Calorimeter Patents (Class 422/51)
  • Patent number: 11650188
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to methods, apparatuses, and systems for recovering gas sensors from silicone poisoning. In an example embodiment, a method of recovering a gas sensing apparatus from silicone poisoning is provided. The method includes exposing the gas sensing apparatus to a predetermined hydrogen concentration for a period of hydrogen exposure time. The predetermined hydrogen concentration breaks down the silicon oxide bonds formed on a catalytic bead of the gas sensing apparatus. The method also includes providing a methane concentration to the gas sensing apparatus for a period of methane exposure time. The method further includes determining that the gas sensing apparatus satisfies a predetermined calibration sensitivity based on the reaction of the gas sensing apparatus to the methane concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: RAE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Ling Liu, Na Wei, Fucheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 11604156
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed in which metal oxide composition electrical resistance is measured in a plurality of sensors to detect flammable or reducing compounds wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is operated at a temperature or includes a metal oxide composition that is different than a respective temperature or metal oxide composition of another of the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lei Chen, Marcin Piech
  • Patent number: 11543373
    Abstract: A method and a calorimeter system for reducing error in a measured sample heat flow rate due to interpan heat exchange are described. The method includes sensing a heat flow rate to or from a sample container placed on a sample calorimeter unit in a single sample differential scanning calorimeter sensor and sensing a reference heat flow rate to or from a reference container placed on a reference calorimeter unit of the single sample differential scanning calorimeter sensor. The temperature of the sample container and the temperature of the reference container are also sensed. An interpan heat exchange between the sample container and the reference container is determined. A sample heat flow rate having reduced error is determined based on the sensed heat flow rate from the sample container and the determined interpan heat exchange rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TA INSTRUMENTS-WATERS LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Danley
  • Patent number: 10908091
    Abstract: A biosensor, and a preparation and biosensing method therefor. The biosensor includes: a sensing substrate, wherein a plurality of sensing suspending arms arranged in an array are arranged on the sensing substrate, and the sensing suspending arms have identification markers; and a detection substrate, the detection substrate including a plurality of light detection assemblies arranged in an array, wherein the light detection assemblies and the sensing suspending arms are arranged in one-to-one correspondence, each of the light detection assemblies includes a photodiode and a thin film transistor, and the photodiode is connected to the thin film transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignees: BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yue Geng, Peizhi Cai, Fengchun Pang, Le Gu
  • Patent number: 10132766
    Abstract: The invention relates to method for transferring under pressure a fluid extracted from the deposit by means of a sampling vessel (5) wherein the fluid sample is maintained at the reservoir pressure or extraction pressure, as well as to the method for determining at least one thermodynamic characteristic of this fluid, particularly a method for determining phase transition envelops. The invention also refers to a method combining the implementation of the scanning thansitiometry with spectroscopic or analytical techniques, eventually in the presence of a fluid in a supercritical state. The invention similarly refers to a device for implementation of the above-referred methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: UNIVERSITE BLAISE PASCAL—CLERMONT II, INSTITUTO MEXICANO DEL PETROLEO
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Grolier, Stanislaw Randzio, Marco Antonio Aquino-Olivos
  • Patent number: 9947086
    Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are disclosed that use locally flat scenes to adjust image data. An imaging system includes an array of photodetectors configured to produce an array of intensity values corresponding to light intensity at the photodetectors. The imaging system can be configured to acquire a frame of intensity values, or an image frame, and analyze the image frame to determine if it is locally flat. If the image frame is locally flat, then that image data can be used to determine gradients present in the image frame. An offset mask can be determined from the image data and that offset mask can be used to adjust subsequently acquired image frames to reduce or remove gradients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Seek Thermal, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee, William J. Parrish, Andreas Engberg, Ross Williams
  • Patent number: 9435772
