Patents by Inventor Robert M. Hicks, Jr.

Robert M. Hicks, Jr. 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).

  • Cell sample preparation method and apparatus
    Patent number: 8119363
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic thin-layer cell sample slide preparation without requiring human intervention are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a cell sample is measured to derive a cell sample measurement. An estimation of total cellularity of the cell sample is determined based upon the cell sample measurement. A differential volume of diluent is dispensed to the cell sample based upon the estimation of total cellularity of the cell sample to form a cell suspension. In one embodiment, a differential volume of the cell suspension and a differential volume of cell adherent may be combined based upon the estimation of total cellularity of the cell sample to form a cell mixture. A differential volume of the cell suspension or cell mixture (if an adherent is mixed with the cell suspension) is dispensed onto a surface of a sample slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: CellSolutions, LLC
    Inventors: Ernest A. Knesel, Bradley W. Knesel, Joel C. Dry, Kevin J. Rackers, Robert M. Hicks, Jr., Benjamin A. Perrot
  • CELL SAMPLE PREPARATION METHOD AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20090275076
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic thin-layer cell sample slide preparation without requiring human intervention are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a cell sample is measured to derive a cell sample measurement. An estimation of total cellularity of the cell sample is determined based upon the cell sample measurement. A differential volume of diluent is dispensed to the cell sample based upon the estimation of total cellularity of the cell sample to form a cell suspension. In one embodiment, a differential volume of the cell suspension and a differential volume of cell adherent may be combined based upon the estimation of total cellularity of the cell sample to form a cell mixture. A differential volume of the cell suspension or cell mixture (if an adherent is mixed with the cell suspension) is dispensed onto a surface of a sample slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: SELECT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ernest A. Knesel, Bradley W. Knesel, Joel C. Dry, Kevin J. Rackers, Robert M. Hicks, JR., Benjamin A. Perrot