Patents by Inventor David A. Whitman

David A. Whitman 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: 9725762
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Diasorin S.P.A.
    Inventors: Peter D. Ludowise, David A. Whitman, Kyle C. Armantrout, Maurice Exner, Lucien A. E. Jacky, Michelle Tabb
  • Publication number: 20160040213
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Peter D. Ludowise, David A. Whitman, Kyle C. Armantrout, Maurice Exner, Lucien A.E. Jacky, Michelle Tabb
  • Patent number: 9176103
    Abstract: Chemical indicator compositions comprising a bismuth compound; elemental sulfur; and a compound with relatively high water solubility which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature; a chemical indicator comprising a substrate and the composition coated on at least a portion of a major surface of the substrate; and methods of making and using the chemical indicator are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David A. Whitman, David M. Read, Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Kevin D. Landgrebe, Anthony E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 9168523
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Focus Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Ludowise, David A. Whitman, Kyle C. Armantrout, Maurice Exner, Lucien A. E. Jacky, Michelle Tabb
  • Patent number: 8931331
    Abstract: A system and method for volumetric metering on a sample processing device. The system can include a metering reservoir, and a waste reservoir positioned in fluid communication with a first end of the metering reservoir to catch excess liquid from the metering reservoir that exceeds a selected volume. The system can further include a capillary valve in fluid communication with the second end of the metering reservoir to inhibit liquid from exiting the metering reservoir until desired. The method can include metering the liquid by rotating the sample processing device to exert a first force on the liquid that is insufficient to move the liquid into the capillary valve, and rotating the sample processing device to exert a second force on the liquid that is greater than the first force to move the metered volume of the liquid to the process chamber via the capillary valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Peter D. Ludowise, David A. Whitman, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120293796
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Peter D. Ludowise, David A. Whitman, Kyle C. Armantrout, Maurice Exner, Lucien A.E. Jacky, Michelle Tabb
  • Publication number: 20120291538
    Abstract: A system and method for volumetric metering on a sample processing device. The system can include a metering reservoir, and a waste reservoir positioned in fluid communication with a first end of the metering reservoir to catch excess liquid from the metering reservoir that exceeds a selected volume. The system can further include a capillary valve in fluid communication with the second end of the metering reservoir to inhibit liquid from exiting the metering reservoir until desired. The method can include metering the liquid by rotating the sample processing device to exert a first force on the liquid that is insufficient to move the liquid into the capillary valve, and rotating the sample processing device to exert a second force on the liquid that is greater than the first force to move the metered volume of the liquid to the process chamber via the capillary valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Peter D. Ludowise, David A. Whitman, Feffrey D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110312096
    Abstract: Chemical indicator compositions comprising a bismuth compound; elemental sulfur; and a compound with relatively high water solubility which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature; a chemical indicator comprising a substrate and the composition coated on at least a portion of a major surface of the substrate; and methods of making and using the chemical indicator are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: David A. Whitman, David M. Read, Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Kevin D. Landgrebe, Anthony E. Bennett