Patents by Inventor Michael James Justin
Michael James Justin 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).
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Publication number: 20080175756Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Stanley Michael Philipak, Mark Joseph Fanning
-
Publication number: 20080175760Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Douglas L. Hopper, Mark Joseph Fanning
-
Publication number: 20080156114Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Michael James Justin, James Clement Bishop, Stanley Michael Philipak, Mark Joseph Fanning
-
Patent number: 6156565Abstract: An incubation station has a carousel for receiving a plurality of test sample cards. An even temperature and air flow distribution inside the carousel and incubation of the cards over time at the proper temperature was found to be critically dependent upon air flow characteristics within the incubation station. To optimize air flow, the carousel was given an open rear side that is exposed to an air distribution table having a cover plate placed adjacent to the rear surface of the carousel. The cover plate has a plurality of elongate slots positioned in a symmetrical ring-shaped pattern in registry with the carousel. The elongate slots are positioned at an angle relative to the slots in the carousel such that each carousel slot receives air from more than one slot. An extra fan was also added to the system to increase the flow of air into the air table. Scallop features on the carousel walls also promote even distribution of air flow over the cards.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1997Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R. Maes, Dennis M. Connor, Brent D. Freiner, Clifford W. Karl, Ron Robinson, Raymond M. Shelton, Garry R. Tegeler, Michael James Justin
-
Patent number: 6136270Abstract: An incubation station has a carousel for receiving a plurality of test sample cards. An even temperature and air flow distribution inside the carousel and incubation of the cards over time at the proper temperature was found to be critically dependent upon air flow characteristics within the incubation station. To optimize air flow, the carousel was given an open rear side that is exposed to an air distribution table having a cover plate placed adjacent to the rear surface of the carousel. The cover plate has a plurality of elongate slots positioned in a symmetrical ring-shaped pattern in registry with the carousel. The elongate slots are positioned at an angle relative to the slots in the carousel such that each carousel slot receives air from more than one slot. An extra fan was also added to the system to increase the flow of air into the air table. Scallop features on the carousel walls also promote even distribution of air flow over the cards.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R. Maes, Dennis M. Connor, Brent D. Freiner, Clifford W. Karl, Ron Robinson, Raymond M. Shelton, Garry R. Tegeler, Michael James Justin
-
Patent number: 6024921Abstract: Test sample cards containing biological samples are moved through an analytical instrument past a card detection device and detected by the device. The card detection device has an actuator that reciprocates relative to a housing between first and second positions. The actuator has a surface that comes into contact with the card as the card is moved past the device. The actuator carries an optical interrupt flag which is used in conjunction with an optical sensor placed in proximity to the actuator. When the card comes into contact with the actuator, the actuator is moved from the first position to the second, or retracted position. This action moves the flag relative to the optical sensor, triggering the optical sensor and a detection of the card. In one possible embodiment, multiple cards are placed in a cassette for movement around the instrument. The cassette has a number of slots for the cards, one card per slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: bio Merieux, Inc.Inventors: Brent D. Freiner, Ron Robinson, Michael James Justin
-
Patent number: 5998201Abstract: An incubation station has a carousel for receiving a plurality of test sample cards. An even temperature and air flow distribution inside the carousel and incubation of the cards over time at the proper temperature was found to be critically dependent upon air flow characteristics within the incubation station. To optimize air flow, the carousel was given an open rear side that is exposed to an air distribution table having a cover plate placed adjacent to the rear surface of the carousel. The cover plate has a plurality of elongate slots positioned in a symmetrical ring-shaped pattern in registry with the carousel. The elongate slots are positioned at an angle relative to the slots in the carousel such that each carousel slot receives air from more than one slot. An extra fan was also added to the system to increase the flow of air into the air table. Scallop features on the carousel walls also promote even distribution of air flow over the cards.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R. Maes, Dennis M. Connor, Brent D. Freiner, Clifford W. Karl, Ron Robinson, Raymond M. Shelton, Garry R. Tegeler, Michael James Justin