Patents by Inventor Ronald F. Renzi
Ronald F. Renzi 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: 11366116Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to systems configured to obtain samples from an organism in an autonomous manner. Such systems can employ a cartridge configured to provide bait to attract an organism, as well as channels to store and/or test samples obtained from the organism.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Robert Meagher, Ronald F. Renzi, Cameron Scott Ball, Aashish Priye, Jonathan Ivers Helm, Bryan Carson, Stanley Alan Langevin
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Patent number: 11130129Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic check valves, as well as fluidic cartridges including such check valves. In particular examples, the check valve includes a pre-stressed spring formed from a planar substrate. Various characteristics of the valves, such as size, profile, opening pressure, etc., can be tuned to provide desired performance when employed within a fluidic cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Cameron Scott Ball, Ronald F. Renzi, Robert Meagher
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Patent number: 10627366Abstract: Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Ronald F. Renzi, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Anson V. Hatch, Mark R. Claudnic, Ying-Chih Wang, James L. Van De Vreugde
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Patent number: 10620326Abstract: Apparatus for detecting radiation includes a sensor medium disposed within a cavity in a silicon-based substrate. An electrode arrangement is provided for collecting charge generated within the sensor medium by interactions with impinging radiation and drifted through the sensor medium. The electrode arrangement is constituted, in part, by a silicon portion of the substrate that is doped to increase its electrical conductivity and that defines part of the cavity wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Mark S. Derzon, Randolph R. Kay, Paul C. Galambos, Ronald F. Renzi, Liam D. Claus
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Publication number: 20200038864Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic check valves, as well as fluidic cartridges including such check valves. In particular examples, the check valve includes a pre-stressed spring formed from a planar substrate. Various characteristics of the valves, such as size, profile, opening pressure, etc., can be tuned to provide desired performance when employed within a fluidic cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Cameron Scott Ball, Ronald F. Renzi, Robert Meagher
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Patent number: 10478818Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic check valves, as well as fluidic cartridges including such check valves. In particular examples, the check valve includes a pre-stressed spring formed from a planar substrate. Various characteristics of the valves, such as size, profile, opening pressure, etc., can be tuned to provide desired performance when employed within a fluidic cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Cameron Scott Ball, Ronald F. Renzi, Robert Meagher
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Patent number: 10202929Abstract: A system and method for fast control of the timing of combustion in an internal combustion engine, comprising actuating a fast-acting fuel-additive supply valve to meter a variable amount of fuel additive into a fuel stream, thereby forming an additive-enhanced fuel with an additive concentration that can be dynamically adjusted as fast as each engine cycle; injecting the additive-enhanced fuel directly or indirectly into a combustion chamber or into an intake port; and combusting the additive-enhanced fuel.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: John E. Dec, Ronald F. Renzi
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Patent number: 9993894Abstract: An apparatus for detecting radiation is provided. In embodiments, at least one sensor is disposed on a surface of a wafer-like substrate. At least one sensor medium is fixed relative to the substrate, optically or electrically coupled to the sensor, and separated from the sensor by no more than the substrate thickness. An electronic signal-processing circuit is connected to the sensor and configured to produce an output when the sensor is stimulated by a product of an interaction between the sensor medium and impinging radiation. The sensor is configured to collect, from the sensor medium, charge and/or light produced within the sensor medium by interactions with impinging radiation.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Mark S. Derzon, Randolph R. Kay, Paul C. Galambos, Ronald F. Renzi, Ronald P. Kensek, Mark A. Grohman, Thomas Kerr Lemp, Subhash L. Shinde, Gregory Robert Bogart, Liam D. Claus
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Publication number: 20170122904Abstract: Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2017Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: Ronald F. Renzi, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Anson V. Hatch, Mark R. Claudnic, Ying-Chih Wang, James L. Van De Vreugde
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Patent number: 9579649Abstract: Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Ronald F. Renzi, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Anson V. Hatch, Mark R. Claudnic, Ying-Chih Wang, James L. Van de Vreugde
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Patent number: 9322014Abstract: A system for enhancing a nucleic acid sample may include a one pump, a denaturing chamber; a microfluidic hydroxyapatite chromatography device configured for performing hydroxyapatite chromatography on the nucleic acid sample, a sample collector, and tubing connecting the pump with the denaturing chamber, the hydroxyapatite chromatography device and the sample collector such that the pump may be used to move the nucleic acid sample from the denaturing chamber to the hydroxyapatite chromatography device and then to the sample collector.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2013Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Victoria A. VanderNoot, Stanley Alan Langevin, Zachary Bent, Ronald F. Renzi, Scott M. Ferko, James L. Van De Vreugde, Todd Lane, Kamlesh Patel, Steven Branda
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Patent number: 9170340Abstract: A directional neutron detector has an ion chamber formed in a dielectric material; a signal electrode and a ground electrode formed in the ion chamber; a neutron absorbing material filling the ion chamber; readout circuitry which is electrically coupled to the signal and ground electrodes; and a signal processor electrically coupled to the readout circuitry. The ion chamber has a pair of substantially planar electrode surfaces. The chamber pressure of the neutron absorbing material is selected such that the reaction particle ion trail length for neutrons absorbed by the neutron absorbing material is equal to or less than the distance between the electrode surfaces. The signal processor is adapted to determine a path angle for each absorbed neutron based on the rise time of the corresponding pulse in a time-varying detector signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Mark S. Derzon, Paul C. Galambos, Ronald F. Renzi
