CYTYC CORPORATION Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140273071 | AUTOMATED SPECIMEN TRANSFER SYSTEM AND METHOD - An automated sample processing system includes a sample input adapted to receive at least one sample container holder manually provided by a user, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more unused consumable supplies manually provided by a user, a waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, an automated processing apparatus, and a sample output, wherein the automated processing apparatus includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from the at least one sample container, at least one agitator adapted to agitate and thereby homogenize the contents of the at least one sample container, a sample collector adapted to remove fluid specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to at least one output carrier, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container. | 09-18-2014 |
20140057347 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING CYTOLOGICAL SPECIMENS - An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto. | 02-27-2014 |
20120330303 | Hemostasis Device - A method and system for achieving hemostasis (the stoppage of bleeding) is described. RF (radio frequency) energy is used to ablate the surface of tissue to stop bleeding. The depth of destruction of the tissue can be controlled so as to desiccate and coagulate the tissue. In one implementation, an electrode carrier including bipolar electrodes is applied to the tissue, and RF energy transmitted through the bipolar electrodes to ablate the tissue. A layer of desiccated tissue can be created as well as coagulation of the tissue to achieve hemostasis. | 12-27-2012 |
20120179155 | Radio-Frequency Generator for Powering an Ablation Device - An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissues includes a radio frequency generator which provides a radio frequency signal to ablation electrodes. The power level of the radio frequency signal is determined based on the subject area of ablation. The radio frequency signal is coupled with the ablation electrodes through a transformation circuit. The transformation circuit includes a high impedance transformation circuit and a low impedance transformation circuit. The high or low impedance transformation circuit is selected based on the impedance of the ablation electrodes in contact with the subject tissue. Vacuum level, impedance level, resistance level, and time are measured during ablation. If these parameters exceed determinable limits the ablation procedure is terminated. | 07-12-2012 |
20120116146 | Multi-lumen instrument for providing radiation to a body cavity - A brachytherapy system for treating metastases on and around a patient's spinous process is provided. The device generally includes a catheter member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The distal portion of the catheter member includes first and second branch members that are adapted to be positioned on opposed sides of a patient's spinous process. The device further includes first and second elongate anchoring elements disposed on the first and second branch members, and optionally can include at least one centering mechanism disposed within each of the first and second anchoring elements. | 05-10-2012 |
20120112384 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPACING CELLULAR MATTER IN A CELL BLOCK - 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. | 05-10-2012 |
20120109015 | Uterine Cavity Length Measurement - A uterine cavity length measuring device includes a first elongate member including a lumen and a plurality of apertures extending between the lumen and an exterior surface of the first elongate member, and a second elongate member including a lumen, and at least one aperture located at a distal end extending from the lumen of the second elongate member to an exterior surface, where the second elongate member is positioned within and is configured to move within the lumen of the first elongate member and where the first elongate member and second elongate member provide a fluid path from a proximal end of the lumen in the second elongate member, through the lumen in the second elongate member to the at least one aperture located at the distal end of the second elongate member and to at least one of the plurality of apertures in the first elongate member. | 05-03-2012 |
20110308527 | Method and Apparatus for Tubal Occlusion - A device for sterilizing females by occluding the uterotubal junction. The device includes a catheter with a releasable heat generating plug which is used to thermally damage the uterotubal junction and cause it to constrict around the plug, after which the plug is released from the catheter and left in place in the uterotubal junction. | 12-22-2011 |
20110160533 | Method and System for Drug Delivery - A medical device and procedure for delivering a drug into a uterus are described. In one implementation, the medical device includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member and a stopper device. The first elongate member is configured for transcervical insertion into the uterus and includes a lumen extending therethrough. The second elongate member is positioned within said lumen and also includes a lumen therethrough. The second elongate member is positionable in a retracted or an extended position. A distal end of the second elongate member is configured to extend beyond a distal end of the first elongate member and penetrate uterine tissue when in the extended position. A proximal end of the second elongate member is configured to receive a drug for delivery through the lumen of the second elongate member. The stopper device controls movement of the second elongate member within the first elongate member. | 06-30-2011 |
20110062087 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COLLECTING CELLS OF A BIOLOGICAL SPECIMEN - Methods and systems for collecting cells on a filter disposed in a specimen fluid containing suspended cells of a biological specimen. A short vacuum pulse is applied across a filter to sip specimen fluid. A percentage or portion of the filter surface area covered by cells is determined is representative of or correlates to the density of cells in the specimen fluid. A maximum vacuum amplitude and/or duration are determined utilizing the determined filter coverage. A longer, continuous vacuum or slurp is applied across the filter to collect cells on the filter while limiting the amplitude and/or duration of the slurp based at least in part upon the determined maximum vacuum amplitude and/or duration. | 03-17-2011 |
20100330660 | CELL BLOCK PROCESSING STATION - 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. The processing station includes an automated fluid delivery system operable to dispense a fluid into the collection well, and a controller operatively coupled to the fluid delivery system, wherein the controller causes the fluid delivery system to selectively dispense fluids into the collection well based at least in part on a flow rate across the filter determined at least in part based on changes in the monitored fluid level in the collection well. | 12-30-2010 |
20100228239 | ABLATION DEVICE WITH SUCTION CAPABILITY - An ablation device includes an inflatable member having a cavity, a layer surrounding at least part of the inflatable member, wherein the layer includes one or more ablation elements for providing ablation energy, and a plurality of channels located between the layer and the inflatable member, wherein the layer has a plurality of openings that are in fluid communication with the plurality of channels. An ablation device includes an inflatable member having a cavity, and a layer surrounding at least part of the inflatable member, wherein the layer includes one or more ablation elements for providing ablation energy, wherein the layer has a plurality of openings, and is spaced away from at least a portion of the inflatable member. | 09-09-2010 |
20100217064 | PASSIVE VENT FOR BRACHYTHERAPY BALLOON CATHETERS - Embodiments of passive vent valve devices are disclosed. One of the novel aspects of the invention is its ability to transform from a packaging configuration to a use configuration. The packaging configuration allows sterilization gases to penetrate into the device through standard valve openings as well as through vented mesh openings. Passage of gas into the device, in turn, provides a means of sterilizing all surface areas in the device. Alternatively, when the valve is placed in a use configuration, the passage of gas through the vented mesh is inhibited providing a sealed environment that functions as a valve. The invention is useful in manufacturing sterile medical devices by allowing all surfaces to communicate with the sterilizing agent when the valve is in a packaging configuration or when it is in a use configuration. | 08-26-2010 |
20100211020 | LUER-TYPE NEEDLE-FREE VALVE FITTING WITH BYPASS - Embodiments of luer-type needle-free valve devices are disclosed. One of the novel aspects of the invention is its ability to transform from an open state to a closed state. The open position eliminates the potential for a differential pressure to exist between the volume connected to the inlet and outlet of the valve fitting. The closed position enables the device to maintain a differential pressure between the volume connected to the inlet and outlet of the valve fitting. The invention is useful in manufacturing sterile medical devices by allowing all surfaces to communicate with the sterilizing agent when the valve is in an open configuration when it is in a closed position. | 08-19-2010 |
20100208961 | METHOD FOR ASSESSING IMAGE FOCUS QUALITY - A method for determining the quality of focus of a digital image of a biological specimen includes obtaining a digital image of a specimen using a specimen imaging apparatus. A measure of image texture is calculated at two different scales, and the measurements are compared to determine how much high-resolution data the image contains compared to low-resolution data. The texture measurement may, for example, be a Brenner auto-focus score calculated from the means of adjacent pairs of pixels for the high-resolution measurement and from the means of adjacent triples of pixels for the low-resolution measurement. A score indicative of the quality of focus is then established based on a function of the low-resolution and high-resolution measurements. This score may be used by an automated imaging device to verify that image quality is acceptable. The device may adjust the focus and acquire new images to replace any that are deemed unacceptable. | 08-19-2010 |
