Patents Examined by Luan V. Van
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11185862
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to digital microfluidic systems having an electrode bus controlled by a single actuation input, and methods for droplet manipulation using the electrode bus. Particularly, aspects are directed to a digital microfluidic system including a first group of droplet actuation electrodes formed in a substrate, a first wiring bus formed in the substrate and connected to each electrode in the first group of droplet actuation electrodes, and a first single point of actuation connected to the first wiring bus; and a second group of droplet actuation electrodes formed in the substrate, a second wiring bus formed in the substrate and connected to each electrode in the second group of droplet actuation electrodes, and a second single point of actuation connected to the second wiring bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Gach, Anup Singh
  • Patent number: 11175259
    Abstract: A sensing device including a transistor, at least one response electrode, and a selective membrane is provided. The transistor includes a gate end, a source end, a drain end, and a semiconductor layer, wherein the source end and the drain end are located on the semiconductor layer, and the gate end is located between the source end and the drain end. The at least one response electrode is disposed opposite to the gate end of the transistor and spaced apart from the transistor. The selective membrane is located on the at least one response electrode or on the transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Yu-Lin Wang, Yi-Ting Chen, Revathi Sukesan
  • Patent number: 11175260
    Abstract: A nanopore device for molecular characterization that includes a supporting substrate. The supporting substrate has at least one nanopore where the nanopore is a carbon nanotube of a first diameter. The nanodevice is configured to provide a stimulus to the carbon nanotube causing the first diameter to change to a second diameter. The nanopore device also includes a device configured to apply the stimulus to the nanopore. The nanopore device further includes an electrical circuit configured to measure an electrical property across the nanopore, where there is a change in the electrical property when a molecule traverses the nanopore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Priscilla Racquel Rogers, James R. Kozloski
  • Patent number: 11167247
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for separating carbon nanotubes on the basis of a specified parameter, such as length. The methods include labelling of the carbon nanotubes with a biological moiety, followed by SDS-PAGE and staining, to separate the carbon nanotubes on the basis of length and/or characterize their length. In some embodiments, egg-white lysozyme, conjugated covalently onto single-walled carbon nanotubes surfaces using carbodiimide method, followed by SDS-PAGE and visualization of the single-walled nanotubes using silver staining, provides high resolution characterization of length of the single-walled carbon nanotubes. This high precision, inexpensive, rapid and simple separation method obviates the need for centrifugation, additional chemical analyses, and expensive spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy to visualize carbon nanotube bands. The disclosed methods find utility in quality-control in the manufacture of carbon nanotubes of specific lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: NANOLC-12, LLC
    Inventors: Zahra Borzooeian, Mohammad E. Taslim
  • Patent number: 11161115
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a pH control device. The device comprises a substrate, on which is defined a flow path adapted to receive a liquid. The device further comprises a set of electrodes, which includes a pH sensing electrode and pH generation electrodes. The electrodes are arranged along the flow path. The pH sensing electrode is arranged so as to be subjected to a change in pH of a portion of the liquid on the flow path, as caused by the pH generation electrodes. In addition, the device includes a controller, which is configured to apply a voltage across the pH generation electrodes, based on a signal obtained via the pH sensing electrode and a reference electrode. This enables local control a pH of the liquid portion. The device may further be embodied as a sensor, additionally comprising a detection electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Ebejer, Patrick Ruch
  • Patent number: 11161114
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a pH control device. The device comprises a substrate, on which is defined a flow path adapted to receive a liquid. The device further comprises a set of electrodes, which includes a pH sensing electrode and pH generation electrodes. The electrodes are arranged along the flow path. The pH sensing electrode is arranged so as to be subjected to a change in pH of a portion of the liquid on the flow path, as caused by the pH generation electrodes. In addition, the device includes a controller, which is configured to apply a voltage across the pH generation electrodes, based on a signal obtained via the pH sensing electrode and a reference electrode. This enables local control a pH of the liquid portion. The device may further be embodied as a sensor, additionally comprising a detection electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Ebejer, Patrick Ruch