Patents by Inventor William L. Richards
William L. Richards 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: 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: 7470541Abstract: 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: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Ventana Medical System, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Charles Hassen, William Ross Humphreys, Charles D. Lemme, Philip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Patent number: 7468161Abstract: 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: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: 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: 7220589Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the fluid on a slide are provided. Fluid reduction is accomplished by directing stream(s) of fluid at an edge of the slide, the streams of fluid being at an angle with the slide of less than 90°. The surface tension at the edge of the slide is broken by the stream(s). And, the fluid which is on the slide is drawn or pulled by the streams of liquid, thereby reducing the fluid on the slide to a reproducible, consistent level.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William L. Richards, Devon C. Campbell
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Patent number: 7118918Abstract: 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 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 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 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: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: 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: 6943029Abstract: 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: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: 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: 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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Patent number: 6759011Abstract: A stackable non-stick coverslip is disclosed and includes a glass plate in combination with a protuberance on the upper surface thereof and/or an adhesive on the bottom surface thereof. The protuberance provides an elevational alternation that defines a supporting plane for an adjacent coverslip. The supporting plane provides a gap between adjacently stacked coverslips, thereby avoiding adherence and sticking. The adhesive secures the coverslip to a glass slide.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William L. Richards, Kurt Reinhardt, Samuel W. Crouch
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Publication number: 20030022391Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the fluid on a slide are provided. Fluid reduction is accomplished by directing stream(s) of fluid at an edge of the slide, the streams of fluid being at an angle with the slide of less than 90°. The surface tension at the edge of the slide is broken by the stream(s). And, the fluid which is on the slide is drawn or pulled by the streams of liquid, thereby reducing the fluid on the slide to a reproducible, consistent level.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Applicant: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William L. Richards, Devon C. Campbell
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Patent number: 6472217Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the fluid on a slide are provided. Fluid reduction is accomplished by directing stream(s) of fluid at an edge of the slide, the streams of fluid being at an angle with the slide of less than 90°. The surface tension at the edge of the slide is broken by the stream(s). And, the fluid which is on the slide is drawn or pulled by the streams of liquid, thereby reducing the fluid on the slide to a reproducible, consistent level.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William L. Richards, Devon C. Campbell
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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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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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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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Patent number: 5654199Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support (24) supporting a plurality of slide supports (26) thereon, and drive means (48) engaging the carousel slide support (24) for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports (26) in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support (10) having a plurality of reagent container supports (11) thereon, and drive means (14) engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support (11) in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means (18) positioned for engaging a reagent container (12) positioned on a container support (11) in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container (12) to a slide supported on a slide support (26) in the reagent receiving zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Patent number: 5654200Abstract: 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 device 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 device 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 device positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: 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: 5650327Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support (24) supporting a plurality of slide supports (26) thereon, and drive means (48) engaging the carousel slide support (24) for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports (26) in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support (10) having a plurality of reagent container supports (11) thereon, and drive means (14) engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support (11) in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means (18) positioned for engaging a reagent container (12) positioned on a container support (11) in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container (12) to a slide supported on a slide support (26) in the reagent receiving zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Keith G. Copeland, Thomas M. Grogan, Phillip C. Miller, William L. Richards, Wayne A. Showalter
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Patent number: 5595707Abstract: 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 9, 1994Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: 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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Patent number: 4861234Abstract: The low-noise pump assembly (10) comprises a unitized assembly wherein a drive shaft (17) of the motor (16) is mated directly with an eccentric coupling (23). The eccentric coupling (23) has a through bore (21) which receives at one end the drive shaft (17) and at the other end a center post (30) of the pump housing. Disposed between the center post (30) and eccentric coupling (23) is a radially inner bearing mechanism (60), and disposed between the exterior of the eccentric coupling (23) and an opening (52) of a ring member (50) is a radially outer bearing mechanism (70). The ring member (50) engages at least one reciprocating piston assembly (45). Rotation of the drive shaft (17) causes rotation of the eccentric coupling (23) to effect reciprocating motion of the pump piston (48).Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1988Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.Inventors: Theodore J. Joy, Vivek V. Mohile, William L. Richards