Fluent Material Containment, Support Or Transfer Means Patents (Class 250/428)
  • Patent number: 7312440
    Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a fluid, atomizers, reactors, integrated fuel processing apparatus, combinations thereof, methods of atomizing reactants, methods of moving fluids, methods of reverse-flow in a reactor, and combinations thereof, are provided. One exemplary apparatus for transporting a fluid, among others, includes: a channel for receiving a fluid; a sensor for determining an internal condition of the fluid in the channel; and a channel actuator in communication with the sensor for changing a cross-sectional area of the channel based on the internal condition, wherein the change in cross-sectional area controls a parameter selected from a pressure and a fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: F. Levent Degertekin, Andrei G. Fedorov
  • Patent number: 7304312
    Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions that reflect ultraviolet light are provided herein, along with articles of manufacture and methods of fluid purification using the same. The thermoplastic compositions preferably comprise a suitable thermoplastic material and microparticles of UV reflective material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The thermoplastic compositions are useful, for example, in forming articles of manufacture comprising a UV reflective surface that are suitable for use in a water treatment system in connection with a UV light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Liane B. Hopaluk, Farhod G. Baghera, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, David M. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7274016
    Abstract: A liquid sample (104) introduced in a main flow passage (101) is held in a dam portion (105), and a trigger liquid (106) is filled in a trigger flow passage (102). In this state, the trigger liquid (106) is further introduced at desired timing into the trigger flow passage (102) so that the front end portion of the level of the trigger liquid (106) is advanced and the front end portion is brought to be into contact with the dam portion (105). This causes the liquid sample (104) to move to the right (downstream side) in the figure, resulting in the liquid sample (104) flowing out to the downstream side of the main flow passage (101). This means that the trigger liquid (106) provides priming to realize a liquid switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Iida, Masakazu Baba, Hisao Kawaura, Toru Sano, Noriyuki Iguchi, Hiroko Someya, Wataru Hattori, Minoru Asogawa
  • Patent number: 7265348
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to dispense a sample for subsequent electrospray ionisation (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, to a method of fabricating such apparatus and to applications of such apparatus in biological and chemical analysis. The apparatus consists of an electrically non-conductive substrate comprising at least two covered microstructures (generally microchannels) having one extremity formed at the edge of the substrate, one of said microstructures containing the sample to be dispensed into a mass spectrometer by electrospray ionisation and at least a second of said microstructure containing a fluid used as sheath liquid or sheath gas, said at least two microstructures being formed in such a manner that the sample and the sheath liquid/gas come in contact to each other and/or are mixed directly in the Taylor cone of the spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Diagnoswiss S.A.
    Inventors: Joël Stéphane Rossier, Frédéric Reymond
  • Patent number: 7233888
    Abstract: A method for simulating three-dimensional spatial distribution of neutron and gamma fluences in a nuclear reactor includes, in an exemplary embodiment, generating a detailed geometric configuration of a nuclear reactor core and surrounding components, generating detailed fuel composition and concentration distribution, and calculating three-dimensional nuclide concentrations for the fuel rods and the water surrounding the fuel rods using the generated geometric configuration and generation fuel composition and concentration distributions. The method also includes calculating neutron and gamma fluxes using a Monte Carlo radiation transport criticality mode methodology, and generating a neutron and gamma fluence map for predetermined areas of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ren-Tai Chiang, Shivakumar Sitaraman, Alton Lewis Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7226683
    Abstract: An alcohol solution of a metal alkoxide is mixed with a H3PO4 mixture solution of water and alcohol to hydrolyze the metal alkoxide and effect crosslinking with H3PO4. Accordingly, a solid is produced composed of a composite oxide glass (proton conductor) containing constituent elements of P and a metal element originating from the metal alkoxide and having hydroxyl groups at terminals. The metal alkoxide is selected so that the metal alkoxide contains constituent elements of metal elements each of which is designated by a chemical shift within ?25 ppm. The chemical shift is a difference between a value at which a peak of orthophosphoric acid appears when a silicon oxide-phosphate glass, which is a composite oxide of phosphorus oxide and silicon oxide, is analyzed by P31—MASNMR and a value at which a maximum peak appears when the composite oxide glass is analyzed by P31—MASNMR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Isogai, Hitoshi Iwadate
