Patents by Inventor Minhua Lu
Minhua Lu 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: 11931225Abstract: One or more embodiments include antimicrobial bandages with nanostructures, formation thereof, and usage thereof to facilitate wound healing. In one embodiment, a bandage apparatus that facilitates healing a wound is provided. The bandage apparatus includes a substrate having an attachment mechanism that facilitates removably attaching the substrate to a part of a body having the wound. The bandage apparatus also includes a nanostructure film provided on a surface of the substrate and configured to contact the wound when the substrate is attached to the part of the body having the wound, wherein the nanostructure film includes a plurality of nanostructures.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Huan Hu, Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Gustavo Alejandro Stolovitzky
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Publication number: 20230314331Abstract: Techniques for quantitative colorimetric liquid analysis with color and turbidity correction are provided. In one aspect, an optical detector includes: a vessel for containing a liquid sample; a light source on a first side of the vessel; a first sensor on a second side of the vessel opposite the first side and along a light path of the light source; and a second sensor on a third side of the vessel at an angle ? with respect to the light path. A method for quantitative measurement of an analyte is also provided, as is a method for color and turbidity analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Russell A. Budd, Youssef Anthony Asaad, Evan Colgan
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Patent number: 11733170Abstract: Techniques for quantitative colorimetric liquid analysis with color and turbidity correction are provided. In one aspect, an optical detector includes: a vessel for containing a liquid sample; a light source on a first side of the vessel; a first sensor on a second side of the vessel opposite the first side and along a light path of the light source; and a second sensor on a third side of the vessel at an angle ? with respect to the light path. A method for quantitative measurement of an analyte is also provided, as is a method for color and turbidity analysis.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Russell A. Budd, Youssef Anthony Asaad, Evan Colgan
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Patent number: 11307147Abstract: Techniques for colorimetric based test strip analysis and reader system are provided. In one aspect, a method of test strip analysis includes: illuminating a test strip wetted with a sample with select spectrums of light, wherein the test strip includes test pads that are configured to change color in the presence of an analyte in the sample; obtaining at least one digital image of the test strip; and analyzing color intensity from the at least one digital image against calibration curves to determine an analyte concentration in the sample with correction for one or more interference substances in the sample that affect the color intensity. A calibration method and a reader device are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Russell Budd, Evan Colgan, John Knickerbocker
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Patent number: 11287404Abstract: An apparatus having a spectrometer and techniques for use thereof for efficient and effective point-of-care diagnostics are provided. In one aspect, a device is provided. The device includes: an intake port; fluidic channels connecting the intake port to a detecting chamber(s), wherein the detecting chamber(s) is configured to permit optical measurements of a fluid sample; a vent leading away from the detecting chamber(s); and a liquid blocker between the detecting chamber(s) and an opening of the vent, wherein the liquid blocker permits air to pass therethrough while at the same time restricting liquid flow. A method for analyzing a fluid sample is also provided. The method includes: introducing the fluid sample to the device; contacting the fluid sample with a reagent(s) prior to the fluid sample entering the detecting chamber(s); and making optical measurements of the fluid sample in the detecting chamber(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Russell Budd, Evan Colgan
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Patent number: 11268867Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a structure for a strain gauge device is provided. The structure comprises a layer of strain gauge material and one or more contact pads positioned directly on the layer of strain gauge material. The structure further comprises a multiplexer, measuring device, amplifier, analog to digital converter, microcontroller, and wireless adapter. According to the structure, the multiplexer selects a given contact pad pair of the one or more contact pad pairs, the measuring device measures signal generated by the layer of strain gauge material between the given contact pad pair, the amplifier amplifies the measured signal, the analog to digital converter converts the amplified analog signal to a digital signal, the microcontroller processes the digital signal, and the wireless adapter transmits the processed digital signal. In addition, the structure may further comprise a battery to provide energy to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: John U. Knickerbocker, Minhua Lu, Katsuyuki Sakuma
