Patents by Inventor Robert E. Schneider
Robert E. Schneider 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: 7033820Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming in analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ralph E. Burns, Ernest V. Hansberry, Glenn A. Horner, Cheryl A. Jakub, John E. Kling, Donald J. Nieglos, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Patent number: 6890742Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ralph E. Burns, Ernest V. Hansberry, Glenn A. Horner, Cheryl A. Jakub, John E. Kling, Donald J. Nieglos, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Patent number: 6605213Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ralph E. Burns, Ernest V. Hansberry, Glenn A. Horner, Cheryl A. Jakub, John E. Kling, Donald J. Nieglos, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Patent number: 6517783Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Glenn A. Horner, Shirley J. Johnson, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith, Gus Tseo
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Patent number: 6517782Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Glenn A. Horner, Shirley J. Johnson, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith, Gus Tseo
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Publication number: 20030027206Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ralph E. Burns, Ernest V. Hansberry, Glenn A. Horner, Cheryl A. Jakub, John E. Kling, Donald J. Nieglos, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Patent number: 6473261Abstract: Cartridges (64) are loaded into or retrieved from an automated media library (20) either singly through an entry/exit port module (54), or by opening a library door (30) and inserting/removing a cartridge magazine (52) from a magazine cavity (50) of the library. Structures are provided for precluding against overinsertion of a cartridge. An entry/exit port cartridge overinsertion protection assembly (450) is provided to prevent overinsertion of a media cartridge loaded into the entry/exit port module. The entry/exit port cartridge overinsertion protection assembly includes a cartridge restraint member (452) which is pivoted away from a cartridge restraint position by a cartridge transport device (92) when the transport device seeks to obtain or deposit a cartridge at the entry/exit port. A cartridge restraint assembly (300) is also provided to guard against overinsertion of a cartridge stored in a cartridge magazine.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Exabyte CorporationInventors: John D. Miller, Robert E. Schneider, Brad W. Filkins
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Patent number: 6466396Abstract: An automated cartridge library has an essentially rectangular library frame which includes a frame front wall (22) and a frame back wall (24), and a library door (30) provided on the frame front wall. A transport actuator and guide region (90) is provided within the frame, the transport actuator and guide region including both a guideway along which a cartridge transport assembly (92) reciprocates and an actuator (124) which causes the cartridge transport assembly to rotate from a first transport position to a second transport position. A library front section includes a cartridge magazine cavity (50) and a entry/exit port module (54). A library rear section includes a region for tape drives (60) and an auxiliary cartridge magazine (70). Cartridge magazines (64) are insertable into the cartridge magazine cavity when the library door is opened so that a reference surface of the cartridges face the transport actuator and guide region.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Exabyte CorporationInventors: Brian P. Egan, Robert E. Schneider, John D. Miller, John F. Ellis, Paul A. Pedri, Steve W. Small, Everette C. Van Wert
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Patent number: 6462900Abstract: A robotic cartridge picker (92) for a cartridge library (20) has picker fingers (84) for selecting engaging and disengaging a media cartridge (64), and an electronic device (180) carried thereon. A ribbon cable (182) supplies at least one of power and an electrical signal to the electronic device. The robotic picker is rotatably mounted on a mounting block (140). The mounting block has a chamber (188) wherein a portion of the ribbon cable is carried in a variable coiled configuration to accommodate rotation of the robot about an axis (100). The variable coiled configuration facilitates the ribbon cable having a first degree of coiling when the picker robot rotates to a first position and a second degree of coiling when the picker robot rotates to a second position.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Exabyte CorporationInventors: Brian P. Egan, Robert E. Schneider, John F. Ellis
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Publication number: 20020137197Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming in analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ralph E. Burns, Ernest V. Hansberry, Glenn A. Horner, Cheryl A. Jakub, John E. Kling, Donald J. Nieglos, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Publication number: 20020098117Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Applicant: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Publication number: 20020028489Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Applicant: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ralph E. Burns, Ernest V. Hansberry, Glenn A. Horner, Cheryl A. Jakub, John E. Kling, Donald J. Nieglos, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Patent number: 6335166Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ralph E. Burns, Ernest V. Hansberry, Glenn A. Horner, Cheryl A. Jakub, John E. Kling, Donald J. Nieglos, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Publication number: 20010007643Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be, operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2001Publication date: July 12, 2001Inventors: Glenn A. Horner, Shirley J. Johnson, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith, Gus Tseo
