Patents by Inventor Alexander V. Terray

Alexander V. Terray has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10730050
    Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Sarah J. R. Staton, Alexander V. Terray, Gregory E. Collins
  • Patent number: 10710074
    Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Sarah J. R. Staton, Alexander V. Terray, Gregory E. Collins
  • Patent number: 10618046
    Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Sarah J. R. Staton, Alexander V. Terray, Gregory E. Collins
  • Patent number: 10281385
    Abstract: A device includes a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam, which includes a beam direction. The device includes a first channel in a first plane and a second channel in a second plane different from the first plane. The second channel communicates with the first channel and includes a flow direction. The second channel is oriented to receive the collimated light source beam. The device includes a third channel in a third plane different from the second plane and communicates with the second channel. The collimated light source beam is oriented to enter a cross-section of the first channel, then to pass through the second channel, and then to enter a cross-section of the third channel such that the beam direction is opposite to the flow direction in the second channel. The device includes a focused particle stream nozzle operably connected to the first channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Alexander V. Terray, Colin G. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20180304265
    Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Sarah J. R. Staton, Alexander V. Terray, Gregory E. Collins
  • Publication number: 20180304264
    Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Sarah J. R. Staton, Alexander V. Terray, Gregory E. Collins
  • Publication number: 20180304263
    Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Sarah J. R. Staton, Alexander V. Terray, Gregory E. Collins
  • Patent number: 9981267
    Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Sarah J. R. Staton, Alexander V. Terray, Gregory E. Collins
  • Patent number: 9731293
    Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Alexander V. Terray, Sean J. Hart, Sarah J. R. Staton, Gregory E. Collins
  • Publication number: 20170227442
    Abstract: A device includes a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam, which includes a beam direction. The device includes a first channel in a first plane and a second channel in a second plane different from the first plane. The second channel communicates with the first channel and includes a flow direction. The second channel is oriented to receive the collimated light source beam. The device includes a third channel in a third plane different from the second plane and communicates with the second channel. The collimated light source beam is oriented to enter a cross-section of the first channel, then to pass through the second channel, and then to enter a cross-section of the third channel such that the beam direction is opposite to the flow direction in the second channel. The device includes a focused particle stream nozzle operably connected to the first channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: SEAN J. HART, Alexander V. Terray, Colin G. Hebert
  • Patent number: 9597700
    Abstract: A method and system for generating vapors of liquid solutions where a pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system maintains a defined flow rate for a liquid solution. The pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system includes a flow meter configured to measure a flow rate for the liquid solution flowing from a pressure vessel; a microcontroller configured to determine a pressure necessary to achieve the defined flow rate; and an electronic pressure control unit configured to adjust the pressure inside the pressure vessel. The system includes a nebulizer coupled to the pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system configured to receive the liquid solution from the pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system at the defined flow rate and configured to generate an aerosol of the liquid solution. A heat tube can vaporize the aerosol generated by the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher Field, Alexander V Terray, Sean J Hart, Duane A. Rogers, Adam Lubrano, Michael P. Malito
  • Patent number: 9594071
    Abstract: A device and method for particle separation. The device includes at least one collimated light source operable to generate at least one collimated light source beam. The device further includes a first channel in a first plane and a focused particle stream nozzle operably connected to the first channel. The device further includes a second channel in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The second channel communicates with the first channel. The second channel comprises a second channel cross-section. The second channel is oriented to receive the collimated light source beam. The device further includes a third channel in a third plane orthogonal to the second plane. The third channel communicates with the second channel. The collimated light source beam is oriented to enter a cross-section of the first channel, then to pass through the second channel, and then to enter a cross-section of the third channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Alexander V. Terray, Colin G. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20160332161
    Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Sarah J. R. Staton, Alexander V. Terray, Gregory E. Collins
  • Publication number: 20140220557
    Abstract: A device and method for particle separation. The device includes at least one collimated light source operable to generate at least one collimated light source beam. The device further includes a first channel in a first plane and a focused particle stream nozzle operably connected to the first channel. The device further includes a second channel in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The second channel communicates with the first channel. The second channel comprises a second channel cross-section. The second channel is oriented to receive the collimated light source beam. The device further includes a third channel in a third plane orthogonal to the second plane. The third channel communicates with the second channel. The collimated light source beam is oriented to enter a cross-section of the first channel, then to pass through the second channel, and then to enter a cross-section of the third channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Colin G. Hebert, Sean J. Hart, Alexander V. Terray
  • Patent number: 8753891
    Abstract: A method of particle separation, wherein a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam is provided. The collimated light source beam includes a beam cross-section. A body is provided, wherein the body defines a wall and a first channel in a first plane. The first channel includes a first channel cross-section, the first channel being oriented to receive the collimated light source beam such that the beam cross-section completely overlaps the channel cross-section. The collimated light source beam is transmitted through the channel. A fluid sample is transmitted through the channel, fluid sample including a plurality of particles of a same type. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are separated axially along the collimated light source beam. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are retained against the wall in the collimated light source beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Alexander V. Terray
  • Publication number: 20140090979
    Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander V. Terray, Sean J. Hart, Sarah J. R. Staton, Gregory E. Collins
  • Publication number: 20140001280
    Abstract: A method and system for generating vapors of liquid solutions where a pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system maintains a defined flow rate for a liquid solution. The pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system includes a flow meter configured to measure a flow rate for the liquid solution flowing from a pressure vessel; a microcontroller configured to determine a pressure necessary to achieve the defined flow rate; and an electronic pressure control unit configured to adjust the pressure inside the pressure vessel. The system includes a nebulizer coupled to the pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system configured to receive the liquid solution from the pneumatically modulated liquid delivery system at the defined flow rate and configured to generate an aerosol of the liquid solution. A heat tube can vaporize the aerosol generated by the nebulizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher Field, Alexander V. Terray, Sean J. Hart, Duane A. Rogers, Adam Lubrano, Michael P. Malito
  • Publication number: 20130319954
    Abstract: A method of particle separation, wherein a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam is provided. The collimated light source beam includes a beam cross-section. A body is provided, wherein the body defines a wall and a first channel in a first plane. The first channel includes a first channel cross-section, the first channel being oriented to receive the collimated light source beam such that the beam cross-section completely overlaps the channel cross-section. The collimated light source beam is transmitted through the channel. A fluid sample is transmitted through the channel, fluid sample including a plurality of particles of a same type. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are separated axially along the collimated light source beam. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are retained against the wall in the collimated light source beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Alexander V. Terray, Sean J. Hart
  • Patent number: 8529760
    Abstract: A device and method of using same, wherein the device includes a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam, the collimated light source beam comprising a beam cross-section. The device further includes at least one body defining a first channel in a first plane, the first channel comprising a first channel cross-section, the first channel being oriented to receive the collimated light source beam such that the beam cross-section completely overlaps the first channel cross-section. Optionally, the body defines a second channel in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane, wherein the body defines a third channel in a third plane orthogonal to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Alexander V. Terray
  • Patent number: 6802489
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use colloidal particles to realize photonic and microfluidic devices. In particular embodiments, colloidal particles are used to realize microfluidic a two-way valve, three-way valve, check valve, three-dimensional valve, peristalsis pump, rotary pump, vane pump, and two-lobe gear pump. In certain embodiments, actuation of an active element in the microfluidic structure is accomplished by electrophoresis, the use of an optical trap or “tweezer”, or the application of an electric field or magnetic field. In other embodiments, the application of an electrical field to colloidal particles that are substantially constrained to two dimensional movement is used to realize wave guides, filters and switches for optical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventors: David W. M. Marr, Tieying Gong, John Oakey, Alexander V. Terray