Patents by Inventor Mark A. Burns
Mark A. Burns 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: 8813508Abstract: A high capacity, continuous production blast freezer includes an insulated enclosure, a refrigeration system supplying cold air to the enclosure and a plurality of trays containing comestibles to be frozen. A tray advancement or pusher mechanism advances a first tray into the enclosure and then advances a second tray into the enclosure, pushing the first tray further into the enclosure. Gradually a first level of the enclosure is filled with trays. An elevator mechanism at both ends of the enclosure allows the trays reaching the end of the enclosure to advance to a second level, and the tray advancement mechanism advances the tray out of the elevator onto the second level. Eventually, as additional trays are pushed into the enclosure, the second level and then optionally further levels of the enclosure are filled with trays.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Inventor: Mark Burn
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Publication number: 20140034141Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Zhishan Hua, Erdogan Gulari, Mark A. Burns, Rohit Pal, Onnop Srivannavit
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Patent number: 8636032Abstract: An acoustical fluid control mechanism and a method of controlling fluid flow of a working fluid with the acoustical fluid control mechanism are provided. The mechanism comprises a resonance chamber that defines a cavity. The resonance chamber has a port. The cavity is sealed from the ambient but for the port for enabling oscillatory flow of a working fluid into and out of the cavity upon exposure of the resonance chamber to an acoustic signal containing a tone at a frequency that is substantially similar to a particular resonance frequency of the resonance chamber. The mechanism further includes a rectifier for introducing directional bias to the oscillatory flow of the working fluid through the port. The rectifier has an inlet connected to the port and an outlet for transmitting the directional flow of the working fluid away from the cavity. The outlet is in fluid communication with the port of the resonance chamber at least during transmission of the directional flow of the working fluid therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignees: National Institute of Health (NIH), U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS), U.S. Government of the United States as Represented by the NIH Division of Extramural Inventions and Technology Resources (DEITR)Inventors: Mark A. Burns, Sean M. Langelier, Dustin S. Chang
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Patent number: 8617905Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Mark A. Burns, Brian N. Johnson, Michael Chen
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Patent number: 8573259Abstract: A modular microfluidic system comprising a base substrate, a plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks, and an adhesive component is provided. Each individual microfluidic assembly block defines a channel and has a sidewall defining an aperture into the channel. When the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks are arranged on the base substrate, the aperture into the channel of one microfluidic assembly block aligns with the aperture of another microfluidic assembly block with the channels thereof connected along a plane parallel to the base substrate thereby forming a channel network defined by the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks. The subject invention also provides a method of assembling a microfluidic device. The method comprising the steps of providing the base substrate, providing the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks, and arranging the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks on the base substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Mark A. Burns, Minsoung Rhee, Sean M. Langelier, Brian N. Johnson
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Patent number: 8551599Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Zhishan Hua, Erdogan Gulari, Mark A. Burns, Rohit Pal, Onnop Srivannavit
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Publication number: 20120265090Abstract: A system and method of acquiring and transmitting uterine EMG signals is disclosed, where a signal processing module processes incoming uterine EMG signals from a patient and wirelessly transmits a processed signal to an information relaying device. The information relaying device is then configured to download the processed signal and transmit the signal to a call center or health care facility for physician evaluation. The system is ambulatory, thus allowing the patient to record and transmit uterine EMG signals anywhere a satisfactory transmission may be made.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Rainer J. Fink, Jack N. McCrary, Mark Burns, Robert Garfield
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Publication number: 20120124836Abstract: A heat exchanger for an ice machine has the form of a cylinder. In some embodiments, the cylinder is made from an extrusion of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. The heat exchanger includes inner and outer cylindrical walls and one or more refrigeration passages positioned between the inner and outer walls. The inner and outer walls are separated from each other by connecting structures defining the refrigeration passages. The heat exchanger can be extruded as a rectangular panel and subsequently formed into a cylindrical form. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be extruded as a cylinder, or as an arcuate cylindrical segment in which several of such segments are subsequently joined together (as by welding) into a cylinder. Ice machines that feature ice formation on both the inner and outer walls of the cylinder are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventor: Mark Burn
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Publication number: 20120077231Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Mark A. Burns, Brian N. Johnson, Michael Chen
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Patent number: 8132424Abstract: A heat exchanger for an ice machine has the form of a cylinder. In some embodiments, the cylinder is made from an extrusion of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. The heat exchanger includes inner and outer cylindrical walls and one or more refrigeration passages positioned between the inner and outer walls. The inner and outer walls are separated from each other by connecting structures defining the refrigeration passages. The heat exchanger can be extruded as a rectangular panel and subsequently formed into a cylindrical form. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be extruded as a cylinder, or as an arcuate cylindrical segment in which several of such segments are subsequently joined together (as by welding) into a cylinder. Ice machines that feature ice formation on both the inner and outer walls of the cylinder are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Integrated Marine Systems, Inc.Inventor: Mark Burn
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Patent number: 8105009Abstract: A method of positioning lumber in a given orientation in a handling apparatus having a base frame, a longitudinal transport assembly, and at least two gripper arm support platforms with a pair of gripper arms positioned on each of the support platforms. A work piece is gripped with the gripper arms without the work piece engaging the longitudinal transport assembly. The gripper arms are adjusted on at least one of the support platforms in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal transport assembly in order to selectively position the work piece. The work piece is then brought into engagement with the transport assembly and the gripper arms are released from the work piece.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: WPS Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jeff Harper, Wayne Parks, Jeremy S. Clark, Anthony G. Clark, Clyde Stearns, Mark Burns, Brian Wallace Smith, John Grubbs, Donald Haley
