Patents by Inventor Marc E. Key
Marc E. Key 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: 9182324Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: 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: 8969087Abstract: There is disclosed a method of pre-treatment and staining, according to a protocol, of a biological sample disposed upon the surface of a carrier, the method comprising the step of recording at least one parameter relating to at least one protocol step in a non-volatile memory located either upon or within the carrier or a device incorporating the carrier. Also disclosed is a device comprising: a non-volatile memory; a surface of the device adapted to carry a biological sample; and communications means electrically coupled to the memory for enabling data transmission to or from an external apparatus. Also disclosed is a method of controlling processing of a biological sample disposed upon a carrier, comprising: providing, upon or within the carrier or an apparatus holding the carrier, a non-volatile memory having information relating to sample processing priority or protocol; reading the information; and scheduling the processing based upon the information.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Dako Denmark A/SInventors: Loren L. Bland, Marc E. Key, Lars Winther, David A. Stanforth, Martin N. Lindberg
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Publication number: 20120330564Abstract: There is disclosed a method of pre-treatment and staining, according to a protocol, of a biological sample disposed upon the surface of a carrier, the method comprising the step of recording at least one parameter relating to at least one protocol step in a non-volatile memory located either upon or within the carrier or a device incorporating the carrier. Also disclosed is a device comprising: a non-volatile memory; a surface of the device adapted to carry a biological sample; and communications means electrically coupled to the memory for enabling data transmission to or from an external apparatus. Also disclosed is a method of controlling processing of a biological sample disposed upon a carrier, comprising: providing, upon or within the carrier or an apparatus holding the carrier, a non-volatile memory having information relating to sample processing priority or protocol; reading the information; and scheduling the processing based upon the information.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: DakoCytomation Denmark A/SInventors: Loren L. BLAND, Marc E. KEY, Lars WINTHER, David A. STANFORTH, Martin N. LINDBERG
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Patent number: 8283176Abstract: There is disclosed a method of pre-treatment and staining, according to a protocol, of a biological sample disposed upon the surface of a carrier, the method comprising the step of recording at least one parameter relating to at least one protocol step in a non-volatile memory located either upon or within the carrier or a device incorporating the carrier. Also disclosed is a device comprising: a non-volatile memory; a surface of the device adapted to carry a biological sample; and communications means electrically coupled to the memory for enabling data transmission to or from an external apparatus. Also disclosed is a method of controlling processing of a biological sample disposed upon a carrier, comprising: providing, upon or within the carrier or an apparatus holding the carrier, a non-volatile memory having information relating to sample processing priority or protocol; reading the information; and scheduling the processing based upon the information.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: Loren L. Bland, Marc E. Key, Lars Winther, David A. Stanforth, Martin N. Lindberg
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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: 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: 7867443Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic staining or other processing of a biological sample on a slide, 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. Further provided is a method of antigen retrieval, the method comprising contacting, within a heated processing tank of an automated staining apparatus, at least one biological sample with at least one composition for antigen retrieval comprising at least one chelating agent, at least one detergent and at least 50% by volume of at least one liquid that facilitates antigen retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/SInventors: Marc E. Key, Scott A. Devore, Loren L. Bland, Uffe Lovborg
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Publication number: 20100330592Abstract: Exemplary disclosed embodiments may comprise, for example, providing a sample potentially comprising a native molecule and/or a truncated molecule. The native molecule comprises at least first and second regions recognized by first and second specific binding moieties, and the truncated molecule includes only one of the first and second regions. A composition comprising first and second specific binding moieties is applied to the sample in a manner effective to form first and second specific binding pairs with the first and second regions. For example, if the molecule is a protein, such as HER2, the protein may have a first epitope and a second epitope. Once a specific binding pair is formed, the pair must be visualized. Certain disclosed embodiments comprise a direct detection method whereby primary antibodies are coupled to signal generating moieties. Alternatively, signal amplification techniques can be used to visualize a specific binding pair.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Marc E. Key
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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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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: 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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Patent number: 6727072Abstract: A kit containing the reagents necessary for the qualitative or quantitative demonstration of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. A immunohistochemical staining procedure is employed which utilizes a primary monoclonal mouse antibody that selectively binds to EGFR. The primary antibodies bound to tissue antigens are detected using a peroxidase labeled polymer that is conjugated with secondary anti-mouse immunoglobulin antibodies. The enzymatic conversion of the subsequently applied chromogen results in formation of a visible reaction product at the site of the EGFR antigen. Following development of the chromogen, specimens may then be counterstained and coverslipped. Results are interpreted using a light microscope or other optical imaging device. The detection system is adapted for both manual and automated staining.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Dako CorporationInventors: Elizabeth O. Spaulding, Marc E. Key
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Publication number: 20020164660Abstract: A kit containing the reagents necessary for the qualitative or quantitative demonstration of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. A immunohistochemical staining procedure is employed which utilizes a primary monoclonal mouse antibody that selectively binds to EGFR. The primary antibodies bound to tissue antigens are detected using a peroxidase labeled polymer that is conjugated with secondary anti-mouse immunoglobulin antibodies. The enzymatic conversion of the subsequently applied chromogen results in formation of a visible reaction product at the site of the EGFR antigen. Following development of the chromogen, specimens may then be counterstained and coverslipped. Results are interpreted using a light microscope or other optical imaging device. The detection system is adapted for both manual and automated staining.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Elizabeth O. Spaulding, Marc E. Key
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Patent number: 5244787Abstract: A method of immunologically staining a formalin-fixed tissue preparation, which comprises (a) subjecting a formalin-fixed tissue preparation to microwave energy while the tissue preparation is submersed in water for a time sufficient to increase immunostaining efficiency; (b) removing the tissue preparation from the water and cooling; and (c) contacting the tissue preparation with an immunological staining reagent.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1991Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: Biogenex LaboratoriesInventors: Marc E. Key, Shan-Rong Shi, Krishan L. Kalra
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Patent number: 4975377Abstract: Growth chambers for anchorage-independent cell growth therein are formed of a gel matrix having a surface disallowing anchorage-dependent cell growth over the full interior thereof. In a preferred form the chambers have a generally cylidnrical wall and an integral convex bottom wall forming an annular volume at the foot of the cylindrical wall which is substantially lower than the central portion to concentrate such anchorage-indpendent cells. The gel matrix is sufficiently permeable to permit passage of cell-growth nutrients and waste product solutes through said wall when the chambers are filled below the open end and submerged in a growth medium. Preferably the gel matrix is formed of 1% to 5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and from 99% to 95% water.In a preferred method of using the growth chambers, undifferentiated tumor cells and normal cells, including fibroblasts, are cultured together. Anchorage-independent tumor cells proliferate while anchorage-dependent cells are unable to grow without attachment.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1987Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Inventor: Marc E. Key