    Abstract: To provide a heating apparatus for a gas chromatograph, and a heating method for a gas chromatograph, wherein vapor phase components can be analyzed at an arbitrary temperature and can be instantaneously heated and pyrolized at a set temperature, thereby enabling analysis to be carried out with good reproducibility. The heating apparatus for a gas chromatograph 10 is structured in that the ceramic heater 33 is disposed around the periphery of the sample tube 31 to heat the sample 1 housed in the sample tube 31, the temperature of the sample 1 is incrementally elevated, and the high-frequency coil 35, disposed around the periphery of the ceramic heater 33, heats the pyrofoil 32 wrapping the sample 1 to the Curie point, and the sample 1 is instantaneously heated and pyrolized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Japan Analytical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Oguri, Kaoru Enokido
  • Patent number: 9164116
    Abstract: A wash element for washing one or more reusable fluid manipulators is provided comprising at least one nozzle for connection to a fluid pump to generate a fluid jet and at least one deflector surface positioned to deflect the fluid jet towards a washing zone for receiving at least a portion of the fluid manipulator. The deflector surface is being shaped to broaden the fluid jet. The invention further relates to a wash station having a cavity provided with one or more wash elements. The invention yet further relates to an automated system for manipulating fluids comprising at least one wash station and a controller set up to control washing the fluid manipulator. In a process for washing the reusable fluid manipulator at least a portion of the fluid manipulator is moved in a washing zone, a fluid jet of washing fluid is generated and directed onto a deflector surface shaped to broaden and deflect the fluid jet towards the washing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Raphael Gut
  • Patent number: 9004752
    Abstract: A viable strategy to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs is to use amorphous solids in place of the more commonly used crystalline solids in pharmaceutical formulations. However, amorphous solids are physically meta-stable and tend to revert back to their crystalline counterpart. An effective approach to stabilizing an amorphous drug against crystallization is to disperse it in a polymer matrix. The drug's solubility in the chosen polymer defines the upper limit of drug loading without any risk of crystallization. Measuring the solubility of a drug in a polymer has been a scientific and technological challenge because the high viscosity of polymers makes achieving solubility equilibrium difficult and because pharmaceutically important drug/polymer dispersions are glasses, which undergo structural relaxation over time. The invention provides a method based on Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) for measuring the solubility of crystalline drugs in polymeric matrices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Abbvie, Inc., Abbvie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Geoff G. Zhang, Lian Yu, Jing Tao, Ye Sun, Markus Maegerlein
  • Publication number: 20150079583
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a calorimeter for detecting the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample. The calorimeter can include a substrate, a hermetically-sealed, thermally decoupled central reaction zone associated with the substrate, at least one droplet transport region, and detection electronics. The at least one droplet transport region can be associated with the substrate and configured to merge a reagent droplet with a sample droplet including the fluid sample to form a reaction droplet in the central reaction zone. The detection electronics can be in electrical and/or thermal communication with the central reaction zone and associated with the substrate. The calorimeter can be configured to detect a heat of reaction produced by a reaction event between the target analyte and a capture reagent upon formation of the reaction droplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Franz Baudenbacher, Raymond Mernaugh, John Mayo, Brad Lubbers
  • Publication number: 20150072437
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a commercially usable and inexpensive device and method with which a sorption enthalpy can be measured in a simple manner. This is achieved by a device for calorimetrically measuring sorption processes, comprising a sorption cell for receiving a sample, the sorption cell having a volume for filling with a sorption gas, and comprising a reference cell likewise for filing with the sorption gas. A measurement gas volume is arranged around the sorption cell for receiving a reference gas, and the reference cell is surrounded by a reference gas volume, which is likewise provided for receiving the reference gas. A gas connection is provided between the sorption cell and the reference cell in order to conduct sorption gas into the sorption cell and the reference cell such that a sorption reaction occurs with the sample in the sorption cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Dieter Bathen, Tatjana Hayn, Cornelia Will, Frieder Dreisbach
  • Patent number: 8975083
    Abstract: Rotatable bomb device having a stationary hollow housing and a rotatable component inside the housing provides for very good temperature calibration, temperature recording and, when desired, sample control. The device can have at least one of an insulating lower disc or washer; a plurality of staggered heating bands encompassing a stationary housing; a dry scan port; a rear upper and/or lower port; and an extraction/injection fitting for access to the interior of the stationary housing. The device may be used to react or attempt to react substance(s), for example, generally as in ASTM Method D2272 testing of turbine oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tannas Company
    Inventors: Theodore W. Selby, Gregory C. Miiller
  • Publication number: 20150037902
    Abstract: A nanocalorimeter device includes a head that defines first dispensing regions configured to receive first drops of first liquids and a cover that defines second dispensing regions corresponding to the first dispensing regions and configured to receive second drops of second liquids. The first and second dispensing regions form corresponding nanocalorimeter cells when the cover is connected to the head, each nanocalorimeter cell thereby containing first and second drops which are combined during a measurement run into a merged drop. The nanocalorimeter device further includes mini-bars pre-dispensed in the second dispensing regions, respectively, each mini-bar including a high magnetic permeability material. A magnetic driver is configured to generate a rotating magnetic field around the nanocalorimeter cells, where the rotating magnetic field causes the mini-bars to spin, mixing the first and second liquids in the merged drop within each nanocalorimeter cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Tirumala R. Ranganath, Carol J. Courville, Richard Michael Kinder
  • Publication number: 20150031142
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a device and a method for measuring gas chemical solvent absorption and desorption reaction heat. The device comprises an outer casing; an metal guard inner shell; a reactor; a pressure sensor; a thermal insulation material between the outer casing and the metal guard inner shell; guard electric heaters provided respectively in an upper portion and a lower portion of an outer periphery of the metal guard inner shell; a glass fiber thermal insulation layer between the inner metal guard shell and the reactor; temperature thermocouples provided in the glass fiber thermal insulation layer; a glass fiber board provided in a lower portion of an outer periphery of the reactor; main electric heaters between the glass fiber board and the reactor; a liquid inlet pipe and a gas discharge pipe; a temperature thermistor, a liquid discharge pipe; a data acquisition board; a computer; and a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Jian Zhang, Qingfang Li, Haili Liu, Shijian Lu, Minghua Shang, Xin Wang, Limin He, Shaowei Huang, Xinjun Zhang, Guangling Sun, Tong Shan, Zenglin Wang, Huizhong Pang, Dongjie Liu, Huijuan Yu, Zhiying Sun, Luning Wu, Hongbin Zhu, Ningning Zhang, Lei Zhang, Yinjun Lu
  • Patent number: 8931950
    Abstract: In one aspect, provided herein is a single crystal silicon microcalorimeter, for example useful for high temperature operation and long-term stability of calorimetric measurements. Microcalorimeters described herein include microcalorimeter embodiments having a suspended structure and comprising single crystal silicon. Also provided herein are methods for making calorimetric measurements, for example, on small quantities of materials or for determining the energy content of combustible material having an unknown composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: William P. King, Jungchul Lee
  • Publication number: 20150011009
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the calorific value parameter describing the calorific value of a gaseous fuel. The apparatus comprises a test burner with a test combustion chamber. An air ratio sensor is arranged in an exhaust gas duct of the test burner and measures an air ratio signal that corresponds to the air ratio of the exhaust gas. As a function of the received air ratio signal, at least one setting signal is generated for a test supply unit via a test control unit. The setting signal controls the amount and/or the proportion of a gaseous fuel or an oxygen-containing gas that is supplied to the test combustion chamber. A calorific value sensor arrangement is provided in the combustion chamber and has an ionization sensor and, a temperature sensor. The sensor signal of the calorific value sensor is transmitted to a determination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Karl Dungs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Schmidt, Harald Petermann, Siegfried Berger, Rudolf Haug
  • Publication number: 20140303019
    Abstract: A microfluidic sensor includes a microchannel that includes a reaction site with a reagent and a sample inlet. A liquid substance is received at the sample inlet and travels by capillary action to the reaction site. A temperature sensor measures a temperature as a result of a reaction between the reagent and a chemical in the liquid substance. A controller is communicatively connected to the temperature sensor, receives the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and derives a concentration of the chemical in the liquid substance from the temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chung Hoon Lee, Benyamin Davaji
  • Publication number: 20140273276
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a microfluidic calorimeter apparatus. A microfluidic calorimeter system includes a calorimetry apparatus and a processor in connection with the apparatus. The apparatus includes a microfluidic laminar flow channel connected to two inlets for flowing fluid into the laminar flow channel. Below the laminar flow channel is a plurality of microscale temperature sensors at known positions in the channel. The processor is in connection with the discrete temperature sensors and determines a calorimetry measurement based on local temperatures derived from data output by the microscale temperature sensors and the respective positions of the sensors in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Northeastern University, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason O. Fiering, Dale Larson, Gregory Kowalski, Amy Taylor, Wajeeh M. Saadi, Mehmet Sen
  • Patent number: 8827548
    Abstract: A microfluidic embedded nanoelectromechanical system (NEMs) force sensor provides an electrical readout. The force sensor contains a deformable member that is integrated with a strain sensor. The strain sensor converts a deformation of the deformable member into an electrical signal. A microfluidic channel encapsulates the force sensor, controls a fluidic environment around the force sensor, and improves the read out. In addition, a microfluidic embedded vacuum insulated biocalorimeter is provided. A calorimeter chamber contains a parylene membrane. Both sides of the chamber are under vacuum during measurement of a sample. A microfluidic cannel (built from parylene) is used to deliver a sample to the chamber. A thermopile, used as a thermometer is located between two layers of parylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael L. Roukes, Chung-Wah Fon, Wonhee Lee, Hongxing Tang, Blake Waters Axelrod, John Liang Tan
  • Patent number: 8815601
    Abstract: A calorimeter with at least one reactor for receiving a sample is disclosed. A reactor jacket may surround the reactor. A reactor-heating device and a reactor-cooling device serve to regulate an internal reactor temperature. The reactor-cooling device preferably comprises a thermoelectric cooling element that is thermally connected to a coolant. The reactor-cooling device and the reactor-heating device are preferably individual units, both of which are thermally connected to the reactor by way of the reactor jacket. A temperature control device is provided to control the reactor-heating device and the reactor-cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Benedikt Schenker
  • Patent number: 8815152
    Abstract: Disclosed is a single-use disposable article for determining the concentration of thiol compounds in a sample of fluid, a single-use disposable test strip for determining the concentration of thiol compounds in a sample of a fluid from a mammalian subject, a single-use disposable test strip for determining the risk that a mammalian subject is suffering from a particular malady, and a description of how to make and use the article and test strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Alt Bioscience, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Burgess-Cassler, Boyd E. Haley
  • Patent number: 8746966
    Abstract: A thermoanalytical instrument, and especially a differential scanning calorimeter, has first and second measurement positions, a heater and a temperature sensor associated with each of the measurement positions, and a controller. The controller, which has an associated means for setting a predetermined temperature program, controls a heating power of the first heater to cause the temperature measured at the first position to follow the temperature program. The controller also controls both heaters to eliminate any temperature difference between the measured first and second temperatures. The controller also provides a means for determining the lower of the measured first and second measured temperatures and applies additional power to the heater associated with that lower measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Ernst Van De Kerkhof, Paul Pieter Willem Van Grinsven
  • Patent number: 8709820
    Abstract: A concentration measuring apparatus for hydrogen sulfide includes an absorbing liquid that can absorb gaseous hydrogen sulfide as sulfide ion; a hollow fiber membrane contactor that contacts a gas flow with a flow of the absorbing liquid through a membrane, so that the absorbing liquid absorbs gaseous hydrogen sulfide in the gas flow as sulfide ion; a pump for a first channel that feeds the absorbing liquid to the hollow fiber membrane contactor; an oxidizer that exothermically reacts with sulfide ion; a pump for a second channel that feeds the oxidizer to the absorbing liquid; a first thermometer that measures a temperature of the absorbing liquid before the sulfide ion that the absorbing liquid has absorbed exothermically reacts with the oxidizer; and a second thermometer that measures the temperature of the absorbing liquid after the sulfide ion that the absorbing liquid has absorbed exothermically reacts with the oxidizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum, United Arab Emirates University
    Inventors: Sayed Marzouk, Mohamed Al Marzouqi
  • Patent number: 8696989
