Patents by Inventor Graham McKinnon
Graham McKinnon 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: 11614405Abstract: The present application discloses a sensor system that includes a sensor having a sensor surface, a sample cartridge including one or more flexible membranes and a membrane frame, the membrane frame including one or more openings covered by the one or more flexible membranes defining one or more wells for holding one or more samples, the flexible membrane having a sample side supporting the sample and an opposite sensor side, the sample cartridge being removably insertable in the sensor system such that the sensor side of the flexible membrane is positioned above and faces the sensor surface, a displacement mechanism that can be actuated to displace the flexible membrane toward the sensor surface such that the sample is moved to a position closer to the sensor surface, and an optical imaging system that detects light emitted from the sensor. Disclosed also are a cartridge cassette and a method of use.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Quantum Diamond Technologies Inc.Inventors: Colin B. Connolly, Giles P. Blaney, Akim Lennhoff, Jeffrey D. Randall, Harald Quintus-Bosz, Stuart E. Schechter, Kenneth A. Ritsher, Hooman Hosseinkhannazer, Graham McKinnon
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Publication number: 20220042913Abstract: The present application discloses a sensor system that includes a sensor having a sensor surface, a sample cartridge including one or more flexible membranes and a membrane frame, the membrane frame including one or more openings covered by the one or more flexible membranes defining one or more wells for holding one or more samples, the flexible membrane having a sample side supporting the sample and an opposite sensor side, the sample cartridge being removably insertable in the sensor system such that the sensor side of the flexible membrane is positioned above and faces the sensor surface, a displacement mechanism that can be actuated to displace the flexible membrane toward the sensor surface such that the sample is moved to a position closer to the sensor surface, and an optical imaging system that detects light emitted from the sensor. Disclosed also are a cartridge cassette and a method of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Colin B. Connolly, Giles P. Blaney, Akim Lennhoff, Jeffrey D. Randall, Harald Quintus-Bosz, Stuart E. Schechter, Kenneth A. Ritsher, Hooman Hosseinkhannazer, Graham McKinnon
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Patent number: 11143594Abstract: The present application discloses a sensor system that includes a sensor having a sensor surface, a sample cartridge including one or more flexible membranes and a membrane frame, the membrane frame including one or more openings covered by the one or more flexible membranes defining one or more wells for holding one or more samples, the flexible membrane having a sample side supporting the sample and an opposite sensor side, the sample cartridge being removably insertable in the sensor system such that the sensor side of the flexible membrane is positioned above and faces the sensor surface, a displacement mechanism that can be actuated to displace the flexible membrane toward the sensor surface such that the sample is moved to a position closer to the sensor surface, and an optical imaging system that detects light emitted from the sensor. Disclosed also are a cartridge cassette and a method of use.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Quantum Diamond Technologies Inc.Inventors: Colin B. Connolly, Giles P. Blaney, Akim Lennhoff, Jeffrey D. Randall, Harald Quintus-Bosz, Stuart E. Schechter, Kenneth A. Ritsher, Hooman Hosseinkhannazer, Graham McKinnon
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Publication number: 20210131966Abstract: The present application discloses a sensor system that includes a sensor having a sensor surface, a sample cartridge including one or more flexible membranes and a membrane frame, the membrane frame including one or more openings covered by the one or more flexible membranes defining one or more wells for holding one or more samples, the flexible membrane having a sample side supporting the sample and an opposite sensor side, the sample cartridge being removably insertable in the sensor system such that the sensor side of the flexible membrane is positioned above and faces the sensor surface, a displacement mechanism that can be actuated to displace the flexible membrane toward the sensor surface such that the sample is moved to a position closer to the sensor surface, and an optical imaging system that detects light emitted from the sensor. Disclosed also are a cartridge cassette and a method of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2018Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Colin B. Connolly, Giles P. Blaney, Akim Lennhoff, Jeffrey D. Randall, Harald Quintus-Bosz, Stuart E. Schechter, Kenneth A. Ritsher, Hooman Hosseinkhannazer, Graham McKinnon
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Patent number: 7432629Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulated micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device, which is constructed in such a way as to enable several of the devices to be closely packed together, i.e. high fill factor, for redirecting specific wavelengths of light from a dispersed optical signal to different output ports. The articulated MEMS device includes multiple pivotally connected sections that are pivotable about two perpendicular axes for limiting the amount of dynamic cross-talk as the device is rotated between different positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: JDS Uniphase CorporationInventors: Mohiuddin Mala, Barrie Keyworth, John Michael Miller, Thomas Ducellier, Graham McKinnon
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Publication number: 20080060188Abstract: The present invention provides a micro-electromechanical relay that can produce low electrical contact resistance, and is capable of mechanical latching. More specifically, the present invention combines the clamping actions of cantilever beams with a movable shuttle-like spacer to generate high contact forces at the metal-metal contacts of the micro-electromechanical relay, thereby producing a very low electrical contact resistance and a mechanism for mechanical latching. Methods of fabricating the micro-electromechanical relay are also provided in this invention, which offer the advantages of both design and fabrication flexibilities by processing the top and bottom substrates separately prior to joining them together.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Yuebin Ning, Graham McKinnon, Cameron Howey, Michael Colgan
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Patent number: 7302132Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A “piano”-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these “piano” MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention specially designed for wavelength switching applications, a greater range of arcuate motion for a mirror mounted thereon is provided by enabling the platform to rotate about two perpendicular axes.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.Inventors: John Michael Miller, Yuan Ma, Barrie Keyworth, Mohiuddin Mala, Graham McKinnon
