Patents Represented by Attorney Canady & Lortz LLP
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Patent number: 8333112Abstract: Techniques for reducing the frequency split between the Coriolis-coupled modes in disc resonator gyroscopes (DRGs) by perturbing the mass distribution on the disc resonator based on an identified model are disclosed. A model-identification method of tuning a resonator comprises perturbing the mass and measuring a frequency response matrix of the resonator. The frequency response matrix includes a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs and the resonator has a plurality of coupled resonance modes. A reduced structural mechanics matrix model of the resonator in sensor and actuator coordinates is identified from the measured frequency response matrix and analyzed to determine generalized eigenvectors of the structural mechanics model and their variations due to selected mass perturbations which is then estimated to improve degeneracy of the plurality of coupled resonance modes based on the generalized eigenvectors of the mass and the stiffness.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David M. Schwartz, Dong-Joon Kim, Robert T. M'Closkey, A. Dorian Challoner
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Patent number: 8328982Abstract: Devices and methods for generating a low-temperature, atmospheric pressure plasma are disclosed. A plasma device may include a first electrode having an inlet for a gas, a second electrode having an outlet for the gas and disposed proximate to the first electrode to form a substantially uniform gap therebetween. The gas flows along the substantially uniform gap and from a plurality of different directions to converge and flow through the outlet. High frequency electrical power is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate a plasma within the gas flow emerging at the outlet. Precursor chemicals are added to the plasma flow at the outlet. Various electrode designs may be implemented and various applications involving surface treatment of materials with the low-temperature atmospheric plasma, including surface activation, cleaning, sterilization, etching and deposition of thin films are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Surfx Technologies LLCInventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Hicks
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Patent number: 8327526Abstract: A micromachined thermal and mechanical isolator for MEMS die that may include two layers, a first layer with an active temperature regulator comprising a built-in heater and temperature sensor and a second layer having mechanical isolation beams supporting the die. The isolator may be inserted between a MEMS die of a disc resonator gyroscope (DRG) chip and the leadless chip carrier (LCC) package to isolate the die from stress and temperature gradients. Thermal and mechanical stress to the DRG can be significantly reduced in addition to mitigating temperature sensitivity of the DRG chip. The small form can drastically reduce cost and power consumption of the MEMS inertial sensor and enable new applications such as smart munitions, compact and integrated space navigation solutions, with significant potential cost savings over the existing inertial systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Howard H. Ge, A. Dorian Challoner
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Patent number: 8323915Abstract: Biomarker proteins that can be used in the diagnosis of early-stage ovarian cancer (OC) are described. The biomarker panels not only permit the distinction of patients with ovarian neoplasia (benign or malignant) from normal subjects, but they also allow the identification of patients with early-stage (stage I/II) ovarian cancer from those patients with benign ovarian tumors or normal individuals. The invention additionally provides methods for detecting and treating various cancers, including cancer of the ovary using OC-related molecules.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Robin Farias-Eisner, Srinivasa T. Reddy
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Patent number: 8322028Abstract: A single layer micromachined thermal and mechanical isolator may be bonded between a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) die and package. Small bond pads of the isolator are attached to the periphery of the die. The isolator material may be chosen to match that of the die, reducing CTE mismatch. Long thin isolation beams can be used to provide thermal isolation against external temperature changes, which may be conducted through the package. Weak and flexible beams can be used to tolerate large displacements with very little resistance. Thus, excessive stress or distortion to the package, from either CTE mismatch or external stress, may be absorbed by the isolator and will not be transmitted to the MEMS die. Beam rigidity may be designed to attenuate vibration of particular frequency range. The isolator can be readily inserted into an existing disc resonator gyroscope package in one thermal compression bond step.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Howard H. Ge, A. Dorian Challoner
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Patent number: 8273286Abstract: Systems and methods are described where at least one roller (e.g., a kicker roller) is used to impregnate fibers (i.e., a charge or reinforcement) with a liquid resin (i.e., matrix) by eliminating air from the resin and fibers as they enter a pressurized zone. Air is forced out as the resin is first drawn into an entry zone of the roller, then into an entry gap adjacent to the roller, and then into the pressurized zone on the opposite side of the roller. The pressurized zone is an enclosed area at the output side of the roller where the resin is allowed to accumulate and the resin and composite combination are then forced out through a small exit gap. Shear forces between the surface of the quickly rotating driven roller and the resin provide the driving force. The fibers may be continuous (e.g., from a roller) or discontinuous or loose cut.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Inventor: Jerry R. Fram
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Patent number: 8267884Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for treating wounds are disclosed. An apparatus for treating wounds is disclosed comprising an instrument for generating a low temperature, atmospheric pressure plasma, a means of flowing gas through the instrument, and a means of contacting the wound with the reactive gases flowing out of the instrument. A method for treating wounds using reactive gases is disclosed. The use of atmospheric pressure plasmas for treating wounds is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Surfx Technologies LLCInventor: Robert F. Hicks
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Patent number: 8232314Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying compounds that protect against ototoxicity induced by one or more noxious stimuli, and methods of treating an individual with compounds identified using the present screening methods. Also provided are compounds demonstrated to have otoprotective effects.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignees: University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterInventors: Henry C. Ou, Felipe Santos, Edwin W. Rubel, David W. Raible, Julian A. Simon
