Patents by Inventor Wayne A. Showalter
Wayne A. Showalter 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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Publication number: 20180291419Abstract: A system for automated microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing comprising a reagent cartridge, a reagent stage, a cassette, a cassette, stage, a pipettor assembly, an optical detection system, and a controller is disclosed. The system is designed to dynamically adjust motor idle torque to control heat load and employs a fast focus process for determining the true focus position of an individual microorganism. The system also may quantify the relative abundance of viable microorganisms in a sample using dynamic dilution, and facilitate growth of microorganisms in customized media for rapid, accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Applicant: Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: William L. Richards, Austin Ashby, Matthew Ketterer, Kevin Marshall, Josh Harrison, Matthew Mette, Paul Richards, Wayne Showalter, Jasmin Cote, Steven W. Metzger, Ken Hance, Meghan Mensack, Carlos Michel, Elke Allers, Dulini Gamage, Landon Prisbrey, Oleg Gusyatin, Alena Shamsheyeva, Ben Turng, Andrew Ghusson, Kurt Reinhardt, Phillip C. Halbert, Solene Bourgeois
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Patent number: 10023895Abstract: A system for automated microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing comprising a reagent cartridge, a reagent stage, a cassette, a cassette, stage, a pipettor assembly, an optical detection system, and a controller is disclosed. The system is designed to dynamically adjust motor idle torque to control heat load and employs a fast focus process for determining the true focus position of an individual microorganism. The system also may quantify the relative abundance of viable microorganisms in a sample using dynamic dilution, and facilitate growth of microorganisms in customized media for rapid, accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: William L. Richards, Austin Ashby, Matthew Ketterer, Kevin Marshall, Josh Harrison, Matthew Mette, Paul Richards, Wayne Showalter, Jasmin Cote, Phillip C. Halbert, Solene Bourgeois, Steven W. Metzger, Ken Hance, Meghan Mensack, Carlos Michel, Elke Allers, Dulini Gamage, Landon Prisbrey, Oleg Gusyatin, Alena Shamsheyeva, Ben Turng, Andrew Ghusson, Kurt Reinhardt
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Publication number: 20180135093Abstract: A system for automated microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing comprising a reagent cartridge, a reagent stage, a cassette, a cassette, stage, a pipettor assembly, an optical detection system, and a controller is disclosed. The system is designed to dynamically adjust motor idle torque to control heat load and employs a fast focus process for determining the true focus position of an individual microorganism. The system also may quantify the relative abundance of viable microorganisms in a sample using dynamic dilution, and facilitate growth of microorganisms in customized media for rapid, accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Applicant: Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Austin Ashby, Wayne Showalter, Jasmin Cote
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Publication number: 20170131303Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2016Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Micheil Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon C. Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall B. Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
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Publication number: 20170023599Abstract: A system for automated microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing comprising a reagent cartridge, a reagent stage, a cassette, a cassette, stage, a pipettor assembly, an optical detection system, and a controller is disclosed. The system is designed to dynamically adjust motor idle torque to control heat load and employs a fast focus process for determining the true focus position of an individual microorganism. The system also may quantify the relative abundance of viable microorganisms in a sample using dynamic dilution, and facilitate growth of microorganisms in customized media for rapid, accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Automated quality control test components and methods of their use are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Applicant: Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: William L. Richards, Austin Ashby, Matthew Ketterer, Kevin Marshall, Josh Harrison, Matthew Mette, Paul Richards, Wayne Showalter, Jasmin Cote, Phillip C. Halbert, Solene Bourgeois, Steven W. Metzger, Ken Hance, Meghan Mensack, Carlos Michel, Elke Allers, Dulini Gamage, Landon Prisbrey, Oleg Gusyatin, Alena Shamsheyeva, Ben Turng, Andrew Ghusson, Kurt Reinhardt
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Publication number: 20170023450Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that achieve independent and simultaneous processing of a plurality of substrate-supported biological samples. In one embodiment, substrate holders arranged in a minor arc are independently moveable between a processing position and an access position, and reagents are delivered to substrates held in the substrate holders through a nozzle plate that moves along the arc of substrate holders. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly suited for implementation of lean processing of biological samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Austin Ashby, Andrew Ghusson, Lisa Jensen-Long, Kevin Knapp, Rodney Kugizaki, Alain L. Larson, Charles D. Lemme, Paul Richards, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Glen Ward, Chad Wilkinson
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Publication number: 20170010194Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated specimen processing systems and methods for dispensing liquids onto slides. The system can concurrently or sequentially perform lock cycles. Each lock cycle can include lock steps for addressing respective slides to dispense liquid. The lock steps of different lock cycles can be synchronized to prevent any collision between dispensers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Wayne A. Showalter, Nathan Smith, Paul Howley
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Patent number: 9528918Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Micheil Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon C. Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall B. Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
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Publication number: 20160289729Abstract: A system for automated microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing comprising a reagent cartridge, a reagent stage, a cassette, a cassette, stage, a pipettor assembly, an optical detection system, and a controller is disclosed. The system is designed to dynamically adjust motor idle torque to control heat load and employs a fast focus process for determining the true focus position of an individual microorganism. The system also may quantify the relative abundance of viable microorganisms in a sample using dynamic dilution, and facilitate growth of microorganisms in customized media for rapid, accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: William L. Richards, Austin Ashby, Matthew Ketterer, Kevin Marshall, Josh Harrison, Matthew Mette, Paul Richards, Wayne Showalter, Jasmin Cote, Phillip C. Halbert, Solene Bourgeois, Steven W. Metzger, Ken Hance, Meghan Mensack, Carlos Michel, Elke Allers, Dulini Gamage, Landon Prisbrey, Oleg Gusyatin, Alena Shamsheyeva, Ben Turng, Andrew Ghusson, Kurt Reinhardt
