Patents by Inventor Robert P. Luoma
Robert P. Luoma 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: 11731134Abstract: Example apparatus including septums and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a septum that includes a first surface and a membrane coupled to at least a portion of the first surface. In addition, the example septum includes a second surface and ribs extending between the membrane and the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIESInventor: Robert P. Luoma, II
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Publication number: 20200408794Abstract: Example automated storage modules for analyzer liquids are described herein. An example apparatus includes a refrigerated storage module having a plurality of shelves (to store a plurality of carriers) and a loading bay having an array of slots to receive one or more of the carriers. The loading bay is accessible by a user for manual loading or unloading of the carriers. The example apparatus includes a first carrier transporter coupled to the storage module to transfer the carriers between the shelves and a first transfer location and a second carrier transporter movable along a track connecting the storage module to an automated diagnostic analyzer. The second carrier transporter is to transfer a first carrier between the first transfer location and a slot in the loading bay and a second carrier between the first transfer location and a second transfer location accessible by the automated diagnostic analyzer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Razvan Raicu, Robert P. Luoma, II
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Patent number: 10775399Abstract: Example automated storage modules for analyzer liquids are described herein. An example apparatus includes a refrigerated storage module having a plurality of shelves (to store a plurality of carriers) and a loading bay having an array of slots to receive one or more of the carriers. The loading bay is accessible by a user for manual loading or unloading of the carriers. The example apparatus includes a first carrier transporter coupled to the storage module to transfer the carriers between the shelves and a first transfer location and a second carrier transporter movable along a track connecting the storage module to an automated diagnostic analyzer. The second carrier transporter is to transfer a first carrier between the first transfer location and a slot in the loading bay and a second carrier between the first transfer location and a second transfer location accessible by the automated diagnostic analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Razvan Raicu, Robert P. Luoma, II
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Publication number: 20200016598Abstract: Example apparatus including septums and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a septum that includes a first surface and a membrane coupled to at least a portion of the first surface. In addition, the example septum includes a second surface and ribs extending between the membrane and the second surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventor: Robert P. Luoma, II
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Patent number: 10456786Abstract: Example apparatus including septums and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a septum that includes a first surface and a membrane coupled to at least a portion of the first surface. In addition, the example septum includes a second surface and ribs extending between the membrane and the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIESInventor: Robert P. Luoma, II
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Publication number: 20180156831Abstract: Example automated storage modules for analyzer liquids are described herein. An example apparatus includes a refrigerated storage module having a plurality of shelves (to store a plurality of carriers) and a loading bay having an array of slots to receive one or more of the carriers. The loading bay is accessible by a user for manual loading or unloading of the carriers. The example apparatus includes a first carrier transporter coupled to the storage module to transfer the carriers between the shelves and a first transfer location and a second carrier transporter movable along a track connecting the storage module to an automated diagnostic analyzer. The second carrier transporter is to transfer a first carrier between the first transfer location and a slot in the loading bay and a second carrier between the first transfer location and a second transfer location accessible by the automated diagnostic analyzer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Razvan Raicu, Robert P. Luoma, II
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Patent number: 9835640Abstract: Example automated storage modules for analyzer liquids are described herein. An example apparatus includes a refrigerated storage module having a plurality of shelves (to store a plurality of carriers) and a loading bay having an array of slots to receive one or more of the carriers. The loading bay is accessible by a user for manual loading or unloading of the carriers. The example apparatus includes a first carrier transporter coupled to the storage module to transfer the carriers between the shelves and a first transfer location and a second carrier transporter movable along a track connecting the storage module to an automated diagnostic analyzer. The second carrier transporter is to transfer a first carrier between the first transfer location and a slot in the loading bay and a second carrier between the first transfer location and a second transfer location accessible by the automated diagnostic analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIESInventors: Razvan Raicu, Robert P. Luoma, II