  • Patent number: 7217933
    Abstract: A device that permits the in-home UV treatment of drinking water such as tap water is disclosed. The device employs a bare low-energy UV lamp suspended below a reflector and above a free surface of water flowing within the device. The water is supplied from a tap or other store of drinking water and proceeds through the device by the force of gravity. The device itself is not pressurized. The flow of water within the device is exposed to UV radiation from the UV lamp and is disinfected as a result. In the illustrated embodiment, the device is of a small size to permit its use, for example, directly at a tap for drinking water within the home. The flow rate of the device is commensurate with the normal flow rate of tap water, preferably less than about 8 liters per minute. The lamp power for safely disinfecting the water can be less than 20 watts, and in the illustrated embodiment the lamp is a low-pressure Hg lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: WaterHealth International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok Gadgil, Eduardas Kazakevicius, Anushka Drescher
  • Patent number: 7205536
    Abstract: A source of ions for an analyzer includes a reservoir for containing a liquid, a manifold having a plurality of nozzles, a conduit connecting the reservoir to the manifold and a counter electrode having a potential different between the counter electrode and the nozzles to enable liquid to be ejected from the nozzles in droplets and to enable ions to be ejected from the droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Goodley, Jean-Luc Truche
  • Patent number: 7109477
    Abstract: An automatic sample loader is for use in association with a mass spectrometer and at least one vial containing a sample. The loader includes a vial block, an insertion head, an insertion tube, a mechanism for pushing the sample out of the vial and a mechanism for moving the insertion head relative to the vial. The vial block has at least one vial cavity and each vial cavity is adapted to receive a vial. The insertion head is adapted to be sealingly engageable in the vial cavity. The insertion tube is operably connected to the mass spectrometer through the insertion head, such that the tube extends into the vial when the insertion head is sealingly engaged in the vial cavity. The pushing mechanism is adapted to push the sample out of the vial and into the tube. The moving mechanism is adapted to move the insertion head relative to the vial block from an engaged position to a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Engineering Services Inc.
    Inventors: Pawel Kuzan, Andrew Emili
  • Patent number: 7105812
    Abstract: A microfluidic chip formed with multiple fluid channels terminating at a tapered electrospray ionization tip for mass spectrometric analysis. The fluid channels may be formed onto a channel plate that are in fluid communication with corresponding reservoirs. The electrospray tip can be formed along a defined distal portion of the channel plate that can include a single or multiple tapered surfaces. The fluid channels may terminate at an open-tip region of the electrospray tip. A covering plate may substantially enclose most portions of the fluid channels formed on the channel plate except for the open-tip region. Another aspect of the invention provides methods for conducting mass spectrometric analysis of multiple samples flowing through individual fluid channels in a single microfluidic chip that is formed with a tapered electrospray tip having an open-tip region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Predicant Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Mingqi Zhao, Iuliu Blaga, Luc Bousse, John Stults, Jing Ni
  • Patent number: 7060998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a component support (29) for use in a radioisotope generator, the component support comprising a latching member (5) movable between an engaging position and an open position characterised by further including a bracing member (13) mechanically associated with the latching member and adapted to prevent movement of the latching member to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Terence Robert Frederick Forrest, Mark Teucher, Philip Walsh
  • Patent number: 7045791
    Abstract: The invention concerns a column for producing a focused particle beam comprising: a device (100) focusing particles including an output electrode (130) with an output hole (131) for allowing through a particle beam (A); an optical focusing device (200) for simultaneously focusing an optical beam (F) including an output aperture (230). The invention is characterized in that said output aperture (230) is transparent to the optical beam (F), while said output electrode (130) is formed by a metallic insert (130) maintained in said aperture (230) and bored with a central hole (131) forming said output orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignees: Credence Systems Corporation, Orsay-Physics, S.A.
