Tony H Mao

US Patent:

6418800, Jul 16, 2002

Filed:

Sep 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/663719

Inventors:

Vijay Mathur - Burlington MA
Tyler Cote - Acton MA
Ronald Jones - Newton NH
Jane Sun - Acton MA
Steve Rettew - Harvard MA
Chen Yi - Woburn MA
Tony Mao - Natick MA
Will Whelan - Arlington MA
Ken Galano - Wrenham MA
Richard Dussault - North Attleboro MA

Assignee:

Medica Corporation - Bedford MA

International Classification:

G01N 100

US Classification:

7386424

Abstract:

A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement, so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element. A fluid selection valve of highly polished ceramic material allows a valve cylinder passage to be selectively connected to fluid sources.

US Patent:

6886421, May 3, 2005

Filed:

Nov 8, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/045464

Inventors:

Vijay Mathur - Burlington MA, US
Tyler Cote - Acton MA, US
Ronald Jones - Newton NH, US
Jane Sun - Acton MA, US
Steve Rettew - Harvard MA, US
Chen Yi - Woburn MA, US
Tony Mao - Natick MA, US
Will Whelan - Arlington MA, US
Ken Galano - Wrenham MA, US
Richard Dussault - North Attleboro MA, US

International Classification:

G01N001/00

US Classification:

7386481

Abstract:

A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and include film sensors with use life record memories and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element. A fluid selection valve of highly polished ceramic material allows a valve cylinder passage to be selectively connected to fluid sources.

US Patent:

7127957, Oct 31, 2006

Filed:

Feb 8, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/053277

Inventors:

Vijay Mathur - Burlington MA, US
Tyler Cote - Acton MA, US
Ronald Jones - Newton NH, US
Jane Sun - Acton MA, US
Steve Rettew - Harvard MA, US
Chen Yi - Woburn MA, US
Tony Mao - Natick MA, US
Will Whelan - Arlington MA, US
Ken Galano - Wrenham MA, US
Richard Dussault - North Attleboro MA, US

International Classification:

G01N 1/00

US Classification:

7386481

Abstract:

A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement so that a biological samples does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensors chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and include film sensors with use life record memories and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element. A fluid selection valve of highly polished ceramic material allows a valve cylinder passage to be selectively connected to fluid sources.

US Patent:

7837447, Nov 23, 2010

Filed:

Jul 23, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/880562

Inventors:

Tony Mao - Natick MA, US
Ronald Jones - Newton NH, US
Stanley Liffmann - Newbury MA, US

Assignee:

Medica Corporation - Bedford MA

International Classification:

F04B 49/06
F04B 23/06
F04B 7/00
B65D 88/54
G01F 11/28

US Classification:

417 53, 417 62, 417415, 417505, 417539, 222137, 222333

Abstract:

A chemistry analyzer precision pump is disclosed. In one general aspect, it has a pump block that defines a first pump chamber with a fluid port at a first end, an opening for a piston at a second end, and a seal mount located between the opening and the port. A second, smaller, pump chamber also has a fluid port at a first end, an opening for a piston at a second end, and a seal mount located between the opening and the port. A first seal is mounted at the first seal mount and a second seal is mounted at the second seal mount. A first piston is mounted to reciprocate in the first pump chamber, past the first seal, and a second, smaller piston is mounted to reciprocate in the second pump chamber, past the second seal. The first and second pistons and the first and second pump chambers can be conically shaped.

