Patents by Inventor Brian J. McKeen
Brian J. McKeen 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: 10345205Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, James L. Dowling, David Zahniser, Stephen Conroy
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Patent number: 10175153Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of biological specimens for examination. The disclosed systems and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a biological specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation cycles for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining biological specimens.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Lapen, David Zahniser, Mark Licari, Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, Dennis Poole
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Publication number: 20180238781Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein features a substrate arm and gripper, a platform having a top surface located opposite the substrate when the substrate arm is in a specimen processing position and featuring at least one fluid port located on a surface of the platform facing the substrate and at least one vacuum port located on the surface of the platform facing the substrate, and during operation, the apparatus is configured to (a) dispense a first quantity of fluid from the at least one fluid port to fill a separation between the substrate and the platform, (b) dispense an additional quantity of fluid from the at least one fluid port into the separation to displace a portion of the first quantity of fluid, and (c) remove the portion of the first quantity of fluid from the separation through the at least one vacuum port.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: Daniel Lapen, David Zahniser, Mark Licari, Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, Dennis Poole, Stephen Conroy
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Patent number: 9891147Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein features a substrate arm and gripper, a platform having a top surface located opposite the substrate when the substrate arm is in a specimen processing position and featuring at least one fluid port located on a surface of the platform facing the substrate and at least one vacuum port located on the surface of the platform facing the substrate, and during operation, the apparatus is configured to (a) dispense a first quantity of fluid from the at least one fluid port to fill a separation between the substrate and the platform, (b) dispense an additional quantity of fluid from the at least one fluid port into the separation to displace a portion of the first quantity of fluid, and (c) remove the portion of the first quantity of fluid from the separation through the at least one vacuum port.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Lapen, David Zahniser, Mark Licari, Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, Dennis Poole, Stephen Conroy
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Publication number: 20170241875Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, James L. Dowling, David Zahniser, Stephen Conroy
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Patent number: 9588026Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, James L. Dowling, David Zahniser, Stephen Conroy
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Patent number: 9435818Abstract: Sample transport systems are described that move a sample carrier from one station to a next station in a sample processing systems. The systems include: a translating member; two or more sample carrier retaining devices attached to the translating member, wherein each of the two or more sample carrier retaining devices can include a retainer portion to temporarily retain one or more sample carriers; and a movement mechanism to move the translating member and the attached sample carrier retaining devices between a first position and a second position; wherein the sample carrier retaining devices are controlled and moved simultaneously to retain a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the first position and to release a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the second position to successively advance sample carriers in the sample processing systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, James L. Dowling
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Publication number: 20160209302Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of biological specimens for examination. The disclosed systems and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a biological specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation cycles for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining biological specimens.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2015Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Daniel Lapen, David Zahniser, Mark Licari, Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, Dennis Poole
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Publication number: 20160018302Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein features a substrate arm and gripper, a platform having a top surface located opposite the substrate when the substrate arm is in a specimen processing position and featuring at least one fluid port located on a surface of the platform facing the substrate and at least one vacuum port located on the surface of the platform facing the substrate, and during operation, the apparatus is configured to (a) dispense a first quantity of fluid from the at least one fluid port to fill a separation between the substrate and the platform, (b) dispense an additional quantity of fluid from the at least one fluid port into the separation to displace a portion of the first quantity of fluid, and (c) remove the portion of the first quantity of fluid from the separation through the at least one vacuum port.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Lapen, David Zahniser, Mark Licari, Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, Dennis Poole, Stephen Conroy
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Publication number: 20150276565Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, James L. Dowling
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Patent number: 9116087Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of biological specimens for examination. The disclosed systems and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a biological specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation cycles for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining biological specimens.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Lapen, David Zahniser, Mark Licari, Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, Dennis Poole
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Patent number: 9057672Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, James L. Dowling
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Patent number: 8454908Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of biological specimens for examination. The disclosed systems and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a biological specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation cycles for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining biological specimens.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Constitution Medical, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Lapen, David Zahniser, Mark Licari, Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, Dennis Poole
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Publication number: 20130020175Abstract: Sample transport systems are described that move a sample carrier from one station to a next station in a sample processing systems. The systems include: a translating member; two or more sample carrier retaining devices attached to the translating member, wherein each of the two or more sample carrier retaining devices can include a retainer portion to temporarily retain one or more sample carriers; and a movement mechanism to move the translating member and the attached sample carrier retaining devices between a first position and a second position; wherein the sample carrier retaining devices are controlled and moved simultaneously to retain a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the first position and to release a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the second position to successively advance sample carriers in the sample processing systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: CONSTITUTION MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, James L. Dowling
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Publication number: 20130019697Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: CONSTITUTION MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, James L. Dowling
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Publication number: 20120149050Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of biological specimens for examination. The disclosed systems and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a biological specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation cycles for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining biological specimens.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: CONSTITUTION MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Daniel Lapen, David Zahniser, Mark Licari, Brian J. McKeen, Eric D. Yeaton, Dennis Poole
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Patent number: 6844992Abstract: An opto-mechanical platform for supporting truncated optical elements having at least one substantially flat side surface is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the opto-mechanical platform may be realized as an apparatus for supporting truncated optical elements having at least one substantially flat side surface. Such an apparatus may comprise a platform having a substantially flat surface area for supporting the substantially flat side surface of the truncated optical elements. Such an apparatus may also comprise at least one substantially vertical wall formed on at least a portion of the platform for providing mechanical rigidity to the platform.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Confluent Photonics CorporationInventors: Thomas A. Schaefer, Gregory G. Cappiello, Ninghui Zhu, Kurt E. Abdelmaseh, Evgueni V. Babenko, William J. Hubbard, Kevin J. McIntyre, Brian J. McKeen, Paul Ouellette, Andrew Radl, Dick Rolfe
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Publication number: 20030179472Abstract: An opto-mechanical platform for supporting truncated optical elements having at least one substantially flat side surface is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the opto-mechanical platform may be realized as an apparatus for supporting truncated optical elements having at least one substantially flat side surface. Such an apparatus may comprise a platform having a substantially flat surface area for supporting the substantially flat side surface of the truncated optical elements. Such an apparatus may also comprise at least one substantially vertical wall formed on at least a portion of the platform for providing mechanical rigidity to the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Thomas A. Schaefer, Gregory G. Cappiello, Ninghui Zhu, Kurt E. Abdelmaseh, Evgueni V. Babenko, William J. Hubbard, Kevin J. McIntyre, Brian J. McKeen, Paul Ouellette, Andrew Radl, Dick Rolfe