Patents by Inventor Joel R. Termaat
Joel R. Termaat 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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Publication number: 20180223335Abstract: An improved device and system for facilitating polymerase chain reaction including a light source, detector, waveguide, and filters that occupy minimal space and facilitate reduced sample read time and rapid reading of multiple light wavelengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Matthew R. Kreifels, Scott E. Whitney, Joel R. TerMaat
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Patent number: 9932632Abstract: An improved device and system for facilitating polymerase chain reaction including a light source, detector, waveguide, and filters that occupy minimal space and facilitate reduced sample read time and rapid reading of multiple light wavelengths.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Streck, Inc.Inventors: Matthew R. Kreifels, Scott E. Whitney, Joel R. TerMaat
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Publication number: 20170304828Abstract: A thermocycling device and method of operating a thermocycler instrument the instrument including a sample holder, at least one thermal cycling element, and at least one first and second temperature sensors, for causing the sample holder containing the at least one sample to undergo polymerase chain reaction amplification by repeated cycling between at least a denaturation heating stage and an annealing cooling stage. The first temperature corresponding with the temperature of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one first temperature sensor, and a second temperature corresponding with the temperature external of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one second temperature sensor. Based upon the first temperature and the second temperature, the power that is delivered to the at least one thermal cycling element of the instrument is dynamically controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Joel R. TerMaat, Scott E. Whitney, Hendrik J. Viljoen, Matthew Robert Kreifels
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Publication number: 20150238968Abstract: A thermocycler apparatus and method for rapidly performing the PCR process employs at least two thermoelectric modules which are in substantial spatial opposition with an interior space present between opposing modules. One or more multiple sample vessels are placed in between the module such that the vessels are subjected to temperature cycling by the modules. The sample vessels have a minimal internal dimensional that is substantially perpendicular to the modules that facilitates rapid temperature cycling. In embodiments of the invention the sample vessels may be deformable between: a) a shape having a wide mouth to facilitate filling and removing of sample fluids from the vessel, and b) a shape which is thinner for conforming to the sample cavity or interior space between the thermoelectric modules of the thermocycler for more rapid heat transfer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2015Publication date: August 27, 2015Inventors: Joel R. TerMaat, Hendrik J. Viljoen, Scott E. Whitney
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Patent number: 9034635Abstract: A thermocycler apparatus and method for rapidly performing the PCR process employs at least two thermoelectric modules which are in substantial spatial opposition with an interior space present between opposing modules. One or multiple sample vessels are placed in between the modules such that the vessels are subjected to temperature cycling by the modules. The sample vessels have a minimal internal dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the modules that facilitates rapid temperature cycling. In embodiments of the invention the sample vessels may be deformable between: a) a shape having a wide mouth to facilitate filling and removing of sample fluids from the vessel, and b) a shape which is thinner for conforming to the sample cavity or interior space between the thermoelectric modules of the thermocycler for more rapid heat transfer.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Streck, Inc.Inventors: Joel R. Termaat, Hendrik J. Viljoen, Scott E. Whitney
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Patent number: 8889086Abstract: An improved tube including a closure portion, a strap integrally connected to the closure portion and being configured for defining a living hinge, a body portion having a longitudinal axis and an outer wall generally circumscribing the longitudinal axis, and being integrally and hingedly connected with the closure portion by way of the strap. The body portion including a sample portion being generally elongated along the longitudinal axis and being configured for elastic deformation along a portion of its length, including in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis so that at least a portion of the wall structure compressively and resiliently deforms and engages a wall defining an opening in a sample block of a polymerase chain reaction amplification device, and the first outer wall dimension of the sample portion reduces to a smaller second outer wall dimension.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Streck, Inc.Inventors: Hendrik J. Viljoen, Scott E. Whitney, Joel R. TerMaat, Matthew R. Kreifels
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Publication number: 20140045250Abstract: An improved device and system for facilitating polymerase chain reaction including a light source, detector, waveguide, and filters that occupy minimal space and facilitate reduced sample read time and rapid reading of multiple light wavelengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: STRECK, INC.Inventors: Matthew R. Kreifels, Scott E. Whitney, Joel R. TerMaat