20100198214 | CERVICAL OPENING SEALING DEVICES - A device for sealing a cervical opening includes a support structure, and a seal coupled to the support structure, the seal having a surface for abutting against tissue next to the cervical opening, wherein the seal is tiltable relative to the support structure. A device for sealing a cervical opening includes a support structure, and a member coupled to the support structure, wherein the member is inflatable to create a seal for abutting against cervical tissue. A device for sealing a cervical opening includes a seal having a surface for contacting tissue next to the cervical opening, an opening formed on the surface of the seal, and a vacuum port, wherein the opening is in fluid communication with the vacuum port. | 08-05-2010 |
20100159584 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING ALIQUOT FROM LIQUID-BASED CYTOLOGICAL SAMPLE - Sample vials and methods of processing the sample vials are provided. The sample vial comprises a vial container, a sample collection chamber within the vial container, a vial cap configured to be mated with the vial container to enclose the collection chamber, an aliquot chamber, which may be carried by the vial cap or the vial container, and a valve mechanism for selectively sealing and unsealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber. The method may comprise flowing an aliquot of the sample from the collection chamber while the sample within the collection chamber is isolated from an environment exterior to the vial, sealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber to isolate the aliquot sample from the remaining sample portion, and transferring at least some of the remaining sample portion from the collection chamber to a microscope slide while the aliquot chamber is sealed from the collection chamber. The method further comprises reserving the slide for cytological screening of the sample, and reserving the aliquot sample for deoxynucleic acid (DNA) testing. | 06-24-2010 |
20100150443 | METHOD FOR IMPROVED IMAGE SEGMENTATION - An improved image segmentation algorithm is provided that identifies each object in an image. Pixels of the image are sorted based on a range of attribute values of the image. These pixels are then added to a labeling image one by one starting with an extreme point in the range of attribute values. Features are calculated for each object located and these features are matched with pre-defined acceptance criteria. If there is a match, the object is output to an output image. The steps of adding pixels to the image, evaluating the features of the resulting objects and outputting the objects are repeated until a stopping point is reached. | 06-17-2010 |
20100128944 | CYTOLOGICAL IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present invention relates to the analysis of specimens. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for reviewing specimen slides, including apparatus for holding the slides. The invention also relates to an automatic focusing method for an imaging system and methods for accommodating vibration in the imaging system. In particular, the methods and apparatus may be applied to the automated analysis of cytological specimen slides. | 05-27-2010 |
20100112629 | CELL BLOCK CASSETTE DEVICE - A tissue cassette assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein, and a compressible reservoir disposed partially or wholly inside of, or otherwise attached in fluid communication with, the housing recess, the compressible reservoir containing a tissue embedding material. The tissue cassette further includes a port disposed in the housing, the port in fluid communication with the compressible reservoir at one end and terminating in a sample cavity at another end. During operation, the compressible reservoir is compressed or squeezed to release the tissue embedding material into the sample cavity containing the biological sample. | 05-06-2010 |
20100093016 | MICROFLUIDIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREPARING CYTOLOGICAL SPECIMENS - An apparatus for processing a specimen from a fluid sample includes a first set of one or more microfluidic channels configured to deliver the sample fluid to a filter disposed on an inflatable bladder configured to transfer the specimen from the filter to a slide. The apparatus is configured to collect an approximate monolayer of particles and includes a second set of one or more microfluidic channels configured to remove fluid flowing through the filter disposed on the inflatable bladder. The apparatus also includes a pressure source, a sample container connected to the pressure source and the first set of one or more microfluidic channels, a fluid flow gauge configured to measure a fluid flow rate through the filter, and a stain source connected to the first set of one or more microfluidic channels. | 04-15-2010 |
20100046824 | CROSS-FRAME OBJECT RECONSTRUCTION FOR IMAGE-BASED CYTOLOGY APPLICATIONS - Methods, computer software, and systems for analyzing a biological specimen (e.g., a cytological specimen) on a slide are provided. Magnified image data frames of the biological specimen are taken at different locations on the slide. An object that is not entirely contained within at least one of the image data frames is identified, and complementary portions of the object respectively located in different ones of the image data frames are matched. A fully integrated object is created from the matched object portions. Attributes of the integrated object are then analyzed. | 02-25-2010 |
20100031519 | MICROSCOPE SLIDE MARKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A detachable microscope pen mount for marking a microscope slide includes an attachment collar configured to secure to an objective lens, a lever secured to the attachment collar, a pen holder secured to the lever, and a pen secured to the pen holder and having a pen tip, where activating the lever moves the pen tip into a field of view and lowers the pen tip onto the microscope slide. Also disclosed is a method of marking a microscope slide includes identifying an object of interest in a field of view, positioning the object of interest in a center of the field of view, inserting a pen having a pen tip along a trough into a center of the trough, lowering the pen tip onto the microscope slide, and marking the microscope slide by tracing the inside of the center of the trough. Another method of marking a microscope slide includes identifying an object of interest in a field of view, positioning the object of interest in a center of the field of view, inserting a pen having a pen tip along a trough until it reaches an outside surface of a tube in the trough, lowering the pen tip onto the microscope slide, and marking the microscope slide by tracing the outside of tube. | 02-11-2010 |
20100021343 | SAMPLE VIAL FOR USE IN PREPARING CYTOLOGICAL SPECIMEN - A sample vial is disclosed for use in conjunction with an automated cytological specimen preparation system. | 01-28-2010 |
20100021037 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING BIOLOGICAL SPECIMEN SLIDES USING UNIQUE SLIDE FINGERPRINTS - Method and system for processing specimen slides. A first image of a unique feature, such as a fiducial mark, of a specimen slide is acquired, and a second image of the same region of a fiducial mark is acquired at a later time. The first and second fiducial mark images are compared in order to determine whether they are images of the same fiducial mark of the same specimen slide, thereby allowing the system to detect when one specimen slide has been swapped with another specimen slide. The comparison may also involve images of multiple features on the specimen carrier, e.g., sets of multiple fiducial marks. | 01-28-2010 |
20090312955 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATING FILTERS DURING SPECIMEN COLLECTION - 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 0.8 pounds per square inch, the filter is identified as unsuitable for use in cell block formation. | 12-17-2009 |
20090245612 | AUTOMATED IMAGE ANALYSIS - One automated imaging process, as described herein, includes: a) obtaining digital images of objects in a biological sample; b) selecting a plurality of objects of interest from the digital images; c) obtaining multiple images of the selected objects of interest at a plurality of different wavelengths; d) combining one of said multiple images with a corresponding digital image to produce a combined image; and e) analyzing the combined image in order to characterize the biological sample. | 10-01-2009 |
20090233331 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING CYTOLOGICAL SPECIMENS - An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto. | 09-17-2009 |
20090221430 | Proteomic Methods For The Identification And Use Of Putative Biomarkers Associated With The Dysplastic State In Cervical Cells Or Other Cell Types - The invention relates to methods for detecting and identifying potential biomarkers of high-grade cervical dysplasia in an individual human subject. The invention also relates to newly discovered biomarkers, as set forth in Tables 1-4 herein, which are associated with the dysplastic state of cervical cells. It has been discovered that a differential level of expression of any of these markers or combination of these markers correlates with a dysplastic condition in a human subject, e.g., a patient. | 09-03-2009 |
20090169090 | TARGETED EDGE DETECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CYTOLOGICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPLICATIONS - Edges in cytological image data are identified by obtaining a digital image of a specimen and computing a gradient image from the obtained digital image. A scaling function is applied to the grayscale image to identify regions of interest (e.g., edges of cell nuclei) in the digital image. Edges of the regions of interest are then identified based on the product of the computed gradient image and the scaling image. The scaling function may be applied to each image frame and one or more scaling thresholds are established for each frame to selectively pass, suppress, or scale pixels based on their measured intensity values. The scaled image resulting from application of the scaling function is multiplied with the gradient image to produce a targeted gradient image that identifies the edges of the region of interest. The targeted gradient image isolates edges corresponding to particular cellular structures, while rejecting other edges within the image. | 07-02-2009 |
