Patents by Inventor Steve Grimes
Steve Grimes 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: 8415169Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Publication number: 20120164683Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Patent number: 8114680Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Publication number: 20110165672Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2011Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Patent number: 7919049Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Publication number: 20100074803Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Patent number: 7629176Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Patent number: 7495827Abstract: A test tube (72, 72?) defines a test tube axis (75) and contains or supports an associated sample in an annular sampling region (12). At least two alignment bearings (80, 81, 81?, 82, 83, 110, 140, 142, 181, 182, 183, 184, 211, 212) engage the test tube at opposite sides of the annular sampling region along the test tube axis. At least one bias bearing (86, 86?, 87, 140, 142, 204) is radially spaced apart from the at least two alignment bearings and presses the test tube against the at least two alignment bearings to align a portion of the annular sampling region respective to the at least two alignment bearings. A motor (112) engages the test tube to selectively rotate the test tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Steve Grimes, Thomas D. Haubert, Eric R. Navin
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Publication number: 20080131868Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Patent number: 7358095Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Publication number: 20070199831Abstract: A contact lens package and applicator comprises a lens cup and a lid that covers the lens cup to form a chamber for a contact lens. The lens cup has a drainage member, such as a mesh or a perforated plastic sheet, through which saline solution drains. In a first orientation, the chamber is substantially filled with the saline solution and, in a second orientation, the chamber is substantially empty of the saline solution. The lid covering the lens cup is movable between a closed position in which the contact lens is concealed and an open position in which the contact lens is accessible for direct application of the contact lens to the user's eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Michael Tokarski, James Peck, Edward Dzwill, George Brock, James Davis, Steve Grimes
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Patent number: 7220593Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephan C. Wardlaw
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Publication number: 20070092971Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: April 26, 2007Inventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen Wardlaw
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Publication number: 20070035820Abstract: A test tube (72, 72?) defines a test tube axis (75) and contains or supports an associated sample in an annular sampling region (12). At least two alignment bearings (80, 81, 81?, 82, 83, 110, 140, 142, 181, 182, 183, 184, 211, 212) engage the test tube at opposite sides of the annular sampling region along the test tube axis. At least one bias bearing (86, 86?, 87, 140, 142, 204) is radially spaced apart from the at least two alignment bearings and presses the test tube against the at least two alignment bearings to align a portion of the annular sampling region respective to the at least two alignment bearings. A motor (112) engages the test tube to selectively rotate the test tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2006Publication date: February 15, 2007Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Steve Grimes, Thomas Haubert, Eric Navin
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Publication number: 20040067162Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force enlarges of the diameter of the tube to permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Thomas Haubert, Vince Contini, Steve Grimes, Randy Jones, Stephen C. Wardlaw
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Patent number: 6511253Abstract: Featured is a mounting device and methods related thereto for mounting the device to an object including cylindrical objects such as camera lenses, rifle scopes, telescopes, monoculars and binoculars. The mounting device includes a housing, having an exterior surface, that is to be mounted to an object and a resilient member. The housing is configured so as to include an interior passage having an inner cross section larger than that of the object to which the housing is to be mounted onto, and at least one slot extending from the housing exterior surface and into the housing interior passage. The resilient member is disposed about at least a portion of the housing exterior surface so a portion of the resilient member is positioned within each of the at least one slot in the housing and so this portion of the resilient member protrudes into the interior passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Inventors: Steve Grimes, Peter J. Jones
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Patent number: 6109339Abstract: A heating system uses a dynamic thermal stabilizer for receiving, mixing, holding and outputting a circulating heat exchange liquid in a fashion similar to the use of a flywheel in the mechanical arts. Liquid is returned to the dynamic thermal stabilizer from both an input heat exchange unit and an output heat exchange unit. A two pump system affords a simple tee fitting arrangement that provides room air heating by directly using hot liquid either from the dynamic thermal stabilizer or directly (and at higher temperature) from the input heat exchange unit itself to automatically achieve an additional boost of room heat using higher temperature liquid. The system can also provide initial short draws of domestic hot water from the dynamic thermal stabilizer alone or long draws of hot water by using the input heat exchange unit as a further source of heat input.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1996Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: First Company, Inc.Inventors: Sherwood G. Talbert, David A. Ball, Jan B. Yates, Stephen E. Petty, Steve Grimes
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Patent number: 5666910Abstract: An open steam generator system is disclosed which comprises a substantially enclosed vessel having an opening for exhausting steam generated and an opening for draining residual water from the vessel. Within the vessel also is a heat exchange coil having a heat transfer fluid circulating through its runs. The vessel also includes an injector for spraying water onto the heating coil to form steam. The disclosed steam generator achieves tolerance for low water quality by minimizing surface areas in contact with water. In addition, the system promotes self-cleaning of heat exchange surfaces using thermal shock to dislodge scale deposits.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventors: Paul E. George, II, William Wilkinson, Donald Anson, Kurt Creamer, Douglas Dickson, Michael J. Grassi, Steve Grimes