Patents by Inventor Steven Scampini

Steven Scampini 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).

  • Publication number: 20120112384
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bonding block of paraffin having cellular material embedded at one end thereof with an additional amount of paraffin are disclosed, including a method comprising placing the paraffin block in a well of a mold with the paraffin-embedded cellular material positioned on a support structure that elevates the cellular matter from a bottom surface of the well; heating the mold to thereby soften and at least partially melt and blend together the embedding paraffin and additional paraffin located in the well, the support structure sized such that some of the additional paraffin flows on the bottom surface of the well at least partially surrounding the support structure; and cooling the mold to thereby bond the additional paraffin to the embedding paraffin and re-solidify the paraffin block, wherein the retained cellular matter is spaced apart from an end of the re-solidified paraffin block defined by the bottom surface of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventors: Eric BAUR, Steven SCAMPINI
  • Patent number: 8137642
    Abstract: A bubble point of a combination of a filter and a liquid is calibrated by applying an initial back pressure through the filter toward the liquid; taking a first plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container; calculating a first variance of the first plurality of measurements; and comparing the first calculated variance with a known threshold variance. Then a second plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container is taken; a second variance of the second plurality of measurements is calculated; and the second calculated variance is compared with a known threshold variance. The above described steps are repeated at incrementally increased back pressures until the first and second calculated variances are each greater than or equal to the known threshold variance, which is about 0.01. The bubble point is determined to be the back pressure at that point. If the determined bubble point is less than or equal to the known threshold bubble point, which is about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Hutchins, Steven Scampini, Eric Baur
  • Patent number: 7914462
    Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Hutchins, Hal Watts, Steven Scampini, Eric Grimes, Andrew H. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7829021
    Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: CYTYC Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Hutchins, Hal Watts, Steven Scampini, Eric Grimes, Andrew H. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7796789
    Abstract: A three dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is operated to guide or observe the operation of an invasive medical device (30) in three dimensions. An interventional system (20) is used to operate the invasive medical device (30) and produces spatially-based information relating to the activity of the invasive medical device (30). The spatially-based information from the interventional system (20) is merged into the three dimensional ultrasonic image data to produce a live three dimensional image of the invasive medical device (30) or its activity. In one embodiment the locations where the activity of the invasive medical device (30) is performed is recorded and displayed in the three dimensional ultrasonic image. The three dimensional ultrasonic image may be shown as an anatomical volume rendered image or as a wire frame model (130) of the anatomy. In another embodiment an integrated three dimensional ultrasonic imaging and invasive device system is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Ivan Salgo, Bernard Savord, Steven Scampini, Michael Peszynski
  • Publication number: 20090165940
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bonding block of paraffin having cellular material embedded at one end thereof with an additional amount of paraffin are disclosed, including a method comprising placing the paraffin block in a well of a mold with the paraffin-embedded cellular material positioned on a support structure that elevates the cellular matter from a bottom surface of the well; heating the mold to thereby soften and at least partially melt and blend together the embedding paraffin and additional paraffin located in the well, the support structure sized such that some of the additional paraffin flows on the bottom surface of the well at least partially surrounding the support structure; and cooling the mold to thereby bond the additional paraffin to the embedding paraffin and re-solidify the paraffin block, wherein the retained cellular matter is spaced apart from an end of the re-solidified paraffin block defined by the bottom surface of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: CYTYC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Baur, Steven Scampini
  • Patent number: 7529393
    Abstract: A three dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is operated to guide or observe the operation of an invasive medical device (30) in three dimensions. The invasive medical device (30) is shown in a detailed ultrasonic image and the balance of the volumetric region (120) in which the device is located is shown in a wide field of view. The detailed and wide fields of view may be displayed separately or overlapping in spatial alignment on an image display (18). The wide field of view may be shown in two or three dimensions. A quantified display may be shown together with the wide and detailed anatomical displays. The detailed view may also be shown in an enlarged or zoomed format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Peszynski, Ivan Salgo, Bernard Savord, Steven Scampini
  • Publication number: 20080081363
    Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: CYTYC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy Hutchins, Hal Watts, Steven Scampini, Eric Grimes, Andrew Fischer
  • Publication number: 20080081351
    Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: CYTYC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy Hutchins, Hal Watts, Steven Scampini, Eric Grimes, Andrew Fischer
  • Publication number: 20080057573
    Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: CYTYC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy Hutchins, Hal Watts, Steven Scampini, Eric Grimes
  • Publication number: 20080055572
    Abstract: A system and method for determining whether one or more slides are loaded properly within a cassette. Each slide includes one or more transparent regions and one or more non-transparent regions. The slides are between a light source and a sensor. The light source generates light that is directed towards the sensor through the slides. If the sensor is able to detect light from the light source, then the slides are properly loaded in the cassette. Slides are not properly loaded if the light is blocked by a non-transparent region before reaching the sensor. The sensor or a separate controller can generate a signal or data to provide an indication to a user or to processing equipment that the slides are or are not properly loaded. For example, a speaker or an indicator light can be used to provide an indication to the user. The signal or data can also be used for other functions, such as displaying a message on a screen indicating whether the slides are properly loaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: CYTYC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven Scampini
  • Patent number: 7270634
    Abstract: A three dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is operated to guide or observe the operation of an invasive medical device (30) in three dimensions. The appearance of the invasive device (30) in the three dimensional ultrasonic image is enhanced to be more readily observable by a clinician. The enhancement is produced by transmitting a greater ultrasonic beam density in a subvolumetric region including the invasive device (30) than in the surrounding portion of the volumetric region (120). The beam density may be uniformly high in the subvolumetric region and uniformly low in the surrounding region, or may taper from a relatively high beam density around the invasive device (30) to a minimum beam density at distances removed from the invasive device (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Steven Scampini, Michael Peszynski, Ivan Salgo, Bernard Savord
  • Publication number: 20070173737
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for collecting cells or tissue samples from the cervix of a patient for medical testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Scampini
  • Publication number: 20070148041
    Abstract: A system for preparing biological specimen slides comprises a slide preparation apparatus for preparing the specimen slides; a processor configured to control the slide preparation apparatus; and a data retrieval device coupled to the processor and configured to retrieve information from a storage device associated with the slide preparation apparatus or a component used by the slide preparation apparatus, wherein the processor selectively enables operation of the slide preparation apparatus based on the retrieved information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: CYTYC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry Hunt, Peter Doward, Steven Scampini, Patrick Guiney, Peter Albany
  • Publication number: 20070142746
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for collecting cells or tissue samples from the cervix of a patient for medical testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Scampini
  • Publication number: 20070140915
    Abstract: An instrument for automated processing of sample vials are provided. The instrument causes an aliquot chamber within the vial to be filled with the fluid contained within the vial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Sakal, Hal Watts, Steven Scampini
  • Publication number: 20070133085
    Abstract: A microscope control device comprises a coarse focus control, a manual navigation control, and a fine focus control. The microscope control device also includes a clutch configured to alternatively activate one of the coarse focus control and manual navigation control. The fine focus control, coarse focus control, manual navigation control, and clutch are configured and arranged for manual manipulation by a single hand of an operator without changing a general position of the hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Applicant: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Scampini
  • Publication number: 20070057106
    Abstract: A configurable slide imaging system includes a plurality of slide cassettes, each cassette configured for accessibly storing a plurality of specimen slides, a plurality of imagers, each operatively coupled with one or more processors for processing images obtained of respective specimen slides retrieved from the storage cassettes, and a slide transport system including a movable arm having a slide engagement mechanism, the slide transport system configured for retrieving slides from the slide cassettes and positioning them on a slide stage of a respective-imager, and for retrieving slides from a slide stage of an imager and transporting them to a respective storage cassette. The number of imagers may be selected, and their operation synchronized, so as to minimize down time of the extendable arm 204.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Applicant: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Scampini
  • Publication number: 20060270934
    Abstract: A composite three dimensional ultrasound image containing position or image information of an invasive medical device (30) is provided. The three dimensional ultrasound image data can be combined with position or image information of the invasive medical device (30) either prior to or subsequent to volume rendering. the three dimensional ultrasound image data and the interventional system data are oriented and sealed to a common frame of reference and then combined. The volume rendering can be performed either on the ultrasound system (12), on the interventional system (20), or separately on both before combining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Inventors: Bernard Savord, Steven Scampini, Michael Peszynski, Ivan Salgo
  • Publication number: 20060193504
    Abstract: A three dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is operated to guide or observe the operation of an invasive medical device (30) in three dimensions. An interventional system (20) is used to operate the invasive medical device (30) and produces spatially-based information relating to the activity of the invasive medical device (30). The spatially-based information from the interventional system (20) is merged into the three dimensional ultrasonic image data to produce a live three dimensional image of the invasive medical device (30) or its activity. In one embodiment the locations where the activity of the invasive medical device (30) is performed is recorded and displayed in the three dimensional ultrasonic image. The three dimensional ultrasonic image may be shown as an anatomical volume rendered image or as a wire frame model (130) of the anatomy. In another embodiment an integrated three dimensional ultrasonic imaging and invasive device system is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Ivan Salgo, Bernard Savord, Steven Scampini, Michael Peszynski