Measurement Includes Temperature Change Of The Material Being Analyzed (e.g., Calorimetry, Etc.) Patents (Class 436/147)
  • Patent number: 11629222
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for monitoring the purity of monomers, adjusting the polymerization conditions, and consequently improving a polymerization reaction process. In one method, monomer purity is estimated using an on-line evaluation by raising the temperature of the monomer formulation having a defined melting point to a first elevated temperature at least 20° C. above a preset melting point for a selected monomer formulation; cooling the monomer formulation at a controlled cooling rate in the range from about 0.5 to 50° C. per minute; measuring at least one critical property selected from the group consisting of a) crystallization peak temperature at the onset of crystallization, b) an area under the crystallization peak, which represents the heat or enthalpy of crystallization, ?Hc and combinations thereof, comparing the at least one of the selected critical properties measures relative to such properties for standard setting monomer formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Sasa Andjelic
  • Patent number: 11567051
    Abstract: Nanoreactors comprising a metal precursor in a carrier are provided as well as methods of initiating, methods of preparing, and methods of using nanoreactors. In some embodiments, upon exposure to heat, the metal precursor forms nanoparticles that can be detected, e.g., by detecting a color change in the nanoreactor and/or by detecting the number and/or size and/or size distribution and/or shape of the nanoparticles. The nanoreactors can be used, in some embodiments, as time-temperature indicators for perishable goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Sundaram Gunasekaran, Yi-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 11255868
    Abstract: Provided is fluid control equipment for bio-reaction, including a pipette configured to transport a reaction solution, and a liquid pump configured to adjust the internal pressure of the pipette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Kwang Hyo Chung, Bong Kyu Kim, Jin Tae Kim, Chang-Geun Ahn, Eun-Ju Jeong, Chul Huh
  • Patent number: 11245764
    Abstract: A server apparatus 10 is communicably connected to a terminal apparatus 20 that collects sensor data from an odor sensor 40. The server apparatus 10 includes an analyzer holding unit 11 that holds a plurality of analyzers for analyzing specific odor analysis targets, based on sensor data, an analyzer management unit 12 that selects an analyzer, determines preprocessing to be performed on the sensor data, according to the selected analyzer, and causes the terminal apparatus 20 to execute the preprocessing, an analysis execution unit 13 that executes analysis processing of the designated odor analysis target, by applying the selected analyzer to the preprocessed sensor data from the terminal apparatus, and an analysis result transmission unit 14 that transmits information indicating a result of the analysis processing to the terminal apparatus 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junko Watanabe, Riki Eto, Hidetaka Hane, Shigeo Kimura, Shintarou Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 11143614
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas sensor for detecting a measurement target gas in a measurement gas atmosphere, including first and second sensor elements respectively installed in first and second inner spaces of first and second installation parts. The first and second sensor elements have respective heating resistors connected in series and each has a resistance value that varies with change in temperature thereof so that the concentration of the measurement target gas can be calculated according to a potential between the heating resistors of the first and second sensor elements with the application of a constant voltage. The first and second installation parts are located at such positions that allow a maximum temperature difference of 0.4° C. or less between the first and second inner spaces during change in atmosphere temperature from 0° C. to 80° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Matsukura, Shoji Kitanoya, Masaya Watanabe, Daisuke Ichikawa, Masahiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 11125712
    Abstract: A method for determining a concentration of at least one analyte in bodily fluid, comprising: a signal generation step, wherein an excitation voltage signal is generated by a signal generator, wherein the excitation voltage signal comprises a poly frequent alternating current (AC) voltage and a direct current (DC) voltage profile, wherein the poly frequent AC voltage comprises at least two frequencies; a signal application step, wherein the excitation voltage signal is applied to at least two measurement electrodes; a measurement step, wherein a response is measured by using the measurement electrodes; an evaluation step, wherein an AC current response for each frequency and a DC current response are evaluated from the response; a determination step, wherein the concentration of the analyte is determined from the DC current response and from one or both of the phase and impedance information by using at least one predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Marquant, Samuel Evgin, Melanie Klein
  • Patent number: 10161284
    Abstract: A system for and method of diagnosing operation of a partial filtration filter exhaust aftertreatment system are provided. An upstream exhaust temperature value is determined in an exhaust system upstream of at least one of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) component and a first partial flow filter (PFF) component. A downstream exhaust temperature value is determined in the exhaust system downstream of a second PFF component positioned downstream of the at least one of the DOC component and the first PFF component. A frequency difference is determined between a first frequency content of the upstream exhaust temperature value and a second frequency content of the downstream exhaust temperature value. If the frequency is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that at least one of the DOC component and the PFF component are not present in the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cunningham, Phanindra V. Garimella, Venkata R. Lakkireddy, Ming-Feng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9956364
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors used in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient by compensating for drift that may be specific to the sensors atypical use in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide gas to a patient. In at least some instances, the long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors can be addressed using calibration schedules, which can factor in the absolute change in set dose of NO being delivered to the patient that can drive one or more baseline calibrations. The calibration schedules can be used reduce the amount of times the sensor goes offline. Systems and methods described may factor in actions occurring at the delivery system and/or aspects of the surrounding environment, prior to performing a baseline calibration, and may postpone the calibration and/or rejected using the sensor's output for the calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Hospital Products IP Limited
    Inventors: Craig R. Tolmie, Jeff Milsap, Jaron M. Acker
  • Patent number: 9803170
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for monitoring a cell culture comprising a) one or more infrared sensors positioned adjacent to a cell culture, the one or more infrared sensors capable of recording an infrared heat signal from the cell culture; b) a power source in electrical communication with the one or more infrared sensors; c) a data storage and computation device configured to receive and analyze the infrared heat signal from the one or more infrared sensors; and d) a transmitter device in electrical communication with the storage and computation device; wherein the apparatus monitors the pattern of heat production in the cell culture. The present invention is also directed to methods for monitoring and analyzing the metabolic activity of cells using the above apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amos Cahan, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 9709336
    Abstract: To cool a digestion vessel (2) of a calorimeter (3) by means of a liquid coolant, a recess (4) over which the digestion vessel (2) is invented during the cooling possess and which has one or more ports (10) for a cooling liquid by means of which the inside of the digestion vessel (2) is wetted in such a way that the coolant runs down over part or the entireties of this inside of the digestion vessel (2) so as to remove the heat thereof is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: IKA-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hubert Pinhack
  • Patent number: 9416716
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine in which an SCR catalyst is arranged in an exhaust passage, a dummy determination processing to determine whether the selective catalytic reduction catalyst is mounted at a location is carried out, based on a temperature difference between a temperature of exhaust gas flowing into the location where the selective catalytic reduction catalyst is to be arranged and a temperature of exhaust gas flowing out of the location, after starting of the internal combustion engine, wherein when a period of time for the temperature of the selective catalytic reduction catalyst to become equal to or less than a fixed temperature is equal to or more than a predetermined period of time, the dummy determination processing is carried out, whereas when the period of time is less than the predetermined period of time, the dummy determination processing is not carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kotaro Hayashi, Tsuyoshi Obuchi
  • Patent number: 9377422
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignees: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Northeastern University
    Inventors: Jason O. Fiering, Dale Larson, Gregory Kowalski, Mehmet Sen
  • Patent number: 9315768
    Abstract: A biological microfluidics chip comprising a substrate, a microfluidic inlet port defining an opening in a surface of the substrate, and a microfluidic outlet port defining an opening in a surface of the substrate. The biological microfluidics chip also comprises a plurality of wells extending from a top surface of the substrate, wherein each well is bounded by one or more walls, and an inlet opening and an outlet opening are provided in a wall of each of the plurality of wells. An inlet microfluidic channel is provided in the substrate to connect the microfluidic inlet port to each of the inlet openings in the walls of the wells, and an outlet microfluidic channel is provided in the substrate to connect each of the outlet openings in the walls of the wells to the microfluidic outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Universiteit Leiden
    Inventors: Elwin Xander Vrouwe, Eric Marijn Wielhouwer, Johannes Oonk, Marinus Bernardus Olde Riekerink, Michael Keith Richardson
  • Patent number: 9157900
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Don Whitley Scientific Limited
    Inventor: David Boast
  • Patent number: 9068930
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an analysis device for use with an external testing apparatus to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device comprises a transducer formed of a layer of pyroelectric or piezoelectric material sandwiched between first and second electrode layers, the transducer being arranged to produce an electrical voltage across the electrode layers in response to heating or straining of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer. The device also comprises first and second stiffening elements for the transducer, the transducer being sandwiched between the stiffening elements. Each of the stiffening elements defines a planar surface for maintaining the transducer in a flat condition. Each of the stiffening elements exposes a portion of a respective electrode layer of the transducer for electrically connecting the transducer to the external text apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: VIVACTA LTD.
