Patents by Inventor Richard H. Curtis
Richard H. Curtis 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: 9234833Abstract: A system and related method for improved liquid delivery evaluation using a solution containing one or more dyes such that the solution exhibits multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features for calibrating or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges are described. The system includes: a photometric instrument capable of measuring optical absorbance at multiple wavelengths; one or more sample solutions to be dispensed using the liquid delivery system whose performance is being tested or calibrated; and vessels optionally pre-filled, or filled by the user, with diluent solution. The sample solutions contain one or more dyes, chosen so that multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, such as peaks and/or valleys and/or plateaus of the solution can be distinguished for volume or dilution ranges of interest.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Artel, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, Ceara McNally, Charles A. Ewing, John Thomas Bradshaw
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Patent number: 9091582Abstract: A system and related method for determining the volume of a sample solution delivered by a liquid delivery device. The system includes devices for adding and removing diluent, the sample solution under analysis and a mixture of the two in a cell having a substantially constant cross sectional area and a known horizontal optical path length. The system includes one or more spectrophotometers to measure horizontally and vertically absorbance associated with two distinct chromophores. A first chromophore of unknown concentration is in the diluent and a second chromophore of known concentration is in the sample solution. The method determines absorbance horizontally and vertically of the first chromophore prior to adding the sample solution and then determining absorbance of the first chromophore horizontally and vertically and the second chromophore horizontally after mixing the diluent and sample solution together. That information is used to determine the volume of the sample solution added to the cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Artel, Inc.Inventor: Richard H. Curtis
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Patent number: 8850903Abstract: A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignees: Artel, Inc., Seyonic S.A.Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, Kirby Pilcher, David L. Bohnsack, Charles Ewing, George Rodrigues, John T. Bradshaw, Marc Boillat
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Patent number: 8692987Abstract: An apparatus used to calibrate microtiter plate readers. The apparatus includes one or more structures having two exterior surfaces wherein one of the exterior surfaces is coated with a coating selected to establish on that surface a reflection loss that mimics reflection loss at an air-liquid interface, and the other of the two exterior surfaces is coated with a coating selected to establish a reflection loss on that surface that mimics the reflection loss at a bottom surface of a microtiter plate. The apparatus may be a single layer, a multi-layered composition or a container. The apparatus is an artifact that may be used to calibrate a plate reader by mimicking a solution-filled microtiter plate. The artifact may be used for a plurality of liquids, including water. The artifact produces reflection losses more closely mirroring reflection losses expected for a liquid-filled microtiter plate well.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Artel, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, John Thomas Bradshaw
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Publication number: 20140016129Abstract: A system and related method for determining the volume of a sample solution delivered by a liquid delivery device. The system includes devices for adding and removing diluent, the sample solution under analysis and a mixture of the two in a cell having a substantially constant cross sectional area and a known horizontal optical path length. The system includes one or more spectrophotometers to measure horizontally and vertically absorbance associated with two distinct chromophores. A first chromophore of unknown concentration is in the diluent and a second chromophore of known concentration is in the sample solution. The method determines absorbance horizontally and vertically of the first chromophore prior to adding the sample solution and then determining absorbance of the first chromophore horizontally and vertically and the second chromophore horizontally after mixing the diluent and sample solution together. That information is used to determine the volume of the sample solution added to the cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: Richard H. Curtis
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Patent number: 8404158Abstract: A system and related method for improved liquid delivery evaluation using a solution containing one or more dyes such that the solution exhibits multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features for calibrating or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges are described. The system includes: a photometric instrument capable of measuring optical absorbance at multiple wavelengths; one or more sample solutions to be dispensed using the liquid delivery system whose performance is being tested or calibrated; and vessels optionally pre-filled, or filled by the user, with diluent solution. The sample solutions contain one or more dyes, chosen so that multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, such as peaks and/or valleys and/or plateaus of the solution can be distinguished for volume or dilution ranges of interest.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Artel, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, Ceara McNally, Charles A. Ewing, John Thomas Bradshaw
