Patents Examined by Bryan Kilpatrick
  • Patent number: 8329104
    Abstract: A measurement device has at least one sensor for detecting a parameter, a data storage unit, and a power supply for said sensor and data storage unit. In addition to the first sensor, the measurement device has at least one second sensor connected to the power supply and to the data storage unit. The second sensor is provided for detecting a physical quantity acting on the first sensor and is capable of permanently altering the measurement characteristic of the first sensor. An evaluator functions coactively with the second sensor and the data storage unit so that the permanent alteration of the measurement characteristic of the first sensor is recordable as a function of the measurement signal of the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Micronas GmbH, Micronas Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Mirko Lehmann, Ingo Freund, Sonja Mohry, Holger Klapproth
  • Patent number: 8323575
    Abstract: A method includes compressing chemical-analysis data points with no loss of information, generating, from the stored data points, nested data arrays, storing the nested data arrays in a video memory, rendering an image from the nested data arrays, and displaying the rendered image. A chemical-analysis instrument includes a chromatography module, a mass-spectrometry module that receives an eluent from the chromatography module, a computer unit that receives data points from the chromatography and mass-spectrometry modules, and a monitor for displaying rendered images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jose Luis deCorral
  • Patent number: 8318106
    Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis system for analyzing a sample on a test element. The system has an analysis unit for generating a signal as a function of an analyte contained in a sample, and a detection unit for detecting the signal. The analysis system further includes a test element holder into which the test element can be reversibly introduced and in which it can be positioned relative to the analysis unit and the detection unit. The test element contains at least one guide element, which is suitable for laterally guiding the test element, so that the test element in the test element holder is held and guided only on an outer region of the test element, and an inner region of the test element introduced into the test element holder remains free. The test element contains a sample application site in the inner region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Jansen, Jochen Schulat, Yvonne Ringelspacher
  • Patent number: 8313695
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer for performing analysis of a precision control sample in response to an external factor to alleviate the burden on the operator and perform precision control at appropriate timing, thereby allowing automatic maintenance of the measurement precision. Analysis of a precision control sample is performed by creating an analysis request for the internally held precision control sample and then transferring the precision control sample in response to an external factor occurring, when a calibrator is inputted in the analyzer, the number of remaining reagents under analysis satisfies a predetermined condition (becomes zero or falls below a specified value), the date changes, a specified time runs out, the operator is changed, the number of analyzed samples exceeds a specified value, a specified time period has elapsed, a new reagent is registered, and a measurement failure is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Akutsu
  • Patent number: 8298832
    Abstract: The method of stirring a solution according to the present invention is a method of stirring a solution comprising contacting a selective binding substance immobilized on the surface of a carrier with a solution containing an analyte substance reactive with the selective binding substance, and mixing the fine particles or air bubbles into the solution containing an analyte substance, and moving the fine particles or air bubbles without allowing contact thereof with the selective binding substance-immobilized surface. The present invention provides a stirring method that accelerates the reaction of a carrier-immobilized selective binding substance with an analyte substance and detects a trace amount of analyte at high signal intensity and high S/N ratio. The present invention enables diagnosis and examination in the clinical setting by using a selective binding substance-immobilized carrier such as DNA chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuki Takii, Kunihisa Nagino, Fumio Nakamura, Hitoshi Nobumasa
  • Patent number: 8293192
    Abstract: An upper end 3 of a nozzle tip 2 is adapted to have an inside diameter dimension smaller than an outside diameter of a lower portion of a barrel 4, so that nozzle tips 2 are not piled up. An upper curved surface 11, which is curved in an outer direction of the nozzle tip 2 starting with a boundary portion between the barrel 4 and a leading end opening 5 of the nozzle tip 2 and the leading end opening 5, is formed. A lower curved surface 12 is formed continuously from the upper curved surface 11 to be curved in an inner direction. An angle formed between a line tangent to a boundary portion 13 between the upper curved surface 11 and the lower curved surface 12 and a center axis of the nozzle tip 2 is adapted to fall within a range between 45° and 20°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Sakai, Sachio Satoh, Hiroaki Sakai, Junichi Oizumi, Nobuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8287811
    Abstract: The current invention provides a passive sampling device suitable for collecting and detecting the presence of target analytes. In particular, the passive sampling device is suitable for detecting nitro-aromatic compounds. The current invention further provides a passive sampling device reader suitable for determining the collection of target analytes. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for detecting target analytes using the passive sampling device and the passive sampling device reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross James Harper, Marcus la Grone, Mark Fisher
  • Patent number: 8277757
    Abstract: A pipette tip mounting shaft includes outwardly circumferentially extending locking lobes over which the pipette tip collar is mounted. The locking lobes preferably include an inclining ramp portion that gently flexes and distorts the pipette tip collar out-of-round as the mounting shaft is inserted into the pipette tip, rather than the stretching tip collar. Each locking lobe also includes a declining ramp portion which extends upward along the mounting shaft. The peak of the lobes is preferably curved. When the pipette tip is fully mounted on the mounting shaft, a locking ring on the inside surface of the tip collar engages the declining ramp of the lobes to provide an over-center engagement, however, the required ejection force is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Integra Biosciences Corp.
    Inventors: Terrence Kelly, Richard Cote, Gregory Mathus
  • Patent number: 8277750
    Abstract: Disclosed is a detector for chemical sensor devices, the detector being improved in detection sensitivity. Also disclosed is use of such a detector for chemical sensor devices. Specifically, disclosed is a detector for chemical sensor devices by which a substance to be measured is detected by adsorbing the substance contained in a medium on the surface thereof. The detector includes an adsorption layer containing hydroxyapatite or a substituted apatite obtained by substituting a part of elements in hydroxyapatite on a surface which is used for detecting the substance to be measured. Such a detector is greatly improved in detection sensitivity, and thus able to detect a very small amount of a chemical substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Kinki University
    Inventors: Shigeki Hontsu, Masanobu Kusunoki, Hiroaki Nishikawa, Yoshiya Hashimoto, Izumi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8277754
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to propose a reliable, economically viable autoclave that also allows rapid heat treatment of food or pharmaceutical products in industrial quantities. To this end, the subject of the invention is a system for shaking items, inside a device under pressure, comprising a chamber (100) equipped with a heating means (110) and with a pressurizing means (115), and a storage basket (200) for the items (P) coupled to a translational shaking means (300, 310-320-330-340), wherein the basket (200) is slidably mounted on a chassis (400) exhibiting a platform (410) supported by support columns (420) passing through the chamber (100) in a fluidtight and decoupled manner and intended to be secured to an immovable support (600).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Steriflow
    Inventors: Jean-Patrick Roumagnac, Francisco Naveros, Philippe Cocco
  • Patent number: 8273579
    Abstract: A method of selecting for analysis a sample of a biological material anisotropically distributed on a substrate, said method comprising the steps of directing a beam of radiation onto said substrate, said radiation being selected to interact with said anisotropically distributed biological material to an extent corresponding to said anisotropy; measuring said interaction at plurality of locations on said substrate; and selecting said sample by reference to said measurements. An inspection apparatus for selecting for analysis a sample of a biological material anisotropically distributed on a substrate is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Bizpac (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Allan D. Morrison
  • Patent number: 8273581
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the inventive technology relates to in-vessel generation of a material from a solution of interest as part of a processing and/or analysis operation. Preferred embodiments of the in-vessel material generation (e.g., in-vessel solid material generation) include precipitation; in certain embodiments, analysis and/or processing of the solution of interest may include dissolution of the material, perhaps as part of a successive dissolution protocol using solvents of increasing ability to dissolve. Applications include, but are by no means limited to estimation of a coking onset and solution (e.g., oil) fractionating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Wyoming Research Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Schabron, Joseph F. Rovani, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8260464
    Abstract: A control technique for use in a fuel processor is disclosed. In one aspect, a control system includes a subsystem manager controller the operation of a respective physical subsystem for each of a plurality of physical subsystems in the fuel processor. The subsystem managers take their direction from a master control manager. In a second aspect, the subsystem managers collectively form a layer operating in conjunction with a second layer capable of interfacing the subsystem managers to their respective physical subsystems, a third layer capable of interfacing the subsystem managers with the second layer. In a third aspect, master control manager manages the operation of each physical subsystem through a respective subsystem manager, directs state transitions of the subsystem managers, and routs interaction between the subsystem managers from the master control manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Vesna R. Mirkovic, W. Spencer Wheat, Hugh N. To, Dennis J. Benedetto
  • Patent number: 8247237
    Abstract: An indicating desiccant comprises a silica-based material having impregnated thereon a source of iron and a source of bromide, the source of iron being present in an amount up to 2.0 percent by weight, calculated as Fe with respect to weight of the silica-based material, and the source of bromide being present in an amount such that the weight ratio of Br to Fe is at least 0.1:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: PQ Silicas UK Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Moreton
  • Patent number: 8241920
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the inventive technology relates to in-vessel generation of a material from a solution of interest as part of a processing and/or analysis operation. Preferred embodiments of the in-vessel material generation (e.g., in-vessel solid material generation) include precipitation; in certain embodiments, analysis and/or processing of the solution of interest may include dissolution of the material, perhaps as part of a successive dissolution protocol using solvents of increasing ability to dissolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Wyoming Research Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Schabron, Joseph F. Rovani, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8236162