    Inventors: Paul Brendan Monaghan, Steven Andrew Ross, Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter
  • Publication number: 20150140560
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a label-free viscosity-based analyte detection system using paramagnetic beads as an asynchronous magnetic bead rotation (AMBR) microviscometer. It is disclosed herein that the bead rotation period is linearly proportional to the viscosity of a solution comprising analytes surrounding the paramagnetic bead. Optical measurement of asynchronous microbead motion determines solution viscosity precisely in microscale volumes, thus allowing an estimate of analyte concentration. The results demonstrate the feasibility of viscosity-based analyte detection using AMBR in microscale aqueous volumes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Raoul Kopelman, Mark A. Burns, Yunzi Li
  • 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: 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: 20150065365
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Invoy Technologies, L.L.C
    Inventor: Lubna Ahmad
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8895318
    Abstract: An ammonia compound concentration measuring device includes: a pipe unit through which the circulating gas flows; a converter which is disposed in the pipe unit and converts an ammonia compound into ammonia; a measurement device which measures a first measurement value as a concentration of ammonia contained in a first circulating gas flowing inside a pipe line passing through the converter in the circulating gas flowing inside the pipe unit and a second measurement value as a concentration of ammonia contained in a second circulating gas flowing inside a pipe line not passing through the converter in the circulating gas flowing inside the pipe unit; and a controller which controls operations of the pipe unit and the measurement device and calculates the concentration of the ammonia compound of the measurement subject contained in the circulating gas from a difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Takita, Masazumi Tanoura, Kenji Muta, Shinichiro Asami, Kageharu Moriyama
  • Patent number: 8859292
    Abstract: A sensor chip is configured to measure the temperature of a blood sample and includes a capillary section and an electrode unit. The capillary section allows the blood sample to be introduced therein. The electrode unit is configured to measure the temperature of the blood sample and includes a working electrode and a counter electrode. The working electrode and the counter electrode respectively include a reaction reagent layer containing an electrolyte. Further, the electrode unit is configured to receive a predetermined voltage to be applied in measuring the temperature of the blood sample for allowing a result of the measurement to be less affected by increase and reduction in a glucose concentration and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Fujiwara
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8841133
    Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Huan-Ping Wu, Christine D. Nelson
  • 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: 8765477
    Abstract: A method for measuring the real hot-spot temperature in an electric apparatus containing an oil, such as an electric power transformer. The electric apparatus is operated under predetermined and modifiable operating conditions. This method comprises the use of one or several chemical compounds or tracers present and soluble in the oil. Each tracer may transform, at a given temperature, in order to form a residue, such as a soluble gas. From the presence of the residue in the oil, the operator will be able to determine under which predetermined operating condition the hot-spot has been reached and to deduce the hot-spot for a given condition. Among different used compounds, there are diazoic compounds, carbonyl metals, colorants, pigments, liquid crystals and albumins. The method also allows to check the quality of the apparatus on the market and to estimate its life span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Michel Duval
  • Patent number: 8758690
    Abstract: A sterilization indicator having a compound that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye, in thermal contact with the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Societe pour la Conception des Applications des Techniques Electroniques
    Inventors: André Ricard, Francis Dieras, Michel Sixou, Sandrine Villeger, Cristina Canal, Pilar Erra
  • Patent number: 8748187
    Abstract: A control system of a NOx removal device is provided with reagent introducing means for introducing a reagent into a fluid, a temperature measuring device that measures a temperature distribution of the fluid, a reagent-concentration calculating portion that calculates a concentration distribution of the reagent introduced into the fluid with the temperature distribution determined at the temperature measuring device, a reagent-flow-rate determining portion that determines a flow rate of the reagent that the reagent introducing means introduces in accordance with the concentration distribution calculated at the reagent-concentration calculating portion, and a reagent-introducing-means control portion that controls the reagent introducing means so as to introduce the reagent into the fluid at the flow rate determined at the reagent-flow-rate determining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taketoshi Yamaura, Yoshihiro Deguchi, Nobuyuki Ukai, Susumu Okino, Tatsuto Nagayasu
  • 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: 8722417
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Invoy Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Lubna Ahmad
  • Patent number: 8709822
    Abstract: An assembly determines an analyte concentration in a sample of body fluid. The assembly includes a test sensor having a fluid-receiving area for receiving a sample of body fluid, where the fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the sample. The assembly also includes a meter having a port or opening configured to receive the test sensor; a measurement system configured to determine a measurement of the reaction between the reagent and the analyte; and a temperature-measuring system configured to determine a measurement of the test-sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the opening. The meter determines a concentration of the analyte in the sample according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test-sensor temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Hoi-Cheong Steve Sun, Paul Ripley
  • 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: 8697451
    Abstract: A sulfur breakthrough monitoring assembly for use in a fuel utilization system for detecting sulfur-containing compounds in desulfurized fuel, said monitoring assembly comprising: a heater for heating desulfurized fuel to a predetermined temperature, the predetermined temperature being between 450° C. and 600° C., a sulfur breakthrough detector adapted to receive heated fuel from the heater and including at least a reforming catalyst bed for reforming the heated fuel and a plurality of temperature sensors including a first temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the heated fuel before the fuel is conveyed through the reforming catalyst bed and a second temperature sensor for sensing temperature in the reforming catalyst bed, and a controller for determining whether concentration of the sulfur-containing compounds in the fuel exceeds a first predetermined concentration based on temperature outputs from the first and second temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Daly
  • Patent number: 8696993
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzing apparatus (1) for analyzing a sample using a container (2) accommodating reagents sealed therein, while raising the temperature of the reagents up to a predetermined temperature. The analyzing apparatus (1) comprises a first temperature measuring means (31) for measuring temperature of the container (2), a second temperature measuring means (32) for measuring temperature around the container (2), a heater (4) for supplying heat energy to the container (2), and a controller for controlling the heater (4) based on a measurement result at the first and second measuring means (31, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Murata, Junichi Oka
  • 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: 8689625
    Abstract: A device and a method are used for measuring the filling level of a fluid for monitoring a dispense/aspirate process in reaction vessels, including at least one cavity for dispensing and aspirating the fluid, where the cavity is provided with a filling level sensor whose signals, transmitted to an evaluation unit, are evaluated to determine the filling level, the at least one cavity is assigned a receiving body which is closed at the bottom and is separated from the cavity for receiving the fluid, the filling level sensor is at least one thermistor extending along the outside of a wall of the receiving body without coming in contact with the fluid, the evaluation unit evaluates the temperature influence of the thermistor in dispensing, aspirating and in retention of the fluid in the receiving body to detect the filling level, in this way the process monitoring in washing the reaction vessels is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Stratec Biomedical AG
    Inventors: Michael Burkart, Martin Trump
  • Patent number: 8679846
    Abstract: The invention provides a sterilization indicator (17), characterized in that it comprises: a compound (21) that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye (19), in thermal contact with the compound (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Societe pour la Conception des Applications des Techniques Electroniques
    Inventors: André Ricard, Francis Dieras, Michel Sixou, Sandrine Villeger, Cristina Canal, Pilar Erra
  • 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: 20140017694
    Abstract: A method for irradiating a sample with focused acoustic energy is provided. The generated acoustic energy is transmitted from the source to the sample via a completely dry propagation path. At least two different focal regions are generated with the source for generating acoustic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: BIOCARTIS SA
    Inventors: Arie R. Van Doorn, Ronald De Gier, Louis Stroucken, Marloes M.E.B. Van De Wal, Sergei Shulepov, Nicolaas B. Roozen, Contantijn W.M. Brantjes, Hendrick S. Van Damme, Michiel De Jong
  • Patent number: 8623658
    Abstract: A method of cryopreserving sperm cells which may include cooling the quantity of sperm cells to a holding temperature, maintaining the sperm cells substantially at the holding temperature for a period, and supercooling the sperm cells by cooling the sperm cells at a first cooling rate to a temperature that approaches a critical temperature zone at which ice crystal formation and changes in osmotic pressure damage sperm cells and then cooling the sperm at a second cooling rate faster than said first cooling rate through said critical temperature zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Inguran, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Graham, Cindy Ludwig, Muhammad Anzar, Kathleen S. Crowley, Bradley Didion, Gary Durack
  • Patent number: 8617899
    Abstract: A method and device for merging and mixing at least two separate and distinct fluid drops on a substrate, includes a drop merging area on the surface, where a first magnetic material is placed at a first location. A first drop of fluid is then placed at the first location on the surface, resulting in the first magnetic material being at least partially positioned within the first drop of fluid. A second drop of fluid is then placed at a second location on the surface of the drop merging area. A magnetic field is applied by a varying magnetic field generator to at least a portion of the drop merge area of the substrate, which includes at least the first location on the substrate. The varying magnetic field will act on the first magnetic material to move the first magnetic material within the first drop of fluid, causing a stirring of the fluid. A drop merging force from a drop merging mechanism is applied to at least one of the first drop of fluid and the second drop of fluid within the drop merge area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Dirk De Bruyker, Ali Asgar Saleem Bhagat, Alan G. Bell, Michael I. Recht, Francisco E. Torres
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8614097
    Abstract: An assembly determines an analyte concentration in a sample of body fluid. The assembly includes a test sensor having a fluid-receiving area for receiving a sample of body fluid, where the fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the sample. The assembly also includes a meter having a port or opening configured to receive the test sensor; a measurement system configured to determine a measurement of the reaction between the reagent and the analyte; and a temperature-measuring system configured to determine a measurement of the test-sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the opening. The meter determines a concentration of the analyte in the sample according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test-sensor temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Blais, Steve Sun, Bern Harrison, Narasinha C. Parasnis, Serban F. Peteu, Tony Nguyen, Paul Ripley, Xin Wang, Igor Gofman
  • Patent number: 8609429
    Abstract: Methods for determining the fouling propensity of a hydrocarbon stream and for reducing fouling are provided. In one method, the fouling propensity of a hydrocarbon stream is determined by obtaining a parameter value indicative of the fouling propensity at no less than two different temperatures, and an activation energy of fouling by the hydrocarbon stream is derived therefrom. In another method, the thus obtained parameter value at no less than two different temperatures and the activation energy are used to select proper heating fluids and operating temperature and to determine whether to add an antifoulant to the hydrocarbon stream to reduce fouling at a given temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Teh C. Ho, Glen B. Brons, Limin Song, Tahmid I. Mizan
  • Patent number: 8585975
    Abstract: An internal temperature sensor for measuring internal temperature of a case of the blood glucose meter is arranged inside the case of the blood glucose meter, and an external temperature sensor configured by components with low heat capacity and adapted for measuring external temperature is arranged at a position separated from the central portion of the case of the blood glucose meter. Further, a microcomputer of the blood glucose meter includes the following processing: judging whether or not the temperature fluctuation falls within the acceptable range based on the difference between the respective temperatures and, if the temperature fluctuation exceeds the acceptable range, temporarily stopping the processing until the temperature fluctuation falls within the acceptable range when in the case where the blood glucose measurement has not yet been performed, or stopping the blood glucose measurement processing when in the case where the blood glucose measurement is being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Satou, Hideyuki Momoki, Kouhei Sakaike
  • 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: 20130244336
    Abstract: A method for identifying an odour and/or gas, an odour and/or gas is measured with a portable electronic device comprising a chemical sensor, the chemical sensor being sensitive to different analytes. A measurement tuple is supplied which comprises a set of tuple elements with each tuple element of the set of tuple elements providing a value measured by a dedicated cell of the chemical sensor and/or under a dedicated operating condition of the chemical sensor or of a cell of the chemical sensor. The measurement tuple is compared to one or more reference tuples with each reference tuple representing an odour and/or gas and comprising a set of tuple elements and an identifier for the odour and/or gas represented by the reference tuple. One or more odour and/or gas identifiers are returned to the portable electronic device subject to a result of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Felix MAYER, Markus GRAF