging of biological development is shown and described. In one embodiment, a method for monitoring biological growth includes identifying an alert from comparing a background value identified on a plate to a non-background value identified on a plate. In particular examples, a pre-filter, threshold, and histogram analysis identifies an alert count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Skiffington, Robert S. Salter, Robert J. Markovsky, Stanley E. Charm, Paul E. Graham, Jovo Djuragic
  • Patent number: 11002683
    Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, the assembly generates a test result from an assay and includes an integrated reader and incubator, wherein the incubator incubates the assay as the reader generates the test result. The reader typically has an optical detector aligned with a light source for detecting a plurality of transmission of light on the assay. The result is systems and methods to improve the detection of the presence and/or absence of at least one analyte in a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Markovsky, Stanley E. Charm, Paul E. Graham, Richard T. Skiffington
  • Patent number: 10988720
    Abstract: Peel plates and plate assemblies are shown and described. In one embodiment, a peel plate assembly includes a semi-rigid plate, a removable cover seal, and an adhesive to provide a moisture vapor barrier. In particular embodiments, the moisture vapor barrier provides less than about one pound peel adhesion and a stiffness for reapplication without wrinkling. The result is a peel plate, assembly, and method for the enumerating a microorganism, when present, in a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Skiffington, Robert Markovsky, Byron D. Roberts, Stanley E. Charm, Benjamin Mathieu, Robert S. Salter
  • Publication number: 20210016271
    Abstract: In-line testing and product delivery assemblies, methods, operations, and systems are shown and described. In one embodiment, an in-line testing and product delivery system includes a supply of product having at least one outlet with a valve closure and a downstream delivery line, a recirculation closed loop in fluid communication with the outlet and supply, and a reader to generate a rapid test result from a single use assay for detection of a presence or an absence of an analyte in the supply. The result provides monitoring of a detection of the analyte to block release of product supply into the delivery line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. MARKOVSKY, Robert SALTER, David W. DOUGLAS, Paul E. GRAHAM, Alan C. TRAN, Ryan N. SULLIVAN
  • Publication number: 20200246792
    Abstract: A single unit assay device, method, and assembly is shown and described. In one embodiment, a self-contained assembly and method analyze a sample for a presence of one or more analytes, residues, and may include comparing visual intensity of a detectable signal of a test area to a visual intensity of a control area. The result is an improved field test for efficient and effective qualitative analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Saul, John Jabour
  • Publication number: 20200217799
    Abstract: System, apparatus, and assemblies for the detection of at least one analyte in a sample are shown and described. The system may be an onboard vehicle system to generate an antibiotic test result from an antibiotic analyte assay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Charm Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Markovsky, Stanley E. Charm, Paul E. Graham, Richard T. Skiffington