    Abstract: An electroerosion machining system comprises an electrode, a power supply, an electrolyte supply, an electroerosion controller connected to and monitoring the power supply, and a working apparatus configured to move the electrode relative to the workpiece. The electroerosion machining system further comprises a CNC controller configured to cooperate with the electroerosion controller to control the working apparatus, and to calculate a wear value of the electrode. Further, the CNC controller is configured to segment the toolpath of every layer into a plurality of segments, and to divide the compensation value for every layer to be machined into a plurality of value segments, and further to use the value segments to compensate for electrode wear along the respective toolpath segments during machining of the workpiece. An electroerosion machining method is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yimin Zhan, Bin Wei, Michael Scott Lamphere, Renwei Yuan, Yuanfeng Luo
  • Patent number: 8197752
    Abstract: Managing system for emissions environmental pollutants comprising: a measuring device for measuring a flow rate of a fuel supplied to a customer; an unit emission quantity storage device of environmentally influential substance for storing a unit emission quantity of an environmentally influential substance emitted when an unit flow rate of fuel is manufactured or processed; and an emission quantity computing device of environmentally influential substance for calculating, based on the fuel flow rate measured by the measuring device, and the unit emission quantity of the environmentally influential substance stored by the unit emission quantity storage device, an environmental emission quantity of the environmentally influential substance emitted when the fuel supplied to the customer is manufactured or processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masafumi Nojima, Takeyuki Itabashi, Takao Ishikawa, Hiroshi Kanemoto
  • Patent number: 8192697
    Abstract: A sorption micro-array (1) for sorbing a substance off an assay sample comprises a support (11) and a plurality of sorption elements (14). The plurality of sorption elements (14) is arranged in a well defined geometry in connection with the support (11), wherein the distance between each sorption element (14) and its adjacent sorption element (14) is predefined. Since all of the sorption elements (14) are arranged at a well defined location of the sorption micro-array (1), e.g. in a row with well defined distances from each other, the output of an analysis of substances sorbed by each of the sorption elements (14) can exactly be allocated to a well defined location of an assay sample from which the substances have been sorbed. Like this, it is possible to provide an exact chemical output image of the micro-distribution of the substances of the assay sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
    Inventors: Christoph Fattinger, Peter Berndt
  • Patent number: 8187539
    Abstract: An assembly for determining material properties and/or material concentrations of components of a sample, containing: a chromatographic separating column with a liquid mobile solvent; means for controlling the temperature inside the separating column between room temperature and 250° C.; means for creating a pressure level which is greater than ambient pressure inside the separating column; and a detector with a sample volume adapted to insert the components of the sample, is characterized in that the mobile solvent contains water to a large extent; means are provided for expanding the mobile solvent from the increased pressure level inside the separating column to the ambient pressure and for producing a phase change of the mobile solvent from the liquid to gaseous state; and means are provided for transferring the gaseous mobile solvent containing the components of the sample into the sample volume of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Joint Analytical Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Gerstel, Jörg Radtke
  • Patent number: 8168141
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for holding a carrier, wherein the holder is inserted into a cylinder-shaped well, for example, of a multiwell plate. In addition the invention relates to a multiwell plate with such a holder. In order to provide a possibility for the reliable support of a carrier in a holder, wherein the holder ensures a secure and specified positioning of the carrier in a well and reliably prevents the carrier and the holder from falling out of the well, a holder is proposed for insertion into a cylindrical well and to support the carrier. The holder comprises a support, a holding piece and a connecting piece which connects the supporting piece with the holding piece, wherein the holder together with the lateral external surfaces of the supporting piece, the holding piece and/or connecting piece lies against at least one lateral internal surface of the well, and wherein the carrier is inserted on the support and under the holding piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: BIOCRATES Life Sciences AG
    Inventors: Steven Ramsay, Florian Bichteler, Wolfgang Guggenbichler