Patents by Inventor Rex E. Gerald, II

Rex E. Gerald, II 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).

  • Patent number: 11740171
    Abstract: An open-ended hollow coaxial cable resonator probe configured to receive an aerosol sample for analysis. A metal post shorts the resonator's inner and outer conductors. A metal plate is spaced apart from an open end of the resonator by a dielectric layer that contains the received aerosol sample. Interrogator circuitry coupled to the resonator transmits an electromagnetic wave within the resonator and generates an electric field at the open end of the resonator. The interrogator circuitry is responsive to the generated electric field for determining a resonance frequency and an impedance of the resonator when the aerosol sample is present in the dielectric layer and is configured to identify virus particles in the aerosol sample as a function of the determined resonance frequency and impedance. A portable aerosol analyzer comprises the open-ended hollow coaxial cable resonator and a mouthpiece through which a subject expels a breath sample into the open end of the resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
    Inventors: Jie Huang, Chen Zhu, Rex E. Gerald, II
  • Publication number: 20210310928
    Abstract: An open-ended hollow coaxial cable resonator probe configured to receive an aerosol sample for analysis. A metal post shorts the resonator's inner and outer conductors. A metal plate is spaced apart from an open end of the resonator by a dielectric layer that contains the received aerosol sample. Interrogator circuitry coupled to the resonator transmits an electromagnetic wave within the resonator and generates an electric field at the open end of the resonator. The interrogator circuitry is responsive to the generated electric field for determining a resonance frequency and an impedance of the resonator when the aerosol sample is present in the dielectric layer and is configured to identify virus particles in the aerosol sample as a function of the determined resonance frequency and impedance. A portable aerosol analyzer comprises the open-ended hollow coaxial cable resonator and a mouthpiece through which a subject expels a breath sample into the open end of the resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Jie Huang, Chen Zhu, Rex E. Gerald, II
  • Patent number: 10295487
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for measuring temperatures and pHs of a sample in situ using NMR spectroscopy, and for sealing one or more ends of a capillary tube after a reference material has been added to the capillary tube, which is used in an in situ NMR temperature measurement device. A method for measuring a pH of a sample in situ using NMR spectroscopy includes providing an in situ NMR pH measurement device. This device includes a sample housing member configured to house a target sample, at least one pH sensor configured to exhibit an NMR spectral change due to a change in pH value of the target sample, and a pH sensor containment member configured to house the at least one pH sensor. The target sample is added to the sample housing member. NMR spectra are obtained to then determine the pH of the target sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Ming Huang, Lingyu Chi, Rex E. Gerald, II, Jie Huang, Annalise R. Pfaff, Klaus Woelk
  • Patent number: 10067079
    Abstract: In situ measuring devices, methods of making the same, and methods of using the same are provided herein. The in situ measuring devices can include a capillary tube having a reference material sealed inside the capillary tube, where the capillary tube is positioned inside of a solid state or MAS NMR rotor. A target sample can also be positioned in the interior of the solid state or MAS NMR rotor but is sequestered from the reference material by a capillary tube wall. The in situ measuring devices can be used in solid state MAS NMR spectroscopy to quantify one or more parameters of a target sample, such as the quantity of a sample, chemical identity of a sample, or temperature of a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Lingyu Chi, Ming Huang, Rex E. Gerald, II, Klaus Woelk
  • Publication number: 20170030985
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for simultaneously interrogating multiple samples using NMR spectroscopy. A first magnetic field is induced. A flow of electricity is induced through a conductive material. The flow of electricity has a direction that is perpendicular to the first magnetic field, and the flow of electricity induces a second magnetic field. A first sample is placed in an additive magnetic field region, where a direction of the first magnetic field and a direction of the second magnetic field are aligned within the additive magnetic field region. A second sample is placed in a canceling magnetic field region, where the direction of the first magnetic field and the direction of the second magnetic field are opposed within the canceling magnetic field region. A free induction decay (FID) of at least the first and second samples is induced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Applicant: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventor: Rex E. Gerald, II
  • Publication number: 20160109390
