Patents by Inventor Frank Stephen Krufka

Frank Stephen 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).

  • Liquid flow and control in a biological test array
    Patent number: 6627432
    Abstract: A microbiological test array with a generally flat base having a plurality of upwardly projecting microwells connected by a microchannel to an open reservoir formed in a top surface generally parallel to the base of the test array. The reservoir has an opening to permit an inoculum-broth liquid solution to flow from the reservoir through the microchannel, to a sacrificial evaporation well having an air vent port adapted to control a vacuum filling process, and subsequently to be distributed into each of the plurality of microwells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Francis Farina, Samuel Garfield Ferguson, Jr., Peter Louis Gebrian, Frank Stephen Krufka, John Charles Mazza, Nicholas Michael Shmel, Jr.
  • Method for minimizing optical interference during antibiotic susceptibility readings in a microbiological analyzer
    Patent number: 6582929
    Abstract: Performing antibiotic testing on samples contained in test arrays by orienting the arrays relative to the direction of gravity so that test solution within the microwells is drawn downwards and air within the microwells is forced to the uppermost portion of the test array. Antibiotic testing is conducted using an interrogating beam of radiation passing horizontally through the microwells at locations devoid of air bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Dade Microscan Inc.
    Inventors: William David Dunfee, Bruce McLean Gemmell, Edward Stephen Kaminski, John Charles Mazza, Edward Francis Farina, Frank Stephen Krufka
  • Method for minimizing optical interference during antibiotic susceptibility readings in a microbiological analyzer
    Publication number: 20020155516
    Abstract: Performing antibiotic testing on samples contained in test arrays by orienting the arrays relative to the direction of gravity so that test solution within the microwells is drawn downwards and air within the microwells is forced to the uppermost portion of the test array. Antibiotic testing is conducted using an interrogating beam of radiation passing horizontally through the microwells at locations devoid of air bubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: William David Dunfee, Bruce McLean Gemmell, Edward Stephen Kaminski, John Charles Mazza, Edward Francis Farina, Frank Stephen Krufka
  • Liquid flow and control in a biological test array
    Publication number: 20020119561
    Abstract: A microbiological test array with a generally flat base having a plurality of upwardly projecting microwells connected by a microchannel to an open reservoir formed in a top surface generally parallel to the base of the test array. The reservoir has an opening to permit an inoculum-broth liquid solution to flow from the reservoir through the microchannel, to a sacrificial evaporation well having an air vent port adapted to control a vacuum filling process, and subsequently to be distributed into each of the plurality of microwells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Edward Francis Farina, Samuel Garfield Ferguson, Peter Louis Gebrian, Frank Stephen Krufka, John Charles Mazza, Nicholas Michael Shmel