Patents Assigned to Midwest Research Institute
  • Patent number: 8506686
    Abstract: A reel-to-reel aerosol collection and storage system for capturing and storing a plurality of separate samples of aerosol particles using electrostatic precipitation technology for collecting such particles onto a tape mechanism for analysis at a future time. The particles are collected onto a region of the collection tape for a defined period of time and then that portion of the collection tape is advanced out of the collection zone and manipulated so as to form sealed pouches or pockets which can be either severed from the collection tape for individual storage in a temperature controlled storage container, or which can be stored on a take-up reel in a temperature controlled environment. The collected aerosol particles are stored with a buffer fluid to preserve and maintain the viability of the collected particles for future extraction and analysis. Several embodiments for forming sealed pouches or pockets and methods of storing the collected particles are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Langle, Michael F. Fischer, James M. Egan, Alexander J. Waller, Joseph W. Clement, Darren J. Radke
  • Patent number: 8323386
    Abstract: A compact electrostatic particulate collector for sampling contaminants has a collection chamber defined by a titanium inner surface of a wall. A potential inducer is disposed within the chamber to create a field potential between itself and the wall of the chamber. A blower is disposed to propel air to be sampled through the chamber. At least one rinse channel is disposed to wet the inner surface of the wall of the chamber substantially 100%. The rinse channel is angled to direct a rinse liquid in a spiral direction around the inner surface of the wall. Contaminants in the air being sampled are electro statically biased into the rinse liquid on the wall and rinsed out of the chamber for collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Matthew Langle, Buddy Justin Winheim, Noah Boydston, Steven D. Graham, Nancy Zamora Olivares, Mark Edward Reynolds, Thomas John Breier
  • Patent number: 8196479
    Abstract: A portable multi-tube air sampler device for capturing samples of trace elements in a suspected contaminated environment which includes a plurality of sample tubes for collecting sample trace elements, parallel inlet and outlet manifolds which minimize the length of the sample inlet path while utilizing short straight sample tubes, a hinged retainer bar mechanism which allows for easy removal and replacement of the various sample tubes, and a removably attachable controller unit which can be installed on the exterior portion of the carrying case for controlling the operation of the sampling protocol. Other embodiments include heated inlet manifold and sample intake paths to prevent contamination accumulation and carryover, a clean cycle option with a filter valved into the inlet flow path to enhance the purging cycle, and a mechanism for converting the present device to a desorbing auto sampler configuration. The present system likewise incorporates a purging cycle prior to each sampling cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Ludwick, Keith D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110185904
    Abstract: A reel-to-reel aerosol collection and storage system for capturing and storing a plurality of separate samples of aerosol particles using electrostatic precipitation technology for collecting such particles onto a tape mechanism for analysis at a future time. The particles are collected onto a region of the collection tape for a defined period of time and then that portion of the collection tape is advanced out of the collection zone and manipulated so as to form sealed pouches or pockets which can be either severed from the collection tape for individual storage in a temperature controlled storage container, or which can be stored on a take-up reel in a temperature controlled environment. The collected aerosol particles are stored with a buffer fluid to preserve and maintain the viability of the collected particles for future extraction and analysis. Several embodiments for forming sealed pouches or pockets and methods of storing the collected particles are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Langle, Michael F. Fischer, James M. Egan, Alexander J. Waller, Joseph W. Clement, Darren J. Radke
  • Publication number: 20110088490
    Abstract: A portable multi-tube air sampler device for capturing samples of trace elements in a suspected contaminated environment which includes a plurality of sample tubes for collecting sample trace elements, parallel inlet and outlet manifolds which minimize the length of the sample inlet path while utilizing short straight sample tubes, a hinged retainer bar mechanism which allows for easy removal and replacement of the various sample tubes, and a removably attachable controller unit which can be installed on the exterior portion of the carrying case for controlling the operation of the sampling protocol. Other embodiments include heated inlet manifold and sample intake paths to prevent contamination accumulation and carryover, a clean cycle option with a filter valved into the inlet flow path to enhance the purging cycle, and a mechanism for converting the present device to a desorbing auto sampler configuration. The present system likewise incorporates a purging cycle prior to each sampling cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Richard K. Ludwick, Keith D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110088556
    Abstract: A compact electrostatic particulate collector for sampling contaminants has a collection chamber defined by a titanium inner surface of a wall. A potential inducer is disposed within the chamber to create a field potential between itself and the wall of the chamber. A blower is disposed to propel air to be sampled through the chamber. At least one rinse channel is disposed to wet the inner surface of the wall of the chamber substantially 100%. The rinse channel is angled to direct a rinse liquid in a spiral direction around the inner surface of the wall. Contaminants in the air being sampled are electro statically biased into the rinse liquid on the wall and rinsed out of the chamber for collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Matthew Langle, Buddy Justin Winhelm, Noah Boydston, Steve D. Graham, Nancy Zamora Olivares, Mark Edward Reynolds, Thomas John Breier
  • Patent number: 7834005
    Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula I wherein X, Y, R1-R7, T1, T2, Z, and p are as described herein; a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula I and a carrier; a method of inhibiting growth of a cell, which method comprises administering in an amount effective to inhibit growth a compound of Formula I; a method of treating cancer in a mammal, which method comprises administering in an amount effective to treat cancer a compound of Formula I; a method of treating a viral, parasitic, or bacterial infection of a cell, which method comprises administering in an amount effective to treat a viral, parasitic, or bacterial infection a compound of Formula I; and a method of preparing a compound of Formula I as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services, Starks Associates, Inc., Midwest Research Institute, Spirogen, Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul S. Liu, B. Rao Vishnuvajjala, Kenneth M. Snader, David E. Thurston, Philip W. Howard, Luke Y. Hsiao, Gregory Turner
  • Patent number: 7823439
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for multidimensional gas chromatography for separating the analytes of a complex sample. The method comprises the steps of introducing the sample onto a first column whereby the sample is separated into at least two segments, introducing at least one segment into a heartcut device whereby the segments are selectively separated into at least two heartcut fractions, introducing at least one of the fractions onto a second column whereby at least one fraction is further separated into at least two analytes, introducing at least one analyte from the second column to a gas chromatography connector, introducing the analyte from the connector to a third column, and introducing the analyte from the third column into a detector whereby the analyte is analyzed and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Chad Fisher
  • Publication number: 20100167084
    Abstract: Methods of producing one or more biaxially textured layer on a substrate, and articles produced by the methods, are disclosed. An exemplary method may comprise electrodepositing on the substrate a precursor material selected from the group consisting of rare earths, transition metals, actinide, lanthanides, and oxides thereof. An exemplary article (150) may comprise a biaxially textured base material (130), and at least one biaxially textured layer (110) selected from the group consisting of rare earths, transition metals, actinides, lanthanides, and oxides thereof. The at least one biaxially textured layer (110) is formed by electrodeposition on the biaxially textured base material (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Raghu N. Bhattacharya, Sovannary Phok, Priscila Spagnol, Tapas Chaudhuri
  • Publication number: 20100144041
    Abstract: An L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain is provided for the production of ethanol by introducing and expressing bacterial araA, araB and araD genes. L-arabinose transporters are also introduced into the yeast to enhance the uptake of arabinose. The yeast carries additional genomic mutations enabling it to consume L-arabinose, even as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol. Methods of producing ethanol include utilizing these modified yeast strains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Min Zhang, Arjun Singh, Pirkko Suominen, Eric Knoshaug, Mary Ann Franden, Eric Jarvis
  • Publication number: 20100143769
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for manufacturing lithium-metal anode [18] assemblies for thin-film, thick-film and hulk secondary batteries that use liquid or gel-type electrolytes [14], and lithium-metal anode [18] assemblies for thick-film and bulk secondary batteries that use solid electrolytes [18]. These methods involve electrolytic formation of a lithium metal anode [18] between a protecting lithium-stable, solid electrolyte [18] material and an eieethcaiiy-Gonductive substance [20]. Secondary lithium_ batteries made by these methods aw also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Se-Hee Lee, Edwin C. Tracy, John Roland Pitts
  • Publication number: 20100136715
    Abstract: A method for screening silicon-based wafers used in the photovoltaic industry is provided herewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Bhushan L. Sopori, Peter Sheldon
  • Publication number: 20090297886
    Abstract: Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof are disclosed. An exemplary method of producing a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) material may comprise: providing a TCO target doped with either a high-permittivity oxide or a low-permittivity oxide in a process chamber. The method may also comprise depositing a metal oxide on the target in the process chamber to form a thin film having enhanced optical properties without substantially decreasing electrical quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: TIMOTHY A. GESSERT, TIMOTHY J. COUTTS, YUKI YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20090280598
    Abstract: Liquid-based indium selenide and copper selenide precursors, including copper-organoselenides, particulate copper selenide suspensions, copper selenide ethylene diamine in liquid solvent, nanoparticlulate indium selenide suspensions, and indium selenide ethylene diamine coordination compounds in solvent, are used to form crystalline copper-indium-selenide, and/or copper indium galium selenide films (66) on substrates (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Calvin J. Curtis, Alexander Miedaner, Maikel Van Hest, David S. Ginley, Jennifer A. Nekuda