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Publication number: 20130038873Abstract: An apparatus used to calibrate microtiter plate readers. The apparatus includes one or more structures having two exterior surfaces wherein one of the exterior surfaces is coated with a coating selected to establish on that surface a reflection loss that mimics reflection loss at an air-liquid interface, and the other of the two exterior surfaces is coated with a coating selected to establish a reflection loss on that surface that mimics the reflection loss at a bottom surface of a microtiter plate. The apparatus may be a single layer, a multi-layered composition or a container. The apparatus is an artifact that may be used to calibrate a plate reader by mimicking a solution-filled microtiter plate. The artifact may be used for a plurality of liquids, including water. The artifact produces reflection losses more closely mirroring reflection losses expected for a liquid-filled microtiter plate well.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: ARTEL, INC.Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, John Thomas Bradshaw
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Publication number: 20120104040Abstract: An air displacement liquid delivery system including a liquid delivery device, one or more sensors, a control unit, and a preprogrammable computing device, and a method for using the air displacement liquid delivery system. The one or more sensors are capable of obtaining information regarding conditions within and external to the liquid delivery device and sending this information to the control unit and/or the computing device. In turn, the control unit and/or computing device are capable of using this information to calculate one or more properties of gas contained within, and the air external to, the liquid delivery device, and one or more properties of a liquid that it is to be aspirated or dispensed by the liquid delivery device. The system may optimally control the performance of the liquid delivery device based upon any one or more of these calculated properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicants: SEYONIC SA, ARTEL, INC.Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, David L. Bohnsack, George Rodrigues, Marc Boillat
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Patent number: 8096197Abstract: An air displacement liquid delivery system including a liquid delivery device, one or more sensors, a control unit, and a preprogrammable computing device, and a method for using the air displacement liquid delivery system. The one or more sensors are capable of obtaining information regarding conditions within and external to the liquid delivery device and sending this information to the control unit and/or the computing device. In turn, the control unit and/or computing device are capable of using this information to calculate one or more properties of gas contained within, and the air external to, the liquid delivery device, and one or more properties of a liquid that is to be aspirated or dispensed by the liquid delivery device. The system may optimally control the performance of the liquid delivery device based upon any one or more of these calculated properties.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Artel, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, David L. Bohnsack, George Rodrigues, Marc Boillat
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Patent number: 7998747Abstract: The invention provides ways to determine the impact of diluting a solution wherein the diluting may be carried out for any of a variety of purposes. In one embodiment, the method enables accurate volume dispensation calculations independent of meniscus shape. In another embodiment, the method enables accurate determination of plate washing efficiency. In yet another embodiment, the method enables the accurate determination of dilution ratio over a plurality of dilution steps. The methods described may be carried out using one or more systems arranged to perform the steps. A kit of the invention includes instructions for carrying out the steps of the methods and, optionally, one or more solutions suitable for conducting photometric measurements.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Artel, Inc.Inventors: John Thomas Bradshaw, Richard H. Curtis, Keith J. Albert, Tanya R. Knaide, Ceara McNally, Alex L. Rogers
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Publication number: 20110126645Abstract: A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2011Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicants: ARTEL, INC., SEYONIC SAInventors: Richard H. Curtis, Kirby Pilcher, David L. Bohnsack, Charles Ewing, George Rodrigues, John T. Bradshaw, Marc Boillat
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Patent number: 7919327Abstract: The invention provides ways to determine the impact of diluting a solution wherein the diluting may be carried out for any of a variety of purposes. In one embodiment, the method enables accurate volume dispensation calculations independent of meniscus shape. In another embodiment, the method enables accurate determination of plate washing efficiency. In yet another embodiment, the method enables the accurate determination of dilution ratio over a plurality of dilution steps. The methods described may be carried out using one or more systems arranged to perform the steps. A kit of the invention includes instructions for carrying out the steps of the methods and, optionally, one or more solutions suitable for conducting photometric measurements.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Artel, Inc.Inventors: John Thomas Bradshaw, Richard H. Curtis, Keith J. Albert, Tanya R. Knaide, Ceara McNally, Alex L. Rogers
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Patent number: 7870797Abstract: A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Artel, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, Kirby Pilcher, David L. Bohnsack, Charles Ewing, George Rodrigues, John T. Bradshaw, Marc Boillat
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Publication number: 20100290048Abstract: The invention provides ways to determine the impact of diluting a solution wherein the diluting may be carried out for any of a variety of purposes. In one embodiment, the method enables accurate volume dispensation calculations independent of meniscus shape. In another embodiment, the method enables accurate determination of plate washing efficiency. In yet another embodiment, the method enables the accurate determination of dilution ratio over a plurality of dilution steps. The methods described may be carried out using one or more systems arranged to perform the steps. A kit of the invention includes instructions for carrying out the steps of the methods and, optionally, one or more solutions suitable for conducting photometric measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: ARTEL, INC.Inventors: John Thomas Bradshaw, Richard H. Curtis, Keith J. Albert, Tanya R. Knaide, Ceara McNally, Alex L. Rogers
