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).
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Patent number: 9581559Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Dean P. Neikirk, Sharon L. Wood, Praveenkumar Pasupathy, Ali Abu Yosef
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Patent number: 9291586Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEMInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20150123678Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEMInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20150048844Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Dean P. Neikirk, Sharon L. Wood, Praveenkumar Pasupathy, Ali Abu Yosef
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Patent number: 8257967Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk, Nick J. Christodoulides
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Publication number: 20120135396Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: John T. McDevitt, Adrian Goodey, Jason Shear, Eric Anslyn, Dean P. Neikirk
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Publication number: 20110251075Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
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Patent number: 7651868Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: The Board of Regents of The University of Texas SystemInventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk, Nick J. Christodoulides
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Publication number: 20090258791Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
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Publication number: 20090215646Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Eric V. Anslyn, John T. McDevitt, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk, Aaron T. Wright, Zhenlin Zhong
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Patent number: 7491552Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: The Board of Regents of The University of Texas SystemInventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
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Publication number: 20080219891Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
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Patent number: 7316899Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: The Board of Regents of The University of Texas SystemInventors: John T McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
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Patent number: 7022517Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk, Damon V. Borich
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Patent number: 6908770Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
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Patent number: 6713298Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
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Publication number: 20040053322Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2001Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
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Publication number: 20040029259Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk, Nick J. Christodoulides
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Patent number: 6680206Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk
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Patent number: 6649403Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemsInventors: John T. McDevitt, Eric V. Anslyn, Jason B. Shear, Dean P. Neikirk