    Abstract: A calorimeter device includes various components located on a common substrate. A first (calorimeter) integrated chip device is located on the substrate. This first device has a first microfluidic channel that has first side and a second side. A first heat sensing circuit is located on the first side of the first channel and a second heat sensing circuit is located on the second side of the channel, opposite the first side and facing the first heat sensing circuit. A second integrated chip device is located on the substrate and proximal to the first device. The second device includes a second microfluidic channel having a third side and fourth side. A third heat sensing circuit is located on the third side of the second channel. A fourth heat sensing circuit is located on the fourth side of the channel, opposite the third side and facing the third heat sensing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior Univerity
    Inventors: Hesaam Esfandyarpour, Ronald W. Davis
  • Publication number: 20140099728
    Abstract: Rotatable bomb device having a stationary hollow housing and a rotatable component inside the housing provides for very good temperature calibration, temperature recording and, when desired, sample control. The device can have at least one of an insulating lower disc or washer; a plurality of staggered heating bands encompassing a stationary housing; a dry scan port; a rear upper and/or lower port; and an extraction/injection fitting for access to the interior of the stationary housing. The device may be used to react or attempt to react substance(s), for example, generally as in ASTM Method D2272 testing of turbine oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Tannas Company
    Inventors: Theodore W. Selby, Gregory C. Miiller
  • Patent number: 8679405
    Abstract: Rotatable bomb device includes a housing with a hollow interior for receipt of a rotatable component to a vessel, and support for the component in the interior; and the component for such receipt and support in the housing. The device may be employed as a reactor or in test methods, for example, methods such as oxygen uptake tests analogous or equivalent to the ASTM-D-2272 and ASTM-D-4742 test methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tannas Company
    Inventors: James F. Secrist, Robert J. Hite, Jr., Gregory C. Miiller, Theodore W. Selby, William A. Atkins
  • Patent number: 8668380
    Abstract: A method for operating a calorimeter and a calorimeter that is operable to perform the method, wherein the calorimeter has a reactor (1) for receiving a reaction medium, a reactor jacket (2), an in-reactor heater (4) controlled by means of a first controller (6), an outer temperature control unit (9) in thermal contact with the reactor and controlled by a second controller (10), and a measurement sensor (5) arranged in the reactor for determining a reactor temperature (Tr). The reactor temperature is controlled by the heat which is delivered to the reactor by the in-reactor heater and by the heat that is carried in and/or out by the outer temperature control unit. A dynamic control of the heating power of the in-reactor heater and of the outer temperature control unit is used to eliminate any deviation of the reactor temperature from a reactor set-point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Benedikt Schenker
  • Publication number: 20130344612
    Abstract: Disclosed is a differential scanning nanocalorimeter device, methods of fabricating such a device, and methods of use thereof. The nanocalorimeter contains thermal equilibrium areas for sample and reference liquids, with thermometers, compensation heater, and electric trace elements fabricated on a free-standing polymer diaphragm membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Lei ZUO
  • Publication number: 20130288386
    Abstract: An article comprising: an array of calorimeter devices, wherein the device comprises: at least one fluidic enclosure disposed on a microfluidic chip, wherein the fluidic enclosure is substantially gas impermeable; at least one first chamber and at least one second chamber, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are disposed within and enclosed by the fluidic enclosure, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are not vacuum encapsulated; at least two microfluidic channels connected to the first chamber and at least two microfluidic channels connected to the second chamber; and at least one thermal sensor disposed between the chip and the first and second chambers, wherein the thermal sensor is adapted to measure a temperature differential between the first and second chambers. Examples include DSC and TSA devices. Biological binding and melting experiments can be done with high sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Chung Wah FON, Michael L. ROUKES
  • Publication number: 20130280128
    Abstract: A method for producing excess enthalpy by impregnating metallic precursors on an oxide support that reduces sintering and particle growth; drying the impregnated support at a temperature where the particle growth is minimal; reducing the metallic precursors at a second temperature where the particle growth results in supported metallic particles 2 nm or less in size; and pressurizing the supported metallic particles in the presence of deuterium. The metal particles may comprise palladium, platinum, mixtures thereof, or mixtures of palladium and/or platinum with other elements. Also disclosed is a method for measuring excess enthalpy by placing a test material in a pressure vessel; heating the pressure vessel; evacuating the pressure vessel; introducing deuterium, hydrogen, or both into the pressure vessel; measuring the enthalpy generated during pressurization; again evacuating the pressure vessel; and measuring the enthalpy used during depressurization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: David A. Kidwell
