Patents by Inventor David M. Robbins
David M. Robbins 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: 9447371Abstract: A holding structure for holding a plurality of culture plates in a stacked arrangement includes a feature for de-nesting the bottom culture plate from the plate above it. The de-nesting feature is preferably a structure which urges a plate to move laterally relative to the plate above it. The de-nesting of the bottom culture plate from the adjacent culture plate facilitates withdrawal of the bottom culture plate from the base via a robotic plate transfer mechanism. The de-nesting feature can be entirely passive, such as ramps formed in the base of the holding structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: BIOMERIEUX, INC.Inventors: Bruno Colin, Yaneli Iakimova, Kevin G. Ketsenburg, David M. Robbins, Stéphane Bellet
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Patent number: 9162326Abstract: An incubator is fitted with an enclosure which surrounds the incubator. A cold air generation system supplies relatively cold air to a space formed between enclosure and the incubator. The system supplying the cold air can be embodied in a cart or base upon which the incubator sits. The enclosure is also placed on the base in a manner such that it substantially envelops the incubator. The top of the cart has openings for egress of cold air and return of air so that air may circulate in a closed loop. The incubator, cold air supply system and enclosure present a solution for incubating samples in a nominal 20-25° C. temperature environment. The enclosure, which is preferably insulated, may include a void or opening which exposes doors or other access device of the incubator, allowing direct access to the samples in the incubator while the rest of the incubator is enveloped by the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Fanning, Jacky Yam, David M. Robbins, Kevin G. Ketsenburg, James C. Bishop
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Patent number: 8709344Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: bio Mérieux, Inc.Inventors: James C. Bishop, Lawrence Guerra, Ronnie J. Robinson, Mark J. Fanning, David M. Robbins, Tomasz Taubert, Christopher D. Justice
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Patent number: 8420383Abstract: An incubator is fitted with an enclosure which surrounds the incubator. A cold air generation system supplies relatively cold air to a space formed between enclosure and the incubator. The system supplying the cold air can be embodied in a cart or base upon which the incubator sits. The enclosure is also placed on the base in a manner such that it substantially envelops the incubator. The top of the cart has openings for egress of cold air and return of air so that air may circulate in a closed loop. The incubator, cold air supply system and enclosure present a solution for incubating samples in a nominal 20-25° C. temperature environment. The enclosure, which is preferably insulated, may include a void or opening which exposes doors or other access device of the incubator, allowing direct access to the samples in the incubator while the rest of the incubator is enveloped by the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Biomerieux, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Fanning, Jacky Yam, David M. Robbins, Kevin G. Ketsenburg, James C. Bishop
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Publication number: 20130004287Abstract: A holding structure for holding a plurality of culture plates in a stacked arrangement includes a feature for de-nesting the bottom culture plate from the plate above it. The de-nesting feature is preferably a structure which urges a plate to move laterally relative to the plate above it. The de-nesting of the bottom culture plate from the adjacent culture plate facilitates withdrawal of the bottom culture plate from the base via a robotic plate transfer mechanism. The de-nesting feature can be entirely passive, such as ramps formed in the base of the holding structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: bioMérieux, Inc.Inventors: Bruno Colin, Yaneli lakimova, Kevin G. Ketsenberg, David M. Robbins, Stéphane Bellet
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Publication number: 20120060295Abstract: A gelatinous elastomeric cushion having decreased shear forces applied to the patient by altering the gelatinous elastomeric configuration in certain areas. For example, the decreased gelatinous elastomeric material does not have secondary walls align with each other. Alternatively, the cushion has different gelatinous configurations in different sections of the cushion to intentionally elongate the walls to decrease the shear pressure applied to the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: GAYMAR INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Roland E. Flick, David M. Robbins
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Publication number: 20100311108Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: James C. Bishop, Lawrence Guerra, Ronnie J. Robinson, Mark J. Fanning, David M. Robbins, Tomasz Taubert, Christopher D. Justice
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Publication number: 20100062522Abstract: An incubator is fitted with an enclosure which surrounds the incubator. A cold air generation system supplies relatively cold air to a space formed between enclosure and the incubator. The system supplying the cold air can be embodied in a cart or base upon which the incubator sits. The enclosure is also placed on the base in a manner such that it substantially envelops the incubator. The top of the cart has openings for egress of cold air and return of air so that air may circulate in a closed loop. The incubator, cold air supply system and enclosure present a solution for incubating samples in a nominal 20-25° C. temperature environment. The enclosure, which is preferably insulated, may include a void or opening which exposes doors or other access device of the incubator, allowing direct access to the samples in the incubator while the rest of the incubator is enveloped by the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Mark J. Fanning, Jacky Yam, David M. Robbins, Kevin G. Ketsenburg, James C. Bishop
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Publication number: 20100035338Abstract: A holding structure for holding a plurality of culture plates in a stacked arrangement includes a feature for de-nesting the bottom culture plate from the plate above it. The de-nesting feature is preferably a structure which urges a plate to move laterally relative to the plate above it. The de-nesting of the bottom culture plate from the adjacent culture plate facilitates withdrawal of the bottom culture plate from the base via a robotic plate transfer mechanism. The de-nesting feature can be entirely passive, such as ramps formed in the base of the holding structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Bruno Colin, Yaneli Iakimova, Kevin G. Ketsenburg, David M. Robbins, Stephane Bellet
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Patent number: 7243761Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securely positioning a medical device that prevents movement of one end of the device by applying a single force. The apparatus allows a doctor to depress a pedal, which is connected to a pedal housing by way of a single shaft. Connected to the ends of the shaft are two separate linkage members. The first linkage member is attached to a ratcheting mechanism that steers the pedal into the locked position. The second linkage member is connected to a cam within the pedal housing that drives a spring-loaded plunger assembly. When the pedal is in the locked position the plunger assembly is in contact with the floor, thereby preventing movement of the device. To release the braking device, the doctor depresses the pedal slightly, which causes the ratcheting mechanism to allow the pedal, and therefore the plunger assembly, to return to their unlocked positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Jeffrey W. Pattee, John M. Simmons, David M. Robbins
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Patent number: 6505364Abstract: A patient table, which is movable in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction. The patient table comprises: a base; a patient support surface; a support mechanism connected to the base and the support mechanism moving the patient support surface in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction; and a telescopic cover enclosing the support mechanism, the telescopic cover expanding and constructing with movement of the support mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: John Matthew Simmons, Lonnie B. Weston, Paul A. Jacob, Jeffrey W. Pattee, David M. Robbins
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Patent number: 6470519Abstract: A brake for a medical table (20) includes a speed detector (40) for determining when the table speed is greater than a threshold value. If the table is moving at greater than the threshold value, the brake is prevented from engaging to prevent the patient from being jolted. When the brake is engaged, teeth (91-95) of a brake tooth member (90) mesh with a groove set assembly (70). The teeth have central planes (A). Each of the teeth has sidewalls that define planes (P1 and P2) which make acute angles with respect to the respective central planes. A position detector (110) warns an operator when the brake is not engaged. A linear bearing assembly (125) guides the brake into the engaged position. A pawl assembly (100) hold the brake in the engaged position until released.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Jeffrey W. Pattee, David M. Robbins, Brett A. Karaus
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Publication number: 20020138903Abstract: A patient table, which is movable in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction. The patient table comprises: a base; a patient support surface; a support mechanism connected to said base and said support mechanism moving said patient support surface in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction; and a telescopic cover enclosing said support mechanism, said telescopic cover expanding and constructing with movement of said support mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: John Matthew Simmons, Lonnie B. Weston, Paul A. Jacob, Jeffrey W. Pattee, David M. Robbins