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Patent number: 8940147Abstract: Embodiments of microfluidic hubs and systems are described that may be used to connect fluidic modules. A space between surfaces may be set by fixtures described herein. In some examples a fixture may set substrate-to-substrate spacing based on a distance between registration surfaces on which the respective substrates rest. Fluidic interfaces are described, including examples where fluid conduits (e.g. capillaries) extend into the fixture to the space between surfaces. Droplets of fluid may be introduced to and/or removed from microfluidic hubs described herein, and fluid actuators may be used to move droplets within the space between surfaces. Continuous flow modules may be integrated with the hubs in some examples.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Michael S. Bartsch, Mark R. Claudnic, Hanyoup Kim, Kamlesh D. Patel, Ronald F. Renzi, James L. Van De Vreugde
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Patent number: 8912502Abstract: A neutron detector with monolithically integrated readout circuitry, including: a bonded semiconductor die; an ion chamber formed in the bonded semiconductor die; a first electrode and a second electrode formed in the ion chamber; a neutron absorbing material filling the ion chamber; and the readout circuitry which is electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes. The bonded semiconductor die includes an etched semiconductor substrate bonded to an active semiconductor substrate. The readout circuitry is formed in a portion of the active semiconductor substrate. The ion chamber has a substantially planar first surface on which the first electrode is formed and a substantially planar second surface, parallel to the first surface, on which the second electrode is formed. The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode may be equal to or less than the 50% attenuation length for neutrons in the neutron absorbing material filling the ion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Mark S. Derzon, Paul C. Galambos, Ronald F. Renzi
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Patent number: 8828736Abstract: We have developed an microelectroporation device that combines microarrays of oligonucleotides, microfluidic channels, and electroporation for cell transfection and high-throughput screening applications (e.g. RNA interference screens). Microarrays allow the deposition of thousands of different oligonucleotides in microscopic spots. Microfluidic channels and microwells enable efficient loading of cells into the device and prevent cross-contamination between different oligonucleotides spots. Electroporation allows optimal transfection of nucleic acids into cells (especially hard-to-transfect cells such as primary cells) by minimizing cell death while maximizing transfection efficiency. This invention has the advantage of a higher throughput and lower cost, while preventing cross-contamination compared to conventional screening technologies. Moreover, this device does not require bulky robotic liquid handling equipment and is inherently safer given that it is a closed system.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Thomas D. Perroud, Ronald F. Renzi, Oscar Negrete, Mark R. Claudnic
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Patent number: 8808588Abstract: Injection molding is used to form microfluidic devices with integrated functional components. One or more functional components are placed in a mold cavity, which is then closed. Molten thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold and then cooled, thereby forming a solid substrate including the functional component(s). The solid substrate including the functional component(s) is then bonded to a second substrate, which may include microchannels or other features.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Blake Simmons, Linda Domeier, Noble Woo, Timothy Shepodd, Ronald F. Renzi
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Patent number: 8585986Abstract: An interconnecting device for connecting a plurality of first fluid-bearing conduits to a corresponding plurality of second fluid-bearing conduits thereby providing fluid communication between the first fluid-bearing conduits and the second fluid-bearing conduits. The device includes a manifold and one or two ferrule plates that are held by compressive axial forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventor: Ronald F. Renzi
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Patent number: 8518346Abstract: A multidimensional chemical separation and analysis system is described including a prototyping platform and modular microfluidic components capable of rapid and convenient assembly, alteration and disassembly of numerous candidate separation systems. Partial or total computer control of the separation system is possible. Single or multiple alternative processing trains can be tested, optimized and/or run in parallel. Examples related to the separation and analysis of human bodily fluids are given.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Gabriela S. Chirica, Ronald F. Renzi
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Patent number: 8426135Abstract: Devices and methods for thermally lysing of biological material, for example vegetative bacterial cells and bacterial spores, are provided. Hot solution methods for solubilizing bacterial spores are described. Systems for direct analysis are disclosed including thermal lysers coupled to sample preparation stations. Integrated systems capable of performing sample lysis, labeling and protein fingerprint analysis of biological material, for example, vegetative bacterial cells, bacterial spores and viruses are provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Sandia National LaboratoriesInventors: Jason A. A. West, Kyle W. Hukari, Kamlesh D. Patel, Kenneth A. Peterson, Ronald F. Renzi
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Patent number: 8398839Abstract: A new microfluidic system comprising an automated prototype insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) triggering microfluidic device for pathogen monitoring that can eventually be run outside the laboratory in a real world environment has been used to demonstrate the feasibility of automated trapping and detection of particles. The system broadly comprised an aerosol collector for collecting air-borne particles, an iDEP chip within which to temporarily trap the collected particles and a laser and fluorescence detector with which to induce a fluorescence signal and detect a change in that signal as particles are trapped within the iDEP chip.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Alfredo M. Morales, Josh A. Whaley, Mark D. Zimmerman, Ronald F. Renzi, Huu M. Tran, Scott M. Maurer, William D. Munslow