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Patent number: 8071056Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Mark A. Burns, Brian N. Johnson, Michael Chen
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Publication number: 20110277848Abstract: An acoustical fluid control mechanism and a method of controlling fluid flow of a working fluid with the acoustical fluid control mechanism are provided. The mechanism comprises a resonance chamber that defines a cavity. The resonance chamber has a port. The cavity is sealed from the ambient but for the port for enabling oscillatory flow of a working fluid into and out of the cavity upon exposure of the resonance chamber to an acoustic signal containing a tone at a frequency that is substantially similar to a particular resonance frequency of the resonance chamber. The mechanism further includes a rectifier for introducing directional bias to the oscillatory flow of the working fluid through the port. The rectifier has an inlet connected to the port and an outlet for transmitting the directional flow of the working fluid away from the cavity. The outlet is in fluid communication with the port of the resonance chamber at least during transmission of the directional flow of the working fluid therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Mark A. Burns, Sean M. Langelier, Dustin S. Chang
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Publication number: 20110251817Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the impedance of a skin/electrode interface and selectively modifying the system gain of the monitoring circuit to compensate for errors introduced by variations in the skin/electrode impedance. More particularly, a simplified, low-cost method for measuring and compensating for skin/electrode impedance variations is provided. The skin/electrode impedance measuring circuit and determines a system gain correction factor which may be applied to the measured signal using a software algorithm, thereby eliminating the need to change the circuit topology with a programmable gain amplifier or programmable resistor network.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: Reproductive Research Technologies, LLPInventors: Mark Burns, Rainer J. Fink
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Publication number: 20110190652Abstract: A system and method for acquiring and processing uterine EMG signals from a maternal patient. Raw uterine EMG signals are acquired and processed in a central unit designed to isolate the patient and any internal circuitry from electrical shock. The central unit has a circuit board that amplifies and filters the EMG signal, then transmits the signal to an AID converter, after which the digitized signal is transmitted to a computer for further processing of the signal and subsequent display of a signal representative of uterine activity. The system and method provide a more accurate measurement of uterine EMG signals than a tocodynamometer or IUPC, and are useful in predicting delivery or monitoring the patient during post partum uterine activity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: REPRODUCTIVE RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES, LLPInventors: Rainer J. Fink, Jack N. McCrary, Jay Porter, Mark Burns
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Publication number: 20100258211Abstract: A modular microfluidic system comprising a base substrate, a plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks, and an adhesive component is provided. Each individual microfluidic assembly block defines a channel and has a sidewall defining an aperture into the channel. When the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks are arranged on the base substrate, the aperture into the channel of one microfluidic assembly block aligns with the aperture of another microfluidic assembly block with the channels thereof connected along a plane parallel to the base substrate thereby forming a channel network defined by the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks. The subject invention also provides a method of assembling a microfluidic device. The method comprising the steps of providing the base substrate, providing the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks, and arranging the plurality of microfluidic assembly blocks on the base substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Mark A. Burns, Minsoung Rhee, Sean M. Langelier, Brian N. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100064717Abstract: A heat exchanger for an ice machine has the form of a cylinder. In some embodiments, the cylinder is made from an extrusion of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. The heat exchanger includes inner and outer cylindrical walls and one or more refrigeration passages positioned between the inner and outer walls. The inner and outer walls are separated from each other by connecting structures defining the refrigeration passages. The heat exchanger can be extruded as a rectangular panel and subsequently formed into a cylindrical form. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be extruded as a cylinder, or as an arcuate cylindrical segment in which several of such segments are subsequently joined together (as by welding) into a cylinder. Ice machines that feature ice formation on both the inner and outer walls of the cylinder are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventor: Mark Burn
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Publication number: 20100055394Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: The Regents Of The University Of MichiganInventors: Zhishan Hua, Erdogan Gulari, Mark A. Burns, Rohit Pal, Onnop Srivannavit
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Patent number: 7537890Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for running reactions, in particular, biological reactions and assays, in a Rayleigh-Bénard convection cell. The utilization of Rayleigh-Bénard convection principles for conducting biological or biochemical reactions is a novel application. In order to use Rayleigh-Bénard convection for conducting biological or biochemical reactions it is necessary to create a temperature differential in a solution of reactants.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Madhavi Krishnan, Victor Ugaz, Mark Burns
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Publication number: 20080245078Abstract: A high capacity, continuous production blast freezer includes an insulated enclosure, a refrigeration system supplying cold air to the enclosure and a plurality of trays containing comestibles to be frozen. A tray advancement or pusher mechanism advances a first tray into the enclosure and then advances a second tray into the enclosure, pushing the first tray further into the enclosure. Gradually a first level of the enclosure is filled with trays. An elevator mechanism at both ends of the enclosure allows the trays reaching the end of the enclosure to advance to a second level, and the tray advancement mechanism advances the tray out of the elevator onto the second level. Eventually, as additional trays are pushed into the enclosure, the second level and then optionally further levels of the enclosure are filled with trays.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: Integrated Marine Systems, Inc.Inventor: Mark Burn