    Inventors: Gérard Benas-Sayag, Patrick Bouchet, Antoine Corbin, Pierre Sudraud
  • Patent number: 6987266
    Abstract: The invention includes methods for automating acquisition of electron microscopic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventor: Sriram Subramaniam
  • Patent number: 6977383
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating membrane targets for a laser induced plasma is disclosed herein. Membranes are advantageous targets for laser induced plasma because they are very thin and can be readily illuminated by high-power coherent light, such as a laser, and converted into plasma. Membranes are also advantageous because illumination of the membrane with coherent light produces less debris and splashing than illumination of a thicker, solid target. Spherical membranes possess additional advantages in that they can be readily illuminated from variety of directions and because they can be easily placed (i.e. blown) into a target region for illumination by coherent light. Membranes are also advantageous because they can be formed from a liquid or molten phase of the target material. According to another embodiment, membranes can be formed from a solution in which the target materials are solvated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: JMAR Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry R. Rieger, I. C. Edmond Turcu, James Morris
  • Patent number: 6967324
    Abstract: A source of ions for an analyzer includes a reservoir for containing a liquid, a manifold having a plurality of nozzles, a conduit connecting the reservoir to the manifold and a counter electrode having a potential difference between the counter electrode and the nozzles to enable liquid to be ejected from the nozzles in droplets and to enable ions to be ejected from the droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Goodley, Jean-Luc Truche
  • Patent number: 6956220
    Abstract: A radiation source module comprising a support member, a radiation source assembly connected to the support member, the radiation source assembly comprising at least one elongate radiation source having a source longitudinal axis and a module-to-surface seal disposed on a first elongate surface of the module, the first elongate surface comprising a first longitudinal axis transverse to the source longitudinal axis, the seal operable to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the first surface and a second surface which is adjacent to the first surface. A fluid treatment system employ the radiation source module is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Trojan Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Traubenberg, Steven M. Bakker, Kuang-Ping Chiu
  • Patent number: 6936825
    Abstract: UV light and a fluid are used in a process for the decontamination of microlithographic projection exposure devices with optical elements or portions thereof, in particular of the surfaces of optical elements. A second UV light source is directed for decontamination, in intervals between exposures, toward at least a portion of the optical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Michael Gerhard, Nils Dieckmann, Christine Sieler, Marcus Zehetbauer, Martin Schriever, Gerd Reisinger
  • Patent number: 6841774
    Abstract: A sample introduction device for introducing a plurality of independent fluid sample streams into a mass spectrometer includes a manifold (84) having a plurality of fluid sample stream direct paths. Each direct path extends between a fluid sample stream inlet (80, 82) and a fluid sample stream outlet. A plurality of bypass paths (92, 96) is also provided in the manifold. Each bypass path is coupled to a respective one of the direct paths between the inlet and outlet. A plurality of transfer lines (86, 94) is also provided with each transfer line being coupled to a respective one of the outlets to deliver a fluid sample stream to an ionization region of the mass spectrometer. A valve (90, 96) is positioned in each of the bypass paths and is actuable to divert the fluid sample stream entering the direct path via the inlet from the direct path and into the bypass path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: MDS Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Weiss
  • Patent number: 6803568
    Abstract: A microfluidic chip formed with multiple fluid channels terminating at a common electrospray ionization tip for mass spectrometric analysis. The fluid channels may be formed within a substrate plate that are in fluid communication with corresponding reservoirs. The electrospray tip can be formed along a defined portion of the substrate plate, wherein the electrospray tip includes an open-tip region at which the fluid channels converge. A top laminate plate may substantially enclose most portions of the fluid channels formed in the bottom polymer plate except for the open-tip region. Another aspect of the invention provides methods for conducting mass spectrometric analysis of multiple samples flowing through individual fluid channels in a single microfluidic chip that is formed with a convergent electrospray tip. The convergent electrospray tip includes an open or exposed distal pointed tip region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Predicant Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Luc Bousse, John T. Stults
  • Publication number: 20040173759
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device, to a set of tubes and to a method for carrying a gas or a liquid to a surface through a tube, especially in order to produce gas mixtures or to treat the surface using gas lithography. The tube or in the case of a set, each tube of the set has an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A shaft is allocated to each tube, this shaft being arranged in the axial direction of the tube and being displaceable in its longitudinal direction in relation to the tube, from a first position to a second position and vice versa. Each shaft bears a blocking body which blocks or unblocks the outlet when the shaft is in the first or second position. A gas reservoir and a supply line by which means the inside of the gas reservoir is connection to the inlet opening of each tube are also allocated to each tube, so that gas is able to flow from the insider of the gas reservoir into the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Hans W.P. Koops, Andreas Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 6784440
