Patents by Inventor Robert J. Smith

Robert J. Smith 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: 8047086
    Abstract: 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, performing 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110232539
    Abstract: A pallet includes a deck and a frame coupled to the deck to support the deck. The frame includes four sides and each side is formed to include a pair of apertures that are configured to receive a pair of forks included in a fork truck therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: BERRY PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory G. Broerman, David J. Jochem, David Y. O'Nan, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8012419
    Abstract: 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, performing 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7941904
    Abstract: 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, performing 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7910140
    Abstract: The alkali metal salts form of ?-acids dissolved in propylene glycol is used to control microbial growth in food products, process streams and other applications, including in cosmetic formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: S.S. Steiner, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. H. Wilson, Robert J. Smith, Gerhard Haas
  • Patent number: 7775945
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention involve an exercise device with an arm assembly that provides linear, converging, and/or diverging hand grip motions during use and also has an adjustable starting position. The arm assemblies described and depicted herein include arm members that are pivotally coupled with a frame of an exercise device. During exercise, the arm members engage an arcuate surface defining the arm path. The arcuate surfaces which guide the converging and/or diverging hand grip motions as the arms pivot relative to the frame. Some embodiments of the present invention include a releasable locking mechanism that allows a user to pivot the arm members to a desired starting position without altering the relative positions of the hand grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7758478
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a weight stack including a weight selector mechanism providing an adjustable source of resistance for use with a variety of load bearing exercise devices. The weight stack can include a plurality of weight plates stacked one on top of another. The weight selection mechanism can include a weight selector member extending through and adapted to selectively connect with each weight plate. The weight selector member can include a plurality of projections adapted to selectively engage engagement surfaces in the weight plates. A user can rotate the weight selector member with a selector knob to connect the desired number of weights to be lifted with the weight selector member. Embodiments of the weight stack can also include a locking mechanism that prevent a user from turning the weight selector member once a sufficient lifting force is applied to the selected weight plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Golesh, Robert J. Smith, Patrick A. Warner, Jonathan Harrach-Salazar
  • Publication number: 20100135778
    Abstract: A vane for a gas turbine engine comprising a cap arrangement comprising a cap insert and a cap adapted to receive the insert, the cap insert comprising a wall defining a through passage from top to bottom of the cap insert for receiving a cable or the like therethrough, the wall comprising a slot with a convoluted profile. Also a vane for a gas turbine engine comprising a cap and a cap insert as described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7686188
    Abstract: A snap on, drain back fitment closure for a container, wherein the drain back pour spout fitment has a snap fit structure overlaying a container or bottle neck finish and which may be secured thereto with adhesives. The snap fit structure has an outer annular skirt with an internal, radial inwardly facing bead engaging a radial outwardly facing surface of the bottle finish. Spaced from the outer annular skirt by a horizontal upper flange, the spout fitment includes an inner annular skirt with internal threads on the fitment to receive an externally threaded closure. The closure has a plug seal above the threads engaging the fitment. Further the pour spout has a radial outwardly extending drip-less pour spout at an end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew E. Stebick, Robert J Smith, Brian P Masterson, Bruce D Allen
  • Patent number: 7560255
    Abstract: An automated process for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample. The process includes contacting a sample with a magnetically-responsive solid support and immobilizing a target nucleic acid present in the sample on the solid support. At a first station of an analyzer, the solid support is subjected to a magnetic field and the immobilized target nucleic acid is separated from a non-immobilized component of the sample. A solution comprising the separated target nucleic acid is moved to an incubator of a second station of the analyzer, where the separated target nucleic acid is subjected to an amplification procedure and an amplification product is formed. The amplification product is detected as an indication of the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7560256
    Abstract: An automated process for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample. The process includes separating the target nucleic acid from other material present in the sample at a first station, transferring the separated target nucleic acid from the first station to a second station using a rotatable transport mechanism, combining the transferred target nucleic acid and reagents for performing an amplification reaction at the second station, and performing an amplification reaction. A product of the amplification reaction is detected as an indication of the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20090130749
    Abstract: 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, performing 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7524652
    Abstract: An automated process performed in an analyzer for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample. The process includes separating the target nucleic acid from other material present in the sample, performing an amplification reaction to produce an amplification product indicative of the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample, and detecting the amplification product. The amplification reaction can be performed in an open receptacle vessel, such as a test tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20090098023
    Abstract: 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, performing 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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090095091
    Abstract: 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, performing 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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090095419
    Abstract: 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, performing 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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7506782
    Abstract: A single use unit dosage dispensing closure includes a shell attached to a container, an axial movable cap attached to the shell, a dust cover preventing premature actuation of the cap, and a sealing member coupled to the cap. The shell has an inner guide in communication with the container and the cap is moveable along the guide. The cap has a chamber adapted to dispense material into the container. The chamber is sealed with the sealing member extending across a lower open end thereof, wherein axial movement of the cap along the inner guide member will open the chamber and dispense the contents of the chamber into the container. The axial movable cap is formed from a material with a higher oxygen and moisture barrier property than the material forming the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald J Walters, Robert J Smith
  • Publication number: 20090068074
    Abstract: 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, performing 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: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090067280
    Abstract: 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, performing 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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: D586466
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lifescan, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Smith, Thomas Aidan Stamp, Daniel D. Bouricius, Eric Lancaster