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for measuring temperatures and pHs of a sample in situ using NMR spectroscopy, and for sealing one or more ends of a capillary tube after a reference material has been added to the capillary tube, which is used in an in situ NMR temperature measurement device. A method for measuring a pH of a sample in situ using NMR spectroscopy includes providing an in situ NMR pH measurement device. This device includes a sample housing member configured to house a target sample, at least one pH sensor configured to exhibit an NMR spectral change due to a change in pH value of the target sample, and a pH sensor containment member configured to house the at least one pH sensor. The target sample is added to the sample housing member. NMR spectra are obtained to then determine the pH of the target sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Lingyu Chi, Ming Huang, Rex E. Gerald, II, Jie Huang, Annalise R. Pfaff, Klaus Woelk
  • Publication number: 20160109391
    Abstract: In situ measuring devices, methods of making the same, and methods of using the same are provided herein. The in situ measuring devices can include a capillary tube having a reference material sealed inside the capillary tube, where the capillary tube is positioned inside of a solid state or MAS NMR rotor. A target sample can also be positioned in the interior of the solid state or MAS NMR rotor but is sequestered from the reference material by a capillary tube wall. The in situ measuring devices can be used in solid state MAS NMR spectroscopy to quantify one or more parameters of a target sample, such as the quantity of a sample, chemical identity of a sample, or temperature of a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Lingyu Chi, Ming Huang, Rex E. Gerald, II, Klaus Woelk
  • Patent number: 8592075
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unique battery having a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode monolith and method of making the same. The Applicant's invented battery employs a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode that acts as a separator, electrolyte, and electrode, within the same monolithic structure. The chemical composition, physical arrangement of molecules, and physical geometry of the pores play a role in the sequestration and conduction of ions. In one preferred embodiment, ions are transported via the ion-hoping mechanism where the oxygens of the Al2O3 wall are available for positive ion coordination (i.e. Li+). This active membrane-electrode composite can be adjusted to a desired level of ion conductivity by manipulating the chemical composition and structure of the pore wall to either increase or decrease ion conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 8541129
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a physicochemically-active porous membrane for electrochemical cells that purports dual functions: an electronic insulator (separator) and a unidirectional ion-transporter (electrolyte). The electrochemical cell membrane is activated for the transport of ions by contiguous ion coordination sites on the interior two-dimensional surfaces of the trans-membrane unidirectional pores. One dimension of the pore surface has a macroscopic length (1 nm-1000 ?m) and is directed parallel to the direction of an electric field, which is produced between the cathode and the anode electrodes of an electrochemical cell. The membrane material is designed to have physicochemical interaction with ions. Control of the extent of the interactions between the ions and the interior pore walls of the membrane and other materials, chemicals, or structures contained within the pores provides adjustability of the ionic conductivity of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 8310235
    Abstract: The subject apparatus is a fuel cell toroid cavity detector for in situ analysis of samples through the use of nuclear magnetic resonance. The toroid cavity detector comprises a gas-tight housing forming a toroid cavity where the housing is exposed to an externally applied magnetic field B0 and contains fuel cell component samples to be analyzed. An NMR spectrometer is electrically coupled and applies a radiofrequency excitation signal pulse to the detector to produce a radiofrequency magnetic field B1 in the samples and in the toroid cavity. Embedded coils modulate the static external magnetic field to provide a means for spatial selection of the recorded NMR signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 8227105
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unique battery having a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode monolith and method of making the same. The Applicant's invented battery employs a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode that acts as a separator, electrolyte, and electrode, within the same monolithic structure. The chemical composition, physical arrangement of molecules, and physical geometry of the pores play a role in the sequestration and conduction of ions. In one preferred embodiment, ions are transported via the ion-hoping mechanism where the oxygens of the Al2O3 wall are available for positive ion coordination (i.e. Li+). This active membrane-electrode composite can be adjusted to a desired level of ion conductivity by manipulating the chemical composition and structure of the pore wall to either increase or decrease ion conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 8119273
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unique battery having an active, porous membrane and method of making the same. More specifically the invention relates to a sealed battery system having a porous, metal oxide membrane with uniform, physicochemically functionalized ion channels capable of adjustable ionic interaction. The physicochemically-active porous membrane purports dual functions: an electronic insulator (separator) and a unidirectional ion-transporter (electrolyte). The electrochemical cell membrane is activated for the transport of ions by contiguous ion coordination sites on the interior two-dimensional surfaces of the trans-membrane unidirectional pores. The membrane material is designed to have physicochemical interaction with ions. Control of the extent of the interactions between the ions and the interior pore walls of the membrane and other materials, chemicals, or structures contained within the pores provides adjustability of the ionic conductivity of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 7901830
    Abstract: The instant invention relates a solid-state electrochemical cell and a novel separator/electrolyte incorporated therein. A preferred embodiment of the invented electrochemical cell generally comprises a unique metal oxyhydroxide based (i.e. AlOOH) separator/electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. A preferred novel separator/electrolyte comprises a nanoparticulate metal oxyhydroxide, preferably AlOOH and a salt which are mixed and then pressed together to form a monolithic metal oxyhydroxide-salt membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 7887970
    Abstract: The instant invention relates a solid-state electrochemical cell and a novel separator/electrolyte incorporated therein. The invented electrochemical cell generally comprising: a unique metal oxyhydroxide based (i.e. AlOOH) separator/electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. The novel separator/electrolyte comprises a nanoparticulate metal oxyhydroxide, preferably AlOOH and a salt which are mixed and then pressed together to form a monolithic metal oxyhydroxide-salt membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 7737691
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for characterizing thin film materials. The method, apparatus, and system includes a container for receiving a starting material, applying a gravitational force, a magnetic force, and an electric force or combinations thereof to at least the starting material, forming a thin film material, sensing an NMR signal from the thin film material and analyzing the NMR signal to characterize the thin film of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke, Rocio Diaz, Lela Vukovic
  • Patent number: 7602181
    Abstract: A device and a method for the production of a magnetic field using a Charge Holding Object that is mechanically rotated. In a preferred embodiment, a Charge Holding Object surrounding a sample rotates and subjects the sample to one or more magnetic fields. The one or more magnetic fields are used by NMR Electronics connected to an NMR Conductor positioned within the Charge Holding Object to perform NMR analysis of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Lela Vukovic, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 7501483
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for constructing uniform macroscopic films with tailored geometric assemblies of molecules on the nanometer scale. The method, apparatus, and system include providing starting molecules of selected character, applying one or more force fields to the molecules to cause them to order and condense with NMR spectra and images being used to monitor progress in creating the desired geometrical assembly and functionality of molecules that comprise the films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke, Rocio Diaz, Lela Vukovic
  • Patent number: 7486078
    Abstract: A Compact Orthogonal Field Sensor for emitting two orthogonal electro-magnetic fields in a common space. More particularly, a replacement inductor for existing NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) sensors to allow for NMR imaging. The Compact Orthogonal Field Sensor has a conductive coil and a central conductor electrically connected in series. The central conductor is at least partially surrounded by the coil. The coil and central conductor are electrically or electro-magnetically connected to a device having a means for producing or inducing a current through the coil and central conductor. The Compact Orthogonal Field Sensor can be used in NMR imaging applications to determine the position and the associated NMR spectrum of a sample within the electro-magnetic field of the central conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Publication number: 20080309337
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for characterizing thin film materials. The method, apparatus, and system includes a container for receiving a starting material, applying a gravitational force, a magnetic force, and an electric force or combinations thereof to at least the starting material, forming a thin film material, sensing an NMR signal from the thin film material and analyzing the NMR signal to characterize the thin film of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Rex E. GERALD, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke, Rocio Diaz, Lela Vukovic
  • Patent number: 7456630
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for characterizing thin film materials. The method, apparatus, and system includes a container for receiving a starting material, applying a gravitational force, a magnetic force, and an electric force or combinations thereof to at least the starting material, forming a thin film material, sensing an NMR signal from the thin film material and analyzing the NMR signal to characterize the thin film of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: U Chicago Argonne LLC
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke, Rocio Diaz, Lela Vukovic