US Patent:

20130126620, May 23, 2013

Filed:

Sep 14, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/618378

Inventors:

Jeannine Dussi - Arlington MA, US
Edward Ganshirt - Lexington MA, US
Ray Goodwin - Shrewsbury MA, US
Stan Liffmann - Newbury MA, US
Tony Mao - Natick MA, US
Doug Moe - Manchester NH, US
Steve Rettew - Harvard MA, US
Ian Smith - Scottsdale AZ, US
Charlene Soley - Westford MA, US
Le Nguyen - Dorchester MA, US
Qian Sun - Westford MA, US
Will Whelan - Arlington MA, US
Diana Zipeto - Lowell MA, US
Gregory Sweetser - Nashua NH, US

International Classification:

G06K 19/07

US Classification:

235492

Abstract:

Disclosed in one general aspect is a modular chemistry analysis test unit for a chemistry analyzer that includes one or more vessels for one or more reagents. A machine-readable test specification is coupled with the vessels and identifies a series of test operations that employ the reagents for the vessels. The specification includes one or more reagent quantity specifications that specify a quantity of the reagents to mix with a test sample, and one or more reaction duration specifications that specify a reaction time for the reagents and test sample.

US Patent:

20130130390, May 23, 2013

Filed:

Sep 14, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/618335

Inventors:

Jeannine Dussi - Arlington MA, US
Edward Ganshirt - Lexington MA, US
Ray Goodwin - Shrewsbury MA, US
Stan Liffmann - Newbury MA, US
Tony Mao - Natick MA, US
Doug Moe - Manchester NH, US
Steve Rettew - Harvard MA, US
Ian Smith - Scottsdale AZ, US
Charlene Soley - Westford MA, US
Le Nguyen - Dorchester MA, US
Qian Sun - Westford MA, US
Will Whelan - Arlington MA, US
Diana Zipeto - Lowell MA, US
Gregory Sweetser - Lowell MA, US

International Classification:

G01N 35/00

US Classification:

436 48

Abstract:

An automated chemistry analysis method is disclosed. In one general aspect, the method includes receiving a modular chemistry analysis test unit that includes one or more vessels for one or more reagents, and a machine-readable test specification coupled with the vessels. The method also includes defining a test that defines a test including a series of operations that employ the reagents for the vessels, and installing the chemistry analysis test unit in a first chemistry analyzer that includes one or more analysis tools and sequencing logic for sequencing instructions to be carried out by the analysis tools. The machine-readable test specification is automatically received from the chemistry analysis test module and stored for access by the sequencing logic to allow the sequencing logic to instruct the analysis tools to carry out the test defined by the test specification.

US Patent:

20130132882, May 23, 2013

Filed:

Sep 14, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/618429

Inventors:

Jeannine Dussi - Arlington MA, US
Ray Goodwin - Shrewsbury MA, US
Stan Liffmann - Newbury MA, US
Tony Mao - Natick MA, US
Doug Moe - Manchester NH, US
Steve Rettew - Harvard MA, US
Ian Smith - Scottsdale AZ, US
Charlene Soley - Westford MA, US
Le Nguyen - Dorchester MA, US
Qian Sun - Westford MA, US
Will Whelan - Arlington MA, US
Diana Zipeto - Lowell MA, US
Gregory Sweetser - Nashua NH, US

International Classification:

G06F 3/0481

US Classification:

715772

Abstract:

Disclosed in one general aspect is a method of operating a chemistry analyzer method that includes determining usage levels associated with a plurality of storage vessels that store reagents for use by the analyzer. A pictorial representation that includes a plurality of graphical elements that convey levels of usage for the storage vessels is displayed to the operator. A series of access icons that are each associated with a color and each lead to a set of screens for different types of operations for the analyzer are also displayed, with the screens being color coded to correspond to the color associated with their respective access icons.

US Patent:

62931628, Sep 25, 2001

Filed:

Jul 8, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/350247

Inventors:

Vijay Mathur - Burlington MA
Tyler Cote - Acton MA
Ronald Jones - Newton NH
Jane Sun - Acton MA
Steve Rettew - Harvard MA
Chen Yi - Woburn MA
Tony Mao - Natick MA
Will Whelan - Arlington MA
Ken Galano - Wrenham MA
Richard Dussault - North Attleboro MA

Assignee:

Medica Corporation - Bedford MA

International Classification:

G01N 100

US Classification:

7386422

Abstract:

A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement, so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different tpes of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element. A fluid selection valve of highly polished ceramic material allows a valve cylinder passage to be selectively connected to fluid sources.