Patents by Inventor Robert A. Star

Robert A. Star 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: 12270738
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for fixing tissue for cytologic, histomorphologic, and/or molecular analysis (e.g., DNA, RNA, and/or protein analysis). In some embodiments, the fixatives are aldehyde-free fixatives, for example, formaldehyde- or formalin-free fixatives. Particular disclosed compositions include buffered ethanol. The buffer is a phosphate buffer or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in some examples. In further embodiments, the fixative includes additional components, such as glycerol and/or acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Stephen M. Hewitt, Joon-Yong Chung, Candice D. Perry, Robert A. Star
  • Patent number: 11623220
    Abstract: A container comprising: a first panel; a second panel opposing the first panel; a first side; a second side opposing the first side; a third side; a fourth side opposing the third side; wherein each of the sides joins the first panel and the second panel; a chamber defined by the four sides, the first panel, and the second panel, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a biological specimen; a port defined in the first side; a plug inserted into the port; an opening defined in the second side; and a closure element coupled to the opening, wherein the chamber is leak proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Stephen M. Hewitt, Robert A. Star, Jeffrey C. Hanson, Hiroshi Kojima, Russell Bandle, Armando Filie
  • Publication number: 20220291094
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for fixing tissue for cytologic, histomorphologic, and/or molecular analysis (e.g., DNA, RNA, and/or protein analysis). In some embodiments, the fixatives are aldehyde-free fixatives, for example, formaldehyde- or formalin-free fixatives. Particular disclosed compositions include buffered ethanol. The buffer is a phosphate buffer or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in some examples. In further embodiments, the fixative includes additional components, such as glycerol and/or acetic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Dept. of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Stephen M. Hewitt, Joon-Yong Chung, Candice D. Perry, Robert A. Star
  • Patent number: 11313772
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for fixing tissue for cytologic, histomorphologic, and/or molecular analysis (e.g., DNA, RNA, and/or protein analysis). In some embodiments, the fixatives are aldehyde-free fixatives, for example, formaldehyde- or formalin-free fixatives. Particular disclosed compositions include buffered ethanol. The buffer is a phosphate buffer or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in some examples. In further embodiments, the fixative includes additional components, such as glycerol and/or acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Stephen M. Hewitt, Joon-Yong Chung, Candice D. Perry, Robert A. Star
  • Publication number: 20210094029
    Abstract: A container comprising: a first panel; a second panel opposing the first panel; a first side; a second side opposing the first side; a third side; a fourth side opposing the third side; wherein each of the sides joins the first panel and the second panel; a chamber defined by the four sides, the first panel, and the second panel, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a biological specimen; a port defined in the first side; a plug inserted into the port; an opening defined in the second side; and a closure element coupled to the opening, wherein the chamber is leak proof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: THE USA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
    Inventors: Stephen M. Hewitt, Robert A. Star, Jeffrey C. Hanson, Hiroshi Kojima, Russell Bandle, Armando Filie
  • Publication number: 20200041389
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for fixing tissue for cytologic, histomorphologic, and/or molecular analysis (e.g., DNA, RNA, and/or protein analysis). In some embodiments, the fixatives are aldehyde-free fixatives, for example, formaldehyde- or formalin-free fixatives. Particular disclosed compositions include buffered ethanol. The buffer is a phosphate buffer or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in some examples. In further embodiments, the fixative includes additional components, such as glycerol and/or acetic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Dept. of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Stephen M. Hewitt, Joon-Yong Chung, Candice D. Perry, Robert A. Star
  • Patent number: 6951761
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to CryoArrays, which permit the analysis of samples (such as protein, nucleic acid, virus, or cell samples) in arrays that are prepared at low temperatures. Because CryoArrays are constructed as a block of substantially columnar samples, the block can be sliced to provide a plurality of identical or substantially identical individual arrays. The individual arrays can be used for parallel analysis of the same array feature set, for instance with different probes or under different conditions. Also provided are methods of making CryoArrays, devices for making CryoArrays, and kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Robert A. Star, Takehiko Miyaji, Stephen M. Hewitt, Lance A. Liotta
  • Patent number: 6852842
    Abstract: Small dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents are disclosed to accumulate in renal tubules. The accumulation enables visualization of renal structure and function, permitting assessment of structural and functional damage to the kidneys. In a disclosed embodiment, six, small dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents were synthesized, and their pharmacokinetics, whole body retention, and renal MRI images were evaluated in mice. Surprisingly, despite having unequal renal clearance properties, all of the dendrimer agents clearly visualized the renal anatomy and proximal straight tubules of the mice better than Gd-[DTPA]-dimeglumine. Dendrimer conjugate contrast agents prepared from PAMAM-G2D, DAB-G3D, and DAB-G2D dendrimers were excreted rapidly and may be acceptable for use in clinical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Martin W. Brechbiel, Robert A. Star, Hisataka Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6790636
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for rapid and specific fluorescent staining of biological tissue samples that substantially preserve biological molecules such as mRNA. Methods for microdissecting tissue to obtain pure populations of cells or tissue structures based upon identifying and excising cells or tissue structures that are labeled with fluorescent specific binding agents are also included. A laser capture microdissection apparatus useful for identifying and isolating cells and tissue structures following rapid immunofluorescent staining is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Robert A. Star, Hiroshi Murakami, Lance A. Liotta, Kenneth R. Spring
  • Publication number: 20040037777
    Abstract: Small dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents are disclosed to accumulate in renal tubules. The accumulation enables visualization of renal structure and function, permitting assessment of structural and functional damage to the kidneys. In a disclosed embodiment, six, small dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents were synthesized, and their pharmacokinetics, whole body retention, and renal MRI images were evaluated in mice. Surprisingly, despite having unequal renal clearance properties, all of the dendrimer agents clearly visualized the renal anatomy and proximal straight tubules of the mice better than Gd-[DTPA]-dimeglumine. Dendrimer conjugate contrast agents prepared from PAMAM-G2D, DAB-G3D, and DAB-G2D dendrimers were excreted rapidly and may be acceptable for use in clinical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Martin W. Brechbiel, Robert A. Star, Hisataka Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030054342
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to CryoArrays, which permit the analysis of samples (such as protein, nucleic acid, virus, or cell samples) in arrays that are prepared at low temperatures. Because CryoArrays are constructed as a block of substantially columnar samples, the block can be sliced to provide a plurality of identical or substantially identical individual arrays. The individual arrays can be used for parallel analysis of the same array feature set, for instance with different probes or under different conditions. Also provided are methods of making CryoArrays, devices for making CryoArrays, and kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: The Gov. of the USA as represented by Secretary of the Dept. of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Robert A. Star, Takehiko Miyaji, Stephen M. Hewitt, Lance A. Liotta