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Publication number: 20120269703Abstract: An improved tube including a closure portion, a strap integrally connected to the closure portion and being configured for defining a living hinge, a body portion having a longitudinal axis and an outer wall generally circumscribing the longitudinal axis, and being integrally and hingedly connected with the closure portion by way of the strap. The body portion including a sample portion being generally elongated along the longitudinal axis and being configured for elastic deformation along a portion of its length, including in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis so that at least a portion of the wall structure compressively and resiliently deforms and engages a wall defining an opening in a sample block of a polymerase chain reaction amplification device, and the first outer wall dimension of the sample portion reduces to a smaller second outer wall dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: STRECK, INC.Inventors: Hendrik J. Viljoen, Scott E. Whitney, Joel R. TerMaat, Matthew Robert Kreifels
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Publication number: 20110039305Abstract: A thermocycler apparatus and method for rapidly performing the PCR process employs at least two thermoelectric modules which are in substantial spatial opposition with an interior space present between opposing modules. One or multiple sample vessels are placed in between the modules such that the vessels are subjected to temperature cycling by the modules. The sample vessels have a minimal internal dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the modules that facilitates rapid temperature cycling. In embodiments of the invention the sample vessels may be deformable between: a) a shape having a wide mouth to facilitate filling and removing of sample fluids from the vessel, and b) a shape which is thinner for conforming to the sample cavity or interior space between the thermoelectric modules of the thermocycler for more rapid heat transfer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Joel R. Termaat, Hendrik J. Viljoen, Scott E. Whitney
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Publication number: 20100291536Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for collecting treating and analysis of biological or chemical material by introducing a source material into a specimen container, transferring the source material to a processing device and thermally, chemically and/or mechanically treating the source material to alter at least one constitutive characteristic of the source material and to release or create a target material from the source material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: Streck, Inc.Inventors: Hendrik J. Viljoen, Scott E. Whitney, Joel R. Termaat, Alison Freifeld, Elsje Pienaar
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Publication number: 20100288059Abstract: This invention relates to the collection and handling of biological or chemical specimens. The invention provides a device and a method for collecting and preparing patient samples, such as sputum, to be used in downstream diagnostics tests. The invention reduces the handling and exposure of healthcare workers to the sample by the use of a bag in which hermetic seals are utilized to separate sample aliquots.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: STRECK, INC.Inventors: Hendrik J. Viljoen, Scott E. Whitney, Joel R. Termaat, Alison Freifeld
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Patent number: 6547852Abstract: A method of thermally modulating a tubular member carrying a sample substance therethrough is provided. The method includes the steps of (a) directing at least one gas stream toward a tubular member in a direction substantially transverse to the tubular member, wherein the temperature of the gas stream differs from the temperature of the tubular member; and (b) varying the gas flow rate of the at least one gas stream as a function of time to thermally modulate the tubular member. An apparatus is also provided for thermal modulation and includes: a tubular member for carrying a sample substance therethrough in a fluid medium; a gas stream source for directing a gas stream toward the tubular member in a direction substantially transverse to the tubular member; a gas stream supplied from the source with a temperature that differs from the temperature of the tubular member; and a gas stream of varying gas flow rate supplied from the gas stream source as a function of time to thermally modulate the tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Zoex CorporationInventors: Edward B. Ledford, Jr., Chris A. Billesbach, Joel R. Termaat
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Publication number: 20010037727Abstract: A method of thermally modulating a tubular member carrying a sample substance therethrough is provided. The method includes the steps of (a) directing at least one gas stream toward a tubular member in a direction substantially transverse to the tubular member, wherein the temperature of the gas stream differs from the temperature of the tubular member; and (b) varying the gas flow rate of the at least one gas stream as a function of time to thermally modulate the tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventors: Edward B. Ledford,, Chris A. Billesbach, Joel R. Termaat
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Patent number: D690025Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Streck, Inc.Inventors: Joel R. TerMaat, Matthew R. Kreifels, Scott E. Whitney, Troy M. Just, Jamee Thieman