    Abstract: A compact, efficient, easy-to-maintain enclosable cabinet for sanitizing a liquid flowing along a cascade within a cabinet body, having a cabinet body, a plurality of troughs directing the liquid along a predetermined path including a cascade within the cabinet body and one or more sanitizing radiation sources for subjecting the liquid to a sanitizing radiation for a predetermined time while flowing along the predetermined path, whereby the liquid is subject to sufficient sanitizing radiation for a predetermined level of sanitization. The sanitizing radiation sources are assemblies having a UV light source, a UV light shield located between the UV light source and the liquid and a rigid internal reflector shield located between the UV light source and the UV light shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: BOC, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Fink, Walter Ellis, Charles Bearsall
  • Patent number: 6766822
    Abstract: Water is supplied to a water user outlet facility by maintaining a tappable flow of water in a recirculating loop that includes a pump such as a centrifugal pump driven by a substantially constant speed motor to establish the flow, a water delivery path that extends from the pump to the outlet facility, and a water return path that extends from the outlet facility back to the pump. The flow is permitted to be controllably tapped at the facility by a water user while directing any untapped portion of the flow into the water return path. Such recirculation avoids stagnation and thereby impedes deterioration in the potability of the water. Further such recirculation makes the recirculating loop and water within the loop less sensitive to the temperature of the surrounding environment. The recirculating loop may include a water purifier such as an ultra-violet lamp source to kill organic contaminants and, as well, may include a filter to remove inorganic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: International Water-Guard Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040140433
    Abstract: An alcohol solution of a metal alkoxide is mixed with a H3PO4 mixture solution of water and alcohol to hydrolyze the metal alkoxide and effect crosslinking with H3PO4. Accordingly, a solid is produced composed of a composite oxide glass (proton conductor) containing constituent elements of P and a metal element originating from the metal alkoxide and having hydroxyl groups at terminals. The metal alkoxide is selected so that the metal alkoxide contains constituent elements of metal elements each of which is designated by a chemical shift within −25 ppm. The chemical shift is a difference between a value at which a peak of orthophosphoric acid appears when a silicon oxide-phosphate glass, which is a composite oxide of phosphorus oxide and silicon oxide, is analyzed by P31—MASNMR and a value at which a maximum peak appears when the composite oxide glass is analyzed by P31—MASNMR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Isogai, Hitoshi Iwadate
  • Patent number: 6734436
    Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods that employ electromagnetic radiation to move a droplet of fluid on a fluid-transporting surface of a substrate. Typically, radiation of a particular wavelength is directed through a substantially transparent material, and the radiation imparts an optical trapping force to move the droplet. In addition, a means for reducing evaporative loss from the droplet may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Gregory W. Faris, John S. Bashkin, William H. Wright, Richard P. Heydt, David MacQueen
  • Patent number: 6719716
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and a ultraviolet light control switch. A timer is provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station. A cover is provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Clark
  • Publication number: 20040021089
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for treating contaminants in material intended for in vivo use, and in particular blood and blood products for human use. Contaminants in blood cell preparations are inactivated prior to long term storage and transfusion. Inactivation is accomplished using a device having a unique temperature control design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Cerus Corporation
    Inventors: George D. Cimino, Romilly John Simms
  • Patent number: 6642527
    Abstract: The invention relates to a UV radiation device for the treatment of fluids, in particular water or waste water. The device includes a radiation chamber through which the fluid can flow in one direction. The radiation chamber essentially comprises a rectangular cross-section and is bordered by two side walls as well as a base wall and a ceiling wall. The side walls and the base wall comprise a non-metallic material. Additionally, a number of lamp units are provided. The lamp units each have a radiation source and a cover tube surrounding the radiation source, and, the lamp units are essentially cylindrical in shape. The lamp units lamp units in at least one cross-direction are arranged towards the flow direction. The distance between two walls diagonally facing each other is less or equal to the discharge length of the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Wedeco AG Water Technology
    Inventor: Horst Wedekamp
  • Patent number: 6635885
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering calibrant gas at selected flow rates to the ionization region of a mass spectrometer which employs capillary flow restrictors for metering the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventors: Edward B. McCauley, George B. Guckenberger
  • Patent number: 6596998