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Patent number: 11103867Abstract: Techniques for localized surface modification for microfluidic applications are provided. In one aspect, a method includes: contacting at least one portion of a surface with at least one tri(m)ethoxysilane-containing solution under conditions sufficient to form at least one silane monolayer having a given contact angle on the surface thereby modifying a flow rate over the surface. The silane monolayer can include a silane derivative selected from: trimethoxysilyl-propoxypolyethyleneoxide (TMS-PPEO), hexadecyl-triethoxysilane (HD-TES), tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrooctyl)triethoxysilane (TDF-THO-TES), and combinations thereof. A device modified in accordance with the present techniques is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Minhua Lu, Mareva B. Fevre, James Hedrick, Vince Siu, Evan Colgan, Myron Plugge
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Patent number: 11039765Abstract: A submersible sensor device configured as a small pellet for testing biological and other liquid samples is provided. In one aspect, a sensing device includes: a housing; and one or more sensors contained within the housing, wherein the housing hermetically seals the sensors such that the sensing device is fully submersible in a liquid analyte. A method and system for analysis of a liquid sample using the present sensing device are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Vince Siu, Minhua Lu, Evan Colgan, Russell Budd, John U. Knickerbocker
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Patent number: 11022559Abstract: Techniques for optical analysis of fluid samples using sensors and water enhancing agents for in-line measurements with a continuous flow of the fluid samples are provided. In one aspect, a device includes: at least one reagent dispenser located at an introduction point along a conduit, the conduit being configured to contain a flow of a fluid sample; at least one first detector located at a first detection point along the conduit downstream from the introduction point; and at least one second detector located at a second detection point along the conduit downstream from the first detection point, wherein the at least one first detector and the at least one second detector are configured to make optical measurements of the fluid sample. A method employing the device is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Russell Budd, Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Evan Colgan
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Publication number: 20210145647Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed to antimicrobial bandages with nanostructures, formation thereof, and usage thereof to facilitate wound healing. In one embodiment, a bandage apparatus that facilitates healing a wound is provided. The bandage apparatus comprises a substrate comprising an attachment mechanism that facilitates removably attaching the substrate to a part of a body comprising the wound. The bandage apparatus further comprises a nanostructure film provided on a surface of the substrate and configured to contact the wound when the substrate is attached to the part of the body comprising the wound, wherein the nanostructure film comprises a plurality of nanostructures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: May 20, 2021Inventors: Huan Hu, Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Gustavo Alejandro Stolovitzky
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Patent number: 10952904Abstract: Bandage apparatus, methods, and antimicrobial bandages for facilitating wound healing by providing an antimicrobial functionality. A bandage apparatus includes a substrate with a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. An attachment mechanism and a nanostructure film are provided on the first surface. The attachment mechanism facilitates removably attaching the substrate to a part of a body comprising a wound. The nanostructure film includes a plurality of nanostructures that contact the wound without puncturing the wound when the substrate is attached to the part of the body comprising the wound.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Huan Hu, Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Gustavo Alejandro Stolovitzky
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Publication number: 20210041368Abstract: Techniques for quantitative colorimetric liquid analysis with color and turbidity correction are provided. In one aspect, an optical detector includes: a vessel for containing a liquid sample; a light source on a first side of the vessel; a first sensor on a second side of the vessel opposite the first side and along a light path of the light source; and a second sensor on a third side of the vessel at an angle ? with respect to the light path. A method for quantitative measurement of an analyte is also provided, as is a method for color and turbidity analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2019Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventors: Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Russell A. Budd, Youssef Anthony Asaad, Evan Colgan
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Publication number: 20200191722Abstract: Techniques for colorimetric based test strip analysis and reader system are provided. In one aspect, a method of test strip analysis includes: illuminating a test strip wetted with a sample with select spectrums of light, wherein the test strip includes test pads that are configured to change color in the presence of an analyte in the sample; obtaining at least one digital image of the test strip; and analyzing color intensity from the at least one digital image against calibration curves to determine an analyte concentration in the sample with correction for one or more interference substances in the sample that affect the color intensity. A calibration method and a reader device are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Russell Budd, Evan Colgan, John Knickerbocker
