Andrew C Fischer

US Patent:

6913921, Jul 5, 2005

Filed:

Oct 30, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/697993

Inventors:

Andrew H. Fischer - Stow MA, US

Assignee:

University of Massachusetts - Worcester MA

International Classification:

C12M001/12

US Classification:

4353081, 4352972, 4353071, 422101

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for embedding cells that utilizes a flow-through embedding technique maximizes the efficiency of extractions and decreases time for embedding the cell fragments, minimizes cell loss, and automatically positions cell samples at the position in which a microtome blade will section them. The apparatus includes a cell flow pathway defined by an inflow tube for delivering cell fragments from a cell sample to a sample port. The sample port is in fluid communication with a tissue cassette having attached thereto a filter. The cell flow pathway is in communication with a reagent flow pathway for delivering the reagents through the sample port to the cassette. The apparatus is configured such that the application of pressure directs the cell fragments from the cell sample through the cell flow pathway, and effects delivery of the reagents through the reagent flow pathway. The apparatus produces an embedded cell block having concentrated cells near the plane of the block to be sectioned in a quick and efficient manner.

US Patent:

7541161, Jun 2, 2009

Filed:

Feb 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/775767

Inventors:

Andrew H. Fischer - Stow MA, US

Assignee:

University of Massachusetts - Boston MA

International Classification:

G01N 1/30
C12Q 1/24

US Classification:

435 405, 435 4052, 435 30, 436174, 436176

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for embedding cells that utilizes a flow-through embedding technique maximizes the efficiency of extractions and decreases time for embedding the cell fragments, minimizes cell loss, and automatically positions cell samples at the position in which a microtome blade will section them. The apparatus includes a cell flow pathway defined by an inflow tube for delivering cell fragments from a cell sample to a sample port. The sample port is in fluid communication with a tissue cassette having attached thereto a filter. The cell flow pathway is in communication with a reagent flow pathway for delivering the reagents through the sample port to the cassette. The apparatus is configured such that the application of pressure directs the cell fragments from the cell sample through the cell flow pathway, and effects delivery of the reagents through the reagent flow pathway. The apparatus produces an embedded cell block having concentrated cells near the plane of the block to be sectioned in a quick and efficient manner.

US Patent:

7829021, Nov 9, 2010

Filed:

Aug 15, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/839531

Inventors:

Timothy Hutchins - Attleboro Falls MA, US
Hal Watts - Holden MA, US
Steven Scampini - Groton MA, US
Eric Grimes - Hudson MA, US
Andrew H. Fischer - Stow MA, US

Assignee:

CYTYC Corporation - Marlborough MA

International Classification:

G01N 21/00

US Classification:

422 63, 422 64, 422 65, 422 66, 422 67, 422 99, 422100, 436174, 4352972, 4353081

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

7906076, Mar 15, 2011

Filed:

Jul 2, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/772472

Inventors:

Andrew H. Fischer - Stow MA, US

Assignee:

University of Massachusetts - Boston MA

International Classification:

B01L 3/00

US Classification:

422102, 422100, 206730, 206733, 206486, 206564, 206565, 600562, 600564

Abstract:

A container for use in processing a biopsy sample. Biopsy sample and materials are received within a sample processing area of the container. A semi-permeable barrier is positioned at a downstream portion of the sample processing area and prevents the prevent passage of the biopsy sample. A cap is positioned at the downstream side of the barrier, and holds fluids within the container.

US Patent:

7914462, Mar 29, 2011

Filed:

Aug 15, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/839528

Inventors:

Timothy Hutchins - Attleboro Falls MA, US
Hal Watts - Holden MA, US
Steven Scampini - Groton MA, US
Eric Grimes - Hudson MA, US
Andrew H. Fischer - Stow MA, US

Assignee:

Cytyc Corporation - Marlborough MA

International Classification:

A61B 10/10
B01L 3/02
C12M 1/00
G01N 1/30

US Classification:

600562, 7386416, 422 99, 435 405, 4353081

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

8048669, Nov 1, 2011

Filed:

May 23, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/126241

Inventors:

Andrew H. Fischer - Stow MA, US

Assignee:

University of Massachusetts - Boston MA

International Classification:

C12M 1/12

US Classification:

4353081, 4352972, 435 405, 422534, 422536

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for embedding cells that utilizes a flow-through embedding technique maximizes the efficiency of extractions and decreases time for embedding the cell fragments, minimizes cell loss, and automatically positions cell samples at the position in which a microtome blade will section them. The apparatus includes a cell flow pathway defined by an inflow tube for delivering cell fragments from a cell sample to a sample port. The sample port is in fluid communication with a tissue cassette having attached thereto a filter. The cell flow pathway is in communication with a reagent flow pathway for delivering the reagents through the sample port to the cassette. The apparatus is configured such that the application of pressure directs the cell fragments from the cell sample through the cell flow pathway, and effects delivery of the reagents through the reagent flow pathway. The apparatus produces an embedded cell block having concentrated cells near the plane of the block to be sectioned in a quick and efficient manner.

US Patent:

8088329, Jan 3, 2012

Filed:

Sep 7, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/876879

Inventors:

Timothy Hutchins - Attleboro Falls MA, US
Hal Watts - Holden MA, US
Steven A. Scampini - Groton MA, US
Eric Grimes - Hudson MA, US
Andrew H. Fischer - Stow MA, US

Assignee:

Cytyc Corporation - Marlborough MA

International Classification:

G01N 21/00

US Classification:

422 63, 422 64, 422 65, 422 66, 422 681, 422513, 422547, 436174, 436180

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

8329474, Dec 11, 2012

Filed:

Mar 15, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/048511

Inventors:

Andrew H. Fischer - Stow MA, US

Assignee:

University of Massachusetts - Boston MA

International Classification:

G01N 15/06
G01N 33/00
G01N 33/48

US Classification:

436176, 436174, 436 8, 436 43, 436175, 422554, 422558, 422560, 422561

Abstract:

A container for use in processing a biopsy sample. Biopsy sample and materials are received within a sample processing area of the container. A semi-permeable barrier is positioned at a downstream portion of the sample processing area and prevents the prevent passage of the biopsy sample. A cap is positioned at the downstream side of the barrier, and holds fluids within the container.