Patents by Inventor Claudio Cherubini

Claudio Cherubini 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: 12253535
    Abstract: A module for an automated laboratory system is disclosed. The module comprises a module connector configured to releasably connect to a component of the automated laboratory system, a detector at least configured to detect at least one component marker located at the component so as to obtain position data of the module indicating an actual position of the module, a processor configured to calculate a position deviation of the module from a target position defined by the component based on the position data and to calculate position alignment data based on the position deviation, and a alignment device configured to align the module to the target position based on the position alignment data. Further, an automated laboratory system and a method for aligning a module are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Andreas Drechsler, Reto Huesser, Ivan Heinzer
  • Patent number: 12208382
    Abstract: The disclosure features methods, fluid delivery platforms, and apparatus for preparing a sample on a substrate that includes a substrate handler configured to move a substrate between a first position and a second position, and a platform positioned so that when the substrate is in the second position, the platform faces the substrate, where the platform includes a fluid delivery area having a second surface formed from a hydrophilic material for which a water contact angle is 40 degrees or less, and a first surface facing the substrate when the substrate is in the second position, formed from a hydrophobic material for which a water contact angle is 100 degrees or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc., Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ertan Ergezen, Stephen Conroy, Rijk Oosterbroek, Claudio Cherubini
  • Publication number: 20240383126
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile robot for a laboratory system, the mobile robot being adapted for transporting sample container carriers and for docking to at least one interface module of the laboratory system, the mobile robot comprising a driving base which is adapted to move the mobile robot over a laboratory floor on which the at least one interface module is to be placed, and a transport module mounted to the driving base, the transport module comprising a transport surface for carrying sample container carriers placed thereon, a sensor unit for detecting misalignment in positioning of the transport surface relative to the interface module upon docking, and an alignment drive unit for adjusting the transport surface relative to the driving base to compensate for detected misalignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Eugen Lusser, Daniel Mueller, Erik Stroeken
  • Publication number: 20240198347
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for automatically removing sealing covers from sample vessels (and/or for automatically sealing or resealing sample vessels with sealing covers, the instrument comprising a vessel holder for holding a sample vessel, and a suction/induction device comprising a suction member for holding a sealing cover, and an induction member comprising at least one induction coil, with the suction/induction device and the vessel holder being arranged in an axially movable manner with regard to each other, and, in use, the at least one induction coil is arranged above a bottom of the suction member. In addition, the present invention relates to a laboratory automation system comprising such instrument as well as a plurality of pre-analytical, analytical and/or post-analytical stations, and also relates to a method of automatically removing sealing covers from sample vessels and a method of automatically sealing or resealing sample vessels with sealing covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Mueller, Claudio Cherubini, Dirk Abeln, Reto Huesser, Marko Simic, Nenad Milicevic, Michael Zeder
  • Patent number: 11890623
    Abstract: A bucket insert for use in a centrifuge is disclosed. The bucket insert comprises an insert body, the insert body comprising a plurality of elongated receptacles for receiving elongated sample vessels. The bucket insert is configured for orienting the elongated sample vessels in a tilted orientation. In the tilted orientation, at least some of the elongated sample vessels are oriented in a non-parallel fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Andreas Drechsler
  • Patent number: 11759888
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a system (1; 1?) for processing at least one substrate (2) containing a dried fluid sample (21) is provided, the system (1; 1?) comprising a support (12) configured to position the substrate (2), a laser device (3) for directing a laser beam (31) to the substrate (2), configured to cut at least one area of the substrate (2) containing the dried fluid sample (21) by means of the laser beam (31), a container holder (4; 4?) configured to hold and position a container (5) for receiving the cut area, the container holder (4; 4?) being arranged below the substrate (2), and an extraction subsystem (6) for extracting fume and/or dust generated when laser cutting the substrate (2), wherein the extraction subsystem (6) consists of at least two extraction components (61, 62) sandwiching the substrate (2) there between. Furthermore, a method for automated processing at least one substrate (2) containing a dried fluid (21) sample by means of such a system (1; 1?) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Andreas Drechsler, Reto Huesser, Emad Sarofim
  • Publication number: 20220203350
    Abstract: The disclosure features methods, fluid delivery platforms, and apparatus for preparing a sample on a substrate that includes a substrate handler configured to move a substrate between a first position and a second position, and a platform positioned so that when the substrate is in the second position, the platform faces the substrate, where the platform includes a fluid delivery area having a second surface formed from a hydrophilic material for which a water contact angle is 40 degrees or less, and a first surface facing the substrate when the substrate is in the second position, formed from a hydrophobic material for which a water contact angle is 100 degrees or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Ertan Ergezen, Stephen Conroy, Rijk Oosterbroek, Claudio Cherubini
  • Patent number: 11278883
    Abstract: The disclosure features methods, fluid delivery platforms, and apparatus for preparing a sample on a substrate that includes a substrate handler configured to move a substrate between a first position and a second position, and a platform positioned so that when the substrate is in the second position, the platform faces the substrate, where the platform includes a fluid delivery area having a second surface formed from a hydrophilic material for which a water contact angle is 40 degrees or less, and a first surface facing the substrate when the substrate is in the second position, formed from a hydrophobic material for which a water contact angle is 100 degrees or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc., Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ertan Ergezen, Stephen Conroy, Rijk Edwin Oosterbroek, Claudio Cherubini
  • Publication number: 20210373042
    Abstract: A module for an automated laboratory system is disclosed. The module comprises a module connector configured to releasably connect to a component of the automated laboratory system, a detector at least configured to detect at least one component marker located at the component so as to obtain position data of the module indicating an actual position of the module, a processor configured to calculate a position deviation of the module from a target position defined by the component based on the position data and to calculate position alignment data based on the position deviation, and a alignment device configured to align the module to the target position based on the position alignment data. Further, an automated laboratory system and a method for aligning a module are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Andreas Drechsler, Reto Huesser, Ivan Heinzer
  • Patent number: 11169061
    Abstract: A method and system for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample is presented. The method uses a rotatable vessel for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample. The rotatable vessel has a longitudinal axis about which the vessel is rotatable, an upper portion having a top opening for receiving the liquid containing the particles, a lower portion for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is resting, the lower portion having a bottom, and an intermediate portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the intermediate portion having a lateral collection chamber for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is rotating. The method employs dedicated acceleration and deceleration profiles for sedimentation and re-suspension of the particles of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Martin Kopp, Nenad Milicevic, Daniel Mueller, Emad Sarofim, Goran Savatic
  • Publication number: 20210283714
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a system (1; 1?) for processing at least one substrate (2) containing a dried fluid sample (21) is provided, the system (1; 1?) comprising a support (12) configured to position the substrate (2), a laser device (3) for directing a laser beam (31) to the substrate (2), configured to cut at least one area of the substrate (2) containing the dried fluid sample (21) by means of the laser beam (31), a container holder (4; 4?) configured to hold and position a container (5) for receiving the cut area, the container holder (4; 4?) being arranged below the substrate (2), and an extraction subsystem (6) for extracting fume and/or dust generated when laser cutting the substrate (2), wherein the extraction subsystem (6) consists of at least two extraction components (61, 62) sandwiching the substrate (2) there between. Furthermore, a method for automated processing at least one substrate (2) containing a dried fluid (21) sample by means of such a system (1; 1?) is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Andreas Drechsler, Reto Huesser, Emad Sarofim
  • Patent number: 11052484
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a system (1; 1?) for processing at least one substrate (2) containing a dried fluid sample (21) is provided, the system (1; 1?) comprising a support (12) configured to position the substrate (2), a laser device (3) for directing a laser beam (31) to the substrate (2), configured to cut at least one area of the substrate (2) containing the dried fluid sample (21) by means of the laser beam (31), a container holder (4; 4?) configured to hold and position a container (5) for receiving the cut area, the container holder (4; 4?) being arranged below the substrate (2), and an extraction subsystem (6) for extracting fume and/or dust generated when laser cutting the substrate (2), wherein the extraction subsystem (6) consists of at least two extraction components (61, 62) sandwiching the substrate (2) there between. Furthermore, a method for automated processing at least one substrate (2) containing a dried fluid (21) sample by means of such a system (1; 1?) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Andreas Drechsler, Reto Huesser, Emad Sarofim
  • Publication number: 20210154684
    Abstract: A bucket insert for use in a centrifuge is disclosed. The bucket insert comprises an insert body, the insert body comprising a plurality of elongated receptacles for receiving elongated sample vessels. The bucket insert is configured for orienting the elongated sample vessels in a tilted orientation. In the tilted orientation, at least some of the elongated sample vessels are oriented in a non-parallel fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Andreas Drechsler
  • Patent number: 10809219