  • Patent number: 8501092
    Abstract: The present invention provides a calorimeter device, generally comprising a reaction vessel which may be U-shaped and which may be cantilevered; and a sensor for detecting temperature changes. In various embodiments, the sensor detects heat input into or output from the reaction vessel; changes in the electrical properties of a material coated onto the reaction vessel; changes in the mechanical properties of the reaction vessel; or changes in the resonance properties of the reaction vessel. The present invention further provides arrays of a subject calorimeter device. The present invention further provides a system for detecting a temperature change. The present invention further provides methods of detecting a temperature change that occurs as a result of a chemical, biochemical, biological, light-induced, or physical process. The methods generally involve introducing a sample into a subject device, and detecting a temperature change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: James K. Gimzewski
  • Patent number: 8496374
    Abstract: A differential scanning calorimeter (1) includes: a sample container (2) for receiving a measurement sample; a reference substance container (3) for receiving a reference substance; a heat sink (10); a thermal resistance (5), which is connected between the sample container and the heat sink, and between the reference substance container and the heat sink to form heat flow paths therebetween; a sample-side thermocouple (7), which is thermally connected to the thermal resistance at a portion in the vicinity of the sample container with its hot-junction (7c) being insulated; and a reference substance-side thermocouple (8), which is thermally connected to the thermal resistance at a portion in the vicinity of the reference substance container with its hot junction (8c) being insulated, in which the sample-side thermocouple and the reference substance-side thermocouple output a heat flow difference signal indicating a temperature difference between the measurement sample and the reference substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: SII Nano Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinya Nishimura, Kentaro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8485721
    Abstract: A device to measure the residual power of a charge, comprising: means delimiting a first vessel to receive and contain a charge to be measured; means delimiting a second vessel around the first vessel; means to apply a layer of liquid or wet layer around the first vessel; and means to maintain constant the temperature and/or pressure of a vapor outside the first vessel or in the second vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventor: Luc Gros Daillon
  • Publication number: 20130130254
    Abstract: An implantable diagnostic device in accordance with the present disclosure provides various benefits such as a compact size thereby allowing implanting of the device inside animate objects; low cost due to incorporation of inexpensive detection circuitry and the use of conventional IC fabrication techniques; re-usability by heating thereby allowing multiple diagnostic tests to be performed without discarding the device; and a configuration that allows performing of simultaneous and/or sequential diagnostic tests for detecting one or more similar or dissimilar target molecules concurrently or at different times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • Patent number: 8409505
    Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack contains sensors and performs a test using one of the sensors. The instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor. The sensor release activates a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin. The sensor release aid arm contacts the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Bruce A. Flora, John P. Creaven, Russell J. Micinski
  • Patent number: 8393785
    Abstract: A nanocalorimeter includes a merging layer having, a drop placement area for holding drops to be merged and a thermal equilibration area. A measurement layer includes a substrate, and a temperature probe on the substrate, wherein the temperature probe extends out of the surface of the substrate to come into operative contact with the thermal equilibration area when the measurement layer is placed in operative association with the merging layer. The nanocalorimeter is configured to have the merging layer and the measurement layer non-integrated, making the measurement layer reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Dirk De Bruyker, Francisco E. Torres, Michal V. Wolkin, Gregory B. Anderson, Eugene M. Chow
  • Publication number: 20130059390
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relates to a system and method for determining the efficacy of the catalyst comprising means to detect any temperature change in the catalyst when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation and determine the efficacy of the catalyst in accordance with the temperature change. A detectable rise in the temperature of the catalyst is indicative of a catalytic reaction to remove oxygen from the anaerobic work station. Thus, the system determines the catalyst is an active catalyst if the temperature of the catalyst rises when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation. The system determines the catalyst is an inactive catalyst if the temperature of the catalyst does not rise when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation. Further aspect of the invention relate to a system and method for determining the atmosphere of an anaerobic workstation in accordance with the efficacy of the catalyst of the anaerobic workstation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: DON WHITLEY SCIENTIFIC LIMITED
