Patents by Inventor Frank Krufka

Frank Krufka 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: 11226346
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for calibrating a photometer in an in-vitro diagnostics analyzer includes generating a cuvette map of a reaction ring identifying a plurality of cuvette locations. The cuvette map is used to identify a plurality of reference measurement areas between the plurality of cuvette locations. A plurality of reference measurements are acquired in the reference measurement areas using the photometer. The photometer is automatically calibrated based on a comparison of the reference measurements to a predetermined standard setup of the photometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Joson K. Joseph, Bestin Abraham, Frank Krufka, Tan Bui
  • Publication number: 20190285659
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for calibrating a photometer in an in-vitro diagnostics analyzer includes generating a cuvette map of a reaction ring identifying a plurality of cuvette locations. The cuvette map is used to identify a plurality of reference measurement areas between the plurality of cuvette locations. A plurality of reference measurements are acquired in the reference measurement areas using the photometer. The photometer is automatically calibrated based on a comparison of the reference measurements to a predetermined standard setup of the photometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Joson K. Joseph, Bestin Abraham, Frank Krufka, Tan Bui
  • Patent number: 9945774
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-channel light measurement system adapted to illuminate and measure a test sample in a vessel. The multi-channel light measurement system has at least one photodetector per channel and a variable integrate and hold circuit coupled to each photodetector, the variable integrate and hold circuit allows adjustment of a sampling factor selected from a group of an integration time, a value of capacitance, an area of a discrete photodetector array, or any combination thereof. The system may readily equilibrate reference intensity output for multiple channels. Methods and apparatus are disclosed, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Krufka
  • Patent number: 9395240
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus adapted to aid in an illumination of a test sample in a test vessel. The method includes sequencing multiple wavelength light sources by turning OFF all but the light source of interest and taking a reading. The illumination apparatus has a bracket with a first and second arms and a space between them adapted to receive a test vessel, an array of light sources and a lens array coupled to the first arm, an array of bandpass filters adapted to filter light signals from each light source, at least one aperture array adapted to limit an extent of light emitted to the test vessel, and a single photo detector coupled to the second arm adapted to receive light signals from each of the light sources without moving the test vessel. Systems are disclosed, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC.
    Inventor: Frank Krufka
  • Publication number: 20150099309
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-channel light measurement system adapted to illuminate and measure a test sample in a vessel. The multi-channel light measurement system has at least one photodetector per channel and a variable integrate and hold circuit coupled to each photodetector, the variable integrate and hold circuit allows adjustment of a sampling factor selected from a group of an integration time, a value of capacitance, an area of a discrete photodetector array, or any combination thereof. The system may readily equilibrate reference intensity output for multiple channels. Methods and apparatus are disclosed, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC.
    Inventor: Frank Krufka
  • Publication number: 20140203173
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus adapted to aid in an illumination of a test sample in a test vessel. The method includes sequencing multiple wavelength light sources by turning OFF all but the light source of interest and taking a reading. The illumination apparatus has a bracket with a first and second arms and a space between them adapted to receive a test vessel, an array of light sources and a lens array coupled to the first arm, an array of bandpass filters adapted to filter light signals from each light source, at least one aperture array adapted to limit an extent of light emitted to the test vessel, and a single photo detector coupled to the second arm adapted to receive light signals from each of the light sources without moving the test vessel. Systems are disclosed, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Krufka
  • Publication number: 20060207322
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor confirms actual physical contact between a probe and a liquid by verifying that any change in capacitance of the sensor is constant over a given time period and thereby is not caused by spurious electrical disturbances or other measuring irregularities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Krufka, Joson Joseph, Arnold Lewis