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: 20050186114Abstract: 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: April 27, 2005Publication date: August 25, 2005Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles Lemme, Glen Ward, William Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
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Publication number: 20050159982Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2005Publication date: July 21, 2005Inventors: Wayne Showalter, Alain Larson
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Publication number: 20050153453Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2004Publication date: July 14, 2005Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith Copeland, Thomas Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Humphreys, Charles Lemme, Phillip Miller, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Publication number: 20050135972Abstract: 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 fluid 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 fluid 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: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2004Publication date: June 23, 2005Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles Lemme, Vincent Rizzo, Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Anthony Ford, Bronwen Heilman, Darin McDaniel, Brian McGraw, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Publication number: 20050074890Abstract: The present invention introduces a radically different way of accelerating biomolecule conjugates into tissue, and hence towards their targets for purposes of tissue staining. The invention provides for an order of magnitude improvement over the prior art diffusion process used to stain tissue. The invention comprises a method of tissue staining by applying an electric field to a tissue sample in the presence of an electrolyte and biomolecular conjugates of interest suspended in the electrolyte. Typical staining times are reduced to seconds as opposed to 30-120 minutes common in the prior art. The invention is also directed to devices for performing the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2004Publication date: April 7, 2005Inventors: Charles Lemme, William Richards, David Bryant, Catherine Wolf, Andrew Ghusson, Austin Ashby, Wayne Showalter, Anthony Hartman, Brian Kram
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Publication number: 20050038676Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2004Publication date: February 17, 2005Inventors: Wayne Showalter, Alain Larson
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Patent number: 6827901Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Publication number: 20040002163Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2003Publication date: January 1, 2004Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William Richards, Wayne Showalter
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Publication number: 20030203493Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles Lemme, Devon Campbell, Andrew Ghusson, David Bryant, Kurt Reinhardt, William Richards, Vincent Rizzo, Wayne Showalter
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Patent number: 6537818Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aspirating and dispensing reagents are provided. Aspirating of reagents is accomplished by a probe, a vial insert and reagent vial according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the vial insert. Dispensing of reagents is accomplished by a probe and a probe dispense and wash station according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the probe dispense and wash station.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William Richards, Anthony Ford, Vince Rizzo, Darin McDaniel, Kurt Reinhardt, Wayne Showalter
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Publication number: 20020114733Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Patent number: 6416713Abstract: A method of assembly of a fluid dispenser of an 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 fluid 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 fluid 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: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Ford, Darin McDaniel, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter, Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Bronwen Heilman, Brian McGraw
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Publication number: 20020072122Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: June 13, 2002Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Patent number: 6403931Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling heaters in an automated biological apparatus are provided. The heating system has a conversion buffer in between the desired temperature generator and the heating controller. The heating controller is in communication with a slide temperature sensor, which provides feedback to the heating controller, and a heater. Because the slide temperature sensor may inaccurately reflect the actual temperature on the slide, the heating controller may inaccurately heat the slide to an undesired temperature. Thus, the conversion buffer compensates for potential inaccuracies of the heating controller. The desired temperature generator sends the “desired temperature” for the slide to the conversion buffer. The conversion buffer converts the “desired temperature” to an “adjusted temperature” and sends it to the heating controller. The heating controller then controls the heater based upon the “adjusted temperature” and the heating sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Showalter, William L. Richards, Charles D. Lemme
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Publication number: 20020034456Abstract: 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 fluid 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 fluid 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventors: Anthony Ford, Darin McDaniel, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter, Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Bronwen Heilman, Brian McGraw
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Patent number: 6352861Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles E. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Publication number: 20020001849Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2001Publication date: January 3, 2002Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William R. Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Publication number: 20010010936Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aspirating and dispensing reagents are provided. Aspirating of reagents is accomplished by a probe, a vial insert and reagent vial according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the vial insert. Dispensing of reagents is accomplished by a probe and a probe dispense and wash station according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the probe dispense and wash station.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Inventors: William Richards, Anthony Ford, Vince Rizzo, Darin McDaniel, Kurt Reinhardt, Wayne Showalter
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Patent number: 6192945Abstract: 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 fluid 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 fluid 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: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Ford, Darin McDaniel, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter, Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Bronwen Heilman, Brian McGraw
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Patent number: 6093574Abstract: 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: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Ventana Medical SystemsInventors: Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Anthony Ford, Bronwen Heilman, Darin McDaniel, Brian McGraw, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter