Patents by Inventor Nephi D. Jones

Nephi D. Jones 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).

  • Publication number: 20180117546
    Abstract: A liquid mixing system includes a support housing at least partially bounding a compartment. A mount is secured to the support housing. A drive motor assembly is configured to engage a drive shaft for moving the drive shaft within the compartment of the support housing. A four bar linkage system extends between the mount and the drive motor assembly, the four bar linkage system being movable between a first position wherein the drive motor assembly is disposed at a first elevation and a second position wherein the drive motor assembly is disposed at a second elevation that is different from the first elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffery C. Hurd, Nephi D. Jones, Jacob D. Lee
  • Patent number: 9932553
    Abstract: A system for performing a gas-liquid mass transfer includes a container bounding a compartment and having a top wall, a bottom wall, and an encircling sidewall extending therebetween. A first opening is formed on the container so as to communicate with the compartment. A liquid is disposed within the compartment and having a top surface disposed below the first opening. A gas is blown through the first opening so that the gas passes over at least a portion of the top surface of the liquid, the gas producing turbulence on the top surface of the liquid that is sufficient to produce a mass transfer between the gas and the liquid. A mixing element is disposed within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Brau, Nephi D. Jones, Benjamin R. Madsen, Michael E. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20170354901
    Abstract: A sample purification system includes a container assembly bounding a sample purification compartment and having an upper end and an opposing lower end, the sample purification compartment comprising mixing zones and settling zones. A plurality of shielding elements are positioned within the sample purification compartment so as to at least partially separate adjacent mixing zones and settling zones or separate adjacent mixing zones, the mixing zones being in fluid communication with the settling zones. A mixing element is disposed within each mixing zone. An acoustic wave settler is aligned with a portion of the container assembly, the acoustic wave settler being configured to emit an acoustic wave through the portion of the container assembly and a mixture disposed therein, the acoustic wave coalescing fluid phase droplets disposed in the mixture to increase the buoyancy or density of the fluid phase droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott P. Collins, Christopher D Brau, Nephi D. Jones
  • Publication number: 20170296685
    Abstract: A container includes a first wall made of a polymeric material, a second wall made of a polymeric material, and a plurality of elongated baffles, spacers or seam lines formed between the first wall and the second wall to form a plurality of separate fluid flow paths. Each of the plurality of fluid flow paths are separated from the other fluid flow paths by at least one of the baffles, spacers or seam lines. Each of the plurality of fluid flow paths have a first end in fluid communication with an inlet and have a second end in fluid communication with an outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Bradley H. Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20170246603
    Abstract: A container system includes a collapsible bag having an interior surface at least partially bounding a chamber, the chamber being adapted to hold a fluid. A sparger is disposed within the chamber of the bag, the sparger bounding a compartment and having an inside edge that encircles an opening passing through the sparger. At least a portion of the sparger is gas permeable. A tubular member is coupled to the sparger and is in communication with the compartment. A shaft passes into the chamber of the bag and through the opening of the sparger. A mixing element is secured to the shaft and is disposed within the chamber of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Jeremy K. Larsen
  • Patent number: 9737624
    Abstract: A system for sterilizing a fluid includes a sterilization container bounding a fluid flow path that can be coupled with a fluid source. The sterilization container is comprised of one or more polymeric walls. A beam generator is configured to direct a beam of electromagnetic radiation through at least a portion of the fluid flow path of the sterilization container, the beam of electromagnetic radiation being sufficient to sterilize a fluid within the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Bradley H. Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20170197185
    Abstract: A container assembly includes a flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a chamber and an opposing exterior surface, the bag having a bottom end wall being comprised of a first sheet overlying a second sheet, the first sheet and the second sheet of the bottom end wall being welded together so as to form a first sparging area and a separated second sparging area that are both bounded between the first sheet and the second sheet, at least a portion of the first sheet overlying the first and second sparging areas being gas permeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Derik R. West
  • Publication number: 20170183617
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a container bounding a compartment and extending between a first end and an opposing second end. An elongated first drive line and second drive line are disposed within the compartment of the container and are rotatable therein. At least one tie extends between the first drive line and the second drive line so as to maintain at least a portion of the first drive line and the second drive line at lateral spaced apart positions within the compartment. An impeller or other mixing element can be coupled to the drive lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Nephi D. Jones, Christopher D. Brau
  • Patent number: 9682353
    Abstract: A container system includes a bag comprised of one or more sheets of flexible polymeric material, the bag having an interior surface at least partially bounding a chamber, the chamber being adapted to hold a fluid. A flexible sparging sheet is secured to the interior surface of the bag so that a compartment is formed between the interior surface of the bag and the sparging sheet, at least a portion of the sparging sheet allowing gas to pass therethrough. A tubular port or tube is secured to the bag so that a passage bounded by the tubular port or tube communicates with the compartment. A mixing element is disposed within the chamber of the bag, the mixing element being spaced apart from the flexible sparging sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Jeremy K. Larsen
  • Patent number: 9643133
    Abstract: A container assembly includes a flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a chamber and an opposing exterior surface, the bag having a top end wall, a bottom end wall, and an encircling sidewall extending therebetween, the bottom end wall including a first polymeric sheet overlying a second polymeric sheet. A first weld line welds the first polymeric sheet to the second polymeric sheet, the first weld line bounding a first sparging area formed between the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet. A plurality of first perforations are formed through a portion of the first polymeric sheet that overlies the first sparging area so that gas can pass from the first sparging area, through the first perforations and into the chamber of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Derik R. West
  • Publication number: 20170088806
    Abstract: A reactor system includes a support housing having an interior surface bounding a chamber, the chamber having a vertically extending central longitudinal axis. A flexible bag is disposed within the chamber of the support housing and has an interior surface bounding a compartment. A mixing element is disposed within the compartment of the flexible bag. A drive element, such as a drive shaft, is secured the mixing element, wherein the mixing element is laterally offset from and/or is angled relative to the vertically extending central longitudinal axis of the support housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kurt T. Kunas, Robert V. Oakley, Fauad F. Hasan, Michael E. Goodwin, Jeremy K. Larsen, Nephi D. Jones
  • Publication number: 20170088805
    Abstract: A bag assembly for use with a heat exchanger includes a flexible bag having of one or more sheets of polymeric material, the bag having a first end that bounds a first compartment and an opposing second end that bounds a second compartment, a support structure being disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment so that the first compartment is separated and isolated from the second compartment. A first inlet port, a first outlet port, and a first drain port are coupled with the flexible bag so as to communicate with the first compartment. A second inlet port, a second outlet port, and a second drain port are coupled with the flexible bag so as to communicate with the second compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Clinton C. Staheli, Nephi D. Jones, Michael E. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 9540606
    Abstract: A method of mixing a fluid includes positioning a flexible bag into the chamber of a support housing, the support housing having a plurality of baffles positioned so that the bag folds around the baffles. A fluid is delivered into a compartment of the flexible bag. A mixing element, such as an impeller, is moved within the compartment of the flexible bag so as to mix the fluid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignees: Life Technologies Corporation, Baxalta Incorporated, Baxalta GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt T. Kunas, Robert V. Oakley, Fauad F. Hasan, Michael E. Goodwin, Jeremy K. Larsen, Nephi D. Jones
  • Publication number: 20170001160
    Abstract: A container system includes a bag comprised of one or more sheets of flexible polymeric material, the bag having an interior surface at least partially bounding a chamber, the chamber being adapted to hold a fluid. A flexible sparging sheet is secured to the interior surface of the bag so that a compartment is formed between the interior surface of the bag and the sparging sheet, at least a portion of the sparging sheet allowing gas to pass therethrough. A tubular port or tube is secured to the bag so that a passage bounded by the tubular port or tube communicates with the compartment. A mixing element is disposed within the chamber of the bag, the mixing element being spaced apart from the flexible sparging sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Jeremy K. Larsen
  • Patent number: 9528083
    Abstract: A heat exchanger system includes a heat exchanger having a body with a first side face and an opposing second side face, the body bounding a fluid channel disposed between the opposing side faces and extending between an inlet port and an outlet port. A flexible first bag has of one or more sheet of polymeric material and bounds a fluid pathway that extends between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The first bag is removably retained against the first side face of the body of the heat exchanger, the fluid channel of the body of the heat exchanger being sealed from fluid communication with the fluid pathway of the first bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Clinton C. Staheli, Nephi D. Jones, Michael E. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20160362653
    Abstract: A method for filtering a gas includes delivering a gas into a compartment of a gas filter, the compartment being at least partially bounded by a casing comprised of a flexible sheet of polymeric film. A partial vacuum is applied to the gas filter so that the partial vacuum assists in drawing the gas through a porous filter body of the gas filter that is at least partially disposed within the compartment of the gas filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Nephi D. Jones, Christopher D. Brau
  • Patent number: 9475012
    Abstract: A container assembly includes a container at least partially bounding a chamber and having a wall with an opening extending therethrough. A tubular stem bounds a passageway and outwardly projects from the wall of the container so that the passageway communicates with the opening. A sparger includes a tubular member having a first end and an opposing second end and an interior surface bounding a passage extending therebetween. A gas permeable sparging member is secured to the first end of the tubular member so that gas passing through the tubular member from the second end passes out through the sparging sheet. A second flange encircles and radially outwardly projects from the tubular member, the second flange being secured to the stem so that at least a portion of the tubular member is disposed within the passageway of the tubular stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael D. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Jeremy K. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20160298071
    Abstract: A system for performing a gas-liquid mass transfer includes a container bounding a compartment and having a top wall, a bottom wall, and an encircling sidewall extending therebetween. A first opening is formed on the container so as to communicate with the compartment. A liquid is disposed within the compartment and having a top surface disposed below the first opening. A gas is blown through the first opening so that the gas passes over at least a portion of the top surface of the liquid, the gas producing turbulence on the top surface of the liquid that is sufficient to produce a mass transfer between the gas and the liquid. A mixing element is disposed within the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher D. Brau, Nephi D. Jones, Benjamin R. Madsen, Michael E. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 9457306
    Abstract: A method for filtering a gas includes sparging a gas through a liquid within a compartment of a container. In one embodiment the container can comprise a flexible bag. The sparged gas is passed from the container through a gas filter of a filter assembly. A partial vacuum is applied to the gas filter so that the partial vacuum assists in drawing the gas through the gas filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nephi D. Jones, Christopher D. Brau
  • Patent number: 9388375
    Abstract: A method and system for achieving a gas-liquid mass transfer includes delivering into a compartment of a container a liquid, the liquid having an exposed top surface disposed within the compartment. A stream of a gas is passed over the top surface of the liquid so that the stream of gas produces turbulence on the top surface that is sufficient to achieve the gas-liquid mass transfer. In one embodiment the liquid is a culture that includes cells or microorganisms and the mass transfer functions to oxygenate the culture sufficient to sustain the cells or microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Brau, Nephi D. Jones, Benjamin R. Madsen, Michael E. Goodwin