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Patent number: 7302131Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A “piano”-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these “piano” MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention electrostatic charges, which build up on exposed dielectric surfaces causing the mirror's angular position to drift over time, are minimized by positioning the hot and ground electrodes at different levels separated by a vertical surface, and placing the dielectric material on the vertical surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.Inventors: Yuan Ma, Graham McKinnon, John Michael Miller
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Patent number: 7203413Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A “piano”-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these “piano” MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention electrostatic charges, which build up on exposed dielectric surfaces causing the mirror's angular position to drift over time, are minimized by positioning the hot and ground electrodes at different levels separated by a vertical surface, and placing the dielectric material on the vertical surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.Inventors: Yuan Ma, Graham McKinnon, John Michael Miller
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Publication number: 20060222312Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulated micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device, which is constructed in such a way as to enable several of the devices to be closely packed together, i.e. high fill factor, for redirecting specific wavelengths of light from a dispersed optical signal to different output ports. The articulated MEMS device includes multiple pivotally connected sections that are pivotable about two perpendicular axes for limiting the amount of dynamic cross-talk as the device is rotated between different positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2006Publication date: October 5, 2006Inventors: Mohiuddin Mala, Barrie Keyworth, John Miller, Thomas Ducellier, Graham McKinnon
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Publication number: 20060210238Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A “piano”-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these “piano” MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention electrostatic charges, which build up on exposed dielectric surfaces causing the mirror's angular position to drift over time, are minimized by positioning the hot and ground electrodes at different levels separated by a vertical surface, and placing the dielectric material on the vertical surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2006Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventors: Yuan Ma, Graham McKinnon, John Miller
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Publication number: 20060210218Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A “piano”-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these “piano” MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention specially designed for wavelength switching applications, a greater range of arcuate motion for a mirror mounted thereon is provided by enabling the platform to rotate about two perpendicular axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2006Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventors: John Miller, Yuan Ma, Barrie Keyworth, Mohiuddin Mala, Graham McKinnon
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Patent number: 7110635Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A “piano”-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these “piano” MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention specially designed for wavelength switching applications, a greater range of arcuate motion for a mirror mounted thereon is provided by enabling the platform to rotate about two perpendicular axes.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.Inventors: John Michael Miller, Yuan Ma, Barrie Keyworth, Mohiuddin Mala, Graham McKinnon
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Publication number: 20060145793Abstract: The present invention provides a micro-electromechanical relay that can produce low electrical contact resistance, and is capable of mechanical latching. More specifically, the present invention combines the clamping actions of cantilever beams with a movable shuttle-like spacer to generate high contact forces at the metal-metal contacts of the micro-electromechanical relay, thereby producing a very low electrical contact resistance and a mechanism for mechanical latching. Methods of fabricating the micro-electromechanical relay are also provided in this invention, which offer the advantages of both design and fabrication flexibilities by processing the top and bottom substrates separately prior to joining them together.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2005Publication date: July 6, 2006Applicant: Norcada Inc.Inventors: Yuebin Ning, Graham McKinnon, Cameron Howey, Michael Colgan
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Patent number: 6934439Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A “piano”-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these “piano” MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention specially designed for wavelength switching applications, a greater range of arcuate motion for a mirror mounted thereon is provided by enabling the platform to rotate about two perpendicular axes.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.Inventors: Mohiuddin Mala, John Michael Miller, Graham McKinnon, Yuan Ma
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Publication number: 20050089266Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A “piano”-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these “piano” MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention electrostatic charges, which build up on exposed dielectric surfaces causing the mirror's angular position to drift over time, are minimized by positioning the hot and ground electrodes at different levels separated by a vertical surface, and placing the dielectric material on the vertical surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2004Publication date: April 28, 2005Inventors: Yuan Ma, Graham McKinnon, John Miller
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Publication number: 20050041916Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A “piano”-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these “piano” MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention specially designed for wavelength switching applications, a greater range of arcuate motion for a mirror mounted thereon is provided by enabling the platform to rotate about two perpendicular axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2004Publication date: February 24, 2005Inventors: John Miller, Yuan Ma, Barrie Keyworth, Mohiuddin Mala, Graham McKinnon
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Publication number: 20030223679Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A “piano”-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these “piano” MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention specially designed for wavelength switching applications, a greater range of arcuate motion for a mirror mounted thereon is provided by enabling the platform to rotate about two perpendicular axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Mohiuddin Mala, John Michael Miller, Graham McKinnon, Yuan Ma