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Patent number: 10687425Abstract: An electro-optical module assembly is provided that includes a flexible substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the flexible substrate contains an opening located therein that extends from the first surface to the second surface. An optical component is located on the second surface of the flexible substrate and is positioned to have a surface exposed by the opening. At least one electronic component is located on a first portion of the first surface of the flexible substrate, and at least one micro-energy source is located on a second portion of the first surface of the flexible substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paul S. Andry, Qianwen Chen, Bing Dang, John U. Knickerbocker, Minhua Lu, Robert J. Polastre, Bucknell C. Webb
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Patent number: 10670656Abstract: An electro-optical module assembly is provided that includes a flexible substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the flexible substrate contains an opening located therein that extends from the first surface to the second surface. An optical component is located on the second surface of the flexible substrate and is positioned to have a surface exposed by the opening. At least one electronic component is located on a first portion of the first surface of the flexible substrate, and at least one micro-energy source is located on a second portion of the first surface of the flexible substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paul S. Andry, Qianwen Chen, Bing Dang, John U. Knickerbocker, Minhua Lu, Robert J. Polastre, Bucknell C. Webb
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Patent number: 10653349Abstract: A diagnostic patch apparatus has a sampling module that includes sampling means for sampling fluid from a patient's skin when the sampling module is placed against the patient's skin, and a sample chamber coupled in fluid communication with the sampling means. The apparatus also has an analysis module that includes a fluid conduit coupled in fluid communication with the sample chamber of the sampling module and a plurality of sensors coupled in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. The apparatus also may have a reader module that includes at least one optical sensor coupled in optical communication with the analysis module, a microcontroller coupled in electrical communication with the at least one sensor of the analysis module, and a wireless communication package coupled in electrical communication with the microcontroller.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Delamarche, James L. Hedrick, Minhua Lu, Vince S. Siu
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Patent number: 10638613Abstract: An electro-optical module assembly is provided that includes a flexible substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the flexible substrate contains an opening located therein that extends from the first surface to the second surface. An optical component is located on the second surface of the flexible substrate and is positioned to have a surface exposed by the opening. At least one electronic component is located on a first portion of the first surface of the flexible substrate, and at least one micro-energy source is located on a second portion of the first surface of the flexible substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paul S. Andry, Qianwen Chen, Bing Dang, John U. Knickerbocker, Minhua Lu, Robert J. Polastre, Bucknell C. Webb
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Patent number: 10621885Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring body mounted/implanted sensors in combination with environmental sensors and sensors attached to person's medical/sports equipment. Data indicating a plurality of measured quantities associated with movement of a person at a time point is received. Each measured quantity within the plurality of measured quantities having been determined by a respective sensor attached to a respective location on the person or the person's environment or the person's medical/sports equipment. At least one characteristic of the person associated with the time point is determined based on analyzing the plurality of measured quantities. The at least one characteristic is stored. Recommendations for the person are determined based upon the characteristics, and a report comprising the recommendations is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John U. Knickerbocker, Shriya Kumar, Kang-Wook Lee, Minhua Lu
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Patent number: 10605741Abstract: Techniques for colorimetric based test strip analysis and reader system are provided. In one aspect, a method of test strip analysis includes: illuminating a test strip wetted with a sample with select spectrums of light, wherein the test strip includes test pads that are configured to change color in the presence of an analyte in the sample; obtaining at least one digital image of the test strip; and analyzing color intensity from the at least one digital image against calibration curves to determine an analyte concentration in the sample with correction for one or more interference substances in the sample that affect the color intensity. A calibration method and a reader device are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Minhua Lu, Vince Siu, Russell Budd, Evan Colgan, John Knickerbocker
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Patent number: 10545116Abstract: A bipolar junction transistor is provided; the transistor has an emitter, a base, and a collector. The base is coupled to a sensing electrode. The sensing electrode is immersed in a fluid to be analyzed. The bipolar junction transistor is biased into the active region. An AC excitation of one of the emitter and the base is caused. A measurement is carried out on a collector current resulting from the AC excitation, to analyze the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Minhua Lu, Sufi Zafar