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Publication number: 20160238625Abstract: Example automated storage modules for analyzer liquids are described herein. An example apparatus includes a refrigerated storage module having a plurality of shelves (to store a plurality of carriers) and a loading bay having an array of slots to receive one or more of the carriers. The loading bay is accessible by a user for manual loading or unloading of the carriers. The example apparatus includes a first carrier transporter coupled to the storage module to transfer the carriers between the shelves and a first transfer location and a second carrier transporter movable along a track connecting the storage module to an automated diagnostic analyzer. The second carrier transporter is to transfer a first carrier between the first transfer location and a slot in the loading bay and a second carrier between the first transfer location and a second transfer location accessible by the automated diagnostic analyzer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Razvan Raicu, Robert P. Luoma, II
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Publication number: 20140260089Abstract: Example apparatus including septums and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a septum that includes a first surface and a membrane coupled to at least a portion of the first surface. In addition, the example septum includes a second surface and ribs extending between the membrane and the second surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Robert P. Luoma, II
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Patent number: 8449839Abstract: A system for removing liquid waste from an automated diagnostic instrument. The system comprises (a) an accumulator having at least one inlet for waste liquids and at least one outlet for waste liquids; (b) a vacuum sub-system connected to the accumulator, the vacuum sub-system comprising a vacuum pump; and (c) a drain portion for removing waste liquids comprising a peristaltic pump having spring-loaded rollers. The liquid waste from the automated diagnostic instrument is moved by a pressure differential created by the vacuum pump and the peristaltic pump having spring-loaded rollers.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Ganesh Rajagopal, James W. Whitt, GeDon G. Berryman, Daniel H. Lains, Brian L. Ochranek, Gregory A. Blackwell, Robert P. Luoma, II, Jack F. Ramsey
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Publication number: 20080154543Abstract: A system for removing liquid waste from an automated diagnostic instrument. The system comprises (a) an accumulator having at least one inlet for waste liquids and at least one outlet for waste liquids; (b) a vacuum sub-system connected to the accumulator, said vacuum sub-system comprising a vacuum pump; and (c) a drain portion for removing waste liquids comprising a peristaltic pump having spring-loaded rollers. The liquid waste from the automated diagnostic instrument is moved by means of a pressure differential created by the vacuum pump and the peristaltic pump having spring-loaded rollers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Ganesh Rajagopal, James W. Whitt, GeDon G. Berryman, Daniel H. Lains, Brian L. Ochranek, Gregory A. Blackwell, Robert P. Luoma, Jack F. Ramsey
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Patent number: 6588625Abstract: A sample handling system includes a loading rack for receiving carriers with a plurality of test tubes holding samples. A robotic device transports a carrier with the samples to a positioner that moves the tubes within the carrier into an aspiration position. After aspiration, the robotic device returns the carrier to the loading rack. The system provides for handling of stat samples and automatic retesting of samples.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Robert P. Luoma, II, David C. Arnquist, James D. Hause
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Patent number: 6562298Abstract: The embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. One embodiment relates to a structure which comprises a process path. The process path comprises a process lane including a process step performance lane where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane where the process step is avoided. A first prime mover is operatively connected with the process path for moving a container holding the sample along the process path. A first pipetting system is operatively associated with the process path for introducing the sample to the container. A second pipetting system is operatively associated with the process path for introducing a reagent to the container. A device is operatively connected with the process path and is selectively engagable with the container for mixing the sample and the reagent in the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: David C. Arnquist, Grady Barnes, III, Richard D. Button, Chadwick M. Dunn, Richard C. East, Jr., Patrick P. Fritchie, Charles M. Galitz, Gregory E. Gardner, Cass J. Grandone, Robert C. Gray, James T. Holen, Robert P. Luoma, II, Jimmy D. McCoy, James E. Mitchell, Adrian John Murray, David W. Murray, Jack F. Ramsey, Neal T. Sleszynski, Julius J. Toth
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Publication number: 20020169518Abstract: A sample handling system includes a loading rack for receiving carriers with a plurality of test tubes holding samples. A robotic device transports a carrier with the samples to a positioner that moves the tubes within the carrier into an aspiration position. After aspiration, the robotic device returns the carrier to the loading rack. The system provides for handling of stat samples and automatic retesting of samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Robert P. Luoma, David C. Arnquist, James D. Hause
