Frank Coumans

US Patent:

20070153280, Jul 5, 2007

Filed:

Feb 2, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/701765

Inventors:

Frank Coumans - Bensalem PA, US
Arthur Marlin - Willow Grove PA, US
Frank Modica - Princeton NJ, US
John Verrant - Solebury PA, US

International Classification:

G01N 21/25

US Classification:

356417000

Abstract:

The present invention provides a system for imaging circulating tumor cells from blood after enrichment. The system is designed to provide optimum use in a clinical laboratory setting with minimum laboratory bench top space. Operator intervention is minimized compared to other analytical methodologies. The system is useful in the enumeration and identification of target cells in a sample specimen for screening and detection of early stage pre-metastatic cancer, monitoring for disease remission in response to therapy and selection of more effective dose regimens or alternative therapies for individual patients.

US Patent:

20120202189, Aug 9, 2012

Filed:

Apr 16, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/450846

Inventors:

Mark Carle Connelly - Doylestown PA, US
Frank A.W. Coumans - Philadelphia PA, US
Jimmy Page - McHenry IL, US
Galla Chandra Rao - Junction NJ, US
Joseph Jollick, JR. - Athens OH, US

International Classification:

G01N 21/17

US Classification:

435 5

Abstract:

A novel cytometer system, methods and algorithms which provide a rugged, affordable and easy-to-use device in remote locations. All cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, with target cells also magnetically labeled. Non-magnetically labeled cells are imaged for viability. Labeled sample is placed between two wedge-shaped magnets to selectively move the magnetically labeled cells for observation. A LED illuminates the cells and a CCO camera captures the images of the fluorescent light emitted by the target cells. Image analysis performed with a novel algorithm provides a cell count that can be related to the target cell concentration of the original sample.

US Patent:

20070117158, May 24, 2007

Filed:

May 12, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/434321

Inventors:

Frank Coumans - Philadelphia PA, US
Jan Greve - Oldenzaal, NL
Frank Modica - Princeton NJ, US
Leon Terstappen - Huntingdon Valley PA, US
Arian Tibbe - Deventer, NL
John Verrant - Solebury PA, US

International Classification:

G06T 7/20
G01N 33/567
C12M 1/34

US Classification:

435007200, 435287200, 382128000

Abstract:

The enumeration of cells in fluids by flow cytometry is widely used across many disciplines such as assessment of leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or of bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. For many applications the cost, size and complexity of the instruments prevents wider use, for example, CDanalysis in HIV monitoring in resource-poor countries. The novel device, methods and algorithms disclosed herein largely overcome these limitations. Briefly, all cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, but only the target cells are also magnetically labeled. In addition, non-magnetically labeled cells are imaged for viability in a modified slide configuration. The labeled sample, in a chamber or cuvet, is placed between two wedge-shaped magnets to selectively move the magnetically labeled cells to the observation surface of the cuvet. An LED illuminates the cells and a CCD camera captures the images of the fluorescent light emitted by the target cells. Image analysis performed with a novel algorithm provides a count of the cells on the surface that can be related to the target cell concentration of the original sample. The compact cytometer system provides a rugged, affordable and easy-to-use technique, which can be used in remote locations.