20090168161 | APPARATUS FOR SINGLE-HANDED CONTROL OF MICROSCOPE FUNCTIONS - Apparatus for single-handed control of a microscope are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first controller, such as a first rotary controller, is configured for manipulation by a hand of a user to adjust a position of a microscope stage. Another controller, such as a second rotary controller, is configured and arranged relative to the first rotary controller for manipulation by an extended finger of the same hand to review, e.g., scroll through, previously identified portions of a biological specimen while the user's first hand may or may not remain in contact with the first rotary controller. In this manner, the user may continue to review the previously identified specimen portions without having to look away from the microscope. | 07-02-2009 |
20090168160 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLABLY SCANNING A CYTOLOGICAL SPECIMEN - Methods and systems for scanning a cytological specimen carried by a slide. Movement or positioning of a motorized stage of an automated screening system may be controlled manually by a user such that the user controls movement, e.g., controlling speed, position, and/or timing, of the motorized stage along a first scan line to controllably scan a first portion of the specimen along the scan line. The user may then index the motorized stage from the first scan line to the next scan line and manually control movement of the stage along the second scan line to controllably scan another portion of the specimen. Stage indexing may also be automatic such that the user does not control or initiate indexing. | 07-02-2009 |
20090165940 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPACING CELLULAR MATTER IN A CELL BLOCK - 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. | 07-02-2009 |
20090162930 | ACTIVE GRIP FILTER PLUG FOR SAMPLE COLLECTION DEVICES - A system for collecting a biological sample includes a collection device comprising a cylindrical body having a bore extending there through and a filter membrane disposed at one end thereof; a filter plug having an insert configured for insertion into the bore; a collar concentrically mounted about the exterior surface of the insert and configured for insertion into the bore; and a gasket disposed about the exterior surface of the insert, wherein an outer dimension of the gasket is variable in response to relative movement between the collar and the insert, and wherein the gasket has a cross section with two end portions and a mid portion that is located radially further away from the insert than the two end portions. | 06-25-2009 |
20090161930 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING AND READING INFORMATION ON A BIOLOGICAL SPECIMEN SLIDE - A method for processing an image of a biological specimen slide, the image comprising a plurality of characters associated with the biological specimen slide. In one such embodiment, the method includes representing the plurality of characters as respective objects, grouping the objects into a plurality of respective groups of objects based on their locations relative to each other, selecting at least one of the groups of objects, and performing optical character recognition on characters corresponding to the objects of each selected group. | 06-25-2009 |
20090156880 | Selectable Multi-Lumen Brachytherapy Devices and Methods - A brachytherapy treatment device includes at least one tubular insertion member and an expandable member. The tubular insertion member has proximal and distal ends and at least one radiation source lumen disposed along its length and branching at the distal end to provide a plurality of selectable radiation source lumens each configured to receive a radiation source. The expandable member is disposed on and surrounding the distal end of the tubular insertion member. In another embodiment, a brachytherapy treatment device may also include a plurality of selectable radiation source lumens forming an arcuate shape with respect to the longitudinal axis. Additional brachytherapy treatment devices and methods for performing brachytherapy and for forming an asymmetric radiation dosing profile are also disclosed. | 06-18-2009 |
20090156879 | Selectable Multi-Lumen Brachytherapy Devices and Methods - A brachytherapy treatment device includes at least one tubular insertion member and an expandable member. The tubular insertion member has proximal and distal ends and at least one radiation source lumen disposed along its length and branching at the distal end to provide a plurality of selectable radiation source lumens each configured to receive a radiation source. The expandable member is disposed on and surrounding the distal end of the tubular insertion member. In another embodiment, a brachytherapy treatment device may also include a plurality of selectable radiation source lumens forming an arcuate shape with respect to the longitudinal axis. Additional brachytherapy treatment devices and methods for performing brachytherapy and for forming an asymmetric radiation dosing profile are also disclosed. | 06-18-2009 |
20090143634 | Brachytherapy Balloon Features - A brachytherapy treatment device includes a tubular insertion member and an expandable chamber. The tubular insertion member has a proximal end and a distal end and an expandable chamber disposed on the distal end of the tubular insertion member. The expandable chamber defines an enclosed space and has inner and outer surfaces defining a wall, wherein the wall has at least first and second wall thicknesses. The expandable chamber may comprise a balloon. A main body portion of the balloon has the first wall thickness and ribs have the second wall thickness. The ribs may be disposed to be approximately parallel or perpendicular to the tubular insertion member around the circumference of the balloon. The ribs or other thickened areas provide improved symmetry, stability, and strength to an inflated balloon. Methods of forming a symmetrical radiation dosing profile are also disclosed herein. | 06-04-2009 |