  • Publication number: 20090280624
    Abstract: Liquid-based precursors for formation of Copper Selenide, Indium Selenide, Copper Indium Diselenide, and/or copper Indium Galium Diselenide include copper-organoselenides, particulate copper selenide suspensions, copper selenide ethylene diamine in liquid solvent, nanoparticulate indium selenide suspensions, and indium selenide ethylene diamine coordination compounds in solvent. These liquid-based precursors can be deposited in liquid form onto substrates and treated by rapid thermal processing to form crystalline copper selenide and indium selenide films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Calvin J. Curtis, Alexander Miedaner, Marinus Franciscus Antonius van Hest, David S. Ginley
  • Publication number: 20090236317
    Abstract: A method (300) for etching a silicon surface (116). The method (300) includes positioning (310) a substrate (112) with a silicon surface (116) into a vessel (122). The vessel (122) is filled (330, 340) with a volume of an etching solution (124) so as to cover the silicon surface (116). The etching solution (124) includes a catalytic solution (140) and an oxidant-etchant solution (146), e.g., an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The catalytic solution (140) may be a solution that provides metal-containing molecules or ionic species of catalytic metals. The silicon surface (116) is etched (350) by agitating the etching solution (124) in the vessel (122) such as with ultrasonic agitation, and the etching may include heating (360) the etching solution (124) and directing light (365) onto the silicon surface (116).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: VERNON YOST, HOWARD BRANZ
  • Publication number: 20090229659
    Abstract: Modeling a monolithic, multi-bandgap, tandem, solar photovoltaic converter or thermophotovoltaic converter by constraining the bandgap value for the bottom subcell to no less than a particular value produces an optimum combination of subcell bandgaps that provide theoretical energy conversion efficiencies nearly as good as unconstrained maximum theoretical conversion efficiency models, but which are more conducive to actual fabrication to achieve such conversion efficiencies than unconstrained model optimum bandgap combinations. Achieving such constrained or unconstrained optimum bandgap combinations includes growth of a graded layer transition from larger lattice constant on the parent substrate to a smaller lattice constant to accommodate higher bandgap upper subcells and at least one graded layer that transitions back to a larger lattice constant to accommodate lower bandgap lower subcells and to counter-strain the epistructure to mitigate epistructure bowing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Mark W. Wanlass, Angelo Mascarenhas
  • Publication number: 20090149449
    Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula I wherein X, Y, R1-R7, T1, T2, Z, and p are as described herein; a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula I and a carrier; a method of inhibiting growth of a cell, which method comprises administering in an amount effective to inhibit growth a compound of Formula I; a method of treating cancer in a mammal, which method comprises administering in an amount effective to treat cancer a compound of Formula I; a method of treating a viral, parasitic, or bacterial infection of a cell, which method comprises administering in an amount effective to treat a viral, parasitic, or bacterial infection a compound of Formula I; and a method of preparing a compound of Formula I as described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicants: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Dept. of Health and Human Service, Starks Associates, Inc., Midwest Research Institute, Spirogen, Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul S. Liu, B. Rao Vishnuvajjala, Kenneth M. Snader, David E. Thurston, Philip W. Howard, Luke Y. Hsiao, Gregory Turner
  • Publication number: 20090123289
    Abstract: Thick airfoil families with desirable aerodynamic performance with minimal airfoil induced noise. The airfoil families are suitable for a variety of wind turbine designs and are particularly well-suited for use with horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) with constant or variable speed using pitch and/or stall control. In exemplary embodiments, a first family of three thick airfoils is provided for use with small wind turbines and second family of three thick airfoils is provided for use with very large machines, e.g., an airfoil defined for each of three blade radial stations or blade portions defined along the length of a blade. Each of the families is designed to provide a high maximum lift coefficient or high lift, to exhibit docile stalls, to be relatively insensitive to roughness, and to achieve a low profile drag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: James L. Tangler, Dan L. Somers
  • Patent number: 7511032
    Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) wherein X, Y, Ri-R7, T1, T2, Z, and p are as described herein; a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula (I) and a carrier; a method of inhibiting growth of a cell, which method comprises administering in an amount effective to inhibit growth a compound of Formula (I); a method of treating cancer in a mammal, which method comprises administering in an amount effective to treat cancer a compound of Formula (I); a method of treating a viral, parasitic, or bacterial infection of a cell, which method comprises administering in an amount effective to treat a viral, parasitic, or bacterial infection a compound of Formula (I); and a method of preparing a compound of Formula (I) as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, Starks Associates, Inc., Midwest Research Institute, Spirogen, Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul S Liu, B. Rao Vishnuvajjala, Kenneth M Snader, David E Thurston, Philip W Howard, Luke Y Hsiao, Gregory Turner