Patents by Inventor Brett McDonald
Brett McDonald 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).
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Patent number: 11579053Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donald M. Barnett, Robert Javier Cisneroz, Timothy Brett McDonald, Christopher OHaire, Jason Ruhl, John Charles Tessen
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Publication number: 20220026321Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Donald M. Barnett, Robert Javier Cisneroz, Timothy Brett McDonald, Christopher OHaire, Jason Ruhl, John Charles Tessen
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Patent number: 11162878Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donald M. Barnett, Robert Javier Cisneroz, Timothy Brett McDonald, Christopher OHaire, Jason Ruhl, John Charles Tessen
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Patent number: 11074347Abstract: A delta file may be assembled for use in updating software on a networked device. The delta file may include at least one manifest, and each manifest may be associated with a subset of files (e.g., replacement and/or upgrade files for the networked device). The subset(s) of files may be selected based on a wide range of criteria. In an example, subsets may be selected based on rules that regulate when files are allowed to change. Subsets may also be defined based on the device associated with the files (e.g., a metrology device or a communications device). Any desired criteria/criterion may be used to define a subset of files. The delta file may be transmitted to the networked device. On the networked device, the subset(s) of files may be verified against data corruption, actions of bad actors, and/or unexpected changes at runtime.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Adithya Krishna Murthy, Brett McDonald, Krishna Vinay Gambali, Daniel Sullivan, Kevin David Guthrie
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Publication number: 20210164910Abstract: The present invention relates to testing biological or industrial samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2019Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: David JONES, Timothy Brett MCDONALD, Faiyaz TAMBUWALA, Joseph Ignatius Maria VAN DER PLAS, India Shaw ELSDON, Geoffrey Charles FIELD, Alina Kaye LOSCHER, Say Leong Melvin CHOO, Alexia Isabelle Diane Marie TROLLIET
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Publication number: 20200293658Abstract: A delta file may be assembled for use in updating software on a networked device. The delta file may include at least one manifest, and each manifest may be associated with a subset of files (e.g., replacement and/or upgrade files for the networked device). The subset(s) of files may be selected based on a wide range of criteria. In an example, subsets may be selected based on rules that regulate when files are allowed to change. Subsets may also be defined based on the device associated with the files (e.g., a metrology device or a communications device). Any desired criteria/criterion may be used to define a subset of files. The delta file may be transmitted to the networked device. On the networked device, the subset(s) of files may be verified against data corruption, actions of bad actors, and/or unexpected changes at runtime.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Adithya Krishna Murthy, Brett McDonald, Krishna Vinay Gambali, Daniel Sullivan, Kevin David Guthrie
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Publication number: 20170097289Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Donald M. Barnett, Robert Javier Cisneroz, Timothy Brett McDonald, Christopher OHaire, Jason Ruhl, John Charles Tessen
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Patent number: 9454357Abstract: A system set of a utility node device, such as a kernel and/or root file system, may be updated by utilizing a multi-system set configuration. For example, the multi-system set configuration may include a first system set that is generally configured to act as an “active” set, a second system set (e.g., “idle” set) that is configured to operate when the first system set is non-operational or in an “idle” state, and a third system set that is configured to operate when the first and second system sets are non-operational. During an update of a system set, an update package may be applied to the second “idle” system set, while the first “active” system set remains operational. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Brett McDonald, Samuel Lee Whitfield, Gregory Shane Barrett, Kevin David Guthrie, Scott Michael Collins
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Publication number: 20150095900Abstract: A system set of a utility node device, such as a kernel and/or root file system, may be updated by utilizing a multi-system set configuration. For example, the multi-system set configuration may include a first system set that is generally configured to act as an “active” set, a second system set (e.g., “idle” set) that is configured to operate when the first system set is non-operational or in an “idle” state, and a third system set that is configured to operate when the first and second system sets are non-operational. During an update of a system set, an update package may be applied to the second “idle” system set, while the first “active” system set remains operational. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Brett McDonald, Samuel Lee Whitfield, Gregory Shane Barrett, Kevin David Guthrie, Scott Michael Collins
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Patent number: 8938730Abstract: A system set of a utility node device, such as a kernel and/or root file system, may be updated by utilizing a multi-system set configuration. For example, the multi-system set configuration may include a first system set that is generally configured to act as an “active” set, a second system set (e.g., “idle” set) that is configured to operate when the first system set is non-operational or in an “idle” state, and a third system set that is configured to operate when the first and second system sets are non-operational. During an update of a system set, an update package may be applied to the second “idle” system set, while the first “active” system set remains operational. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Brett McDonald, Samuel Lee Whitfield, Gregory Shane Barrett, Kevin David Guthrie, Scott Collins