20090141278 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMING WHETHER A BIOLOGICAL SPECIMEN CARRIER IS PROPERLY ORIENTED - Systems and methods for determining whether a biological specimen carrier, such as a specimen slide, is arranged in its proper orientation. An optically absorptive element is associated with a surface of the biological specimen carrier. Light emitted from a light source is incident on a surface of the carrier. A slide is properly oriented when the incident light is substantially absorbed by the absorptive element. One or more sensors are positioned to detect light that is not absorbed by the absorptive element. An output of a sensor indicates whether the biological specimen slide is properly oriented and may drive indicator directly or through a controller or other system component to indicate whether the slide is properly oriented. | 06-04-2009 |
20090093821 | Slide Guide Apparatus & Method - Methods of maintaining a consistent pathway through an already formed incision and for facilitating placement and removal of medical devices into and/or out of a surgical treatment site or cavity are disclosed. A method for removing and placing medical devices includes inserting a first medical device into an already formed incision, inserting a slide guide into the cavity through the already formed incision in surrounding relation to the first medical device to facilitate removal of the first medical device, and inserting a second medical device into the cavity using the slide guide as the pathway to guide and partially surround a circumference of the second medical device to guide the second medical into the cavity. A slide guide includes an elongated insertion member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section sized to receive and partially surround a circumference of a tubular insertion member of a medical device. | 04-09-2009 |
20090090416 | FLUID LEVEL REGULATOR - A biological specimen collection and transfer system, including a biological sample container configured for storing a biological fluid sample, a vacuum source, a specimen filter having an interior chamber and an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid level regulator configured to determine a fluid level in the biological sample container and to dispense a fluid into the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level. The fluid level regulator includes a fluid level monitor, a fluid dispenser, and a controller in communication with the fluid level monitor and the fluid dispenser, wherein the fluid level monitor includes a sound source configured to emit sound towards a surface of the fluid sample, and a sound detector configured to measure sound reflected from the surface of the fluid sample, wherein the controller determines the fluid level based at least in part on a measurement of reflected sound emitted from the sound source. | 04-09-2009 |
20090087074 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING BIOLOGICAL SPECIMENS UTILIZING MULTIPLE WAVELENGTHS - Methods, systems and computer readable media for processing one or more biological specimens carried by specimen slides. Images of objects in a specimen are acquired and objects of interest in the acquired images are identified. Additional images of identified objects of interest may be acquired at multiple wavelengths. Cellular features of objects of interest are extracted from images and may be used for classifying the specimen, e.g., as normal or suspicious/abnormal, based a probabilistic model that utilizes the extracted features. | 04-02-2009 |
20090081773 | MICROFLUIDIC APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING IMAGING AND ANALYZING CELLS OF A CYTOLOGICAL SPECIMEN - A microfluidic apparatus for isolating and imaging or analyzing cells of a cytological specimen includes a substrate and a microfluidic cellular isolation element that includes an outer wall, a channel, a partition member and a receptacle. The partition member is positioned within the isolation element interior, and the receptacle is positioned within the partition member interior. The isolation element is configured such that fluid introduced through the outer wall inlet flows through the channel in a first direction, and the partition member is situated such that fluid flows from the channel into the partition member interior through the partition member inlet aperture in a second direction different than the first direction. The receptacle positioned relative to the partition member inlet to catch and retain a cell carried by the fluid. | 03-26-2009 |
20080278707 | CYTOLOGICAL IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention relates to the analysis of cytological material. Specifically, the invention relates to stains and methods of producing the stains, methods of staining cells for cytological or histological analysis to contrast the nuclear portion of the cell from the cytoplasmic portion, and systems and methods for illuminating a cytological sample. The analysis can be automated or manual. | 11-13-2008 |