Patents by Inventor Spencer Lovette
Spencer Lovette 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: 11605533Abstract: Methods for an instrument including a light source of are provided. A method for an instrument including a light source includes providing light from the light source to a target location in a process chamber. The method includes receiving the light at a sensor. The method includes determining, using data from the sensor, a first position of the light at the target location. Moreover, the method includes determining whether to adjust the light to a second position at the target location. Related instruments are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: Ian MacGregor, Scott Collins, Jo-ann Loh, Spencer Lovette, Andrew J. Violette, James VanGordon, Jared Bullock
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Publication number: 20230060399Abstract: Disclosed herein is an instrument suitable for processing cells for example culturing, concentrating or washing said cells, the instrument comprising: a housing for accommodating mechanical elements including at least one fluid pump; and a disposable processing kit complementary to the mechanical elements within the housing and comprising a fluid circuit including a fluid reservoir and plural fluid paths capable of carrying fluid flow caused by said pump(s), the instrument further including a mechanism for determining the quantity, or change in quantity of the fluid in the reservoir resulting from said fluid flow, the instrument yet further comprising a controller operable to control at least the pump and operable to perform a fault determination process, which includes the steps of determining the expected flow rate of said pump(s) calculated from the speed of the pump(s) and comparing that expected flow with the change in quantity of the fluid in the reservoir as determined by said mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Weston Blaine Griffin, Mark Robert Timmins, Dan Harris, Spencer Lovette, Jim Dowling, Dan O'Sullivan, David Robinson
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Patent number: 11512277Abstract: Disclosed herein is an instrument suitable for processing cells for example culturing, concentrating or washing said cells, the instrument comprising: a housing for accommodating mechanical elements including at least one fluid pump; and a disposable processing kit complementary to the mechanical elements within the housing and comprising a fluid circuit including a fluid reservoir and plural fluid paths capable of carrying fluid flow caused by said pump(s), the instrument further including a mechanism for determining the quantity, or change in quantity of the fluid in the reservoir resulting from said fluid flow, the instrument yet further comprising a controller operable to control at least the pump and operable to perform a fault determination process, which includes the steps of determining the expected flow rate of said pump(s) calculated from the speed of the pump(s) and comparing that expected flow with the change in quantity of the fluid in the reservoir as determined by said mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLCInventors: Weston Blaine Griffin, Mark Robert Timmins, Dan Harris, Spencer Lovette, Jim Dowling, Dan O'Sullivan, David Robinson
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Patent number: 10962533Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for detecting and/or identifying one or more specific microorganisms in a culture sample. Indicator particles, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active nanoparticles, each having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest, can form a complex with specific microorganisms in the culture sample. Further, agitating magnetic capture particles also having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest can be used to capture the microorganism-indicator particle complex and concentrate the complex in a localized area of an assay vessel for subsequent detection and identification. The complex can be dispersed, pelleted, and redispersed so that the culture sample can be retested a number of times during incubation so as to allow for real-time monitoring of the culture sample.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANYInventors: Kristin Weidemaier, Erin Gooch Carruthers, Adam C. Curry, Melody M. H. Kuroda, Ammon David Lentz, Michael Justin Lizzi, Eric A. Fallows, Donald E. Gorelick, Jack Kessler, Spencer Lovette, Jeffrey S. Ojala, Mark A. Talmer
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Publication number: 20190287780Abstract: Methods for an instrument including a light source of are provided. A method for an instrument including a light source includes providing light from the light source to a target location in a process chamber. The method includes receiving the light at a sensor. The method includes determining, using data from the sensor, a first position of the light at the target location. Moreover, the method includes determining whether to adjust the light to a second position at the target location. Related instruments are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Ian MacGregor, Scott Collins, Jo-ann Loh, Spencer Lovette, Andy Violette, James VanGordon, Jared Bullock
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Publication number: 20180371393Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cell harvesting instrument suitable for concentrating cells from a source suspension of cells and/or washing said cells, the instrument comprising: a housing for accommodating mechanical elements including at least one fluid pump, at least one valve; and a processing kit removably insertable into the housing, said kit including a generally flat frame having or supporting plural sealed fluid paths arranged in a generally flat plane and such that fluids in the paths do not contact said mechanical elements, wherein at least portions of the fluid paths comprise flexible tubes, the outer surfaces of which are manipulateable by the or each fluid pump, to provide fluid flow in one or more of the paths and/or by the or each valve to restrict fluid flow in one or more of the paths. In an embodiment, the kit comprises also a fluid processing reservoir and a filter suitable for separating cells from fluid in said paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences Corp.Inventors: Austin Lines, Spencer Lovette, Jim Dowling
