Patents by Inventor John Favuzzi
John Favuzzi 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: 8298815Abstract: Systems and methods of sample processing and temperature control are disclosed. The invention may especially relate to temperature control, and may in some embodiments be methods of temperature control of an automated sample processing system and methods of automated sample processing. Specifically, the present invention provides temperature control in relation to sample processing systems and methods of processing samples, and in some embodiments provides temperature control in relation to sample carriers and processing materials such as reagents. Corresponding systems and devices are disclosed, including sample processing systems (1), sample carrier temperature regulation systems (60), reagent temperature regulation systems, sample processing control systems, and temperature regulation devices, among other embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: Kristopher Buchanan, Marc Key, John Favuzzi, Rosanne Welcher, Benno Guggenheimer, Robert Clark, Michael Barber, Bob Lathrop
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Patent number: 8257968Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus (1) for staining tissue samples, said apparatus (1) including a reagent section (2) or reagent containers (3); at least one staining section or tissue samples, a robotic head (22) or robotic element (20) that may move reagent to a predetermined tissue sample, said robotic element (20) being moveable above the reagent and the staining sections, a control element (85) that may manage a staining process, a 2-D optical sensor (86) to detect two-dimensional image data of a relevant property and that can feed the captured image data to the control element (86). By providing the robotic element (20) with a 2-D optical sensor (86), a common image processor may be provided having multiple functions. By using a 2-D optical image processing system, the control system of the apparatus may easily be adapted to read various types of data presentations, just as actual images for sections of the apparatus may be identified in order to assess the condition of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: Doug Sweet, Marc Key, Gordon Feingold, Kristopher S. Buchanan, Bob Lathrop, John Favuzzi
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Publication number: 20120179293Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention allow for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Gordon Alan Feingold, James B. Gilmartin, Mark Richard Holbrook, John A. Favuzzi, Marc E. Key
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Patent number: 8216512Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: Lars Winther, Marc Key, Kristopher S. Buchanan, John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer
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Publication number: 20110167930Abstract: A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Gordon Feingold, Marc Key, Rosanne Welchert, John Favuzzi
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Patent number: 7937228Abstract: A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: Gordon Feingold, Marc Key, Rosanne Welcher, John Favuzzi
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Patent number: 7875245Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic processing a biological sample on a carrier, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system using a sample process parameter input that may be independent and an independent process parameter memory that does not interrupt process operation when being used, such that samples may be added or removed without interrupting the processing of other samples. Also included is an image capture function for sample and reagent identification and process monitoring, as well as temperature regulation and environmental control functions.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: John A. Favuzzi, Kristopher S. Buchanan, Michael T. Barber, Loren L. Bland, Dawn M. Rohrbacker, Robert M. Clark, Gordon A. Feingold, Benno M. Guggenheimer, Marc E. Key, Merritt M. Martin, Jr., Robert L. Lathrop, Jeffery L. Rau, Jonathan R. Sweda, Douglas F. Sweet, John E. Van Bosch, Lars Winther, Rosanne Welcher
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Patent number: 7850912Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous workflow processing of biological samples. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a probe for dispensing one or more reagents from one or more reagent containers onto one or more biological sample carriers. The method and apparatus includes processing each biological sample according to a respective sequence of protocol steps which may be ordered by a scheduler protocol. The method and apparatus also includes network capability for connectivity with additional equipment for receiving or transmitting pertinent data via the network.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: John A. Favuzzi, Marc E. Key, Robert L. Lathrop, Gordon A. Feingold, Rosanne Welcher
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Patent number: 7758809Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatic staining of at least one tissue sample accommodated on a slide by applying reagents. The system may include at least one slide provided in a slide rack, a fluid containment element, a slide holder, a vertical slide positioner to pivot the slides to a vertical position, and a slide immerser element to immerse the vertical slide into a fluid containment element or even a dip tank. By pivoting the slides from a horizontal to a vertical position, an automated method and apparatus for carrying out a pretreatment in an automated staining apparatus may be provided. The pivoting of slides may ensure an appropriate orientation of the slides for both the pretreatment and the staining processes.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Dako Cytomation Denmark A/SInventors: John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer, Jeff Rau, Marc Key, Robert Lathrop, Rosanne Welcher
