Patents by Inventor Samuel A. Marquiss

Samuel A. Marquiss 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: 6982431
    Abstract: Systems, and components thereof, for analyzing samples. These systems include apparatus and methods for generating, transmitting, detecting, and/or analyzing light, including without limitation high-throughput optical screening devices for analyzing samples at one or more assay sites. These systems also include apparatus and methods for supporting samples for analysis, including without limitation multiwell sample holders such as microplates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Devices Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas N. Modlin, Glenn R. Edwards, John C. Owicki, Michael T. Taylor, Samuel A. Marquiss
  • Patent number: 6902703
    Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: LJL Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Marquiss, Christopher G. Cesar, Jon F. Petersen, David P. Stumbo, Amer El-Hage, Glenn R. Edwards, Douglas N. Modlin, Lev J. Leytes, Samuel Burd
  • Patent number: 6838051
    Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: LJL BioSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Marquiss, Christopher G. Cesar, Jon F. Petersen, David P. Stumbo, Amer El-Hage, Glenn R. Edwards, Douglas N. Modlin, Ley J. Leytes, Samuel Burd
  • Publication number: 20040141885
    Abstract: This invention relates to pipette systems for transferring fluid between fluid receptacles; dispensing fluid from a fluid reservoir to a fluid receptacle and the reverse; and systems capable of both transferring and dispensing fluids wherein the pipette system incorporates a flexible sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Molecular Devices Corp.
    Inventors: Charles N. Godin, Joseph H. Jackson, Samuel A. Marquiss
  • Publication number: 20030223910
    Abstract: This invention relates to pipette systems for transferring fluid between fluid receptacles; dispensing fluid from a fluid reservoir to a fluid receptacle and the reverse; and systems capable of both transferring and dispensing fluids wherein the pipette system incorporates a flexible sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Molecular Devices Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Jackson, James M. Hamilton, Samuel A. Marquiss, Charles N. Godin
  • Publication number: 20030127609
    Abstract: Systems, and components thereof, for analyzing samples. These systems include apparatus and methods for generating, transmitting, detecting, and/or analyzing light, including without limitation high-throughput optical screening devices for analyzing samples at one or more assay sites. These systems also include apparatus and methods for supporting samples for analysis, including without limitation multiwell sample holders such as microplates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Amer El-Hage, Christopher G. Cesar, Douglas N. Modlin, Glenn R. Edwards, John C. Owicki, Joh W. Meadows, Michael T. Taylor, Samuel A. Marquiss, Jonathan F. Petersen, David P. Stumbo
  • Patent number: 6499366
    Abstract: Devices for automatically feeding sample containers into and out of an analyzer. The device may include (1) a first station that receives and initiates transport of a sample container into an analyzer for analysis, (2) a second station where the sample container is handed off to a transporter that carries the sample container to and from an examination site inside the analyzer, and (3) a third station that collects the sample container after examination. The device also may include a singulation mechanism configured to separate a sample container from a stack of sample containers, and/or a stacking mechanism configured to add a sample container to a stack of sample containers. The singulation and stacking mechanisms may include lifter and latch components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: LJL BioSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Meadows, Glenn R. Edwards, Samuel A. Marquiss, Amer El-Hage, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Publication number: 20020009391
    Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: LJL BioSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Marquiss, Christopher S. Cesar, Jon F. Petersen, David P. Stumbo, Amer El-Hage, Glenn R. Edwards, Douglas N. Modlin, Ley J. Leytes, Samuel Burd
  • Patent number: 6313960
    Abstract: Devices for using optical filters in a filter holder that enable optical filters to be simply, conveniently, and flexibly interchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: LJL Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Marquiss, Calvin D. Wong, Glenn R. Edwards, Michael T. Taylor, Philip A. Granieri, Jr., Douglas N. Modlin, Amer El-Hage
  • Publication number: 20010021074
    Abstract: Devices for using optical filters in a filter holder that enable optical filters to be simply, conveniently, and flexibly interchanged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: SAMUEL A. MARQUISS, CALVIN D. WONG, GLENN R. EDWARDS, MICHAEL T. TAYLOR, PHIL A. GARNIERI, DOUGLAS N. MODLIN, AMER EL-HAGE
  • Patent number: 6097025
    Abstract: A high-throughput light detection instrument and method are described. In some embodiments, switch mechanisms and optical relay structures permit different light sources and/or detectors to be selected for different applications. In other embodiments, switch mechanisms and optical paths permit top/bottom illumination and/or top/bottom detection, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: LJL BioSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas N. Modlin, Glenn R. Edwards, Michael T. Taylor, Samuel A. Marquiss, Amer El-Hage, Craig S. Barker, Lorne B. Bechtel, Rick V. Stellmacher, Philip A. Granieri, Jr., Robert M. Lembi, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6071748
    Abstract: A high-throughput light detection instrument and method are described. Confocal optics structure enables exclusive light detection from a sensed volume in a composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: LJL BioSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas N. Modlin, Glenn R. Edwards, Michael T. Taylor, Samuel A. Marquiss
  • Patent number: 6033100
    Abstract: Devices and methods for transmitting light through an aperture in a surface substantially without leakage. In one embodiment, the device comprises an optical relay structure having an end configured to transmit light, and an opaque collar positioned around the end and configured to reorient to conform to the surface when the end and the aperture are aligned. In another embodiment, the device comprises an optical relay structure having an end configured to transmit light, and an opaque collar positioned around the end and spring-biased relative to the end, so that the opaque collar is forced against the surface when the end and the aperture are aligned. The devices further may include a stop mechanism for limiting movement of the opaque collar, a registration mechanism for aligning the end and the aperture, and a light source and/or a detector for generating or detecting light, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: LJL BioSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Marquiss, Glenn R. Edwards, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Patent number: 5738827
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding reagent and sample vessels. The apparatus has reagent and sample vessel racks, a carousel supporting the racks, guiding pins that serve to guide the racks as they are mounted on the carousel and also serve to attach the racks to the carousel. Each of the racks has a handle that is used to lift the racks from the carousel. The grip of the handle is located above the center of gravity of its corresponding rack when the rack is lifted by the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: LJL Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel A. Marquiss
  • Patent number: 5663545
    Abstract: The invention presents a system for automatically identifying labware and sample containers. Labeled sample containers are inserted into the reception slots of a labeled labware. A sample condition label is affixed below each reception slot. The sample condition label is covered by the sample container when the sample container is inserted into the reception slot. An exposed sample condition label indicates the absence of a sample container in that reception slot. The labware containing the sample containers is installed on a labware holder having a labware condition label affixed to its surface. The labware condition label is covered by the labware when the labware is installed on the labware holder. An exposed labware condition label indicates the absence of a labware on the labware holder. The label information is read by an optical reader attached to a motorized track. Both the optical reader and the motorized track are connected to a data processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: LJL Biosystems Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel A. Marquiss
  • Patent number: 5483843
    Abstract: A vial transport apparatus which is capable of storing and retrieving samples and then transporting them from one location in a sampling system to another without the complexity and expense of robotic arms or gripper elements is provided. A passive hook arrangement is utilized to engage the vials for transport and can be operated using a standard three motor system for transport in the X, Y, and Z directions. The hook supports the vial from beneath and at least partially surrounds the vial to entrap it during transport thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Thermo Separation Products Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie A. Miller, Thomas J. McCall, Jr., Samuel A. Marquiss, Douglas H. Smith, Richard F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5206568
    Abstract: An automated multi-purpose analytical chemistry processing center and laboratory work station having a movable table for supporting microtiter plates and other fluid receptacles, a movable arm, and a modular mobile pod affixed for reciprocal movement along the arm. The workstation combines into a single programmable system the capabilities for automation of a wide range of bioanalytical procedures including, not only sample pipetting, serial dilution, reagent additions, mixing, reaction timing and similar known manual procedures, but also programmable spectrophotometric measurements and other physical parameters, further processing based on these measurements and automatic data recording.The work station is adapted to transfer, dispense, and aspirate liquid from one location to another automatically in accordance with user programmed instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Torleif O. Bjornson, Robert M. Coppock, Samuel A. Marquiss
  • Patent number: 5108703
    Abstract: An automated multi-purpose analytical chemistry processing center and laboratory work station having a movable table for supporting microtiter plates and other fluid receptacles, a movable arm, and a modular mobile pod affixed for reciprocal movement along the arm. The work station combines into a single programmable system the capabilities for automation of a wide range of bioanalytical procedures including, not only sample pipetting, serial dilution, reagent additions, mixing, reaction timing and similar known manual procedures, but also programmable spectrophotometric measurements and other physical parameters, further processing based on these measurements and automatic data recording. The work station is adapted to transfer, dispense, and aspirate liquid from one location to another automatically in accordance with user programmed instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Pfost, Torleif O. Bjornson, Robert M. Coppock, Carl Kowalski, Samuel A. Marquiss, Donald S. Murray, R. Fred Pfost, Brian Sanford, Katherine L. Puckett
  • Patent number: 5104621
    Abstract: An automated multi-purpose analytical chemistry processing center and laboratory work station having a movable table for supporting microtiter plates and other fluid receptacles, a movable arm, and a modular mobile pod affixed for reciprocal movement along the arm. The workstation combines into a single programmable system the capabilities for automation of a wide range of bioanalytical procedures including, not only sample pipetting, serial dilution, reagent additions, mixing, reaction timing and similar known manual procedures, but also programmable spectrophotometric measurements and other physical parameters, further processing based on these measurements and automatic data recording. The work station is adapted to transfer, dispense, and aspirate liquid from one location to another automatically in accordance with user programmed instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Pfost, Torleif O. Bjornson, Robert M. Coppock, Carl Kowalski, Samuel A. Marquiss, Donald S. Murray, R. Fred Pfost, Brian Sanford, Katherine L. Puckett
  • Patent number: 4846003
    Abstract: A measuring system for use with automated pipettes for determining the presence or absence of a pipette tip. The central conduit of the pipette is connected to a source of pressure waves, such as a speaker and also connected to a pressure wave detector, such as a microphone. Changes in acoustic impedance between an open conduit when no tip is present, a partially constricted conduit when a tip is present, and a closed conduit when the liquid boundary layer is contacted determine the measured states of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel A. Marquiss