Patents by Inventor Charles D. Lemme
Charles D. Lemme 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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Publication number: 20090017491Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that achieve independent and simultaneous processing of a plurality of substrate-supported biological samples. In one embodiment, substrate holders arranged in a minor arc are independently moveable between a processing position and an access position, and reagents are delivered to substrates held in the substrate holders through a nozzle plate that moves along the arc of substrate holders. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly suited for implementation of lean processing of biological samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Charles D. Lemme, William Richards, Glen Ward, Austin Ashby, Andrew Ghusson, Lisa Jensen-Long, Kevin Knapp, Rodney Kugizaki, Alain Larson, Paul Richards, Wayne Showalter, Chad Wilkinson
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Patent number: 7470541Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Ventana Medical System, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Philip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Patent number: 7468161Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon C. Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall B. Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
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Patent number: 7404927Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent and wash solutions brought to the slides.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles D. Lemme, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Patent number: 7396508Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on microscope slides are provided. Individualized slide temperature control is accomplished by the heating system according to the present invention that has thermal platforms radially mounted to the carousel for heating the slides and sensing the temperature of each. The heating system also permits automated de-waxing if necessary.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William Richards, Charles D. Lemme, Kimberly Christensen, Ethel R. Macrea
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Patent number: 7303725Abstract: An automated slide processing apparatus includes a plurality of work stations arranged in a stack, and a transport/elevator for transporting slides between the various work stations.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Patent number: 7270785Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent and wash solutions brought to the slides.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles D. Lemme, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Patent number: 7118918Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Patent number: 6943029Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Patent number: 6827901Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Patent number: 6732950Abstract: An improved gear drive sprinkler has a pop-up spray head adapted for adjustable part-circle or full circle operation to deliver irrigation water over a selected terrain area. The sprinkler includes a pop-up riser; a gear drive transmission mounted within the riser includes a water-driven turbine for rotatably driving a speed reduction gear train, which in turn rotatably drives the spray head. A reverse assembly includes an upper trip unit defining an individually adjustable pair of end trip stops, and a lower shift mechanism including a shiftable director plate having first and second sets of angularly oriented jet nozzles for respective alignment with turbine jet ports for respectively driving the water-driven turbine and the gear train in a forward-drive or a reverse-drive direction. The upper trip is coupled to the director plate by an elongated trip rod which shifts the director plate between forward-drive and reverse drive positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: John W. Ingham, Jr., Jerry D. Lawyer, Charles D. Lemme, Michael A. McAfee, Derek M. Nations, Matthew S. Prucinsky, David E. Steimle
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Publication number: 20040052685Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on microscope slides are provided. Individualized slide temperature control is accomplished by the heating system according to the present invention that has thermal platforms radially mounted to the carousel for heating the slides and sensing the temperature of each. The heating system also permits automated de-waxing if necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William Richards, Charles D. Lemme, Kimberly Christensen, Ethel R. Macrea, Jacques Cavadenti, Catherine Wolf
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Publication number: 20040002163Abstract: An automated slide processing apparatus includes a plurality of work stations arranged in a stack, and a transport/elevator for transporting slides between the various work stations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2003Publication date: January 1, 2004Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Publication number: 20030211630Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on microscope slides are provided. Individualized slide temperature control is accomplished by the heating system according to the present invention that has thermal platforms radially mounted to the carousel for heating the slides and sensing the temperature of each. The heating system also permits automated de-waxing if necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William Richards, Charles D. Lemme, Kimberly Christensen, Ethel R. Macrea
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Patent number: 6582962Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on microscope slides are provided. Individualized slide temperature control is accomplished by the heating system according to the present invention that has thermal platforms radially mounted to the carousel for heating the slides and sensing the temperature of each. The heating system also permits automated de-waxing if necessary.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William Richards, Charles D. Lemme, Kimberly Christensen, Ethel R. Macrea
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Publication number: 20020114733Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Publication number: 20020092924Abstract: An improved gear drive sprinkler has a pop-up spray head adapted for adjustable part-circle or full circle operation to deliver irrigation water over a selected terrain area. The sprinkler includes a pop-up riser having a rotatable spray head mounted at an upper end thereof. A gear drive transmission mounted within the riser includes a water-driven turbine for rotatably driving a speed reduction gear train which in turn rotatably drives the spray head. A reverse assembly includes an upper trip unit defining an individually adjustable pair of end trip stops, and a lower shift mechanism including a shiftable director plate having first and second sets of angularly oriented jet nozzles for respective alignment with turbine jet ports for respectively driving the water-driven turbine and the gear train in a forward-drive or a reverse-drive direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2002Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: John W. Ingham, Jerry D. Lawyer, Charles D. Lemme, Michael A. McAfee, Derek M. Nations, Matthew S. Prucinsky, David E. Steimle
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Publication number: 20020072122Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: June 13, 2002Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Patent number: 6403931Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling heaters in an automated biological apparatus are provided. The heating system has a conversion buffer in between the desired temperature generator and the heating controller. The heating controller is in communication with a slide temperature sensor, which provides feedback to the heating controller, and a heater. Because the slide temperature sensor may inaccurately reflect the actual temperature on the slide, the heating controller may inaccurately heat the slide to an undesired temperature. Thus, the conversion buffer compensates for potential inaccuracies of the heating controller. The desired temperature generator sends the “desired temperature” for the slide to the conversion buffer. The conversion buffer converts the “desired temperature” to an “adjusted temperature” and sends it to the heating controller. The heating controller then controls the heater based upon the “adjusted temperature” and the heating sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Showalter, William L. Richards, Charles D. Lemme
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Publication number: 20020001849Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2001Publication date: January 3, 2002Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William R. Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter