Patents by Inventor Dean P. Neikirk

Dean P. Neikirk 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: 9581559
    Abstract: A corrosion detection sensor embedded within a concrete structure. The sensor includes a hermetically sealed resonant circuit that is a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit. The sensor further includes a sacrificial transducer that is inductively or capacitively coupled to the resonant circuit, where the sacrificial transducer is exposed to an environment outside the sensor to monitor corrosion of steel reinforcement in the concrete structure. Additionally, the sensor includes a protective cementitious housing surrounding the resonant circuit and the sacrificial transducer. The sensor further includes a diffusion layer placed over the sacrificial transducer, where the diffusion layer enables a dispersion of a chemical species over the sacrificial transducer. In this manner, a more uniform distribution of the chemical species over the surface of the sacrificial transducer mitigating the localized corrosion is ensured. Furthermore, such a design is less susceptible to false positives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Dean P. Neikirk, Sharon L. Wood, Praveenkumar Pasupathy, Ali Abu Yosef
  • Patent number: 9291586
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting one or more materials includes a substrate, a passivation layer formed on the substrate, a self-resonant structure and a high surface area material disposed on the passivation layer. The self-resonant structure includes a planar spiral inductor and a plurality of planar interdigitated capacitor electrodes disposed within the passivation layer. The planar spiral inductor includes an electrically conductive trace formed on the substrate in a planar spiral pattern having at least two turns and an inter-winding space between parallel segments of the electrically conductive trace. The plurality of planar interdigitated capacitor electrodes are electrically connected to the electrically conductive trace of the planar spiral inductor and formed on the substrate within the inter-winding space of at least one outermost turn of the planar spiral inductor. The high surface area material includes a conformal polymer coating to increase a sensitivity to the one or more materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Dean P. Neikirk, Praveenkumar Pasupathy, Sheng Zhang, Brad Leonhardt, John G. Ekerdt, Brian A. Korgel, Vincent C. Holmberg, Catherine D. Shipman, Timothy D. Bogart, Aaron Chockla
  • Publication number: 20150123678
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting one or more materials includes a substrate, a passivation layer formed on the substrate, a self-resonant structure and a high surface area material disposed on the passivation layer. The self-resonant structure includes a planar spiral inductor and a plurality of planar interdigitated capacitor electrodes disposed within the passivation layer. The planar spiral inductor includes an electrically conductive trace formed on the substrate in a planar spiral pattern having at least two turns and an inter-winding space between parallel segments of the electrically conductive trace. The plurality of planar interdigitated capacitor electrodes are electrically connected to the electrically conductive trace of the planar spiral inductor and formed on the substrate within the inter-winding space of at least one outermost turn of the planar spiral inductor. The high surface area material includes a conformal polymer coating to increase a sensitivity to the one or more materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Dean P. Neikirk, Praveen K. Pasupathy, Sheng Zhang, Brad Leonhardt, John G. Ekerdt, Brian A. Korgel, Vincent C. Holmberg, Catherine D. Shipman, Timothy D. Bogart, Aaron Chockla
  • Publication number: 20150048844
    Abstract: A corrosion detection sensor embedded within a concrete structure. The sensor includes a hermetically sealed resonant circuit that is a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit. The sensor further includes a sacrificial transducer that is inductively or capacitively coupled to the resonant circuit, where the sacrificial transducer is exposed to an environment outside the sensor to monitor corrosion of steel reinforcement in the concrete structure. Additionally, the sensor includes a protective cementitious housing surrounding the resonant circuit and the sacrificial transducer. The sensor further includes a diffusion layer placed over the sacrificial transducer, where the diffusion layer enables a dispersion of a chemical species over the sacrificial transducer. In this manner, a more uniform distribution of the chemical species over the surface of the sacrificial transducer mitigating the localized corrosion is ensured. Furthermore, such a design is less susceptible to false positives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Dean P. Neikirk, Sharon L. Wood, Praveenkumar Pasupathy, Ali Abu Yosef
  • Patent number: 8257967
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-cardiovascular risk factor analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member, in which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles, in one embodiment, are positioned within the cavities. The particles may produce a signal when a receptor, coupled to the particle, interacts with the cardiovascular risk factor analyte and the particle-analyte complex is visualized using a visualization reagent. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized. In an embodiment, each cavity of the plurality of cavities is designed to capture and contain a specific size particle. Flexible projections may be positioned over each of the cavities to provide retention of the particles in the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk, Nick J. Christodoulides
  • Publication number: 20120135396
    Abstract: The development of miniaturized chromatographic systems localized within individual polymer microspheres and their incorporation into a bead-based cross-reactive sensor array platform is described herein. The integrated chromatographic and detection concept is based on the creation of distinct functional layers within the microspheres. In this first example of the new methodology, complexing ligands have been selectively immobilized to create “separation” layers harboring an affinity for various analytes. Information concerning the identities and concentrations of analytes may be drawn from the temporal properties of the beads' optical responses, Varying the nature of the ligand in the separation shell yields a collection of cross-reactive sensing elements well suited for use in array-based micro-total-analysis systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Adrian Goodey, Jason Shear, Eric Anslyn, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Publication number: 20110251075
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Patent number: 7651868
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of analytes in saliva. In one embodiment, a system for detecting analytes includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member, in which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles, in one embodiment, are positioned within the cavities. The particles may produce a signal when a receptor, coupled to the particle, interacts with the cardiovascular risk factor analyte and the particle-analyte complex is visualized using a visualization reagent. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized. In an embodiment, each cavity of the plurality of cavities is designed to capture and contain a specific size particle. Flexible projections may be positioned over each of the cavities to provide retention of the particles in the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk, Nick J. Christodoulides
  • Publication number: 20090258791
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Publication number: 20090215646
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of analytes are described. A fluid or gas sample containing one or more analytes may pass through a particle-based sensor array. Detection and analysis techniques may be applied to determine the identity and quantity of the analytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Eric V. Anslyn, John T. McDevitt, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk, Aaron T. Wright, Zhenlin Zhong
  • Patent number: 7491552
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Publication number: 20080219891
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Patent number: 7316899
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Patent number: 7022517
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk, Damon V. Borich
  • Patent number: 6908770
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Patent number: 6713298
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Publication number: 20040053322
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Publication number: 20040029259
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-cardiovascular risk factor analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member, in which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles, in one embodiment, are positioned within the cavities. The particles may produce a signal when a receptor, coupled to the particle, interacts with the cardiovascular risk factor analyte and the particle-analyte complex is visualized using a visualization reagent. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized. In an embodiment, each cavity of the plurality of cavities is designed to capture and contain a specific size particle. Flexible projections may be positioned over each of the cavities to provide retention of the particles in the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk, Nick J. Christodoulides
  • Patent number: 6680206
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
  • Patent number: 6649403
    Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas Systems
    Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk