Patents by Inventor Michael T. Taylor
Michael T. Taylor 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: 20240082545Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) and secures the instrument in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the anchor device may allow the anchor device to be used after medical instrument is already in place without the need for a second penetration point for the anchor device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Michael S. Rosenberg, Mark R. Christianson, Kyle P. Taylor, Andrew T. Forsberg, Jeffrey D. Killion
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Patent number: 11920709Abstract: An expansion loop for a piping system. The expansion loop has a first flexible conduit with a first end and a second end and a second flexible conduit with a first end and a second end. A first rigid conduit is connected between the first ends of the first and second flexible conduits. Additional rigid conduits are connected to both of the second ends of the flexible conduits. These additional rigid conduits include a stainless-steel elbow, a conversion conduit, and a copper conduit. The expansion loop may be installed wherein the flexible conduits are bent, when fluid flows, the flexible conduits straighten out and are not bent.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: The Metraflex CompanyInventors: James Reynold Richter, James D. Clauss, Michael Albert Taylor, Daniel T Holbach, Daniel R Kish
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Patent number: 9943848Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: CepheidInventors: Michael T. Taylor, Phillip Belgrader, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching
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Patent number: 9789481Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: CepheidInventors: Kurt E. Petersen, Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching, Douglas B. Dority, Phillip Belgrader, M. Allen Northrup
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Publication number: 20150352545Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Michael T. Taylor, Phillip Belgrader, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching
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Patent number: 9156032Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: CepheidInventors: Kurt E. Peterson, Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching, Douglas P. Dority, Philip Belgrader, M. Allen Northrup
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Patent number: 9073053Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: CepheidInventors: Michael T. Taylor, Phillip Belgrader, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching
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Patent number: 9001422Abstract: In an automated process of handling slides, such as in an imaging system, a slide hander must be able to get a hold of, lift up, and move slides, with tissues samples thereon, to multiple locations quickly and efficiently. To perform this function, the arm of the slide handler needs to be free to move from one location to the next and to advantageously respond in the event of encountering any unexpected or misplaced objects and/or other obstacles without jamming, being damaged and/or causing damage to a slide. A system described herein provides for the use of a slide handler having a crash head assembly with a spring-loaded flexible joint that may disengage if an unexpected obstacle is encountered and spring back to its proper location once the obstacle is cleared. Additionally, because the crash head assembly can flex, it is less likely to break or chip the glass slides.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Taylor, Gregory C. Loney
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Publication number: 20140240824Abstract: In an automated process of handling slides, such as in an imaging system, a slide hander must be able to get a hold of, lift up, and move slides, with tissues samples thereon, to multiple locations quickly and efficiently. To perform this function, the arm of the slide handler needs to be free to move from one location to the next and to advantageously respond in the event of encountering any unexpected or misplaced objects and/or other obstacles without jamming, being damaged and/or causing damage to a slide. A system described herein provides for the use of a slide handler having a crash head assembly with a spring-loaded flexible joint that may disengage if an unexpected obstacle is encountered and spring back to its proper location once the obstacle is cleared. Additionally, because the crash head assembly can flex, it is less likely to break or chip the glass slides.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. TAYLOR, Gregory C. LONEY
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Patent number: 8815521Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: CepheidInventors: Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang
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Patent number: 8580559Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: CepheidInventors: Kurt E. Petersen, Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching, Douglas B. Dority, Phillip Belgrader, M. Allen Northrup
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Patent number: 8268603Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: CepheidInventors: Michael T. Taylor, Phillip Belgrader, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Jesus Ching
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Publication number: 20120171758Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2007Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: CepheidInventors: Kurt E. Petersen, Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching, Douglas B. Dority, Phillip Belgrader, M. Allen Northrup
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Publication number: 20120009667Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: KURT E. PETERSON, Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching, Douglas B. Dority, Phillip Belgrader, M. Allen Northrup
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Patent number: 6987018Abstract: A container for holding cells or viruses for disruption comprises a chamber defined by two spaced apart, opposing major walls and side walls connecting the major walls to each other. At least one of the major walls has an external surface to which the transducer may be coupled and is sufficiently flexible to flex in response to vibratory motion of the transducer. The container also has at least one port for introducing the cells or viruses into the chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber contains beads for aiding the disruption of the cells or viruses.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: CepheidInventors: Michael T. Taylor, Phillip Belgrader, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority
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Patent number: 6982431Abstract: Systems, and components thereof, for analyzing samples. These systems include apparatus and methods for generating, transmitting, detecting, and/or analyzing light, including without limitation high-throughput optical screening devices for analyzing samples at one or more assay sites. These systems also include apparatus and methods for supporting samples for analysis, including without limitation multiwell sample holders such as microplates.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Molecular Devices CorporationInventors: Douglas N. Modlin, Glenn R. Edwards, John C. Owicki, Michael T. Taylor, Samuel A. Marquiss
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Patent number: 6881541Abstract: A method for extracting nucleic acid from a fluid sample comprises the steps of introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample flow path and a lysing chamber in the sample flow path. The lysing chamber contains at least one filter for separating cells or viruses from the sample. The sample is forced to flow through the lysing chamber to capture the cells or viruses with the filter, while used sample fluid flows to waste. The captured cells or viruses are disrupted to release their nucleic acid, the nucleic acid is eluted from the lysing chamber, and optionally the nucleic acid is amplified and detected in a reaction chamber of the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: CEPHEIDInventors: Kurt E. Petersen, Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, William A. McMillan, Ronald Chang, Stanley H. Sakai, Jesus Ching, Douglas B. Dority, Phillip Belgrader, M. Allen Northrup
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Patent number: 6783736Abstract: A cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample has a body defining at least first and second channels and a cavity separating the channels. An end of the first channel is positioned on a first side of the cavity, and an end of the second channel is positioned on a second side of the cavity. The cavity is defined by a first curved surface positioned adjacent the end of the first channel, a second curved surface positioned adjacent the end of the second channel, and at least a third surface between the first and second curved surfaces. The cartridge also comprises an elastic membrane for establishing a seal with the first and second curved surfaces to prevent the flow of fluid between the channels. The third surface is recessed from the first and second surfaces to provide a gap between the membrane and the third surface when the membrane is pressed against the first and second surfaces. A cartridge having a conical valve seat is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: CepheidInventors: Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority
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Publication number: 20040166031Abstract: A cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample has a body defining at least first and second channels and a cavity separating the channels. An end of the first channel is positioned on a first side of the cavity, and an end of the second channel is positioned on a second side of the cavity. The cavity is defined by a first curved surface positioned adjacent the end of the first channel, a second curved surface positioned adjacent the end of the second channel, and at least a third surface between the first and second curved surfaces. The cartridge also comprises an elastic membrane for establishing a seal with the first and second curved surfaces to prevent the flow of fluid between the channels. The third surface is recessed from the first and second surfaces to provide a gap between the membrane and the third surface when the membrane is pressed against the first and second surfaces. A cartridge having a conical valve seat is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2001Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: CepheidInventors: Michael T. Taylor, Farzad Pourahmadi, Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority
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Patent number: 6739531Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The chamber is defined by at least one wall having an external surface for contacting a transducer device. The transducer device has a vibrating surface for contacting the wall and for vibrating at an operating frequency and amplitude sufficient to generate pressure waves or pressure pulses in the chamber. The transducer device is coupled to the wall with a preload force sufficient to create a stress within the wall. The natural frequency of the wall, when the wall is stressed by the preload force, is equal to the operating frequency of the transducer device or differs from the operating frequency by less than 50% of the operating frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: CepheidInventor: Michael T. Taylor