    Abstract: A sensor (100) for detecting a state of a fluid within a microfluidic plate (120) is disclosed. The sensor (100) comprises at least a first planar electrode (102) and a second planar electrode (104) arranged parallel to one another so as to form an electric capacitor (106). The first planar electrode (102) and the second planar electrode (104) are configured to generate an electric field (114) within the fluid, wherein the sensor (100) is configured to detect the state of the fluid by means of a capacitance of the electric capacitor (106). Further, a system (116) for controlling a preparation of a sample including a fluid is disclosed. Furthermore, a method for detecting a state of a fluid within a microfluidic plate (120) is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Michal Dobrzynski, Paul Federer, Thomas Kern, Lukas Schneider
  • Publication number: 20200033240
    Abstract: A method and system for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample is presented. The method uses a rotatable vessel for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample. The rotatable vessel has a longitudinal axis about which the vessel is rotatable, an upper portion having a top opening for receiving the liquid comprising the particles, a lower portion for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is resting, the lower portion having a bottom, and an intermediate portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the intermediate portion having a lateral collection chamber for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is rotating. The method employs dedicated acceleration and deceleration profiles for sedimentation and re-suspension of the particles of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Martin Kopp, Nenad Milicevic, Daniel Mueller, Emad Sarofim, Goran Savatic
  • Publication number: 20190344260
    Abstract: The disclosure features methods, fluid delivery platforms, and apparatus for preparing a sample on a substrate that includes a substrate handler configured to move a substrate between a first position and a second position, and a platform positioned so that when the substrate is in the second position, the platform faces the substrate, where the platform includes a fluid delivery area having a second surface formed from a hydrophilic material for which a water contact angle is 40 degrees or less, and a first surface facing the substrate when the substrate is in the second position, formed from a hydrophobic material for which a water contact angle is 100 degrees or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Ertan Ergezen, Stephen Conroy, Rijk Edwin Oosterbroek, Claudio Cherubini
  • Patent number: 10436685
    Abstract: A method for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample is presented. The method uses a rotatable vessel for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample. The rotatable vessel has a longitudinal axis about which the vessel is rotatable, an upper portion having a top opening for receiving the liquid comprising the particles, a lower portion for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is resting, the lower portion having a bottom, and an intermediate portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the intermediate portion having a lateral collection chamber for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is rotating. The method employs dedicated acceleration and deceleration profiles for sedimentation and re-suspension of the particles of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Martin Kopp, Nenad Milicevic, Daniel Mueller, Emad Sarofim, Goran Savatic
  • Publication number: 20190239975
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for the thermally controlled processing of biological material in a liquid sample in a multiwell plate using magnetic particles. Also disclosed is a corresponding method for the thermally controlled processing of biological material in a liquid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Roland Bernet, Claudio Cherubini, Pius Hermann, Emad Sarofim
  • Publication number: 20180333806
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a system (1; 1?) for processing at least one substrate (2) containing a dried fluid sample (21) is provided, the system (1; 1?) comprising a support (12) configured to position the substrate (2), a laser device (3) for directing a laser beam (31) to the substrate (2), configured to cut at least one area of the substrate (2) containing the dried fluid sample (21) by means of the laser beam (31), a container holder (4; 4?) configured to hold and position a container (5) for receiving the cut area, the container holder (4; 4?) being arranged below the substrate (2), and an extraction subsystem (6) for extracting fume and/or dust generated when laser cutting the substrate (2), wherein the extraction subsystem (6) consists of at least two extraction components (61, 62) sandwiching the substrate (2) there between. Furthermore, a method for automated processing at least one substrate (2) containing a dried fluid (21) sample by means of such a system (1; 1?) is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Andreas Drechsler, Reto Huesser, Emad Sarofim
  • Patent number: 9956559
    Abstract: An instrument and a method for the automated thermal treatment of liquid samples are disclosed. An inter-distance between a temperature-controlled receptacle for loading with a plurality of vessels for containing the samples and end portions of optical fibers can be varied, wherein the receptacle is configured to form a thermal communication with the loaded vessels and wherein the optical fibers have first and second end portions. The first end portion and the second end portion of each optical fiber is fixed with respect to each other for transmitting light, wherein the variation of the in-ter-distance allows the vessels to be loaded to or unloaded from the receptacle and to enable detection of light from the samples contained in the one or more receptacle-loaded vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Cherubini, Roger Iten, Emad Sarofim, Kurt Schildknecht