Patents Examined by Caitlyn Mingyun Sun
  • Patent number: 11428665
    Abstract: Structures for improved electrophoretic precast gel substrates are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an electrophoretic precast gel substrate includes a front plate comprising a first tenon-and-mortise connective structure, and a rear plate comprising a second tenon-and-mortise connective structure. The front plate and the rear plate can include snap features that are configured to provide a snap fit with a corresponding structure. The front and rear plates can be configured to be coupled and/or decoupled along the first and second tenon-and-mortise connective structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventors: Junjie Zhang, Rui Duan, Xin Chen, Boyan Zhang
  • Patent number: 11391689
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element and one or more hollow columnar dense bodies. The sensor element includes an element main body having a side surface, a porous layer and a water-penetration reduction portion that cover at least a front end-side part of the side surface. The water-penetration reduction portion disposed on the side surface so as to divide the porous layer an overlap length W that is the length of a continuous overlap between a range in which the water-penetration reduction portion is present in the longitudinal direction and a range in which inner peripheral surfaces of the one or more dense bodies are present in the longitudinal direction being 0.5 mm or more, the water-penetration reduction portion being a gap region in which the porous layer is absent, the water-penetration reduction portion reduces the capillarity of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Nakayama, Shota Kageyama, Yusuke Fujii, Kei Kosaka
  • Patent number: 11391691
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element and one or more hollow columnar dense bodies. The sensor element includes an element main body having a side surface, a porous layer and a water-penetration reduction portion that cover at least a front end-side part of the side surface. The water-penetration reduction portion disposed on the side surface so as to divide the porous layer or to be located closer to the rear end than the porous layer, an overlap length W that is the length of a continuous overlap between a range in which the water-penetration reduction portion is present in a longitudinal direction and a range in which inner peripheral surfaces of the one or more dense bodies are present in the longitudinal direction being 0.5 mm or more, and having a dense layer covers the side surface, the water-penetration reduction portion reduces the capillarity of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Nakayama, Shota Kageyama, Yusuke Fujii, Kei Kosaka
  • Patent number: 11384675
    Abstract: The control section of a control apparatus executes a first control for operating a voltage application section such as to cause a current to flow in a first direction through a gas sensor in a first period, and a second control for operating the voltage application section such as to cause a current to flow in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, through the gas sensor in a second period. The control apparatus changes the length of at least one of the first period and the second period based on a comparison between a first measurement value, which is the absolute value of a value measured by a sweep measurement section during execution of the first control, and a second measurement value, which is the absolute value of a value measured by the sweep measurement section during execution of the second control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tooru Matsumoto, Katsuhide Akimoto, Takahito Masuko, Keita Takagi, Tatsuhiro Ito, Yuki Sato, Ryo Teramoto, Takafumi Nishio
  • Patent number: 11376597
    Abstract: A method of operating an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device performs electrowetting operations on fluids dispensed into the EWOD device, which provides enhanced operation for using multiple non-polar filler fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Sharp Life Science (EU) Limited
    Inventors: Lesley Anne Parry-Jones, Emma Jayne Walton
  • Patent number: 11371006
    Abstract: The invention relates to a comparison unit (130) configured for determining if a first pH measuring device of a first tank (104; 106) is affected by a pH-measuring problem, the comparison unit being configured for: —receiving a first CO2 concentration and a first pH value, the first CO2 concentration being a CO2 concentration of a first gas volume above a medium in a first tank, the first CO2 concentration and the first pH value being measured at a first time when the medium in the first tank is in pH-CO2 equilibrium state with the first gas volume and before said equilibrium state is modified by the metabolism of a cell culture in the first tank, the first pH value being a measured value provided by a first pH measuring device operatively coupled to the first tank (102); —receiving a second CO2 concentration and a second pH value, the second CO2 concentration being a CO2 concentration of a second gas volume above a medium in a second tank, the second CO2 concentration and the second pH value being measured a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Hoffman-La Roche, Inc.
