Patents by Inventor Daniel Brassard
Daniel Brassard 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).
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Patent number: 11958048Abstract: A plasmon resonance system, instrument, cartridge, and methods for analysis of analytes is disclosed. A PR system is provided that may include a DMF-LSPR cartridge that may support both digital microfluidic (DMF) capability and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) capability for analysis of analytes. In some examples, the DMF portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an electrode arrangement for performing droplet operations, whereas the LSPR portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an LSPR sensor. In other examples, the LSPR portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an in-line reference channel, wherein the in-line reference channel may be a fluid channel including at least one functionalized LSPR sensor (or sample spot) and at least one non-functionalized LSPR sensor (or reference spot). Additionally, methods of using the PR system for analysis of analytes are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Ryan Denomme, Lidija Malic, Daniel Brassard, Keith Morton, Teodor Veres
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Patent number: 11675183Abstract: A security device that exhibits at least one dynamic response upon change of orientation of the security device with respect to gravity, wherein the security device includes a hollow capsule completely filled with a liquid and one or more microscopic elements. In addition, the dynamic response continues after cessation of the change of orientation with respect to gravity. The dynamic response includes a transition of the one or more microscopic elements from substantial mechanical equilibrium to non-equilibrium upon action of the change of orientation with respect to gravity and back to substantial mechanical equilibrium after cessation of the change of orientation with respect to gravity. During the dynamic response, the one or more microscopic elements undergo at least one of a rotational motion and a translational motion relative to the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignees: National Research Council of Canada, Bank of CanadaInventors: Daniel Brassard, Lidija Malic, Keith J. Morton, Teodor Veres, Charles D. MacPherson, Theodoros Garanzotis
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Publication number: 20220274112Abstract: A technique for supplying droplet content of an oil-encapsulated (OE) digital microfluidic (D?F) network to a region that is sensitive to oil contact involves sealing off a boundary surrounding the sensitive region with a volume of liquid that is miscible with payload of the OE-droplets. The sensitive region may be an opening to a microfluidic channel, or a sensor surface. The sealing off may be provided by transporting an unencapsulated droplet over the OE-D?F chip, either from a reservoir prior to oil encapsulation of the reservoir, or from a non-oil encapsulated reservoir; or by injecting the liquid into the microfluidic channel. A suitable treatment of the boundary may anchor the liquid to the boundary, and prevent removal by ordinary OE-D?F operations. A remainder of the surfaces of unit cells the D?F chip may provide higher droplet contact angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2020Publication date: September 1, 2022Applicant: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Daniel Brassard, Lidija MALIC, Keith MORTON, Teodor VERES
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Publication number: 20220221402Abstract: A plasmon resonance system, instrument, cartridge, and methods for analysis of analytes is disclosed. A PR system is provided that may include a DMF-LSPR cartridge that may support both digital microfluidic (DMF) capability and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) capability for analysis of analytes. In some examples, the DMF portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an electrode arrangement for performing droplet operations, whereas the LSPR portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an LSPR sensor. In other examples, the LSPR portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an in-line reference channel, wherein the in-line reference channel may be a fluid channel including at least one functionalized LSPR sensor (or sample spot) and at least one non-functionalized LSPR sensor (or reference spot). Additionally, methods of using the PR system for analysis of analytes are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Ryan Denomme, Lidija Malic, Daniel Brassard, Keith Morton, Teodor Veres
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Patent number: 11278890Abstract: A plasmon resonance system, instrument, cartridge, and methods for analysis of analytes is disclosed. A PR system is provided that may include a DMF-LSPR cartridge that may support both digital microfluidic (DMF) capability and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) capability for analysis of analytes. In some examples, the DMF portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an electrode arrangement for performing droplet operations, whereas the LSPR portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an LSPR sensor. In other examples, the LSPR portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an in-line reference channel, wherein the in-line reference channel may be a fluid channel including at least one functionalized LSPR sensor (or sample spot) and at least one non-functionalized LSPR sensor (or reference spot). Additionally, methods of using the PR system for analysis of analytes are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Ryan Denomme, Lidija Malic, Daniel Brassard, Keith Morton, Teodor Veres
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Publication number: 20220008924Abstract: A centrifugal microfluidic platform is combined with a stationary liquid pumping system which pumps liquids into microfluidic chips by dripping through a stationary dispensing nozzle without any physical contact or coupling between the nozzles and the microfluidic chips.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2019Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Liviu CLIME, Keith MORTON, Daniel BRASSARD, Mathias GEISSLER, Jamal DAOUD, Harold HEBERT, Teodor VERES
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Publication number: 20210299660Abstract: A plasmon resonance system, instrument, cartridge, and methods for analysis of analytes is disclosed. A PR system is provided that may include a DMF-LSPR cartridge that may support both digital microfluidic (DMF) capability and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) capability for analysis of analytes. In some examples, the DMF portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an electrode arrangement for performing droplet operations, whereas the LSPR portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an LSPR sensor. In other examples, the LSPR portion of the DMF-LSPR cartridge may include an in-line reference channel, wherein the in-line reference channel may be a fluid channel including at least one functionalized LSPR sensor (or sample spot) and at least one non-functionalized LSPR sensor (or reference spot). Additionally, methods of using the PR system for analysis of analytes are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2019Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Ryan Denomme, Lidija Malic, Daniel Brassard, Keith Morton, Teodor Veres
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Publication number: 20210299656Abstract: The present invention relates into a device and method for controlling distribution of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) in a microfluidic chamber. By applying a strong magnetic field, localization of the NPs to inter-pillar spaces between soft magnetic coated micropillars is demonstrated, even with a modest fluid flow across the inter-pillar space. Flow splitting techniques are also provided to force particles to reliably interact with the NPs, specifically by using a Brevais lattice with a primative vector of 1°-15° with respect to flow direction. The pillars may have non-circular cross-sectional shape and be arranged to direct NP clouds more effectively. An array of the pillars has multiple axes for rotating NP cloud distributions in multiple orientations, allowing for a rotating magnetic field to move the NP cloud for mixing a fluid that is otherwise stationary.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2019Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Lidija MALIC, Liviu CLIME, Daniel BRASSARD, Xuefeng ZHANG, Teodor VERES
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Publication number: 20210173197Abstract: A security device that exhibits at least one dynamic response upon change of orientation of the security device with respect to gravity, wherein the security device includes a hollow capsule completely filled with a liquid and one or more microscopic elements. In addition, the dynamic response continues after cessation of the change of orientation with respect to gravity. The dynamic response includes a transition of the one or more microscopic elements from substantial mechanical equilibrium to non-equilibrium upon action of the change of orientation with respect to gravity and back to substantial mechanical equilibrium after cessation of the change of orientation with respect to gravity. During the dynamic response, the one or more microscopic elements undergo at least one of a rotational motion and a translational motion relative to the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2020Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Daniel BRASSARD, Lidija Malic, Keith J. Morton, Teodor Veres, Charles D. Macpherson, Theodoros Garanzotis
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Patent number: 10921579Abstract: A security device that elicits at least one dynamic response upon acceleration, or upon change of orientation with respect to gravity, wherein the dynamic response continues after cessation of the acceleration or the change of orientation. In addition, the dynamic response can be optical, such that it is visually observable by an unaided human eye. Alternatively, the response can be machine readable. In some cases, the dynamic response has duration of from about 0.01 s to about 100 s, or from about Is to about 10 s.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignees: National Research Council of Canada, Bank of CanadaInventors: Daniel Brassard, Lidija Malic, Keith J. Morton, Teodor Veres, Charles D. MacPherson, Theodoros Garanzotis
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Patent number: 10702868Abstract: A technique is provided for incorporating pneumatic control in centrifugal microfluidics. The technique involves providing a chip controller that has pressurized fluid supply lines for coupling one or more pressurized chambers of the controller with ports of a microfluidic chip. At least part of the chip controller is mounted to a centrifuge for rotation with the chip. A flow control device is provided in each supply line for selectively controlling the pressurized fluid supply, and is electrically controlled. Bubble mixing, on and off-chip valving, and switching are demonstrated.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Teodor Veres, Daniel Brassard, Liviu Clime, Francois Normandin
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Patent number: 10551610Abstract: Gravitational Janus microparticle having, a center-of-mass, a center-of-volume, and a non¬uniform density, wherein: the center-of-mass and the center-of-volume are distinct. When suspended in a fluid, the microparticle substantially aligns with either: i) the gravitational field; or ii) the direction of an acceleration, such that the Janus microparticle is in substantial rotation equilibrium. After perturbation from substantial rotational equilibrium, the Janus microparticle reversibly rotates to return to substantial rotational equilibrium. The gravitational Janus microparticle may comprise at least two portions, each having distinct physical and/or chemical characteristics, wherein at least one portion provides a detectable effect following rotation and alignment of the microparticle.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignees: National Research Council of Canada, Bank of CanadaInventors: Daniel Brassard, Lidija Malic, Keith J. Morton, Teodor Veres, Charles D. Macpherson, Theodoros Garanzotis
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Patent number: 10207137Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a safety system for coupling a rider to an amusement attraction with a track assembly including a junction box, and a plurality of control surfaces. The plurality of control surfaces includes slideable and rollable control surfaces. The safety system includes a carriage system for coupling the rider to the track assembly including a main support assembly, and a rolling safety mechanism including a rotatable element. The rotatable element includes a track engagement surface including rolling and sliding surfaces. In some embodiments, the rolling safety mechanism includes a plurality of pucks. Some embodiments include a rolling safety mechanism with a partially truncated ellipsoidal member rotatably mounted to a control support. In other embodiments, the rolling safety mechanism includes two partially truncated ellipsoidal members each positioned at substantially opposite ends of a support frame that includes at least one lanyard support.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: WHITEWATER WEST INDUSTRIES LTD.Inventors: Rick Briggs, Mark Weston, Hyuma Frankowski, Greg MacDougall, Daniel Brassard, Peter Petkov
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Patent number: 10179293Abstract: The present disclosure provides a waterslide comprising an upstream flume segment having a first cross-section, the upstream flume segment defining a first slide path, and a downstream flume segment having a second cross-section different than the first cross-section, the downstream flume segment defining a second slide path. The waterslide further comprises an angled transition linking the upstream flume segment to the downstream flume segment, wherein the angled transition defines a discontinuity between the upstream and downstream flume segments, thereby defining an inflection between the first and second slide paths.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: WHITEWATER WEST INDUSTRIES LTD.Inventor: Daniel Brassard
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Publication number: 20170371151Abstract: Gravitational Janus microparticle having, a center-of-mass, a center-of-volume, and a non-uniform density, wherein: the center-of-mass and the center-of-volume are distinct. When suspended in a fluid, the microparticle substantially aligns with either: i) the gravitational field; or ii) the direction of an acceleration, such that the Janus microparticle is in substantial rotation equilibrium. After perturbation from substantial rotational equilibrium, the Janus microparticle reversibly rotates to return to substantial rotational equilibrium. The gravitational Janus microparticle may comprise at least two portions, each having distinct physical and/or chemical characteristics, wherein at least one portion provides a detectable effect following rotation and alignment of the microparticle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2015Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Daniel BRASSARD, Lidija MALIC, Keith J. MORTON, Teodor VERES, Charles D. MACPHERSON, Theodoros GARANZOTIS
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Publication number: 20170368865Abstract: A security device that elicits at least one dynamic response upon acceleration, or upon change of orientation with respect to gravity, wherein the dynamic response continues after cessation of the acceleration or the change of orientation. In addition, the dynamic response can be optical, such that it is visually observable by an unaided human eye. Alternatively, the response can be machine readable. In some cases, the dynamic response has duration of from about 0.01 s to about 100 s, or from about Is to about 10 s.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2015Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Charles D. MACPHERSON, Daniel BRASSARD, Lidija MALIC, Keith J. MORTON, Teodor VERES, Theodoros GARANZOTIS
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Patent number: 9764245Abstract: An attraction capable of incorporating user interactivity. The attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat or slideboard with handles that allows the user to manipulate its position or other associated elements while on the attraction. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted. This signal may aid in determining whether a rider has successfully manipulated the element, for example, at an appropriate time. Sensors along the attraction may also be configured to track the user and/or ride vehicle via determining vicinity of the user and/or ride vehicle at a known location. Various rewards and/or features may be enabled based upon successful manipulation and/or user position. The attraction may include one or more illuminating features. Statistics or other information may be determined, stored, and/or provided (e.g., using mobile applications and/or scoreboards) relating to user performance.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Whitewater West Industries LtdInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Aaron Mendelson, Daniel Brassard, Edwin Michael Gyde Heaven, Rick Briggs, Hyuma Frankowski, Richard A. Sebulsky
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Publication number: 20170043268Abstract: A bifurcation method and system for a passive continuous belay system that allows for a user to select multiple pathways using intermediate tracks. A main track and the intermediate tracks provide a linear passive continuous belay using an anchor mechanism that is configured to grasp the outside of the structural member track, using rolling elements and/or low-friction sliding. The user may select multiple pathways using intermediate lateral tracks to provide Cartesian movement at designated (e.g., perpendicular) transition or junction. points.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2015Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: Rick Briggs, Mark Weston, Hyuma Frankowski, Greg MacDougall, Daniel Brassard, Peter Petkov
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Publication number: 20170043791Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a safety system for coupling a rider to an amusement attraction with a track assembly including a junction box, and a plurality of control surfaces. The plurality of control surfaces includes slideable and rollable control surfaces. The safety system includes a carriage system for coupling the rider to the track assembly including a main support assembly, and a rolling safety mechanism including a rotatable element. The rotatable element includes a track engagement surface including rolling and sliding surfaces. In some embodiments, the rolling safety mechanism includes a plurality of pucks. Some embodiments include a rolling safety mechanism with a partially truncated ellipsoidal member rotatably mounted to a control support. In other embodiments, the rolling safety mechanism includes two partially truncated ellipsoidal members each positioned at substantially opposite ends of a support frame that includes at least one lanyard support.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: Rick Briggs, Mark Weston, Hyuma Frankowski, Greg MacDougall, Daniel Brassard, Peter Petkov
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Publication number: 20170036208Abstract: A technique is provided for incorporating pneumatic control in centrifugal microfluidics. The technique involves providing a chip controller that has pressurized fluid supply lines for coupling one or more pressurized chambers of the controller with ports of a microfluidic chip. At least part of the chip controller is mounted to a centrifuge for rotation with the chip. A flow control device is provided in each supply line for selectively controlling the pressurized fluid supply, and is electrically controlled. Bubble mixing, on and off-chip valving, and switching are demonstrated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2015Publication date: February 9, 2017Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADAInventors: Teodor VERES, Daniel BRASSARD, Liviu CLIME