    Abstract: A method for determining which of a plurality of detectors transmitted a signal, such as a signal related to neutron or gamma emissions, includes connecting each of the detectors to a single cable, such as an environmentally rugged cable. Signals are transmitted from each of the detectors over the single cable. The two ends of the cable are connected to two receivers. A different unique delay is introduced between receipt by the two receivers of a signal over the cable for each of the detectors. The receivers, which have a preamplifier, an amplifier and a discriminator, receive the signals from the two ends of the cable. A timing analyzer, such as a time-to-amplitude converter, measures a delay between one signal from one end and the other signal from the other end of the cable. A processor employs the amplitude of the signal output by the timing analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventor: George G. Siedel
  • Patent number: 6586747
    Abstract: A particle accelerator assembly with a liquid-target holding assembly usable to produce radioisotopes in liquid targets. A particle accelerator is configured to produce a particle beam along a beam axis, and the liquid-target holding assembly connected to the particle accelerator. The liquid-target retaining assembly has a mounting portion coupled to the particle accelerator, and the mounting portion is configured to receive the particle beam therethrough. A liquid-target holder is connected to the mounting portion and has a holder body with a target cavity that contains a liquid target therein. The target cavity has a longitudinal axis oriented at an acute angle relative to the particle beam axis. The target cavity has a first depth along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and has a projected depth along the beam axis greater than the first depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ebco Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Lembit Erdman
  • Patent number: 6555815
    Abstract: An apparatus for examining a specimen with a beam of charged particles, where charging of the specimen is avoided or reduced by injecting inert gas onto the sample's surface. In order to avoid interactions with the electron optics, various embodiments are disclosed for providing a rotationally symmetrical nozzles and/or electrodes. Additionally, embodiments are disclosed wherein a plurality of gas conduits are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner. Alternatively, the conduit is incorporated into an element of the electron optics, such as the magnetic lens. Also, in order to reduce or eliminate interaction of the electrons with the gas molecules, embodiments are disclosed wherein the gas is pulsated, rather than continually injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Feuerbaum, Dieter Winkler
  • Patent number: 6528800
    Abstract: A conveying system (22) transports loose particulate material past a radiation source (200). A feed system (20) discharges particulate material onto the conveying system (22). A pneumatic system with an inlet manifold (14) and tubes (16) provides air through which the particulate material is fluidly transported to the feed system (20). A receiving hopper (24) receives the particulate matter from the conveying system (22). A dump hopper (10) dumps the particulate material into the pneumatic system. A discharge manifold (18) separates the particulate material from air. A metering gate (70) is located at a base of a hopper (69), which controls the layer of particulate material deposited onto said conveyor. A second inlet manifold (26) and tubes (28) adjacent the receiving hopper entrains the particulate material in air. A receiving station (32) receives the particulate material from a second discharge manifold (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Steris, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome A. Dzwierzynski, Chad Rhodes, Daniel G. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6428751
    Abstract: A sample cup assembly for use with an analytical instrument having a sample cup holder with an inner diameter which is greater than the outer diameter of the sample cup assembly. The sample cup assembly can include a main cell for retaining a specimen to be analyzed; a collar for locating a thin film over the open end of the main cell such that the film sealingly closes the open end of the main cell; and two or more projections extending outwardly from either the main cell or collar. The projections engage the interior surface of the sample cup holder when the sample cup assembly is installed therein, thereby centering the sample cup assembly within the sample cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Monte J. Solazzi
  • Patent number: 6366633
    Abstract: The invention describes a storage and dispatch container for variable quantities of radioactive miniature radiation sources as well as a locking and opening device for the said storage and dispatch container and is applicable for the transport of radioactive miniature radiation sources in well organized and undamaged condition. The dispatch containers serve as storage depots at the same time and meet the requirements of radiation safety with passive protection from loss. Their construction permits automatic filling or transfer of the contents using a corresponding device. The container is characterized in that a capillary tube (8) for the uptake of the radiation sources (15) is arranged in the main body (1) of the container and that the main body (1) exhibits a lower end-piece (2) with a fluid-medium connection (4) as well as an upper end-piece (3) with an input/output opening (3a) for the radiation sources (15), which can be locked by means of a locking mechanism (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Eurotope Entwicklungsgesellschaft für Isotopentechnologien mbh
    Inventors: Kerstin Stezaly, Eberhard Fritz
  • Patent number: 6340718
    Abstract: A source of radiation (10,12), particularly a pulsed accelerated electron beam, directs a beam of radiation through an irradiation chamber (14, 50). The irradiation chamber is depleted of oxygen and oxygen containing gases, such as being drawn to a vacuum of 10−1 or greater Torr by a vacuum pump (20, 52). Particulate fluoropolymer material is entrained (36) in substantially oxygen free gas and conveyed through the irradiation chamber. The accelerated electrons break chemical bonds in the fluoropolymer particles and electrostatically charge the particles. Magnetic fields (42, 60) of different polarity rotate the charged particles such that they are irradiated from different sides. The irradiated fluoropolymer particles are cooled (24) and separated (26) from the entraining gas. The entraining gas is recirculated through pneumatic line (34) for a continuous cycle. In an alternate batch processing embodiment, the fluoropolymer material is placed in the shallow container (50) which is sealed and evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Steris INC
    Inventors: Sergey Alexandrovich Korenev, John Masefield, Jerry Kriebel
  • Patent number: 6142024
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the sampling and quantitative, IR-spectroscopic determination of impurities in hygroscopic liquids. The apparatus includes a stainless steel tube having a straight bore, a first end, and a second end. A first flange attachment is located at the first end of the stainless steel tube, and a second flange attachment is located at the second end of the stainless steel tube. First and second calcium fluoride plates are also located at the first and second ends of the steel tube, respectively. The first and second plates are oriented parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of the stainless steel tube. First and second outer flanges hold respective of the first and second plates in place at the first and second ends of the tube, respectively, and the first and second outer flanges are mechanically fixed to the first and second flange attachments, respectively. At least one seal separates the first plate from the first flange attachment and the first outer flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Huls Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hartwig Rauleder, Klaus-Dieter Krieger, Lothar Zehe
  • Patent number: 6090296
    Abstract: A novel UV-oxidation and UV-disinfection system uses a highly-efficient, electrodeless microwave-excited lamp combined with a coaxial flow-through reactor design in which a liquid to bc treated is pumped from the bottom of the reactor and flows vertically upward through a reactor vessel against gravity. A hydrogen peroxide solution is injected into the liquid to be treated and thoroughly mixed by an inline mixer just before the liquid enters the reactor vessel. The solution is irradiated during its entire passage through the reactor vessel by the lamp which is configured to evenly irradiate the entire cross section of the reactor vessel and which has a substantial part of its spectral output in the wavelength most effectively absorbed by hydrogen peroxide molecules. A method of using the coaxial flow-through reactor to destroy toxic chemicals in water is also provided. The reactor is also used for UV disinfection of water supplies. The system is scaleable to enable high-volume application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen P. Oster
  • Patent number: 6030578
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for the sterile transfer of sterile materials between a transportable container and a sterile enclosure includes a closeable dock of the enclosure which seals with a closeable mouth of the container to define between them a sealed connecting chamber. A UV light source mounted within the chamber is activated to generate UV light to sterilize the interior of the chamber. Closures of the container mouth and dock are then displaced to provide a communication path between the interiors of the container and enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Duras Trading Limited
    Inventor: Austin McDonald
  • Patent number: 5949536
    Abstract: A high pressure optical cell for spectrometry is provided. The cell includes a monolithic crystal having a longitudinal bore within. The cell also includes a sheath/housing for holding monolithic crystal and sample introduction tubes. The sample introduction tubes can be microwelded. Compression ferrules or O-rings are used for sealing. A method for making the cell is also provided. A spectroscopic analyzer having a high-pressure optical cell is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Howard L. Mark
  • Patent number: 5814818
    Abstract: A gas tube for passing plasma generating gases, having high UV transmittance and corrosion resistance against corrosive gases is disclosed. The tube is composed of a longitudinally extended throughhole and a thin circumferential wall and is provided with a means for radiating UV rays directed to an upstream portion thereof from outside. The wall is formed of a light-pervious alumina ceramic, and has a center-line mean roughness (R.sub.a) of not more than 1.0 .mu.m in a portion exposed to gas plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Ohashi, Michio Asai
  • Patent number: 5567945
    Abstract: A compact atomic absorption analyzer includes a xenon flashlamp, processing circuits, optics, electronic heating apparatus and a photomultiplier. A sample to be tested is heated using electronic (radio frequency) heating apparatus within the optics to subject the sample to thermal energy sufficient to excite the element of the sample to a level at which it will radiate its characteristic line-emission spectra. A high intensity background light having an ultraviolet component is generated by the xenon flashlamp within the optics and this spectral distribution of this light is received by the photomultiplier. The output of the photomultiplier is processed by the processing electronics, with the results of the test displayed, stored and/or downloaded to an external computer or printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Analytical Precision, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Drevline, Louis C. Burke
  • Patent number: 5496502
    Abstract: An adhesive plastic scintillator which can be attached onto a solid support medium such as a microtiter plate, either by melting it in and/or on a solid support medium because the plastic scintillator is capable of being changed between solid and liquid phases, whichever is desired, by temperature control, or by deposition from a solution of said adhesive plastic scintillator. The plastic scintillator is for analyzing radioactive samples and comprises fluorescent substances and optionally energy transfer compounds for converting radiation energy into light energy. The plastic scintillator remains transparent upon transition from the liquid to the solid state, and upon the same transition adheres to the solid support medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Packard Instrument, B.V.
