Hologic, Inc.

Cytyc Corporation

Eric E Grimes

Steven A Scampini

Ryan P Oliva

Raymond Jenoski

Barry F Hunt

Hal Watts

Timothy E Hutchins

Michael Cordeiro

Andrew H Fischer

Tuan Thuc Ha

Andrew Fischer

Steven Scampini

An automated system for processing a sample contained in a liquid sample container includes an automated tool head configured to rotate about a first axis, and to translate along a second axis different than the first axis, an analytic element positioner having an analytic element holder configured to releasably grip an analytic element, and a specimen transfer device carried by the tool head, wherein the tool head is configured to automatically position a working end of the specimen transfer device to obtain a specimen from a sample container held in the sample container holder, and to transfer the obtained specimen to an analytic element held by the analytic element holder, respectively, through one or both of rotation of the tool head about the first axis and translation of the tool head along the second axis.

Systems for automated preparation of biological specimens

An automated specimen preparation system for preparing a specimen from a sample in a sample container is provided. The automated specimen preparation system comprises a specimen transfer device configured for holding a specimen collector thereon and for being positioned within the sample container. The specimen transfer device comprises a central bore having an open distal end and a closed proximal end, a pressure monitoring port fluidly coupled to the central bore at the proximal end of the central bore, and a fluid waste evacuation port fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the central bore. The pressure monitoring port comprises a reduced diameter portion coupled directly to the central bore. The automated specimen preparation system further comprises a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the fluid waste evacuation port, and a pressure monitoring device fluidly coupled to the pressure monitoring port.

Waste evacuation apparatus for an automated specimen preparation system

Systems and methods for automated preparation of biological specimens

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.

Active grip filter plug for sample collection devices

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.

Cell block processing station

Cell block cassette and filter assembly

Methods for processing cell block

Growing community of inventors

Hudson, MA, United States of America

Eric E Grimes