Patents by Inventor Thomas Castner
Thomas Castner 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: 20230280253Abstract: A vacuum manifold for filtration microscopy includes a manifold top having multiple openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top, where the capture membrane is configured to deflect into contact with a surface of the manifold top when a negative pressure is applied to the multiple openings. A method for filtration microscopy includes the steps of providing a vacuum manifold including a manifold top having a plurality of openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top; applying sample drops to sample spots on the membrane, the sample spots positioned above the plurality of openings; applying a negative pressure to the openings such that the capture membrane contacts a surface of the manifold top; and optically imaging particulates on the capture membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Thomas Castner, Robert Hart, Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Nathan Wall
-
Publication number: 20230236409Abstract: A system for characterizing at least one particle from a fluid sample is disclosed. The system includes a filter disposed upstream of an outlet, and a luminaire configured to illuminate the at least one particle at an oblique angle. An imaging device is configured to capture and process images of the illuminated at least one particle as it rests on the filter for characterizing the at least one particle. A system for characterizing at least one particle using bright field illumination is also disclosed. A method for characterizing particulates in a fluid sample using at least one of oblique angle and bright field illumination is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Gjergji Konica, Thomas Castner, Bernardo Cordovez, Christopher Earhart, David Erickson, Robert Hart
-
Patent number: 11674874Abstract: A vacuum manifold for filtration microscopy includes a manifold top having multiple openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top, where the capture membrane is configured to deflect into contact with a surface of the manifold top when a negative pressure is applied to the multiple openings. A method for filtration microscopy includes the steps of providing a vacuum manifold including a manifold top having a plurality of openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top; applying sample drops to sample spots on the membrane, the sample spots positioned above the plurality of openings; applying a negative pressure to the openings such that the capture membrane contacts a surface of the manifold top; and optically imaging particulates on the capture membrane.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2022Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Optofluidics Inc.Inventors: Thomas Castner, Robert Hart, Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Nathan Wall
-
Publication number: 20230090141Abstract: A system for characterizing at least one particle from a fluid sample is disclosed. The system includes a filter disposed upstream of an outlet, and a luminaire configured to illuminate the at least one particle at an oblique angle. An imaging device is configured to capture and process images of the illuminated at least one particle as it rests on the filter for characterizing the at least one particle. A system for characterizing at least one particle using bright field illumination is also disclosed. A method for characterizing particulates in a fluid sample using at least one of oblique angle and bright field illumination is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Inventors: Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Gjergji Konica, Thomas Castner, Bernardo Cordovez, Christopher Earhart, David Erickson, Robert Hart
-
Patent number: 11513333Abstract: A system for characterizing at least one particle from a fluid sample is disclosed. The system includes a filter disposed upstream of an outlet, and a luminaire configured to illuminate the at least one particle at an oblique angle. An imaging device is configured to capture and process images of the illuminated at least one particle as it rests on the filter for characterizing the at least one particle. A system for characterizing at least one particle using bright field illumination is also disclosed. A method for characterizing particulates in a fluid sample using at least one of oblique angle and bright field illumination is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Optofluidics Inc.Inventors: Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Gjergji Konica, Thomas Castner, Bernardo Cordovez, Christopher Earhart, David Erickson, Robert Hart
-
Publication number: 20220326131Abstract: A vacuum manifold for filtration microscopy includes a manifold top having multiple openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top, where the capture membrane is configured to deflect into contact with a surface of the manifold top when a negative pressure is applied to the multiple openings. A method for filtration microscopy includes the steps of providing a vacuum manifold including a manifold top having a plurality of openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top; applying sample drops to sample spots on the membrane, the sample spots positioned above the plurality of openings; applying a negative pressure to the openings such that the capture membrane contacts a surface of the manifold top; and optically imaging particulates on the capture membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Thomas Castner, Robert Hart, Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Nathan Wall
-
Patent number: 11366047Abstract: A vacuum manifold for filtration microscopy includes a manifold top having multiple openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top, where the capture membrane is configured to deflect into contact with a surface of the manifold top when a negative pressure is applied to the multiple openings. A method for filtration microscopy includes the steps of providing a vacuum manifold including a manifold top having a plurality of openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top; applying sample drops to sample spots on the membrane, the sample spots positioned above the plurality of openings; applying a negative pressure to the openings such that the capture membrane contacts a surface of the manifold top; and optically imaging particulates on the capture membrane.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Optofluidics Inc.Inventors: Thomas Castner, Robert Hart, Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Nathan Wall