    Inventor: James Thomson
  • Patent number: 5250258
    Abstract: An air treatment apparatus includes a chamber designed to provide infrared radiation at a predetermined wavelength. Atmospheric air is passed through the chamber such that carbon dioxide molecules in the chamber achieve a higher energy state. Atmospheric air containing the higher energy state carbon dioxide molecules is discharged from the apparatus into the atmosphere. The atmospheric air containing higher energy or activated carbon dioxide may be used in a given space to overcome lethargic conditions produced by prior art air treatment devices such as air conditioners. The atmospheric air may be filtered prior to entering and after discharging from the treatment chamber for further air treatment. Heat may also be provided in the chamber to oxidize impurities in the air for further purification and air treatment. A method is provided whereby atmospheric air passes through the infrared radiating chamber to activate carbon dioxide molecules therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Byeung-ok Oh
  • Patent number: 5164160
    Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for carrying out continuous measurements in real time of masses of metals in an acid solution and measuring the acidity of this solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Thierry Pelletier, Jacques Gontier
  • Patent number: 5112659
    Abstract: A rabbit for radiation formed of an aromatic polyester composed of ethylene-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate units as main recurring units and having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.45 to 0.90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Hideo Katoh, Masahiro Hosoi, Hisashi Hamano, Yasuhiko Saito
  • Patent number: 5011283
    Abstract: A support device for a workpiece, such as a spectrophotometric flow cell is provided. The device includes a base plate, a mounting bar attached to the base plate, a support arm slidably mounted on the base plate/mounting bar assembly, an adjustment plug contained in an elongate cavity formed in the support arm, and a workpiece rotatably friction mounted on the adjustment plug. With the base plate mounted horizontally, the orientation and position of the work piece may be adjusted horizontally by sliding the support arm along the mounting bar, vertically by moving the adjustment plug within the elongate cavity and rotationally by rotating the workpiece, which is retained in its new position by the friction mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
    Inventors: Tony R. Carrie, Robert A. Newton
  • Patent number: 4963331
    Abstract: A sealed glass tube having an electrical conductor therein arranged when combined with a high voltage and an encircling perforated metal member on the tube to produce ozone. The tube has an electrically conducting cap fitted on and integrally secured to one end thereof, and an externally threaded adapter is mounted on the cap for quick attachment to and detachment from an ozone generator manifold. The conductor has a projecting end secured to an outer end wall of the cap, and such wall in turn has a lug attached thereto providing quick attachment to a source of high voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Mouw
  • Patent number: 4931654
    Abstract: An air sterilizing apparatus includes an enclosed housing which accommodates radiant sterilizing tubes carried by a holder capable of moving out of the housing or retracting thereinto by means of a moving mechanism. When the holder is moved out, the radiant sterilizing tubes thus exposed sterilize the external air surrounding the housing. When the holder is moved back into the housing, the radiant sterilizing tubes sterilize the air drawn into the enclosed housing through an inlet, after which the sterilized air is discharged through an outlet of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Wen-Jenn Horng
  • Patent number: 4922114
    Abstract: A liquid purification system comprising a housing with inlet and outlet for the flow of the liquid to be purified. A source of ultraviolet is mounted within the housing surrounded by a sleeve of ultraviolet-transmissive material such as quartz. A rod mounted for reciprocal movement is mounted in the housing and extends out of the housing. On the rod is mounted wiper assemblies each one of which consists of tear-shaped plate to surround the sleeve, a washer of suitable material on the plate to make contact with the sleeve for wiping the outer surface of the sleeve as the rod is reciprocated, and a securing device to hold the washer in place. Pins with press-on nuts are employed to sandwich each wiper assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Hilary Boehme
  • Patent number: 4734584
    Abstract: A near-infrared quantitative measurement instrument allows measurement in either reflectance or transmission modes depending upon a sample holder which is loaded in a sample chamber. The instrument has means for detecting in both the reflectance mode and the transmission mode, and the particular sample holder used determines in which mode the measurement is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Trebor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Rosenthal