Patents by Inventor Roberto Del Valle
Roberto Del Valle 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: 7998409Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Craig R. Veiner, Frank M. Tappen, Roberto Del Valle
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Patent number: 7854892Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Craig R. Veiner, Frank M. Tappen, Roberto Del Valle
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Patent number: 7850914Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Craig R. Veiner, Frank M. Tappen, Roberto Del Valle
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Patent number: 7661326Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples in an analytical instrument, e.g., a hematology instrument, includes a liquid-sampling valve that, while operating to segment and position for dispensing one or more precise volumes of a liquid sample that has been aspirated into the valve by a pump, simultaneously enables the apparatus to be operated in an aspirate/dispense (suck-and-spit) mode in which a liquid sample can be selectively driven through the valve in opposite directions by a pump, e.g., a syringe pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: William W. Li, William J. Casey, Craig R. Veiner, Carlos R. Gonzalez, Jose M. Cano, Roberto Del Valle, Santiago Galvez
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Publication number: 20080098828Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples in an analytical instrument, e.g., a hematology instrument, includes a liquid-sampling valve that, while operating to segment and position for dispensing one or more precise volumes of a liquid sample that has been aspirated into the valve by a pump, simultaneously enables the apparatus to be operated in an aspirate/dispense (suck-and-spit) mode in which a liquid sample can be selectively driven through the valve in opposite directions by a pump, e.g., a syringe pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: BECKMAN COULTER, INC.Inventors: William W. Li, William J. Casey, Craig R. Veiner, Carlos R. Gonzalez, Jose M. Cano, Roberto Del Valle, Santiago Galvez
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Patent number: 7344890Abstract: A method for discriminating and quantifying platelets within an analyzed blood sample involves initially diluting the blood sample with a ghosting reagent that causes a change in the index of refraction of the red blood cells. Owing to the change in the index of refraction, light scattered from the ghosted red blood cells will be substantially reduced relative to light scattered from platelets. This results in locations of platelets within a scatterplot of the analyzed blood sample to fall within a region distinguishable from those containing normal red blood cells, fragmented red blood cells, and microcytic red blood cells.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Carlos A. Perez, Lidice L. Lopez, Mark A. Wells, Joaquin Ibanez, Eileen Landrum, Roberto Del Valle, Santiago Galvez
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Patent number: 7331474Abstract: A magnetically-attractive specimen-container rack for use with a magnetic transport system for transporting racks of specimen-containers to or within an automated clinical instrument for analysis and/or processing. The specimen-container rack comprises a pair of U-shaped magnetically-attractive members mounted in the base section of the rack housing so that the distal ends of such members extend towards the base of the rack and terminate in a plane slightly short of the plane in which the rack is supported for movement atop a rack-supporting surface. Such members are adapted to cooperate with similarly-shaped permanent magnets carried by an X/Y-movable truck that underlies a non-magnetic rack-supporting plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Craig R. Veiner, Frank M. Tappen, Roberto Del Valle, Richard A. Marquis
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Publication number: 20080008624Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: Craig Veiner, Frank Tappen, Roberto Del Valle
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Publication number: 20070207056Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: Craig Veiner, Frank Tappen, Roberto Del Valle
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Publication number: 20070105230Abstract: A method for discriminating and quantifying platelets within an analyzed blood sample involves initially diluting the blood sample with a ghosting reagent that causes a change in the index of refraction of the cell. Owing to the change in the index of refraction, light scattered from the ghosted red blood cells will be substantially reduced relative to light scattered from platelets. This results in locations of platelets within a scatterplot of the analyzed blood sample to fall within a region distinguishable from those containing normal red blood cells, fragmented red blood cells, and microcytic red blood cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2005Publication date: May 10, 2007Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Carlos Perez, Lidice Lopez, Mark Wells, Joaquin Ibanez, Eileen Landrum, Roberto Del Valle, Santiago Galvez
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Publication number: 20050196320Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: September 8, 2005Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Craig Veiner, Frank Tappen, Roberto Del Valle
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Publication number: 20050194333Abstract: A magnetically-attractive specimen-container rack for use with a magnetic transport system for transporting racks of specimen-containers to or within an automated clinical instrument for analysis and/or processing. The specimen-container rack comprises a pair of U-shaped magnetically-attractive members mounted in the base section of the rack housing so that the distal ends of such members extend towards the base of the rack and terminate in a plane slightly short of the plane in which the rack is supported for movement atop a rack-supporting surface. Such members are adapted to cooperate with similarly-shaped permanent magnets carried by an X/Y-movable truck that underlies a non-magnetic rack-supporting plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: September 8, 2005Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Craig Veiner, Frank Tappen, Roberto Del Valle, Richard Marquis
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Patent number: 6908226Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating a liquid (e.g., blood) from a container uses an electrically biased thermistor element, mounted proximate the tip of a liquid-aspirating probe, to determine that the probe is safely submerged within a body of liquid to be aspirated at all times during the aspiration process. Also disclosed are different aspiration probe assemblies that are useful in the method and apparatus of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: Imran T. Siddiqui, Santos E. Vargas, Roberto Del Valle
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Publication number: 20040156417Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating a liquid (e.g., blood) from a container uses an electrically biased thermistor element, mounted proximate the tip of a liquid-aspirating probe, to determine that the probe is safely submerged within a body of liquid to be aspirated at all times during the aspiration process. Also disclosed are different aspiration probe assemblies that are useful in the method and apparatus of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Imran T. Siddiqui, Santos E. Vargas, Roberto Del Valle
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Patent number: 6322752Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating and dispensing precise volumes of liquid, e.g. whole blood, comprises an aspiration probe or needle having an internal volume precisely equal to a desired volume to be dispensed, and a computer-controlled shear valve for trapping aspirated liquid inside the probe for subsequent dispensing. A liquid sensor positioned downstream of the shear valve cooperates with a liquid level sensor on the probe tip to assure that the probe lumen is filled with the aspirated liquid.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Coulter International Corp.Inventors: Imran T. Siddiqui, Roberto del Valle, Santos Vargas, Pedro P. Cabrera
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Patent number: 5255568Abstract: A method for sampling, metering and delivering precise microliter volume aliquots of a liquid blood sample to mixing and testing means of an electronic blood analysis system for analysis using a sampling and metering valve assembly in which is defined plural through fluid flow paths, one of the flow paths including a loop for metering and isolating a sample aliquot therein, the method comprising the steps of defining first and second dedicated passages within the valve assembly displaced one from the other and from the loop containing the isolated aliquot, introducing an inert gas to the loop to force the aliquot therein to said first dedicated passage at the displaced location thereof, placing the first and second dedicated passages in communicating relationship and introducing lyse reagent to the second dedicated passage to force the isolated aliquot from the first dedicated passage with the lyse reagent to a location exterior of the valve assembly without contaminating any flow paths which has been traversType: GrantFiled: October 22, 1992Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: Coulter CorporationInventors: Roberto del Valle, Santos E. Vargas, Pedro P. Cabrera
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Patent number: 5158751Abstract: A liquid metering and transfer valve assembly having the capability of metering, isolating, transfering and delivering precise microliter volume aliquots of a blood sample, from a source thereof, to mixing and testing chambers of an electronic blood analysis system for analysis, and further, carrying a loop for metering and isolating an additional sample aliquot within the valve assembly in the loop, a first dedicated passageway for introducing a first fluid to the loop to force the additional aliquot from its isolated location to a first dedicated portion of the valve assembly displaced from the loop and a second dedicated portion of the valve assembly to establish a flow path for introducing a lysing reagent to the first dedicated portion to force the additional aliquot from its displaced disposition, as a lyse reagent/aliquot mixture, to a selected additional mixing and testing chamber exterior of the valve assembly without contaminating any interior flow path traversed by a blood sample and associated dilType: GrantFiled: December 13, 1990Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Assignee: Coulter CorporationInventors: Roberto del Valle, Santos E. Vargas, Pedro P. Cabrera
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Patent number: 5094961Abstract: For use in automated or semi-automated hematology analysis apparatus, a method of introducing a volume of blood from a source thereof along a conduit leading to a sampling, metering and transfer valve assembly of the apparatus comprising the steps of drawing a predetermined volume of blood sample from the source, causing the drawn blood sample to travel along the conduit toward the valve assembly, providing detectors adjacent the inlet and outlet of the valve assembly and using vacuum to position the drawn blood sample so that it passes through the valve assembly and is disposed in metering condition within the valve assembly, the positioning being responsive to signals provided by the detectors.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1990Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Assignee: Coulter CorporationInventors: Roberto del Valle, Santos E. Vargas, Stuart D. Wills