Patents by Inventor Ellen M. Heath

Ellen M. Heath 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: 7893228
    Abstract: Reagents, methods and kits for the purification of RNA from biological materials are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Qiagen North American Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, John M. Wages, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7790865
    Abstract: Eluting reagents and methods for isolating DNA from biological materials are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Qiagen North American Holdings, Inc
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Ruth M. Shuman
  • Patent number: 7786295
    Abstract: An improved method for isolating DNA from biological samples is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Qiegen North American Holdings, Inc
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Nathaniel W. Morken, Kristen Campbell Benedict
  • Patent number: 7776616
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for purifying and isolating nucleic acid. The system uses one or more automated stations to perform steps of the method, including loading a sample onto a solid support in a processing container, purifying the sample, and isolating nucleic acid from the sample. A pump or vacuum may be used in the apparatus of the present invention for supplying fluids to the sample. A pump, vacuum or centrifuge may be used to separate impurities from the sample or to separate nucleic acid from the solid support. Exemplary solid supports and sample processing containers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Qiagen North American Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Ruth M. Shuman
  • Patent number: 7767804
    Abstract: Reagents, methods and kits for the purification of RNA from biological materials are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Qiagen North American Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Jackson Bair, Jr., Ellen M. Heath, Heather Meehan, Kim Elayne Paulsen, John M. Wages, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7670768
    Abstract: Processes for isolating, amplifying, and characterizing DNA from biological materials are provided. DNA is isolated by contacting a biological material on a solid support which is preferably pre-treated with a lysing reagent. The isolation process is simple and efficient and provides a source of purified DNA without the use of harmful organic solvents such as urea and guanidine-based solvents. The purified DNA and remaining fractions of biological material may be characterized or amplified as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Qiagen North American Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Ruth M. Shuman
  • Patent number: 7340324
    Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Qiagen North American Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman, Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7148343
    Abstract: Reagents, methods and kits for the purification of RNA from biological materials are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Jackson Bair, Jr., Ellen M. Heath, Heather Meehan, Kim Elayne Paulsen, John M. Wages, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7018587
    Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman, Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6878340
    Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman, Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20040092731
    Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman, Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6695759
    Abstract: A centrifuge bucket is provided. The centrifuge bucket has a bucket body and a holder plate mounted within the body. The holder plate has a plurality of holder openings therein to receive samples. The centrifuge bucket has a bottom support member having a plurality of support openings. Each of the support openings is precisely aligned with a respective holder opening. An alignment post mechanism is affixed to the bucket. The alignment post mechanism has a mechanism base disposed on the bottom support member and an alignment post attached to the mechanism base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Campbell, Jr., Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell, Sr., Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman
  • Publication number: 20040019196
    Abstract: Reagents, methods and kits for the purification of RNA from biological materials are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Jackson Bair, Ellen M. Heath, Heather Meehan, Kim Elayne Paulsen, John M. Wages
  • Patent number: 6663553
    Abstract: A rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an alignment pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Campbell, Jr., Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell, Sr., Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman
  • Patent number: 6659932
    Abstract: A rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an alignment pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Campbell, Jr., Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell, Sr., Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman
  • Publication number: 20030157492
    Abstract: An improved method for isolating DNA from biological samples is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Nathaniel W. Morken, Kristen Campbell Benedict
  • Publication number: 20030073830
    Abstract: Reagents, methods and kits for the purification of RNA from biological materials are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, John M. Wages
  • Publication number: 20030050170
    Abstract: A rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an alignment pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Campbell, Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell, Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman
  • Publication number: 20030040419
    Abstract: A rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an alignment pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Campbell, Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell, Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman
  • Publication number: 20030040418
    Abstract: A rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an alignment pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Campbell, Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell, Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman