Patents by Inventor James Clement Bishop
James Clement Bishop 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: 11104931Abstract: A method and automated apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample is described herein. The apparatus may include one or more means for automated loading, automated transfer and/or automated unloading of a specimen container. The apparatus also includes a detection system for receiving a detection container, e.g., container or vial, containing a biological sample and culture media. The detection system may also include one or more heated sources, holding structures or racks, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent therein. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: Ronnie J. Robinson, Mark Joseph Fanning, Stanley Michael Philipak, Richard Scott Remes, James Clement Bishop, Gary W. Sommer, Lawrence E Guerra, Michael A Herron
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Patent number: 10760042Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: James Clement Bishop, Mark Joseph Fanning, Lawrence E Guerra
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Publication number: 20180298418Abstract: A method and automated apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample is described herein. The apparatus may include one or more means for automated loading, automated transfer and/or automated unloading of a specimen container. The apparatus also includes a detection system for receiving a detection container, e.g., container or vial, containing a biological sample and culture media. The detection system may also include one or more heated sources, holding structures or racks, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent therein. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Ronnie J. Robinson, Mark Joseph Fanning, Stanley Michael Philipak, Richard Scott Remes, James Clement Bishop, Gary W. Sommer, Lawrence E. Guerra, Michael A. Herron
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Patent number: 10006074Abstract: A method and automated apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample is described herein. The apparatus may include one or more means for automated loading, automated transfer and/or automated unloading of a specimen container. The apparatus also includes a detection system for receiving a detection container, e.g., container or vial, containing a biological sample and culture media. The detection system may also include one or more heated sources, holding structures or racks, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent therein. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: Ronnie J. Robinson, Mark Joseph Fanning, Stanley Michael Philipak, Richard Scott Remes, James Clement Bishop, Gary W. Sommer, Lawrence E. Guerra, Michael A. Herron
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Patent number: 10006075Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated loading mechanism for loading an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: Richard Scott Remes, Stanley Michael Philipak, Mark Joseph Fanning, Ronnie J. Robinson, James Clement Bishop, Lawrence E. Guerra, Andrew Scherer, Anthony Valentino
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Publication number: 20150368606Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: James Clement Bishop, Mark Joseph Fanning, Lawrence E. Guerra
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Patent number: 9150900Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: James Clement Bishop, Mark Joseph Fanning, Lawrence E. Guerra
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Patent number: 8741655Abstract: A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots or voids that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Biomerieux, IncInventors: Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Stanley Michael Philipak, Mark Joseph Fanning
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Patent number: 8623293Abstract: A sealer for a sample testing instrument is disclosed that cuts and seals a fluid conduit that connects a test sample device with a fluid receptacle containing a fluid sample. The sealer includes an enclosure and a protective shield to protect a user or technician from contact with the cutting element assembly in the sealer. The cutting element assembly includes a spring-loaded element that engages the test sample device and holds it in a fixed position while a cutting element (e.g., hot wire) cuts the fluid conduit. A motor driving the cutting element assembly is positioned at an angle having both vertical and horizontal components, whereby adjustment of the motor firmware allows for adjustment of the position of the cutting element relative to the instrument in both horizontal and vertical directions.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Biomerieux, Inc.Inventors: James Clement Bishop, Michael J. Justin, Mark Joseph Fanning
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Patent number: 8512636Abstract: An integrated instrument processes fluid test samples using disposable test devices. The test devices are carried in a carrier. The instrument includes a vacuum station receiving the carrier for batch loading of the test devices with fluid samples to be tested. The user removes the carrier from the vacuum station and inserts it into a loading station of a separate carrier and test device processing subsystem. This subsystem includes a transport system moving the carrier through the instrument where various modules perform operations on the test devices, including sealing the test devices, loading the test devices into an incubation station, incubation of the test devices, test device reading, and test device disposal.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Biomerieux, Inc.Inventors: Ross Blanton, Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Jacky S. Yam, Robert J. Polster, Mark Joseph Fanning
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Publication number: 20110124029Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated loading mechanism for loading an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: BIOMERIEUX, INC.Inventors: Richard Scott Remes, Stanley Michael Philipak, Mark Joseph Fanning, Ronnie J. Robinson, James Clement Bishop, Lawrence E. Guerra, Andrew Scherer, Anthony Valentino
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Publication number: 20110124038Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: BIOMERIEUX, INC.Inventors: JAMES CLEMENT BISHOP, MARK JOSEPH FANNING, LAWRENCE E. GUERRA
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Publication number: 20110124028Abstract: A method and automated apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample is described herein. The apparatus may include one or more means for automated loading, automated transfer and/or automated unloading of a specimen container. The apparatus also includes a detection system for receiving a detection container, e.g., container or vial, containing a biological sample and culture media. The detection system may also include one or more heated sources, holding structures or racks, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent therein. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: BIOMERIEUX, INC.Inventors: RONNIE J. ROBINSON, MARK JOSEPH FANNING, STANLEY MICHAEL PHILIPAK, RICHARD SCOTT REMES, JAMES CLEMENT BISHOP, GARY W. SOMMER, LAWRENCE E. GUERRA, MICHAEL A. HERRON
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Patent number: 7601300Abstract: An integrated instrument processes fluid test samples using disposable test devices. The test devices are carried in a carrier. The instrument includes a vacuum station receiving the carrier for batch loading of the test devices with fluid samples to be tested. The user removes the carrier from the vacuum station and inserts it into a loading station of a separate carrier and test device processing subsystem. This subsystem includes a transport system moving the carrier through the instrument where various modules perform operations on the test devices, including sealing the test devices, loading the test devices into an incubation station, incubation of the test devices, test device reading, and test device disposal.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Biomérieux, Inc.Inventors: Ross Mitchell Blanton, Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Jacky S. Yam, Robert J. Polster, Mark Joseph Fanning
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Patent number: 7578978Abstract: A carrier for holding up to N test sample devices as they are moved through a sample testing instrument. Each of the test sample devices are held in a receiving structure such as a slot in the carrier. The carrier also includes N optical interrupt positioning features, each placed in registry with one of the receiving structures (and thereby in registry with the test sample device). The instrument includes fixed optical interrupt sensors for detecting the position of the positioning feature as the carrier is moved through the instrument. In the illustrated embodiment, the position features comprise voids formed in a rib on the lower surface of the carrier. The optical interrupt sensors are positioned below the path the carrier travels over, whereby as the carrier moves past the sensor the voids, and hence position of the test sample devices, are detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: bioMérieux, Inc.Inventors: Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Douglas L. Hopper, Mark Joseph Fanning
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Patent number: 7556770Abstract: A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: bioMérieux, Inc.Inventors: Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Stanley Michael Philipak, Mark Joseph Fanning
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Patent number: 7510681Abstract: A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: bio Mérieux, Inc.Inventors: Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Stanley Michael Philipak, Mark Joseph Fanning
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Publication number: 20080314527Abstract: A sealer for a sample testing instrument is disclosed that cuts and seals a fluid conduit that connects a test sample device with a fluid receptacle containing a fluid sample. The sealer includes an enclosure and a protective shield to protect a user or technician from contact with the cutting element assembly in the sealer. The cutting element assembly includes a spring-loaded element that engages the test sample device and holds it in a fixed position while a cutting element (e.g., hot wire) cuts the fluid conduit. A motor driving the cutting element assembly is positioned at an angle having both vertical and horizontal components, whereby adjustment of the motor firmware allows for adjustment of the position of the cutting element relative to the instrument in both horizontal and vertical directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: James Clement Bishop, Michael James Justin, Mark Joseph Fanning
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Patent number: 7429355Abstract: A sealer for a sample testing instrument is disclosed that cuts and seals a fluid conduit that connects a test sample device with a fluid receptacle containing a fluid sample. The sealer includes an enclosure and a protective shield to protect a user or technician from contact with the cutting element assembly in the sealer. The cutting element assembly includes a spring-loaded element that engages the test sample device and holds it in a fixed position while a cutting element (e.g., hot wire) cuts the fluid conduit. A motor driving the cutting element assembly is positioned at an angle having both vertical and horizontal components, whereby adjustment of the motor firmware allows for adjustment of the position of the cutting element relative to the instrument in both horizontal and vertical directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: James Clement Bishop, Michael James Justin, Mark Joseph Fanning
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Publication number: 20080216590Abstract: An integrated instrument processes fluid test samples using disposable test devices. The test devices are carried in a carrier. The instrument includes a vacuum station receiving the carrier for batch loading of the test devices with fluid samples to be tested. The user removes the carrier from the vacuum station and inserts it into a loading station of a separate carrier and test device processing subsystem. This subsystem includes a transport system moving the carrier through the instrument where various modules perform operations on the test devices, including sealing the test devices, loading the test devices into an incubation station, incubation of the test devices, test device reading, and test device disposal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: Ross Mitchell Blanton, Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Jacky S. Yam, Robert J. Polster, Mark Joseph Fanning