    Inventors: Detlef Eisenkraetzer, Christian Klinger, Katrin Greppmair
  • Patent number: 11360047
    Abstract: An electrophoresis device has: a sample tray (112) on which there are placed a positive-electrode-side buffer solution container (103) containing a buffer solution and a phoresis medium container (102) containing a phoresis medium, and which is driven in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction; a thermostat oven unit (113) that holds a capillary array having a capillary head in which a plurality of capillaries are bundled in a single unit at one end thereof in a state where the capillary array being held in a state in which the capillary head protrudes downward, and that keeps the interior temperature constant; a solution-delivering mechanism (106) for delivering the phoresis medium in the phoresis medium container to the capillary array from the capillary head; and a power source for applying a voltage to both ends of the capillary array. Holes for insertion of the capillary head are provided in upper sections of the positive-electrode-side buffer solution container and the phoresis medium container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Aritome, Ryusuke Kimura, Motohiro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11325124
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating an analyte from a test sample, such as bacteria from blood components, based on their dielectric properties, localizing or condensing the analyte, flushing substantially all remaining waste products from the test sample, and detecting low concentrations of the analyte. The module array includes a plurality of microfluidic channels with connecting microfluidic waste channels for directing undesired material away from the analyte. An electric field is applied causing a positive dielectrophoretic force to the analyte to capture the analyte. The electric field is applied to at least one electrode having a plurality of concentric rings or concentric arcs extending radially outwards from a center point, electrically connected to a voltage source such that when voltage is applied to the at least one electrode, the concentric rings or concentric arcs alternate in voltage potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Fluid-Screen, Inc.
    Inventors: Monika Weber, Siu Lung Lo, Hazael Fabrizio Montanaro Ochoa, Christopher Daniel Yerino, Mark A. Reed
  • Patent number: 11325072
    Abstract: An object trapping device enables efficiently trapping a plurality of objects in a specific combination. Each of a first electrode pair (13), a second electrode pair (14), and a third electrode pair (15) in an electrode pair group (3) is applied with an individual AC voltage and traps an object by dielectrophoresis generated in accordance with the AC voltage that is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignees: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA, The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Kunihiko Iizuka, Takeshi Mitsunaka, Yoshihisa Fujimoto, Teruo Fujii, Soo-Hyeon Kim
  • Patent number: 11320417
    Abstract: In a non-limiting embodiment, a device may include a substrate having conducting lines thereon. One or more fin structures may be arranged over the substrate. Each fin structure may include a sensor arranged over the substrate and around the fin structure. The sensor may include a self-aligned first sensing electrode and a self-aligned second sensing electrode arranged around the fin structure. The first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode each may include a first portion lining a sidewall of the fin structure and a second portion arranged laterally from the first portion. At least the first portion of the first sensing electrode and the first portion of the second sensing electrode may define a sensing cavity of the sensor. The second portion of the first sensing electrode and the second portion of the second sensing electrode may be electrically coupled to the conducting lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Xinshu Cai, Shyue Seng Tan, Eng Huat Toh, Kiok Boone Elgin Quek
  • Patent number: 11313831
    Abstract: An interdigitated electrode biosensor includes an insulating layer configured to fully cover a sensor forming region of a substrate, a first interdigitated microelectrode configured such that a plurality of first protruding electrodes is arranged in a shape of a comb on the substrate, a second interdigitated microelectrode configured such that a plurality of second protruding electrodes is arranged in a shape of a comb and each interdigitates with the plurality of first protruding electrodes, and a plurality of receptors that is immobilized in a space between the first interdigitated microelectrode and the second interdigitated microelectrode and reacts specifically to target biomaterials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kyoseon Hwang, Jinsik Kim, Hye Jin Kim, Yong Kyoung Yoo, Youngsoo Kim
  • Patent number: 11285484
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing a plurality of isoelectric focusing reactions in parallel are described. In some instances, the disclosed devices may be designed to perform isoelectric focusing or other separation reactions followed by further characterization of the separated analytes using mass spectrometry. The disclosed methods, devices, and systems provide for fast, accurate separation and characterization of protein analyte mixtures or other biological molecules by isoelectric point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Intabio, LLC
    Inventors: Erik Gentalen, Eric Gwerder, Scott Mack
  • Patent number: 11280757
    Abstract: The invention provides the present invention provides a faecal detection sensor for an absorbent article. The sensor includes a faeces-sensitive material that reacts to the presence of a constituent of faecal matter, wherein the sensor exhibits an electrical property that changes following the reaction of the faeces-sensitive material. In embodiments of the invention the faeces sensitive material is a material that reacts due to the presence of a sulfur-containing compound in faecal matter, such as metallic faeces-sensitive materials, or is a material that reacts with a faecal enzyme and/or other constituents of faecal matter, such as organic faeces-sensitive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: FRED BERGMAN HEALTHCARE PTY LTD
    Inventors: Peter Curran, Mehdi Azimi, Hadi Mashin-Chi, Peter Aigner, Juuso Olkkonen, Anna-Marja Aura, Anu Vaari, Antti Nyyssola, Lisa Hakola, Maria Smolander