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Patent number: 7791716Abstract: A system and related method for improved liquid delivery evaluation using a solution containing one or more dyes such that the solution exhibits multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features for calibrating or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges are described. The system includes: a photometric instrument capable of measuring optical absorbance at multiple wavelengths; one or more sample solutions to be dispensed using the liquid delivery system whose performance is being tested or calibrated; and vessels optionally pre-filled, or filled by the user, with diluent solution. The sample solutions contain one or more dyes, chosen so that multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, such as peaks and/or valleys and/or plateaus of the solution can be distinguished for volume or dilution ranges of interest.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Artel, Inc.Inventors: Ceara McNally, John Thomas Bradshaw, Richard H. Curtis, Charles A. Ewing, Keith J. Albert, Tanya R. Knaide, Alexis L. Rogers
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Patent number: 7772008Abstract: A method, apparatus and kit for precisely and accurately determining the volume of a liquid aliquot which can be used to calibrate a liquid delivery device. Two dye-containing solutions, a sample solution and a diluent solution, are prepared such that each solution contains a different dye, with the solutions having different absorbance values at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength. The absorbance value of a known volume of diluent solution is measured at both wavelengths. Either one aliquot of sample solution is added to the diluent solution and then absorbance measurements are made at both wavelengths, or multiple aliquots of sample solution are mixed serially into the diluent solution and then absorbance measurements are made at both wavelengths after each aliquot is added. The volume of any single aliquot is calculated by using a two-step formula which is based on the Beer-Lambert law.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Artel, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, Ceara J. McNally, Charles A. Ewing
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Publication number: 20090251681Abstract: A system and related method for improved liquid delivery evaluation using a solution containing one or more dyes such that the solution exhibits multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features for calibrating or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges are described. The system includes: a photometric instrument capable of measuring optical absorbance at multiple wavelengths; one or more sample solutions to be dispensed using the liquid delivery system whose performance is being tested or calibrated; and vessels optionally pre-filled, or filled by the user, with diluent solution. The sample solutions contain one or more dyes, chosen so that multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, such as peaks and/or valleys and/or plateaus of the solution can be distinguished for volume or dilution ranges of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: Artel, Inc.Inventors: Ceara J. McNally, John Thomas Bradshaw, Richard H. Curtis, Charles A. Ewing, Keith J. Albert, Tanya R. Knaide, Alexis L. Rogers
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Publication number: 20090250664Abstract: A system and related method for improved liquid delivery evaluation using a solution containing one or more dyes such that the solution exhibits multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features for calibrating or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges are described. The system includes: a photometric instrument capable of measuring optical absorbance at multiple wavelengths; one or more sample solutions to be dispensed using the liquid delivery system whose performance is being tested or calibrated; and vessels optionally pre-filled, or filled by the user, with diluent solution. The sample solutions contain one or more dyes, chosen so that multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, such as peaks and/or valleys and/or plateaus of the solution can be distinguished for volume or dilution ranges of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: Artel, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, Ceara McNally, Charles A. Ewing, John Thomas Bradshaw
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Publication number: 20070241130Abstract: An air displacement liquid delivery system including a liquid delivery device, one or more sensors, a control unit, and a preprogrammable computing device, and a method for using the air displacement liquid delivery system. The one or more sensors are capable of obtaining information regarding conditions within and external to the liquid delivery device and sending this information to the control unit and/or the computing device. In turn, the control unit and/or computing device are capable of using this information to calculate one or more properties of gas contained within, and the air external to, the liquid delivery device, and one or more properties of a liquid that it is to be aspirated or dispensed by the liquid delivery device. The system may optimally control the performance of the liquid delivery device based upon any one or more of these calculated properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicants: Artel, Inc., Seyonic SAInventors: Richard H. Curtis, David L. Bohnsack, George Rodrigues, Marc Boillat
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Publication number: 20070227271Abstract: A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicants: Artel, Inc., Seyonic SAInventors: Richard H. Curtis, Kirby Pilcher, David L. Bohnsack, Charles Ewing, George Rodrigues, John T. Bradshaw, Marc Boillat