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Patent number: 5856194Abstract: The embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. In one method, a process path comprising a process lane including a process step performance lane where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane where the process step is avoided is provided. A container holding the sample is moved along the process path. The sample is introduced to the container. A reagent is introduced to the container. The sample and the reagent are mixed in the container. The container is selectively positioned in a selected one of the process step performance lane and the process step avoidance lane. The item of interest in the sample is determined based upon a reaction between the sample and the reagent.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: David C. Arnquist, Grady Barnes, III, Richard D. Button, Chadwick M. Dunn, Richard C. East, Jr., Patrick P. Fritchie, Charles M. Galitz, Gregory E. Gardner, Cass J. Grandone, Robert C. Gray, James T. Holen, Robert P. Luoma, II, Jimmy D. McCoy, James E. Mitchell, Adrian John Murray, David W. Murray, Jack F. Ramsey, Neal T. Sleszynski, Julius J. Toth
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Patent number: 5419835Abstract: A method of partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid having a plurality of phases of differing densities, a separation device and a tube containing the separation device. The sample of liquid is placed in a first chamber of a linear tube that is separated from a second chamber by a separation device. The separation device slidably engages the interior surface of the tube in an essentially fluid-tight manner and has an axial orifice on the longitudinal axis of the tube that is in fluid flow communication with a flow-restriction channel. The phases are ordered concentrically by rotating the tube around its longitudinal axis e.g. in an axial centrifuge. The volume of the first chamber is reduced by movement of the separation device within the tube, that phase of the liquid located axially within the first chamber flowing into the axial orifice and passing through the flow-restriction channel into the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignees: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, Du Pont Canada Inc.Inventors: George A. Adams, Robert P. Luoma, II
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Patent number: 5389265Abstract: A tube and method of partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid having a plurality of phases of differing densities. The tube has a smaller diameter at one end. In use, a sample of liquid is passed through a first end of a linear tube and into a first chamber of said tube. The first chamber is located at the first end of the tube and is separated from a second chamber located at a second opposed end of the tube by a separation device. The separation device slidably engages the interior surface of the tube in an essentially fluid-tight manner and has a flow-restriction orifice therein to permit fluid flow communication between the first and second chambers under the influence of force. The phases are then ordered within the tube using e.g. axial centrifugation. The volume of the first chamber is reduced by movement of the separation device within the tube, such that one phase of the liquid in the first chamber flows through the flow-restriction orifice and into the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1993Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventor: Robert P. Luoma, II
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Patent number: 5282981Abstract: A method of partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid having a plurality of phases of differing densities, a separation device and a tube containing the separation device. The sample of liquid is placed in a first chamber of a linear tube that is separated from a second chamber by a separation device. The separation device slidably engages the interior surface of the tube in an essentially fluid-tight manner and has an axial orifice on the longitudinal axis of the tube that is in fluid flow communication with a flow-restriction channel. The phases are ordered concentrically by rotating the tube around its longitudinal axis e.g. in an axial centrifuge. The volume of the first chamber is reduced by movement of the separation device within the tube, that phase of the liquid located axially within the first chamber flowing into the axial orifice and passing through the flow-restriction channel into the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1992Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: George A. Adams, Robert P. Luoma, II
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Patent number: 5271852Abstract: A method of partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid having a plurality of phases of differing densities, and a tube. A sample of liquid is passed through a first end of a linear tube and into a first chamber of said tube. The first chamber is located at the first end of the tube and is separated from a second chamber located at a second opposed end of the tube by a separation device. The separation device slidably engages the interior surface of the tube in an essentially fluid-tight manner and has a flow-restriction orifice therein to permit fluid flow communication between the first and second chambers under the influence of force. The phases are then ordered within the tube using e.g. axial centrifugation. The volume of the first chamber is reduced by movement of the separation device within the tube, such that one phase of the liquid in the first chamber flows through the flow-restriction orifice and into the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1992Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventor: Robert P. Luoma, II
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Patent number: 4640776Abstract: A plasmapheresis filtration module having stacked grooved plates interleaved with membranes, enclosed in a unitary, flexible, impermeable envelope, sealing being effected by pressing the membranes between blood flow channels and a sealing surface on a plasma side support.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1982Date of Patent: February 3, 1987Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Robert P. Luoma, II, Frank M. Willis