  • Patent number: 11268924
    Abstract: A sensor can selectively detect quantum signatures in charge transfer processes via a tunneling current. In one aspect, the sensor can include a metal electrode having a first surface and a second surface. The sensor can also include an insulator film having a first thickness, a first surface area and a first surface chemistry. The insulator film can be coupled to the metal electrode via the first surface. The sensor can also include a functionalization film having a second thickness, a second surface area and a second surface chemistry. The functionalization film can be coupled to the metal electrode via the second surface. The insulator film and the functionalization film are configured to separate the metal electrode from an electrochemical solution comprising the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignees: ProbiusDx, Inc., The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventor: Chaitanya Gupta
  • Patent number: 11241699
    Abstract: A apparatus for performing contactless ODEP for separation of CTCs comprises an ODEP device including a first conductive glass and a second conductive glass, the first conductive glass includes a transverse main channel and a longitudinal micro channel perpendicular to the main channel and joining the main channel at a cell separation zone; the first conductive glass includes a first hole and a second hole aligned with two ends of the main channel respectively, and a third hole aligned with one end of the micro channel that is distal to the cell separation zone; a sample receiving member disposed on and aligned with the first hole; an exhaust discharge member disposed on and aligned with the second hole; a target collection member disposed on and aligned with the third hole; and a controller including an optical projection device and an image fetch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: ACE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min-Hsien Wu
  • Patent number: 11243187
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing an electrophoretic medium container capable of stabilizing a liquid delivery pressure while ensuring sealing of an electrophoretic medium. In order to resolve this problem, this electrophoretic medium container is provided with a syringe part for holding an electrophoretic medium, and a sealing component for sealing one end of the syringe part, the electrophoretic medium container being characterized in that the sealing component has a sealing surface, a body part, and a groove provided between the sealing surface and the body part, wherein the sealing surface is in contact with the inner wall of the syringe part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Naomichi Kawasaki, Ryusuke Kimura, Katsuhiro Aritome, Go Nakajima, Takashi Gomi, Motohiro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11231387
    Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor includes a housing comprising a gas inlet, an electrolyte within the housing, a working electrode in ionic contact with the electrolyte, a counter electrode in ionic contact with the electrolyte and a secondary electrode in ionic contact with the electrolyte. Reaction of target gas at the secondary electrode is less than reaction of target gas at the working electrode. Electronic circuitry of the gas sensor is configured to measure an output from the working electrode and an output from the at least one secondary electrode. A correction factor is determined for correcting the output from the working electrode on the basis of the working electrode output and the secondary electrode output during an assessment in which the electrochemical sensor is exposed to the target gas for a determined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: MSA Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Ross, Kathrin Tölle, Brian Keith Davis
  • Patent number: 11226306
    Abstract: A microbial sensor, microbial sensing system, and method that can be used to determine the chemical environment of unsaturated soils, rhizosphere, and/or plants are disclosed. The microbial sensing system can be used for monitoring the health of plants including nutrients, salinity, contaminants, chemicals (pesticides, herbicides) and diseases. A microbial sensing system can include one or more indicator electrodes and a reference electrode. The microbial sensing system can include a signal acquisition and/or communication module to allow the real-time collection of data from field deployments and laboratory investigations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Burge Environmental. Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Burge, David A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 11209380
    Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a reference half-cell for an electrochemical sensor for measuring a medium is disclosed. The reference half-cell includes a housing defining a chamber containing an electrolyte, the housing including a wall having an aperture therethrough, and an electrode disposed in the electrolyte in the chamber. The reference half-cell further includes a reference junction disposed in the aperture such that an interface between the reference junction and the housing wall is impermeable. The reference junction is electrically or ionically conductive and impermeable to the measured medium and the electrolyte, and the reference junction enables a constant potential at the electrode. An electrochemical sensor and oxidation-reduction potential sensor employing the reference junction are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta Inc.
    Inventors: Jinshan Huo, Thelma Saclot
  • Patent number: 11187668
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes to a sensor element including a membrane having a first functionalized region and a second functionalized region and including a sensor element body on which the membrane rests. The sensor element body has at least one electrically conductive first conductor and an electrically conductive second conductor electrically insulated from the first conductor. The first conductor is electrically and/or electrolytically conductively connected to the first functionalized region of the membrane, and the second conductor is electrically and/or electrolytically conductively connected to the second functionalized region of the membrane. In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for fabricating such a sensor element is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Wilhelm, Matthäus Speck