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Publication number: 20100081167Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatic staining of at least one tissue sample accommodated on a slide by applying reagents. The system may include at least one slide provided in a slide rack, a fluid containment element, a slide holder, a vertical slide positioner to pivot the slides to a vertical position, and a slide immerser element to immerse the vertical slide into a fluid containment element or even a dip tank. By pivoting the slides from a horizontal to a vertical position, an automated method and apparatus for carrying out a pretreatment in an automated staining apparatus may be provided. The pivoting of slides may ensure an appropriate orientation of the slides for both the pretreatment and the staining processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer, Jeff Rau, Marc Key, Robert Lathrop, Rosanne Welcher
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Publication number: 20100017030Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention allow for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Gordon Alan Feingold, James B. Gilmartin, Mark Richard Holbrook, John A. Favuzzi, Marc E. Key
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Patent number: 7648678Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatic staining of at least one tissue sample accommodated on a slide by applying reagents. The system may include at least one slide provided in a slide rack, a fluid containment element, a slide holder, a vertical slide positioner to pivot the slides to a vertical position, and a slide immerser element to immerse the vertical slide into a fluid containment element or even a dip tank. By pivoting the slides from a horizontal to a vertical position, an automated method and apparatus for carrying out a pretreatment in an automated staining apparatus may be provided. The pivoting of slides may ensure an appropriate orientation of the slides for both the pretreatment and the staining processes.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer, Jeff Rau, Marc Key, Robert Lathrop, Rosanne Welcher
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Publication number: 20090325309Abstract: The invention concerns reagent delivery system for an apparatus for processing of biological samples arranged on microscope slides, comprising a reagent section having one or more reagent containers; a slide section in which at least one microscope slide is arranged; a probe for dispensing a portion of reagent onto a predetermined microscope slide, and means for handling the probe. The probe comprises a continuous prove tubing element extending through a rigid probe member and connecting the probe tip to a pneumatic pressure regulation device. The reagent containers are adapted for cooperation with the probe tip. In this manner a high though-put and a very low carry over of fluid residues is achieved since there is no assembled parts making up the inside volume of the probe in which the fluid may be retained.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: John A. Favuzzi, Merritt M. Martin, Jonathan R. Sweda, Lauren Bland, Robert L. Lathrop, John E. Van Bosch, Kristopher S. Buchanan
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Patent number: 7603201Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Gordon Alan Feingold, James B. Gilmartin, Mark Richard Holbrook, John A. Favuzzi, Marc E. Key
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Patent number: 7593787Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Gordon Alan Feingold, James B. Gilmartin, Mark Richard Holbrook, John A. Favuzzi, Marc E. Key
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Patent number: 7584019Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Gordon Alan Feingold, James B. Gilmartin, Mark Richard Holbrook, John A. Favuzzi, Marc E. Key
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Publication number: 20080241876Abstract: A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Gordon Feingold, Marc Key, Rosanne Welcher, John Favuzzi
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Patent number: 7400983Abstract: A sample processing system (101) that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples) (198) are arranged on a carrier element (197) and a process operation control system (171) automatically processes the samples) perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor (402) or a data capture element (414). Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element (404) may cause notification of a person at some display (415) that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Gordon Feingold, Marc Key, Rosanne Welcher, John Favuzzi
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Publication number: 20070010912Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention allow for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Gordon Feingold, James Gilmartin, Mark Holbrook, John Favuzzi, Marc Key
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Publication number: 20070010911Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention allow for the automatic control and scheduling of a staining apparatus for biological samples on slides present within the apparatus. In some embodiments, the actions of a robot coupled to the staining apparatus, which performs some of the staining tasks on the individual slides in accordance with their respective protocols, may be prioritized and scheduled. In some embodiments, the scheduling may result in increasing or maximizing the throughput of slides. In some embodiments, robot scheduling ensures that the individual slides are processed substantially within the tolerances specified by their respective protocols. In some embodiments, the robot scheduler may respond to spontaneous user actions and adaptively schedule or re-schedule robot actions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Gordon Feingold, James Gilmartin, Mark Holbrook, John Favuzzi, Marc Key