Patents by Inventor Barry W. Robole

Barry W. Robole has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7435933
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole, Raj Rajagopal
  • Publication number: 20080152546
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Peter D. Ludowise, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7347976
    Abstract: Methods and devices for removing small negatively charged molecules from a biological sample mixture that uses a solid-phase extraction material that includes a hydrophilic solid support at least partially embedded within a hydrophobic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Raj Rajagopal, Vicky L. Morris, William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7332129
    Abstract: Sample processing devices including process chambers having bypass slots and methods of using the same are disclosed. The bypass slots are formed in the sidewalls of the process chambers and are in fluid communication with distribution channels used to deliver fluid sample materials to the process chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Barry W. Robole, William Bedingham
  • Patent number: 7323660
    Abstract: Modular sample processing apparatus kits that can provide a user with the flexibility to customize a disk-based assay in view of a variety of factors are disclosed. The sample processing apparatus kits of the present invention include one or more process modules that can be retained within openings in a frame. The frame and process modules of the sample processing apparatus kits are preferably adapted for use in sample processing systems that compress the apparatus. The process modules may contain different reagents to perform different tests on the same sample materials or a variety of sample materials. As a result, a single sample processing apparatus can be used to perform a variety of different tests and may include a quality control module capable of providing feedback to the user as to the accuracy of the processes run using the sample processing apparatus. Methods of using the sample processing apparatus that include deforming the process modules and frame are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7322254
    Abstract: Sample processing devices with variable valve structures and methods of using the same are disclosed. The valve structures allow for removal of selected portions of the sample material located within the process chamber. Removal of the selected portions is achieved by forming an opening in a valve septum at a desired location. The valve septums may be large enough to allow for adjustment of the location of the opening based on the characteristics of the sample material in the process chamber. If the sample processing device is rotated after the opening is formed, the selected portion of the material located closer to the axis of rotation exits the process chamber through the opening. The remainder of the sample material cannot exit through the opening because it is located farther from the axis of rotation than the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7192560
    Abstract: Methods and devices for removing small negatively charged molecules from a biological sample mixture that uses an anion exchange material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Raj Rajagopal, Erin E. Olson, Frank J. Beissel, IV, William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7164107
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7026168
    Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The sample processing devices provide process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole, Kenneth B. Wood
  • Patent number: 6987253
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Raj Rajagopal, Barry W. Robole, Kannan Seshadri
  • Patent number: 6889468
    Abstract: Sample processing systems and methods of using those systems for processing sample materials located in devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems also include connection apparatus that allow for rapid and easy removal and/or replacement of base plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 6855553
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for processing sample materials that may be presented in a standard microtiter plate are disclosed. The present invention provides a bridge between the standard microtiter plate systems, methods, protocols, etc. with their stationary wells and rotating sample processing devices that allow users to obtain the rapid processing advantages of the newer sample processing devices while retaining the benefits of the standard microtiter plate formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole, James Aysta
  • Patent number: 6814935
    Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The assemblies include carriers and sample processing devices with process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. The carriers may be used to apply selective compression to the sample processing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Harms, William Bedingham, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Barry W. Robole, Kenneth B. Wood
  • Publication number: 20040179974
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for processing sample materials are disclosed. The present invention may provide a bridge between standard microtiter plate systems, methods, protocols, etc. (that include wells arranged in rectangular arrays) and rotating sample processing devices and systems that allow users to obtain the rapid processing advantages of the more advanced sample processing devices. The sample processing devices preferably include a rectangular body to improve compatibility of the sample processing devices of the present invention with equipment designed for use with more conventional microtiter plates (which are typically rectangular in shape). The sample processing devices also include at least one set of process chambers arranged in one or more circular arcs and may include input and/or output chambers arranged in a rectilinear grid array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Publication number: 20040137634
    Abstract: Sample processing devices including process chambers having bypass slots and methods of using the same are disclosed. The bypass slots are formed in the sidewalls of the process chambers and are in fluid communication with distribution channels used to deliver fluid sample materials to the process chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Barry W. Robole, William Bedingham
  • Patent number: 6734401
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for processing sample materials. The sample materials may be located in a plurality of process chambers in the device, which is rotated during heating of the sample materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Raj Rajagopal, Barry W. Robole, Kannan Seshadri
  • Patent number: 6720187
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for processing sample materials are disclosed. The present invention may provide a bridge between standard microtiter plate systems, methods, protocols, etc. (that include wells arranged in rectangular arrays) and rotating sample processing devices and systems that allow users to obtain the rapid processing advantages of the more advanced sample processing devices. The sample processing devices preferably include a rectangular body to improve compatibility of the sample processing devices of the present invention with equipment designed for use with more conventional microtiter plates (which are typically rectangular in shape). The sample processing devices also include at least one set of process chambers arranged in one or more circular arcs and may include input and/or output chambers arranged in a rectilinear grid array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Publication number: 20030138779
    Abstract: Methods and devices for removing small negatively charged molecules from a biological sample mixture that uses an anion exchange material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Raj Rajagopal, Erin E. Olson, Frank J. Beissel, William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Publication number: 20030124506
    Abstract: Sample processing systems and methods of using those systems for processing sample materials located in devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems also include connection apparatus that allow for rapid and easy removal and/or replacement of base plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: D564667
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole