Measuring Pressure Patents (Class 422/82.13)
  • Patent number: 10207246
    Abstract: A fuel activation and energy release apparatus is provided for increasing energy output of a fluid substance. The apparatus comprises a fluidly sealable reactor chamber, adapted to withstand a predetermined fluid pressure and temperature; a fluid injection port, adapted to provide a one-way fluid communication from an external fluid reservoir to said reactor chamber; a fluid ejection port, adapted to provide a one-way fluid communication from said reactor chamber to an external region, so as to controllably release said fluid substance from said reactor chamber and at least one first electromagnetic radiation (EMR) waveguide. The first EMR waveguide having a first waveguide input port and a first waveguide output port, operably coupled within said reactor chamber and adapted to couple electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined first wavelength to a fluid substance injected into said reactor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ARCS ENERGY
    Inventor: Anthony Archer
  • Patent number: 9645055
    Abstract: A sampler has a sample chamber for a sample forming from a molten material, at least one lower cooling body, at least one upper cooling body, at least one inner cooling body, and at least one filling part. The sample chamber is surrounded jointly at least by the lower cooling body and the inner cooling body, such that at least the sample chamber can be cooled by at least the lower and inner cooling bodies. The filling part merges into the sample chamber by a filling opening. Between a region of the outer surface of the inner cooling body and a region of the outer surface of the upper cooling body opposite the outer surface of the inner cooling body, the sampler has at least one gap for conducting at least one gas. The volume of the respective cooling bodies is larger than the volume of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: HERAEUS ELECTRO-NITE INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Cappa, Gerrit Broekmans
  • Patent number: 9034654
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the liquefied petroleum gas includes the following steps. Provide a sample of the liquefied petroleum gas, and one main component group of the liquefied petroleum gas includes at least one sub component group. Analyze the sample of the liquefied petroleum gas so as to obtain a first measured THC corresponding to the main component group and a second measured THC corresponding to the sub component group. Obtain a regressed THC according to the second measured THC and a predetermined relationship of THC. Obtain a result of THC according to the first measured THC, the regressed THC, and a predetermined range of THC. The predetermined range of THC corresponds to the main component group. The device for analyzing the liquefied petroleum gas includes an inlet, a multiposition valve, a first column, a second column, an analyzing apparatus, and a computing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Hsiu-Li Su, Huan-Yi Hung, Han-Wen Chu, Tsung-Chou Hsu, Yao-Ting Huang
  • Publication number: 20150087071
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the relative content of a first rock species and of a second rock species in a rock sample extracted from a wellbore. The method comprises adding a reactant to the rock sample, measuring a first information (PT1) relative to a first amount of compound produced at a first instant (T1) and a second information (PT2) relative to a second amount of compound produced at a second instant (T2). The method also comprises calculating the relative content of the first species in the rock sample from the first information (PT1) and calculating the relative content of the second species in the rock sample from the second information PT2). The method comprises determining a corrected amount (Cv) of compound generated by the reaction of the second species with the reactant at the first instant (T1), and calculating the relative content of the first species in the rock sample and the relative content of the second species in the rock sample based on the corrected amount (Cv).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Geoservices Equipements
    Inventors: Farouk Kimour, Eric Villard, Pawel Kasprzykowski
  • Patent number: 8796031
    Abstract: A microchip for measuring platelet function by allowing blood to flow through a channel to induce platelet aggregation, wherein the microchip has a channel provided inside thereof, wherein at least a part of the channel is coated with collagen for allowing adhesion of platelets; a plurality of walls extend along the direction of the flow of blood in the channel and divide the width of the channel to form a channel dividing section; and the walls are treated to have a surface roughness (Ra) of 10 to 200 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Fujimori Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Hosokawa, Tomoko Wada, Masashi Fukasawa, Taro Kondo, Maki Terada
  • Patent number: 8781632
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a fluid containing one or more analytes of interest includes; measuring a plurality of properties of a sample fluid with unknown concentrations of the one or more analytes of interest; and using the measurements and a model of the relationship between the plurality of properties and concentrations of the one or more analytes to calculate the concentration of at least one of the analytes of interest. The model may be an artificial neural network. The method may be used to monitor the concentration of inhibitors of gas hydrate formation in a fluid. Apparatus for use in the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Heriot-Watt University
    Inventors: Bahman Tohidi, Jinhai Yang, Antonin Chapoy
  • Patent number: 8765058
    Abstract: The invention concerns an analyzer, typically for analyzing body fluids, which has one or several exchangeable cassettes (consumables) that contain operating liquids, operating materials and/or consumables and can be inserted into corresponding holders of the analyzer, wherein the analyzer has a system for exchanging ambient air which has a filter unit on the inlet side of the analyzer to filter the ambient air that needs to be exchanged. The filter unit is integrated into at least one of the exchangeable cassettes in order to minimize the amount of maintenance for the analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Sprengers, Berndt Ebner, Andreas Riegelnegg
  • Patent number: 8747744
    Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer in which a reaction solution is stirred by air ejected from an air ejection hole placed above a reaction container. The reaction region can be washed and cleaned sufficiently without causing damage, such as exfoliation of a coating reagent. A reaction container disk is provided with a pore and a pressure detector connected with the pore. Before and after the stirring operation, the ejection hole (nozzle) ejecting air is moved and the output value of the pressure detector is compared with a previously measured normal value. With a discharge pipe and a suction pipe inserted to the opening of the reaction container to be close to both ends of the opening and the side wall of the container, the reaction region at the bottom of the container is washed by continuous discharge and suction of cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hironobu Yamakawa, Yoichi Aruga, Takenori Okusa, Taisaku Seino
  • Publication number: 20140147927
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the liquefied petroleum gas comprises the following steps. Provide a sample of the liquefied petroleum gas, and one main component group of the liquefied petroleum gas comprises at least one sub component group. Analyze the sample of the liquefied petroleum gas so as to obtain a first measured THC corresponding to the main component group and a second measured THC corresponding to the sub component group. Obtain a regressed THC according to the second measured THC and a predetermined relationship of THC. Obtain a result of THC according to the first measured THC, the regressed THC, and a predetermined range of THC. The predetermined range of THC corresponds to the main component group. The device for analyzing the liquefied petroleum gas comprises an inlet, a multiposition valve, a first column, a second column, an analyzing apparatus, and a computing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Hsiu-Li Su, Huan-Yi Hung, Han-Wen Chu, Tsung-Chou Hsu, Yao-Ting Huang
  • Patent number: 8728784
    Abstract: A method is provided for fluid flow containment in an open liquid environment at least partially defined by a surface. The method includes the step of positioning a microfluidic device over the surface. The microfluidic device defines a chamber having a height. A flow of fluid is applied in the chamber. The pressure of the flow of fluid is monitored and the height of the chamber is determined from the measured pressure of the flow of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kevin T. Turner, Kevin V. Christ, Justin Willians, Pedro J. Resto
  • Publication number: 20140024073
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for observing a biological microelectromechanical systems response to a fluid including combining an activator and a fluid wherein the fluid comprises a component from a subterranean formation, exposing the combined activator and fluid to a sensor in a wellbore to observe a biological microelectromechanical systems response, and integrating data from the observing with petrophysical data. A method and apparatus for observing a biological microelectromechanical systems response to a fluid including a housing comprising a biological microelectromechanical observation material, a signal analyzer in communication with the material, and a fluid preparation device positioned to allow fluid to flow to the surface, wherein the fluid comprises a component from a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: OLEG ZHDANEEV, BRADLEY KAANTA, HUA CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130236882
    Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides micro-devices for detecting or treating a disease, each comprising a first sorting unit capable of detecting a property of the biological subject at the microscopic level and sorting the biological subject by the detected property; a first detection unit capable of detecting the same or different property of the sorted biological subject at the microscopic level; and a first layer of material having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface defines a first channel in which the biological subject flows from the first sorting unit to the first detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: CHANG HE BIO-MEDICAL SCIENCE (YANGZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chris C. Yu, Xuedong Du, He Yu
  • Publication number: 20130157371
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a device and method for accurately extracting individual organic acid and/or Total Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA), ammonium (NH4+) and buffering inorganic carbon compound or hydrogen carbonate (HCO3?) concentrations trends from an active Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process. The substantially real-time individual and/or total VFA, NH4+ and HCO3? information allows the AD operator to effectively operate the system at optimal efficiency and ensure that VFA and NH4+ concentrations do not reach toxic levels that can potentially cause the AD process to fail. The general health of an AD digester and process may be determined by using a ratio of total organic acids to total inorganic carbon as determined by the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Carbon Control Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Ferguson, Lawrence D. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20130121883
    Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer in which a reaction solution is stirred by air ejected from an air ejection hole placed above a reaction container. The reaction region can be washed and cleaned sufficiently without causing damage, such as exfoliation of a coating reagent. A reaction container disk is provided with a pore and a pressure detector connected with the pore. Before and after the stirring operation, the ejection hole (nozzle) ejecting air is moved and the output value of the pressure detector is compared with a previously measured normal value. With a discharge pipe and a suction pipe inserted to the opening of the reaction container to be close to both ends of the opening and the side wall of the container, the reaction region at the bottom of the container is washed by continuous discharge and suction of cleaning fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8343436
    Abstract: The invention is characterized in that it has a layer of organic material sensitive to changes in pressure, voltage, deformation, gases and/or temperature; wherein said organic layer consists of at least one conductive salt or complex including a molecule A and a dopant D, said molecule A being an electron donor or acceptor organic molecule or macromolecule capable of forming a conductive salt or complex, which without doping is not conductive, and with the presence of dopant D becomes a compound that is donor or acceptor of electrons and capable of forming conductive salt or complex with the molecule or macromolecule A; and a base substrate, in close contact with said layer of organic material. The sensor device is useful in molecular electronics or plastic electronics, in particular, in the field of organic sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Institucio Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avancats
    Inventors: Elena Laukhina, Marta Mas Torrent, Concepcio Rovira Angulo, Jaume Veclana Miro, Vladimir Laukhin
  • Patent number: 8293176
    Abstract: An example method for detecting an analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid includes the steps of exposing the bodily fluid sample to electromagnetic energy to cause a thermoelastic expansion in the analyte, and detecting a photoacoustic signal in the sample that results from the thermoelastic expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: John A. Viator, Paul S. Dale, Ryan M. Weight, Peter Sutovsky
  • Patent number: 8278110
    Abstract: A method and a blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood are disclosed. A blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood includes a housing and a blood sample receptacle defined by the housing. A blood oxygen sensor is in communication with the blood sample receptacle and a test result indicator is in communication with the blood oxygen sensor. The indicator is responsive to the blood oxygen sensor for indicating whether a tested blood sample is arterial blood or venous blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Ali Ghobadi
  • Patent number: 8222042
    Abstract: An interactive security screening system includes a main housing, a contact or palm pad provided on the main housing and a sample sheet positioned upon the contact pad. A sensor is operatively connected to the contact pad to measure pressure applied to the contact pad during a sample collection process. A feedback system, operatively connected to the contact pad and the sensor, provides the subject or screener with at least one of a visual signal and an audio signal to indicate whether requisite pressure was applied to the contact pad. A sample processing system analyzes the sample collection sheet through series, parallel or image processing to determine whether the trace residue sample contains a threat residue. The screening system also employs a spatial recognition system that focuses the sample processing system on particular portions of the sample collection sheet to increase overall system accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: RedXdefense, LLC
    Inventors: Regina Elvira Dugan, Khaled F Eltomi, Thomas Emory McVeigh, Jack Kotowicz
  • Patent number: 8197757
    Abstract: A novel, economical electrical insulation method for the production of ultra-thin insulation layers using a solution coating method. Thin hydrophobic self-assembled bi-functional layers of less than 10 nm thick were deposited by a simple solution method and demonstrated to electrically insulate micro-/nano-devices for in-water detection applications. The insulation layer includes a hydrophobic group which repels water and permits superb insulation properties of the ultra-thin layers. The insulation layer has the additional advantages that it binds to a metal or metal oxide surface and to sensing receptors by covalent bonding using standard silane chemistry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Wan Y. Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Joseph Capobianco
  • Publication number: 20120107180
    Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer in which a reaction solution is stirred by air ejected from an air ejection hole placed above a reaction container. The reaction region can be washed and cleaned sufficiently without causing damage, such as exfoliation of a coating reagent. A reaction container disk 161 is provided with a pore 240 and a pressure detector 241 connected with the pore. Before and after the stirring operation, the ejection hole (nozzle) 170 ejecting air is moved and the output value of the pressure detector is compared with a previously measured normal value. With a discharge pipe 1101 and a suction pipe 1102 inserted to the opening of the reaction container 1140 to be close to both ends of the opening and the side wall of the container, the reaction region 1150 at the bottom of the container is washed by continuous discharge and suction of cleaning fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hironobu Yamakawa, Yoichi Aruga, Takenori Okusa, Kenichi Takahashi, Taisaku Seino
  • Patent number: 8080424
    Abstract: A method and a blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood are disclosed. A blood oxygen tester for determining whether a blood sample is arterial or venous blood includes a housing and a blood sample receptacle defined by the housing. A blood oxygen sensor is in communication with the blood sample receptacle and a test result indicator is in communication with the blood oxygen sensor. The indicator is responsive to the blood oxygen sensor for indicating whether a tested blood sample is arterial blood or venous blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Ali Ghobadi
  • Patent number: 7964137
    Abstract: A control system of a surgery autoclave is described, which is capable of establishing a sterilization cycle which includes at least a first evacuation step of a sterilization chamber and of heating of a load and a final drying step. The autoclave includes a device capable of detecting a parameter proportional to the energy used up in a step of the cycle preceding the drying step and the control system establishes at least a reduction of the drying step upon determining that, the parameter of used up energy lies below a preset threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: W & H Sterilization S.r.l.
    Inventors: Fabio Ghezzi, Daniele Ongaro, Marco Parolini, Christian Stempf, Walter Crotti
  • Patent number: 7939337
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a new class of chemoselective polymer materials primarily designed to sorb hydrogen bond basic analytes such as organophosphonate esters (nerve agents and precursors) and nitro-substituted compounds (explosives). In particular, the invention relates to linear polycarbosilane compounds for use in various analytical applications involving sorbent polymer materials, including chromatography, chemical trapping, analyte collection, and chemical sensor applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert A. McGill, Eric J. Houser
  • Patent number: 7875455
    Abstract: A method and system for evaluating status and response of a mineral-producing field (e.g., oil and/or gas) by monitoring selected chemical and physical properties in or adjacent to a wellsite headspace. Nanotechnology sensors and other sensors are provided for one or more underground (fluid) mineral-producing wellsites to determine presence/absence of each of two or more target molecules in the fluid, relative humidity, temperature and/or fluid pressure adjacent to the wellsite and flow direction and flow velocity for the fluid. A nanosensor measures an electrical parameter value and estimates a corresponding environmental parameter value, such as water content or hydrocarbon content. The system is small enough to be located down-hole in each mineral-producing horizon for the wellsite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
    Inventors: Jing Li, Meyya Meyyappan
  • Patent number: 7862776
    Abstract: An interactive security screening system includes a main housing, a contact pad provided on the main housing and a sample sheet positioned upon the contact pad. A sensor is operatively connected to the contact pad to measure pressure applied to the contact pad during a sample collection process. A feedback system, operatively connected to the contact pad and the sensor, provides the subject or screener with at least one of a visual signal and an audio signal to indicate whether requisite pressure was applied to the contact pad. A sample processing system analyzes the sample collection sheet through series, parallel or image processing to determine whether the trace residue sample contains a threat residue. The screening system also employs a spatial recognition system that focuses the sample processing system on particular portions of the sample collection sheet to increase overall system accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Redxdefense, LLC
    Inventors: Regina Elvira Dugan, Khaled F. Eltomi, Thomas Emory McVeigh, Jack Kotowicz
  • Patent number: 7803628
    Abstract: In a device for measuring the pressure of a medium, in particular a liquid medium, the device including a measuring chamber through which the medium can flow and which has at least one elastically deformable wall, at least one wall that is more rigid by comparison to the elastically deformable wall, and an inlet and outlet for the medium, at least one excitation electrode is provided in or on the at least one more rigid wall of the measuring chamber, and at least one signal electrode is provided on the elastically deformable wall, for impedance measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: MHM Harzbecher Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Raymond Glocker
  • Patent number: 7794662
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for measuring the presence or absence of reaction between a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes of reaction detector. The reaction detector is capable of measuring the small changes in pressure that occur due to osmotic pressure shifts during a catalytic or binding reaction at species concentrations down to approximately 10?7 M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Francisco E. Torres, Eric Shrader, Karl Littau
  • Publication number: 20100167406
    Abstract: Relates to a measuring apparatus (4) and corresponding methods carried out in e.g. hybridization systems for determining fluid parameters provided by a laboratory system (1). The measuring apparatus (4) comprises a measuring unit (5) and a processing unit (6) for determining the fluid parameters provided by the laboratory system (1) and the measuring unit (5) is accomplished to be able to be integrated into this laboratory system (1). The measuring apparatus (4) according to the invention is characterised in that the measuring unit (5) comprises a measuring block (15) without a reaction room (34) and at least one sensor (17). The measuring block (15) comprises hollow spaces (16) for receiving or guiding fluids (13) provided by the laboratory system (1). The at least one sensor (17) is arranged, for determining physical and/or chemical parameters of fluids (13) located in the hollow spaces (16), on or in fluidic operative connection with these hollow spaces (16) of the measuring block (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: WOLFGANG STREIT, Gerald Probst, Juha Koota, Gyoergy Wenczel
  • Patent number: 7666680
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the presence or absence of interaction between at least a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes in an osmotic cell. Changes in osmotic pressure are determined by measuring the amount of compression exhibited by a compressible, semi-permeable material positioned in the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Francisco E. Torres, Jonathan S. Daniels, Meng H. Lean
  • Patent number: 7648844
    Abstract: Methods for detecting analytes in a sample are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for the analyte, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Alok Srivastava, Wayne U. Wang, Michael Miller, Brett P. Masters, Mark Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 7638096
    Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting photoresist coating failures are disclosed. A disclosed method to detect a photoresist coating failure on a semiconductor wafer comprises: loading a photoresist coated wafer on a notch position check block; rotating the coated wafer; detecting the position of a notch in the wafer; blowing air toward the surface of the wafer with at least one air nozzle located over the rotating wafer; detecting an amount of the air blown from the at least one air nozzle; and generating a coating failure signal if a variation in the amount of air blown from the at least one air nozzle is indicative of a photoresist coating failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Dongbu Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ook Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7632638
    Abstract: Methods for detecting viruses are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for the virus, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexis F. Sauer-Budge, Brett P. Masters, Michael Miller, Mark Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 7629137
    Abstract: Methods for detecting bacteria are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for the bacteria, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexis F. Sauer-Budge, Eric Fitch, Brett P. Masters, Michael Miller, Mark Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 7615381
    Abstract: Methods for detecting estradiol and metabolites thereof in a sample are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for estradiol, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of estradiol-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample and/or particles to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of estradiol-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Masters, Michael Miller, Vishal K. Gulati, Mark Lundstrom, Alok Srivastava, Wayne U. Wang
  • Patent number: 7611908
    Abstract: Methods for therapeutic drug monitoring are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent capable of binding a therapeutic drug of choice is combined with the sample to form a plurality of therapeutic drug-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample and/or particles to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of therapeutic drug-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Miller, Brett P. Masters, Mark Lundstrom, Alok Srivastava, Wayne U. Wang
  • Patent number: 7598094
    Abstract: Methods for detecting cardiac injury by detecting one or more cardiac markers are provided. A plurality of particles, each of which is coated with a capture agent having an affinity for a cardiac marker, is combined with the sample to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to the sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: BioScale, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Masters, Michael Miller, Mark Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 7556934
    Abstract: A sensor and method for measuring the concentration of one or more chemical substances within a solution. The sensor including a body of saturated hydrogel held within a sensor body. A window to allow flow through of the chemical substance to be measured. The hydrogel is held under a predetermined compressive force within the sensor body such that the hydrogel exerts a base pressure. A pressure sensor such as a strain gauge senses the pressure exerted by the hydrogel within the sensor body. The sensed pressure is stored or displayed. The hydrogel is reactive to the one or more chemical substances so that contact causes the hydrogel to either increase the pressure above the base pressure under which the hydrogel is held or to decrease the pressure relative to the base pressure of the hydrogel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Clive Lindsay Ragless
  • Patent number: 7553669
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the presence or absence of reaction between a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes of reaction detector. The reaction detector is capable of measuring the small changes in pressure that occur due to osmotic pressure shifts during a catalytic or binding reaction at species concentrations down to approximately 10?7 M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Palo Alto Resaerch Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Francisco E. Torres, Eric Shrader, Karl Littau
  • Publication number: 20090053109
    Abstract: A flow directing material includes a substrate. The substrate includes a first region that exudes fluid under a compressive or tensile load and a second region that imbibes fluid under the compressive or tensile load. The first region has a first porosity and a first permeability and the second region has a second porosity and a second permeability. The first permeability and the second permeability are about 10?13 m2 to 105 m2. The first porosity and the second porosity are about 0.3 to about 0.7. The first porosity and the second porosity are at least about 5% different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Melissa Knothe Tate, Eric Anderson
  • Publication number: 20090041623
    Abstract: A fluid analyzing apparatus. The fluid analyzing apparatus sequentially or simultaneously detects and analyzes a multiplex fluid sample with suitable analyzing elements. Meanwhile, the fluid analyzing apparatus may be disassembled to a first unit, a second unit and a third unit, such that the analyzing elements therein are easily disposed and replaced. The fluid analyzing apparatus analyzes and detects the multiplex fluid sample by allowing the multiplex fluid sample to sequentially or simultaneously flow through a plurality of target chambers. The fluid analyzing apparatus sequentially or simultaneously transports the multiplex fluid sample to the target chambers, thereby enhancing the speed and analysis thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kun Feng LEE, Pei-Shin Jiang, Yuh-Jiuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20080279725
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a multilayer analytical element having a non-fibrous porous film with high film strength, which does not produce uneven coloration in the form of a white-out and which has high accuracy of analysis. The present invention provides a dry multilayer analytical element for the analysis of a liquid sample which comprises a water-non-transmitting planar support on one side of which at least one adhesion layer and a porous liquid-sample-developing layer are integrally layered in the mentioned order, wherein the porous liquid-sample-developing layer comprises a non-fibrous porous film whose bending fracture strength is 20 g weight or more and whose elongation ratio when pulled with a 50-g weight is 2% or less, and wherein a adhesion layer polymer binder is caused to become seeped up in the non-fibrous porous film to 2 to 50 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Nirasawa, Shigeki Kageyama, Toshihisa Ito
  • Publication number: 20080213134
    Abstract: The invention proposes a device for active and/or passive supply of fluids comprising a microfluidic component with an inlet and optionally an outlet, a strip conductor which is electrically conductingly connected to the microfluidic component, and a carrier on which the microfluidic component is fixed. In order to provide a simple and inexpensive fluidic connection of the microfluidic component, in accordance with the invention, the carrier is formed by a board comprising the strip conductor, which has one passage channel which is flush with the inlet and optionally one which is flush with the outlet of the microfluidic component, and wherein a feed line for the inlet or an outlet line for the outlet is formed by a channel opening into the passage channel, wherein the channel is formed on the side of the board facing away from the microfluidic component by one groove-like recess each. The microfluidic component can e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Bigus, Jorg Volk
  • Publication number: 20080131323
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for controlling the position of the interface between two or more laminar flow stream in a microfluidic device. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first fluid reservoir shaving an output, a first pressure sensor connected to the output of the first fluid reservoir, a first actuator connected to the first fluid reservoir, a feedback loop connected between the first pressure sensor and the first actuator, a second fluid reservoir having an output, a second pressure sensor connected to the output of the second fluid reservoir, a second actuator connected to the second fluid reservoir, a feedback loop connected between the second pressure sensor and the second actuator, and a microfluidic device including a first input connected to the output of the first fluid reservoir, a second input connected to the output of the second fluid reservoir, and an output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: M. Brandon Kuczenski, William Charles Messner
  • Patent number: 7157052
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a new class of chemoselective polymer materials. In particular, the invention relates to linear polycarbosilane compounds for use in various analytical applications involving sorbent polymer materials, including chromatoghraphy, chemical trapping, analyte collection, and chemical sensor applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert A. McGill, Eric J. Houser
  • Patent number: 7144739
    Abstract: A pressure-sealing, pressure-monitoring closure for non-invasively sealing a reaction vessel to a defined release pressure in microwave-assisted chemistry is disclosed. The closure includes a pressure-resistant, microwave-transparent reaction vessel, one portion of which defines a mouth, a flexible pressure-transmitting releasable cover assembly on the mouth of the vessel, a pressure transducer on the cover and external to the vessel for monitoring the pressure in the vessel as exerted against the flexible cover, and a clamp for urging the vessel, the cover and the transducer together under a defined force so that when the pressure in the vessel exceeds the defined force, the cover can flex and release the pressure from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6991906
    Abstract: To measure or exert optically-induced forces on at least one particle in the focus of an optical cage, the following steps are taken: a) the focus is positioned in a microelectrode arrangement with a three-dimensional electrical field that has a field gradient which forms an electrical capture area, and the focus is at a distance from the capture are and b) the amplitude of the electrical field, the light power of the light beam forming the optical cage, and/or the distance of the capture area from the focus are varied to detect which varied field property moves the particle from the focus to the capture area or vice versa, or at least to temporarily move the particle into the capture area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Evotec Biosystems AG
    Inventors: Günter Fuhr, Thomas Schnelle, Torsten Müller, Hermine Hitzler, Karl-Otto Greulich, Shamoi Monajembashi
  • Patent number: 6840669
    Abstract: Optical methods and devices for measuring temperature and a second physical parameter, using a single photoluminescent probe material comprised of a single luminophor, and methods and devices for determining temperature-corrected values of said second physical parameter, which can be an oxygen or air pressure or a parameter chosen from the group comprising an electrical current, a magnetic field and an electrical field or voltage. The luminophor is excited sequentially by a first excitation light of chosen first wavelengths and intensity P1 which generates a first luminescence light of intensity I1, and a second excitation light of chosen second wavelengths and intensity P2 which generates a second luminescence light of intensity I2. The ratio (I2.P1/I1.P2) varies substantially in a known manner with varying temperature, substantially independent of the magnitude of said second physical parameter, thus providing a temperature correction factor to the measurement of said second physical parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Marcos Y. Kleinerman
  • Patent number: 6794194
    Abstract: A method for measuring the hemoglobin concentration in the blood in a circuit of a dialysis machine includes directing electromagnetic waves against one section of the circuit, measuring values of the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the section, and determining values of absorption of electromagnetic waves by the blood along the section from the measured values of transmitted electromagnetic waves. The values of absorption are correlated with the values of the hemoglobin concentration. The method also includes measuring the values of at least one physical quantity of the blood, wherein the at least one physical quantity is selected from blood pressure and blood temperature, and calculating the values of hemoglobin concentration as a function of the values of absorption and the at least one physical quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Gambro Dasco SpA
    Inventors: Massimo Fava, Annalisa Delnevo, Francesco Paolini
  • Patent number: 6750062
    Abstract: The invention concerns the study of the effect of a supercritical fluid on the transitions of a material, which consists in varying continuously or by stages according to a predetermined programme, a first parameter value selected among the super-critical fluid pressure, the temperature of a cell containing the material sample and said sample volume, while maintaining a second of said parameters at a value selected, so as to induce the transition; and in recording the variation of the first parameter, that of the third parameter and the heat flow rate in the cell; in comparing said recordings with those obtained by replacing the supercritical fluid with a neutral fluid. The figure shows a diagram of the device for carrying out said study. The invention is in particular useful for studying a polymer material transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
    Inventors: Stanislaw L. Randzio, Jean-Pierre E. Grolier
  • Publication number: 20040101441
    Abstract: A pressure-sealing, pressure-monitoring closure for non-invasively sealing a reaction vessel to a defined release pressure in microwave-assisted chemistry is disclosed. The closure includes a pressure-resistant, microwave-transparent reaction vessel, one portion of which defines a mouth, a flexible pressure-transmitting releasable cover assembly on the mouth of the vessel, a pressure transducer on the cover and external to the vessel for monitoring the pressure in the vessel as exerted against the flexible cover, and a clamp for urging the vessel, the cover and the transducer together under a defined force so that when the pressure in the vessel exceeds the defined force, the cover can flex and release the pressure from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: William Edward Jennings