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Patent number: 6236530Abstract: A cartridge library comprises plural cells for accommodating therein a cartridge of information storage media and a tape drive which transduces information relative when a cartridge is loaded into the drive. A cartridge loader (also known as the cartridge transport assembly) is mounted to the drive assembly for picking a selected cartridge from one of the cells and for inserting the selected cartridge into a cartridge slot in the drive. The drive assembly is stationary but the cartridge loader is pivotal about the drive assembly, and particularly about a pivot axis which is parallel to a center line of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is inserted into the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a toothed transport track engageable by the cartridge transport assembly for incremental pivotal motion of the cartridge transport assembly about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Exabyte CorporationInventors: Robert E. Schneider, Brian P. Egan, John D. Miller
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Patent number: 6233111Abstract: A cartridge library comprises plural cells for accommodating therein a cartridge of information storage media and a tape drive which transduces information relative when a cartridge is loaded into the drive. A cartridge loader (also known as the cartridge transport assembly) is mounted to the drive assembly for picking a selected cartridge from one of the cells and for inserting the selected cartridge into a cartridge slot in the drive. The drive assembly is stationary but the cartridge loader is pivotal about the drive assembly, and particularly about a pivot axis which is parallel to a center line of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is inserted into the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a toothed transport track engageable by the cartridge transport assembly for incremental pivotal motion of the cartridge transport assembly about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Exabyte CorporationInventors: Robert E. Schneider, Brian P. Egan, John D. Miller, David G. Cole
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Patent number: 6229666Abstract: A cartridge library comprises plural cells for accommodating therein a cartridge of information storage media and a tape drive which transduces information relative when a cartridge is loaded into the drive. A cartridge loader (also known as the cartridge transport assembly) is mounted to the drive assembly for picking a selected cartridge from one of the cells and for inserting the selected cartridge into a cartridge slot in the drive. The drive assembly is stationary but the cartridge loader is pivotal about the drive assembly, and particularly about a pivot axis which is parallel to a center line of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is inserted into the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a toothed transport track engageable by the cartridge transport assembly for incremental pivotal motion of the cartridge transport assembly about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Exabyte CorporationInventors: Robert E. Schneider, Brian P. Egan, John D. Miller, David Kraft
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Patent number: 6175467Abstract: A cartridge library comprises plural cells for accommodating therein a cartridge of information storage media and a tape drive which transduces information relative when a cartridge is loaded into the drive. A cartridge loader (also known as the cartridge transport assembly) is mounted to the drive assembly for picking a selected cartridge from one of the cells and for inserting the selected cartridge into a cartridge slot in the drive. The drive assembly is stationary but the cartridge loader is pivotal about the drive assembly, and particularly about a pivot axis which is parallel to a center line of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is inserted into the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a toothed transport track engageable by the cartridge transport assembly for incremental pivotal motion of the cartridge transport assembly about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Exabyte CorporationInventors: Robert E. Schneider, Brian P. Egan
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Patent number: 6144521Abstract: An automated library which handles cartridges of information storage media includes a magazine (40) which comprises a cartridge engaging member (1428) which deflects to preclude insertion of the magazine into a magazine cavity (840) in the library frame (36) when the cartridge is improperly inserted into the magazine. The magazine defines a cell for the cartridge and comprises a magazine wall (1420) from which cell partitions (1410) extend. The cartridge engaging member (1428) is a cantilevered arm having a distal end extending in a direction into which the cartridge is insertable into the cell, and has a cartridge engaging profile whereby, when a cartridge (C) is properly inserted into the cell, the cantilevered arm does not extend beyond a reference plane but when the cartridge is not properly inserted the cantilevered arm deflects beyond a reference plane.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Exabyte CorporationInventors: Brian P. Egan, Robert E. Schneider, John D. Miller, Steve Stearns, David G. Cole
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Patent number: 6086827Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Glenn A. Horner, Shirley J. Johnson, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith, Gus Tseo