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Patent number: 8924950Abstract: Software and/or firmware of a utility node device may be updated by utilizing an update package that includes multiple update items related to different types of the software and/or firmware. The utility node device may selectively install one or more of the multiple update items based on a type of the software and/or firmware that is currently installed on the device. The different types of software and/or firmware may relate to different versions of the software and/or firmware and/or different types of hardware. In some instances, an update item of the update package comprises a delta file that contains differences between different versions of the software and/or firmware. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Brett McDonald, Samuel Lee Whitfield, Gregory Shane Barrett, Kevin David Guthrie, Scott Collins
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Patent number: 8900857Abstract: A mould and tissue cassette for automated embedding of tissue, and a method of operation are disclosed. The mould attaches to the cassette prior to embedding, and fits into a rack. The rack supports the mould holding the tissue cassette when the mould and cassette are in a first position. When the mould and cassette are moved to a second position, a projection on the rack separates the mould from the cassette, to facilitate easy removal. Also disclosed is a mould for a tissue cassette having projections for holding the mould to a rack, so that the tissue cassette is not in contact with the mould.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty LtdInventors: Ian Emil Sohn, Chester Henderson, Timothy Brett McDonald, Richard John Louis Gardner
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Publication number: 20140173580Abstract: A system set of a utility node device, such as a kernel and/or root file system, may be updated by utilizing a multi-system set configuration. For example, the multi-system set configuration may include a first system set that is generally configured to act as an “active” set, a second system set (e.g., “idle” set) that is configured to operate when the first system set is non-operational or in an “idle” state, and a third system set that is configured to operate when the first and second system sets are non-operational. During an update of a system set, an update package may be applied to the second “idle” system set, while the first “active” system set remains operational. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Brett McDonald, Samuel Lee Whitfield, Gregory Shane Barrett, Kevin David Guthrie, Scott Collins
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Publication number: 20140173579Abstract: Software and/or firmware of a utility node device may be updated by utilizing an update package that includes multiple update items related to different types of the software and/or firmware. The utility node device may selectively install one or more of the multiple update items based on a type of the software and/or firmware that is currently installed on the device. The different types of software and/or firmware may relate to different versions of the software and/or firmware and/or different types of hardware. In some instances, an update item of the update package comprises a delta file that contains differences between different versions of the software and/or firmware. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Brett McDonald, Samuel Lee Whitfield, Gregory Shane Barrett, Kevin David Guthrie, Scott Collins
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Publication number: 20110201106Abstract: A mould and tissue cassette for automated embedding of tissue, and a method of operation are disclosed. The mould attaches to the cassette prior to embedding, and fits into a rack. The rack supports the mould holding the tissue cassette when the mould and cassette are in a first position. When the mould and cassette are moved to a second position, a projection on the rack separates the mould from the cassette, to facilitate easy removal. Also disclosed is a mould for a tissue cassette having projections for holding the mould to a rack, so that the tissue cassette is not in contact with the mould.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS MELBOURNE PTY LTDInventors: Ian Emil Sohn, Chester Henderson, Timothy Brett McDonald, Richard John Louis Gardner
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Publication number: 20080092132Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for upgrading firmware associated with one or more metrology devices and adjunct devices. Methods are disclosed for broadcast transmission of portions of a firmware image file from an originating device over a network connecting multiple devices to be upgraded. The entire image file may be transmitted as segments to be assembled by the end devices. Broadcast segments not properly received from the originating device may be retried directly from the originating device or from neighbors correctly receiving the segment. A viral propagation methodology is disclosed as an alternative to portions of the broadcast methodology.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventors: Michael Stuber, Brett McDonald, Kevin Guthrie, Eugene Falendysz
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Publication number: 20080071930Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing a Native Network Interface within an Advanced Metering System (AMS). The Native Network Interface provides the ability to plug in different low level network transport layers into a metering system to provide access to the physical network protocol from a C12.22 protocol stack in C12.22 Host applications. The design includes a base class having selected capabilities that may be reused in development of a transport layer for providing reliable message transport between communications system coupled components in an Advanced Metering System.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Kenneth Holbrook, Brett McDonald