Patents by Inventor Francisco E. Torres
Francisco E. Torres 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: 9161714Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting concentration of an analyte in a fluid. A first container includes (i) an optical cavity detection region, (ii) a reservoir for one or more modifiers of one or more optical properties of the optical cavity detection region, and (iii) a set of one or more bounding regions through which objects in the fluid can transfer into the container. The optical cavity detection region and the reservoir define separate areas of the first container. The movement of the one or more modifiers between the reservoir and the optical cavity detection region is responsive to changes in concentration of the analyte. A second container includes an optical cavity detection region, and a set of one or more bounding regions through which objects in the fluid can transfer into the container. Also provided are optical components for guiding light into the optical cavity detection regions of the first and second containers.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Joerg Martini, Richard H. Bruce, Francisco E. Torres, Peter Kiesel, Michael I. Recht, Jeffrey N. Roe
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Publication number: 20150175454Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant that employs an activated sludge process and a method of operating the same is described. Wastewater influent is provided to a bioreactor configured to perform activated sludge processing to develop mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS). The MLSS is passed from the bioreactor to a hydrodynamic separator (HDS) system, where separation operations are performed on the MLSS. The separation operations generate a low concentration MLSS stream and a high concentration MLSS stream. The low concentration MLSS stream is passed from the hydrodynamic separator system via a first output to a clarifier, and the high concentration wastewater stream is passed via a second output back to the bioreactor. The clarifier performs clarification operations on the cleaned wastewater stream and then outputs an effluent flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: June 25, 2015Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Huangpin B. Hsieh, Francisco E. Torres, Cory D. Lancaster, Armin R. Volkel, Ashutosh Kole, Kai Melde
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Publication number: 20150120453Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for delivering an offer to a mobile device associated with a potential customer. During operation, the system receives data indicating that a potential customer is at or entering a targeted area or is on a vehicle associated with one or more businesses providing offers. The system then determines, with the received data, whether the potential customer has a moment of receptivity, wherein the moment of receptivity is a period of time during which the potential customer is likely to be receptive to receiving an offer. Responsive to determining that the potential customer has a moment of receptivity for receiving an offer, the system selects an offer from one or more available offers, and sends the selected offer to the potential customer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Lawrence C. Lee, Oliver Brdiczka, Francisco E. Torres, Chris Holmes, James D. Glasnapp, Michael C. Nash, Andrew J. Perelson
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Publication number: 20140273009Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions for use in assays, the compositions comprising at least one latent fluorophore including at least one enzyme-reactive quenching group and a conjugative group; and a support connectable to the latent fluorophore by the conjugative group. The disclosure further relates to methods of measuring the presence and/or concentration of an analyte, as well as methods of measuring the relative activity of at least two enzymes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Michael I. RECHT, Peter KIESEL, Joerg MARTINI, Francisco E. TORRES
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Patent number: 8816879Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for managing interchangeable parking spaces is provided. A parking pool that includes a plurality of parking spaces, which are each interchangeably reservable by motorists, is formed. The parking spaces in the parking pool that are currently-occupied by other vehicles and any reservations by motorists to park their vehicles in the parking pool are identified. The number of the parking spaces in the parking pool free of the currently-occupied parking spaces and the parking spaces in the parking pool that will be used to fulfill the reservations, plus the time available for parking in the parking pool, are displayed.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Mark J Stefik, Kristian Lyngbaek, Christopher R. Dance, Shrenik Devasani, Craig Eldershaw, Roger Hoover, Ellen Isaacs, Peter Jarvis, Sylvia Smullin, Makiko Taniguchi, Francisco E Torres, Alan G Bell, Robert Thomas Krivacic
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Publication number: 20140085109Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for managing interchangeable parking spaces is provided. A parking pool that includes a plurality of parking spaces, which are each interchangeably reservable by motorists, is formed. The parking spaces in the parking pool that are currently-occupied by other vehicles and any reservations by motorists to park their vehicles in the parking pool are identified. The number of the parking spaces in the parking pool free of the currently-occupied parking spaces and the parking spaces in the parking pool that will be used to fulfill the reservations, plus the time available for parking in the parking pool, are displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventors: Mark J. Stefik, Kristian Lyngbaek, Christopher R. Dance, Shrenik Devasani, Craig Eldershaw, Roger Hoover, Ellen Isaacs, Peter Jarvis, Sylvia Smullin, Makiko Taniguchi, Francisco E. Torres, Alan G. Bell, Robert Thomas Krivacic
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Patent number: 8642830Abstract: A drug deactivation system according to some embodiments includes at least one drug-retaining region of a drug delivery device and at least one energy source coupled to the at least one drug-retaining region. The at least one drug-retaining region may be configured to retain a drug. The at least one energy source may be configured to transmit energy to the drug. The drug is capable of being rendered ineffective in the presence of the transmitted energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Scott Albert Uhland, Eric Peeters, Francisco E. Torres, Philipp Helmut Schmaelzle
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Patent number: 8617899Abstract: A method and device for merging and mixing at least two separate and distinct fluid drops on a substrate, includes a drop merging area on the surface, where a first magnetic material is placed at a first location. A first drop of fluid is then placed at the first location on the surface, resulting in the first magnetic material being at least partially positioned within the first drop of fluid. A second drop of fluid is then placed at a second location on the surface of the drop merging area. A magnetic field is applied by a varying magnetic field generator to at least a portion of the drop merge area of the substrate, which includes at least the first location on the substrate. The varying magnetic field will act on the first magnetic material to move the first magnetic material within the first drop of fluid, causing a stirring of the fluid. A drop merging force from a drop merging mechanism is applied to at least one of the first drop of fluid and the second drop of fluid within the drop merge area.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Dirk De Bruyker, Ali Asgar Saleem Bhagat, Alan G. Bell, Michael I. Recht, Francisco E. Torres
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Patent number: 8535502Abstract: A system and method for recovery of CO2 includes an aqueous capture device having a capture solution. The aqueous capture device is arranged to receive gas and to capture components from the gas including at least CO2. An electrodialysis unit in operative connection with the capture device performs an electrodialysis operation on the capture solution including at least the CO2, wherein a CO2 rich process stream and a regenerated capture solution are generated from the capture solution including at least the CO2. The CO2 rich process stream is a pressurized process stream at a pressure which maintains the CO2 substantially within the CO2 rich process stream, while in the electrodialysis unit. In another alternative, at least the pH of the capture stream is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Karl A. Littau, Francisco E. Torres
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Patent number: 8393785Abstract: A nanocalorimeter includes a merging layer having, a drop placement area for holding drops to be merged and a thermal equilibration area. A measurement layer includes a substrate, and a temperature probe on the substrate, wherein the temperature probe extends out of the surface of the substrate to come into operative contact with the thermal equilibration area when the measurement layer is placed in operative association with the merging layer. The nanocalorimeter is configured to have the merging layer and the measurement layer non-integrated, making the measurement layer reusable.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Dirk De Bruyker, Francisco E. Torres, Michal V. Wolkin, Gregory B. Anderson, Eugene M. Chow
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Patent number: 8303832Abstract: A printed mask derived from a composition comprised of at least one compound including at least one alkaline-hydrolyzable group, at least one compound including at least one ethylene oxide group and at least one ultraviolet radiation blocking agent, wherein the printed mask is removable using an alkaline solution in about 30 seconds or less.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Francisco E. Torres, Norine E. Chang, Eric J. Shrader, C. Wayne Jaeger
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Publication number: 20120277514Abstract: A drug deactivation system according to some embodiments includes at least one drug-retaining region of a drug delivery device and at least one energy source coupled to the at least one drug-retaining region. The at least one drug-retaining region may be configured to retain a drug. The at least one energy source may be configured to transmit energy to the drug. The drug is capable of being rendered ineffective in the presence of the transmitted energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Scott Albert Uhland, Eric Peeters, Francisco E. Torres, Philipp Helmut Schmaelzle
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Patent number: 8236238Abstract: A drug deactivation system according to some embodiments includes at least one drug-retaining region of a drug delivery device and at least one energy source coupled to the at least one drug-retaining region. The at least one drug-retaining region may be configured to retain a drug. The at least one energy source may be configured to transmit energy to the drug. The drug is capable of being rendered ineffective in the presence of the transmitted energy.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Scott Albert Uhland, Eric Peeters, Francisco E. Torres, Philipp Helmut Schmaelzle
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Patent number: 8211617Abstract: A printed mask derived from a composition comprised of at least one compound including at least one alkaline-hydrolyzable group, and at least one compound including at least one ethylene oxide group. The printed mask is removable using an alkaline solution in about 30 seconds or less.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Norine E. Chang, C. Wayne Jaeger, Scott Jong Ho Limb, Eric J. Shrader, Francisco E. Torres, Kris Schmidt
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Publication number: 20110263464Abstract: A method and device for merging and mixing at least two separate and distinct fluid drops on a substrate, includes a drop merging area on the surface, where a first magnetic material is placed at a first location. A first drop of fluid is then placed at the first location on the surface, resulting in the first magnetic material being at least partially positioned within the first drop of fluid. A second drop of fluid is then placed at a second location on the surface of the drop merging area. A magnetic field is applied by a varying magnetic field generator to at least a portion of the drop merge area of the substrate, which includes at least the first location on the substrate. The varying magnetic field will act on the first magnetic material to move the first magnetic material within the first drop of fluid, causing a stirring of the fluid. A drop merging force from a drop merging mechanism is applied to at least one of the first drop of fluid and the second drop of fluid within the drop merge area.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2008Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventors: Dirk De Bruyker, Ali Asgar Bhagat, Alan G. Bell, Michael I. Recht, Francisco E. Torres
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Patent number: 8029599Abstract: A layered structure can be formed having immobilized or segregated pH buffering groups that can be used to separate carbon dioxide or other gases. The pH buffering groups can be immobilized within a matrix, confined within a gel, or segregated by a semi-permeable membrane. The pH buffering groups can be configured to increase the efficiency of the system by maintaining a desirable pH profile within the cell and to permit the flow of the carbon-containing ions within the system while controlling diffusion of protons and/or hydroxyl ions.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Karl A. Littau, Francisco E. Torres
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Publication number: 20110209610Abstract: A layered structure can be formed having immobilized or segregated pH buffering groups that can be used to separate carbon dioxide or other gases. The pH buffering groups can be immobilized within a matrix, confined within a gel, or segregated by a semi-permeable membrane. The pH buffering groups can be configured to increase the efficiency of the system by maintaining a desirable pH profile within the cell and to permit the flow of the carbon-containing ions within the system while controlling diffusion of protons and/or hydroxyl ions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventors: Karl Anthony Littau, Francisco E. Torres
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Patent number: 7961326Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting concentration of an analyte in a fluid. The method comprises detecting an optical property of a first region of two or more regions in a system, the first region located in a container having a reservoir for one or more modifiers of one or more optical properties of the first region. The movement of the one or more modifiers is responsive to changes in concentration of the analyte. A next step detects an optical property of a second region of the two or more regions in the system, the second region located in a container having a reservoir for one or more modifiers of one or more optical properties of the second region. The movement of the one or more modifiers is responsive to changes in concentration of a compound, where the compound is something other than the analyte.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Joerg Martini, Richard H. Bruce, Francisco E. Torres, Peter Kiesel, Michael I. Recht, Jeffrey N. Roe
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Patent number: 7938890Abstract: A layered structure can be formed having immobilized or segregated pH buffering groups that can be used to separate carbon dioxide or other gases. The pH buffering groups can be immobilized within a matrix, confined within a gel, or segregated by a semi-permeable membrane. The pH buffering groups can be configured to increase the efficiency of the system by maintaining a desirable pH profile within the cell and to permit the flow of the carbon-containing ions within the system while controlling diffusion of protons and/or hydroxyl ions.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Karl Anthony Littau, Francisco E. Torres
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Patent number: 7914735Abstract: A detection system includes a detection device and an anti-evaporation device. The detection device comprises a region configured to merge at least two small drops and to detect a potential transient signal generated by the merger of the drops. The an anti-evaporation is configured to enclose the region and limit evaporation from the region. A method for detecting a signal includes the following steps: depositing drops of potentially reactive chemical solutions on a detection device within a drop-merging region; placing an anti-evaporation device over the drop-merging region to form a seal around the drop-merging region; merging the drops of potentially reactive chemical solutions; and measuring a signal occurring within the merged solution drops.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Francisco E. Torres, Michael Chabinyc, Scott Elrod, Eric Peeters, Gregory B. Anderson, Alan G. Bell, Richard H. Bruce