-
Publication number: 20210379815Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for a bioprinter capable of printing an object having biological components. In some embodiments, the bioprinter includes a modular print bed having a recessed area configured to receive a variable insert and a printer head positioned above the modular print bed. In some embodiments, the printer head has a cartridge for receiving and holding a biomaterial, and an extruder configured to extrude biomaterials from the cartridge onto a portion of the variable insert. The variable insert may include functional elements (e.g., heating, cooling, photocuring) and/or receiving elements (e.g., well plates).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Taciana Leticia WOELLNER DUARTE PEREIRA, Thomas CASTNER, Madeline WINTER, Ricardo SOLORZANO
-
Publication number: 20210102881Abstract: A vacuum manifold for filtration microscopy includes a manifold top having multiple openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top, where the capture membrane is configured to deflect into contact with a surface of the manifold top when a negative pressure is applied to the multiple openings. A method for filtration microscopy includes the steps of providing a vacuum manifold including a manifold top having a plurality of openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top; applying sample drops to sample spots on the membrane, the sample spots positioned above the plurality of openings; applying a negative pressure to the openings such that the capture membrane contacts a surface of the manifold top; and optically imaging particulates on the capture membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventors: Thomas Castner, Robert Hart, Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Nathan Wall
-
Patent number: 10890514Abstract: A vacuum manifold for filtration microscopy includes a manifold top having multiple openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top, where the capture membrane is configured to deflect into contact with a surface of the manifold top when a negative pressure is applied to the multiple openings. A method for filtration microscopy includes the steps of providing a vacuum manifold including a manifold top having a plurality of openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top; applying sample drops to sample spots on the membrane, the sample spots positioned above the plurality of openings; applying a negative pressure to the openings such that the capture membrane contacts a surface of the manifold top; and optically imaging particulates on the capture membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Optofluidics Inc.Inventors: Thomas Castner, Robert Hart, Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Nathan Wall
-
Publication number: 20200217795Abstract: A method of distinguishing between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particulates in a fluid sample includes the steps of acquiring a brightfield background image of a membrane filter, introducing a fluid sample onto the membrane filter, acquiring a brightfield image of filtered particles resting on the membrane filter, generating a particle mask based on the brightfield background image and the brightfield image of filtered particles, introducing a fluorescent dye onto the membrane filter, detecting fluorescence on the particle mask, and distinguishing between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particulates based on the detected fluorescence. A method for detecting other types of particles, such as polysorbate particles, silicone oil or protein monomers is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2019Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Gjergji Konica, Thomas Castner, Bernardo Cordovez, Christopher Earhart, David Erickson, Robert Hart
-
Publication number: 20190331580Abstract: A vacuum manifold for filtration microscopy includes a manifold top having multiple openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top, where the capture membrane is configured to deflect into contact with a surface of the manifold top when a negative pressure is applied to the multiple openings. A method for filtration microscopy includes the steps of providing a vacuum manifold including a manifold top having a plurality of openings, and a capture membrane positioned above and spaced apart from the manifold top; applying sample drops to sample spots on the membrane, the sample spots positioned above the plurality of openings; applying a negative pressure to the openings such that the capture membrane contacts a surface of the manifold top; and optically imaging particulates on the capture membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Thomas Castner, Robert Hart, Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Nathan Wall
-
Publication number: 20170242234Abstract: A system for characterizing at least one particle from a fluid sample is disclosed. The system includes a filter disposed upstream of an outlet, and a luminaire configured to illuminate the at least one particle at an oblique angle. An imaging device is configured to capture and process images of the illuminated at least one particle as it rests on the filter for characterizing the at least one particle. A system for characterizing at least one particle using bright field illumination is also disclosed. A method for characterizing particulates in a fluid sample using at least one of oblique angle and bright field illumination is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: Colby Ashcroft, Brian DiPaolo, Gjergji Konica, Thomas Castner, Bernardo Cordovez, Christopher Earhart, David Erickson, Robert Hart