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Publication number: 20150031073Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that achieve independent and simultaneous processing of a plurality of substrate-supported biological samples. In one embodiment, substrate holders arranged in a minor arc are independently moveable between a processing position and an access position, and reagents are delivered to substrates held in the substrate holders through a nozzle plate that moves along the arc of substrate holders. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly suited for implementation of lean processing of biological samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Charles D. Lemme, William Richards, Glen Ward, Austin Ashby, Andrew Ghussen, Lisa Jensen-Long, Kevin Knapp, Rodney Kugizaki, Alain Larson, Paul Richards, Wayne Showalter, Chad Wilkinson
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Patent number: 8883509Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that achieve independent and simultaneous processing of a plurality of substrate-supported biological samples. In one embodiment, substrate holders arranged in a minor arc are independently moveable between a processing position and an access position, and reagents are delivered to substrates held in the substrate holders through a nozzle plate that moves along the arc of substrate holders. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly suited for implementation of lean processing of biological samples.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles D. Lemme, William Richards, Glen Ward, Austin Ashby, Andrew Ghusson, Lisa Jensen-Long, Kevin Knapp, Rodney Kugizaki, Alain Larson, Paul Richards, Wayne Showalter, Chad Wilkinson
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Patent number: 8812329Abstract: An interface point network (IPN) and a method for communication with a laboratory information system using an IPN, wherein the IPN includes at least one host computer in communication with at least one laboratory instrument, the laboratory information system and an interface point server in communication with the host computer and the laboratory information system, the interface point server being configured to function as a communication interface between the host computer and the laboratory information system in a manner responsive to a predetermined communication protocol. Use of bar code and RFID labels for tracking samples and in maintaining sample data is described.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Showalter, Alain L. Larson
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Publication number: 20140178858Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Micheil Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon C. Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall B. Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
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Patent number: 8719053Abstract: An interface point network (IPN) and a method for communication with a laboratory information system using an IPN, wherein the IPN includes at least one host computer in communication with at least one laboratory instrument, the laboratory information system and an interface point server in communication with the host computer and the laboratory information system, the interface point server being configured to function as a communication interface between the host computer and the laboratory information system in a manner responsive to a predetermined communication protocol.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Showalter, Alain L. Larson
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Patent number: 8663991Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon C. Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall B. Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
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Patent number: 8609023Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of liquid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of liquid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Anthony Ford, Bronwen Heilman, Darin McDaniel, Brian McGraw, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Patent number: 8147773Abstract: A fluid dispenser useful in automated biological reaction systems comprising a barrel having a reservoir chamber, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion, a cap located on top of the upper portion of the barrel and connected to the reservoir chamber, the cap having an external surface with at least one hole therethrough, a valve comprising a biasing member and a hole sealer, the valve being located in the hole in the cap at the point where a downward force is applied against the cap, a coupler having a dispense chamber, the coupler being coaxial with the barrel and wherein the barrel lower portion moves into the dispense chamber during dispensing of fluid, and a vent located between the cap and the reservoir chamber, the vent including a vent opening and a vent material composed of oliophobic material.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles D. Lemme, Vincent R. Rizzo, Jr., Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Anthony Ford, Bronwen Heilman, Darin McDaniel, Brian McGraw, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Patent number: 8137619Abstract: A reagent management system for an automated biological reaction apparatus including an automated biological reaction apparatus including at least one reagent dispenser for applying a reagent to a sample, a memory device containing data for a reagent device selected from the group consisting of a reagent dispenser or a reagent kit used in the automated biological reaction apparatus, a host device comprising a processor and a host device memory connected to the processor, the host memory device including a reagent table, and a scanner for transferring the memory device data to the host device memory.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Ford, Darin McDaniel, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Roberta Druyor-Sanchez, Bronwen Heilman, Wayne Showalter
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Patent number: 8048373Abstract: An automated slide processing apparatus includes a plurality of work stations arranged in a stack, and a transport/elevator for transporting slides between the various work stations.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Publication number: 20110168744Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a barrel having a reservoir chamber, the barrel having an upper portion, a cap connected to the reservoir chamber, the cap having a surface with at least one hole therethrough, a valve comprising a biasing member and a hole sealer, the valve being adjacent to the reservoir chamber, a coupler having a dispense chamber, and a vent located between the cap and the reservoir chamber, the vent including a vent opening and a vent material composed of oliophobic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles D. Lemme, Vincent R. Rizzo, JR., Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Anthony Ford, Bronwen Heilman, Darin McDaniel, Brian McGraw, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter