Michael J Degroff

US Patent:

52253252, Jul 6, 1993

Filed:

Mar 2, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/488348

Inventors:

Phillip C. Miller - Tucson AZ
Michael J. Degroff - Tucson AZ
Michael J. Gizinski - Tucson AZ
James A. Rybski - Tucson AZ
Pamela S. Vandivort - Tucson AZ

Assignee:

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. - Tucson AZ

International Classification:

C12Q 168
G01N 128
G01N 3348
G01N 3353

US Classification:

435 6

Abstract:

The present invention provides an immunohistochemical staining method using improved reagents. In one aspect, the method uses an evaporation inhibitor liquid to prevent evaporation of reagents applied to an assay region of a slide.

US Patent:

53227719, Jun 21, 1994

Filed:

Aug 31, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/924053

Inventors:

James A. Rybski - Tucson AZ
Pamela S. Vandivort - Tucson AZ
Anthony L. Hartman - Tucson AZ
Phillip C. Miller - Tucson AZ
Michael J. Degroff - Tucson AZ
Michael J. Gizinski - Tucson AZ

Assignee:

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc - Tucson AZ

International Classification:

C12N 996
C12Q 137
G01N 134
G01N 3353

US Classification:

435 72

Abstract:

The present invention provides an improved method for staining slides using immunochemical reagents. The method comprises the following steps. The assay region of a slide (the region containing the tissue section) is washed with an improved rinsing solution comprising water and a detergent. An evaporation inhibitor liquid is applied to the slide to cover the assay region. For antigens requiring unmasking, the tissue section is combined with an improved, stabilized proteolytic enzyme solution. The slide is rinsed, and the evaporation inhibitor liquid is reapplied to the slide. A primary antibody in an improved diluent containing globulins from the same species as a second antibody is combined with the tissue section for a time sufficient for substantially complete antibody binding. The slide is rinsed, and the evaporation inhibitor liquid is reapplied. A labeled second antibody in the improved diluent is combined with the tissue section for a time sufficient for substantially complete antibody binding.

US Patent:

54181380, May 23, 1995

Filed:

Mar 11, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/212415

Inventors:

Phillip C. Miller - Tucson AZ
Michael J. Degroff - Tucson AZ
Michael J. Gizinski - Tucson AZ
James A. Rybski - Tucson AZ
Pamela S. Vandivort - Tucson AZ
Anthony L. Hartman - Tucson AZ

Assignee:

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. - Tucson AZ

International Classification:

G01N 33535

US Classification:

435 72

Abstract:

The present invention provides an improved method for staining slides using immunochemical reagents. The method comprises the following steps. The assay region of a slide (the region containing the tissue section)is washed with an improved rinsing solution comprising water and a detergent. An evaporation inhibitor liquid is applied to the slide to cover the assay region. For antigens requiring unmasking, the tissue section is combined with an improved, stabilized proteolytic enzyme solution. The slide is rinsed, and the evaporation inhibitor liquid is reapplied to the slide. A primary antibody in an improved diluent containing globulins from the same species as a second antibody is combined with the tissue section for a time sufficient for substantially complete antibody binding. The slide is rinsed, and the evaporation inhibitor liquid is reapplied. A labeled second antibody in the improved diluent is combined with the tissue section for a time sufficient for substantially complete antibody binding.

US Patent:

52326640, Aug 3, 1993

Filed:

Sep 18, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/762327

Inventors:

Thomas P. Krawzak - Leominster MA
Michael J. DeGroff - Tucson AZ
David W. Nunnery - Tucson AZ
Brian J. McGraw - Tucson AZ

Assignee:

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. - Tucson AZ

International Classification:

G01N 114

US Classification:

422 64

Abstract:

A dispenser which can deliver precise small amounts of a liquid is disclosed. The dispenser is particularly suited to applying reagents in a biological test such as an immunoassay. It includes a reservoir chamber linked to a dispense chamber via a check valve, the two chambers preferably being in the form of syringes. An outlet line leading from the dispense chamber to a nozzle includes a delay check valve (preferably a ball inside a cylindrical chamber) which allows continuous outward flow, but shuts off flow in the reverse direction after allowing a predetermined volume to pass. The process of refilling the dispense chamber from the reservoir chamber creates reverse flow in the nozzle and causes a hanging drop of liquid at the tip of the nozzle to be withdrawn.