    Inventor: David Boast
  • Patent number: 8371746
    Abstract: A thermal analysis device comprising a replaceable sensor that can be contacted via a contact element of an electrical contacting means, a heating element and a cooling element. The contact element(s) is thermally connected with the heating element and can be heated essentially independently of the operating state of the cooling element even when no sensor is mounted to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Corinne Schärer, Ulrich Esser, Thomas Hütter
  • Publication number: 20130034465
    Abstract: The invention provides a hydrogen sensing device capable of preventing sensor sensitivity decreases. A hydrogen sensor 150 detects the hydrogen in an exhaust pipe and is installed in a divergent pipe DP. Flowing through the exhaust pipe is off-gas discharged from the fuel cell of a fuel cell vehicle. In order to decompose the siloxanes contained in the gas, a siloxane decomposing material 130 is placed upstream of the hydrogen sensor 150 inside the divergent pipe DP. Also, an SiO2 capturing material 140 is placed between the siloxane decomposing material 130 and the hydrogen sensor 150, so that the SiO2 capturing material can capture the SiO2 resulting from the decomposition of siloxanes by the siloxane decomposing material 130.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi KANNO, Yasuo Yoshii, Junji Onozuka, Masahiko Soshino, Hidetoshi Oishi, Kazuhiro Okajima, Shunji Tsukabayashi
  • Patent number: 8356933
    Abstract: A calorimeter (1) with a decomposition chamber (3) with a combustion chamber (2), in which a receiving device (4) for a sample, an ignition device (5), and at least one supply line (6) for oxygen are provided. The decomposition chamber (3) is surrounded by a liquid or water jacket (7) into which at least one temperature sensor (8) extends. The liquid or water jacket (7) is surrounded by an outer container (9), which is a pressure container and which absorbs pressure generated during the combustion of a sample in the decomposition chamber (3) at the walls (10) thereof as a result of a tight sliding fit (15) by way of the water or the incompressible liquid. The decomposition chamber (3) therefore has an accordingly thin wall so that the heat generated during combustion of a sample can reach the temperature sensor or sensors (8) quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: IKA-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hubert Pinhack
  • Patent number: 8337779
    Abstract: A reagent open mechanism of the luminescence measurement system comprises a triaxial actuator and a reagent dispensing nozzle which is driven by the triaxial actuator. A reagent cartridge where a reagent to be divided by the reagent dispensing nozzle is filled in a concave and the opening of the concave is sealed by an aluminum sheet can be set in. This reagent open mechanism comprises an open needle which is driven by the triaxial actuator and makes a hole in the aluminum sheet and a fixation block between the reagent dispensing nozzle and the open needle which arranges the reagent dispensing nozzle and the open needle in such location that the reagent dispensing nozzle or the open needle does not contact with a structure including the reagent cartridge in a Z-axis operation during opening time or reagent dividing and dispensing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Noe Miyashita
  • Patent number: 8334521
    Abstract: The invention concerns a medical instrument disinfecting system (1) comprising a disinfecting chamber (4) adapted to implement a cycle for disinfecting the instruments. The invention is characterized in that each instrument (1) comprises identification data (5) and in that the chamber (4) is associated with means (6) for acquiring the identification data of the or each instrument (1) when it is introduced into or withdrawn from the chamber (4) at the start and at the end of a disinfecting cycle, with means (7, 8) for acquiring characterization data of the disinfecting cycle and with means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) for associating the identification data of the or each instrument and the characterization data of the disinfecting cycle to generate traceability data of the disinfection of the or each instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Germitec
    Inventor: Clement Deshays
  • Publication number: 20120315691
    Abstract: A micro-calorimeter apparatus includes a thermostated housing (3,4,5); a pair of essentially flat heat sinks (9,10), suspended in the housing (2) and thermally floating relative to the environment inside the housing (3,4,5). The heat sinks (9,10) are arranged with their surfaces facing each other. A pair of Peltier elements (11) are thermally attached to the heat sinks (9,10), one element (11) on each heat sink (9,10), on the facing surfaces, forming a gap between them for the accommodation of a generally flat biosensor unit (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: SENZIME AB (PUBL.)