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Publication number: 20180371399Abstract: Disclosed herein is an instrument suitable for processing cells for example culturing, concentrating or washing said cells, the instrument comprising: a housing for accommodating mechanical elements including at least one fluid pump; and a disposable processing kit complementary to the mechanical elements within the housing and comprising a fluid circuit including a fluid reservoir and plural fluid paths capable of carrying fluid flow caused by said pump(s), the instrument further including a mechanism for determining the quantity, or change in quantity of the fluid in the reservoir resulting from said fluid flow, the instrument yet further comprising a controller operable to control at least the pump and operable to perform a fault determination process, which includes the steps of determining the expected flow rate of said pump(s) calculated from the speed of the pump(s) and comparing that expected flow with the change in quantity of the fluid in the reservoir as determined by said mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences Corp.Inventors: Weston Blaine Griffin, Mark Robert Timmins, Dan Harris, Spencer Lovette, Jim Dowling, Dan O'Sullivan
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Publication number: 20180136204Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for detecting and/or identifying one or more specific microorganisms in a culture sample. Indicator particles, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active nanoparticles, each having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest, can form a complex with specific microorganisms in the culture sample. Further, agitating magnetic capture particles also having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest can be used to capture the microorganism-indicator particle complex and concentrate the complex in a localized area of an assay vessel for subsequent detection and identification. The complex can be dispersed, pelleted, and redispersed so that the culture sample can be retested a number of times during incubation so as to allow for real-time monitoring of the culture sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Applicant: BECTON DICKINSON AND COMPANYInventors: Kristin Weidemaier, Robert L. Campbell, Erin Gooch Carruthers, Adam Craig Curry, Kevin G. Dolan, Andrea Liebmann-Vinson, Wendy Dale Woodley, Melody M.H. Kuroda, Ammon David Lentz, Dwight Livingston, Michael Justin Lizzi, Artis R. Lockhart, Ernie Ritchey, Eric A. Fallows, Donald E. Gorelick, Jack Kessler, Spencer Lovette, Jeffrey S. Ojala, Mark A. Talmer, Miroslaw Bartkowiak, Scott N. Danhof, Gregory S. Kramer, Thomas D. Haubert, Michael L. Marshall, James A. Prescott, Randy J. Somerville, M. Scott Ulrich, David S. Sebba
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Patent number: 9931644Abstract: A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Kevin Bailey, Christopher Embres, Donald Gorelick, Timothy R. Hansen, Dwight Livingston, Andre Scherz, Gerard Sevigny, Mark Talmer, Tong Zhou, Spencer Lovette
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Publication number: 20160318040Abstract: A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Kevin Bailey, Christopher Embres, Donald Gorelick, Timothy R. Hansen, Dwight Livingston, Andre Scherz, Gerard Sevigny, Mark Talmer, Tong Zhou, Spencer Lovette
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Patent number: 9381524Abstract: A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Kevin Bailey, Christopher Embres, Donald Gorelick, Timothy R. Hansen, Dwight Livingston, Andre Scherz, Gerard Sevigny, Mark Talmer, Tong Zhou, Spencer Lovette
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Publication number: 20150118688Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for detecting and/or identifying one or more specific microorganisms in a culture sample. Indicator particles, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active nanoparticles, each having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest, can form a complex with specific microorganisms in the culture sample. Further, agitating magnetic capture particles also having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest can be used to capture the microorganism-indicator particle complex and concentrate the complex in a localized area of an assay vessel for subsequent detection and identification. The complex can be dispersed, pelleted, and redispersed so that the culture sample can be retested a number of times during incubation so as to allow for real-time monitoring of the culture sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Kristin Weidemaier, Robert L. Campbell, Erin Gooch Carruthers, Adam C. Curry, Kevin G. Dolan, Andrea Liebmann-Vinson, Wendy Dale Woodley, Melody M.H. Kuroda, Ammon David Lentz, Dwight Livingston, Michael Justin Lizzi, Artis R. Lockhart, Ernie Ritchey, Eric A. Fallows, Donald E. Gorelick, Jack Kessler, Spencer Lovette, Jeffrey S. Ojala, Mark A. Talmer, Miroslaw Bartkowiak, Scott N. Danhof, Gregory S. Kramer, Thomas D. Haubert, Michael L. Marshall, James A. Prescott, Randy J. Somerville, M. Scott Ulrich, David S. Sebba
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Patent number: 5935523Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for accessing a sealed container, and in particular a sealed container which is at a pressure other than atmospheric and which generally contains blood or other bodily fluid. A piercer and a probe are provided which are mounted to an XYZ positioning mechanism and are controlled such that the piercer passes through a stopper of the container, forming a cut therein through which the probe may subsequently enter the container. A foot mechanism is provided which is held against the stopper or seal for the container during piercer or probe removal for stripping purposes and through which the probe and piercer pass, the size and shape of the foot being such that, for both piercing and probing operations, it is over only a single container. The piercer and probe are operated such that the one not being used is in each instance in a raised position relative to the one being used.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Medical Laboratory Automation, Inc.Inventors: William McCandless, Spencer Lovette, Hugo Lopez, Art Desanto
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Patent number: 4862753Abstract: A probe apparatus for aspirating a liquid sample from a container including a probe and a probe tip. The probe tip has a free end including a plurality of sharp points and cutting edges formed by the juncture of exposed surfaces. The exposed surfaces have a length and shape which promote liquid movement by surface tension forces along the exposed surfaces. A filter is secured to the end of the probe tip and a passageway for liquid extends through the probe and probe tip.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1988Date of Patent: September 5, 1989Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventors: Spencer Lovette, Peter Coassin, Robert Karol, John Aho