    Inventors: Thomas CARLSSON, Kjell ROSENGREN
  • Publication number: 20120264224
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a microfluidic calorimeter apparatus. A microfluidic calorimeter system includes a calorimetry apparatus and a processor in connection with the apparatus. The apparatus includes a microfluidic laminar flow channel connected to two inlets for flowing fluid into the laminar flow channel. Below the laminar flow channel is a plurality of microscale temperature sensors at known positions in the channel. The processor is in connection with the discrete temperature sensors and determines a calorimetry measurement based on local temperatures derived from data output by the microscale temperature sensors and the respective positions of the sensors in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicants: Northeastern University, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason O. Fiering, Dale Larson, Gregory Kowalski, Mehmet Sen
  • Patent number: 8262989
    Abstract: A micro-calorimeter apparatus comprises a thermostated housing (3,4,5); a pair of essentially flat heat sinks (9,10), suspended in the housing (2) and thermally floating relative to the environment inside the housing (3,4,5). The heat sinks (9,10) are arranged with their surfaces facing each other. A pair of Peltier elements (11) are thermally attached to the heat sinks (9,10), one element (11) on each heat sink (9,10), on the facing surfaces, forming a gap between them for the accommodation of a generally flat biosensor unit (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Senzime AB (Publ.)
    Inventors: Thomas Carlsson, Kjell Rosengren
  • Patent number: 8263017
    Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to thermoresponsive switching materials that undergo a thermal transition over a narrow temperature range and to devices, such as actuators, indicators, and sensors, prepared from such compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Bay Materials, LLC
    Inventors: Ray F. Stewart, Debra L. Dunson
  • Patent number: 8201992
    Abstract: New sensors and methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple gaseous substances simultaneously with both high selectivity and high sensitivity are provided. The new sensors rely on a characteristic difference in energy between the interaction of a particular substance with a catalyst coated heat transfer device (HTD) and a non-catalyst coated (or one coated with a different catalyst) reference HTD. Molecular detection is achieved by an exothermic or endothermic chemical or physical reaction between the catalytic surface of the sensor and the molecule, tending to induce a temperature change of the sensor. Both high temperature and non-destructive low temperature detection are possible. The magnitude and rate of endothermic or exothermic heat transfer from a specific molecule-catalyst interaction is related to molecular concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Sensor Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Horovitz, Karl F. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8197750
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for the identification of test tubes in a test tube rack using RFID technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz Trueeb, Armin Birrer, Thomas Brauner
  • Patent number: 8153434
    Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing vessel having associated therewith a colorimetric member that is effective to change color in exposure to leakage of a gas contained in the vessel. The colorimetric member may be constituted by a film, e.g., of a shrink-wrap character, that contains or is otherwise associated with a colorimetric agent undergoing color change in exposure to fluid leaking from the vessel. Such shrink-wrap film may be applied to a portion of the vessel susceptible to leakage, or alternatively to the entire vessel, so that the film is colorimetrically effective to indicate the occurrence of a leakage event by visually perceptible change of color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Marganski, Jose I. Arno, Edward A. Sturm, Kristy L. Zaleta
  • Patent number: 8147133
    Abstract: A measured system for use with a calorimeter and related methods of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Daniel Ellison, Ryan Ubelhor