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Patent number: 8216789Abstract: The invention provides a method for detection of a malignancy in a specimen of bodily fluid. The method comprises contacting the specimen with at least two antigens selected from the group consisting of p53, IGFBP2, Topo2?, cathepsin D, cyclin B, cyclin D1, MUC1, HER-2/neu and CEA. The method further comprises incubating the specimen and the antigen for a duration and under conditions that are sufficient for the formation of immunocomplexes; and detecting the presence or absence of immunocomplex formation between the antigens and antibodies specific for the antigens in the specimen, thereby determining the presence or absence of the malignancy. Also provided is a method for monitoring the effectiveness of cancer therapy related to a malignancy in a warm-blooded animal, a method for distinguishing between Stage I and Stage II colorectal cancer in a specimen of bodily fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Mary L. Disis, Vivian Goodell, Hailing Lu
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Patent number: 8205495Abstract: Tuning an axisymmetric resonator such as in a disc resonator gyroscope (DRG) is disclosed. Frequency tuning a DRG in a single step informed by a systematic physical model of the resonator structure, sensing and actuation elements, such as a finite element model, is provided. The sensitivity of selected trimming positions on the resonator to reducing asymmetry terms is determined via perturbations of the systematic model. As well, the dependence of the parameters of model transfer functions between actuation and sensing elements on resonator asymmetry are systematically determined. One or two measured transfer functions may then be analyzed according to the systematic model to fully determine the needed asymmetry correction components of the DRG. One or two of four groups of four electrostatic bias electrodes or four groups of four laser trimming locations for the DRG are utilized to correct the asymmetry components which can give rise to mistuning.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: A. Dorian Challoner
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Patent number: 8197824Abstract: Described is a method of identifying an immunologically active antigen of a virus that attacks skin, as well as a method of enriching a population of lymphocytes for T lymphocytes that are specific to a virus that attacks skin. Also provided are HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection that have been identified via the methods of the invention. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigen or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: David M. Koelle, Zhi Liu, Lawrence Corey
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Patent number: 8170316Abstract: Tomographic imaging using an imaging sensor that has a stripe-like shape is disclosed where a stripe sensor is mechanically scanned over a sample at different angles. For a single stripe detector imaging, linear motion and angular rotation are required. Single stripe sensor imaging may be performed using an elongated inductive coil detector. By utilizing an array of parallel stripe sensors that can be individually addressed, two-dimensional imaging can be performed with rotation only, eliminating the requirement for linear motion, e.g. with parallel coils array. Imaging with a stripe-type sensor of particular width and thickness (where width is much larger than thickness) is resolution limited only by the thickness (smaller parameter) of the sensor. Multiple sensor families can be produced where this imaging technique may be beneficial such as magneto-resistive, inductive, SQUID, and Hall effect sensors, and particularly in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Mladen Barbic, Axel Scherer
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Patent number: 8152108Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for optimizing power generation of a solar array are disclosed. The bus voltage is regulated with a regulator controlled through one or more reference signals. When the power bus is being used by electrical systems that are tolerant of a higher variable voltage range, the bus voltage can be temporarily set higher by a commanded reference signal to allow additional solar array power to supply to the power bus. The peak power point may be identified through an established relationship with the solar array performance as a function of temperature, season and/or the age of the solar array. In addition, a reference signal controlled by one or more temperature sensors on the solar array may also modify the bus voltage set-point. Improved solar array power may be extracted from spacecraft beginning-of-life to end-of-life operations due to low insertion loss of a direct energy transfer scheme.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Craig H. Becker-Irvin, Winnie W. Choy
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Patent number: 8143788Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving an efficient central cathode in a Hall effect thruster is disclosed. A hollow insert disposed inside the end of a hollow conductive cathode comprises a rare-earth element and energized to emit electrons from an inner surface. The cathode employs an end opening having an area at least as large as the internal cross sectional area of the rare earth insert to enhance throughput from the cathode end. In addition, the cathode employs a high aspect ratio geometry based on the cathode length to width which mitigates heat transfer from the end. A gas flow through the cathode and insert may be impinged by the emitted electrons to yield a plasma. One or more optional auxiliary gas feeds may also be employed between the cathode and keeper wall and external to the keeper near the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Richard R. Hofer, Dan M. Goebel, Ronnie M. Watkins
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Patent number: 8144052Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging radar operating at high frequency e.g., 670 GHz radar using low phase-noise synthesizers and a fast chirper to generate a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) waveform, is disclosed that operates with a multiplexed beam to obtain range information simultaneously on multiple pixels of a target. A source transmit beam may be divided by a hybrid coupler into multiple transmit beams multiplexed together and directed to be reflected off a target and return as a single receive beam which is demultiplexed and processed to reveal range information of separate pixels of the target associated with each transmit beam simultaneously. The multiple transmit beams may be developed with appropriate optics to be temporally and spatially differentiated before being directed to the target. Temporal differentiation corresponds to a different intermediate frequencies separating the range information of the multiple pixels.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Ken B. Cooper, Robert J. Dengler, Peter H. Siegel, Goutam Chattopadhyay, John S. Ward, Nuria Llombart Juan, Tomas E. Bryllert, Imran Mehdi, Jan A. Tarsala
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Patent number: 8138773Abstract: A sensor for monitoring and testing for both possible fractures and corrosion in structural elements is disclosed. A frangible material layer including a thin breakable conductor sense loop and a resilient material layer including a conductive corrosion sense loop bonded on top of the frangible layer form an assembly which is bonded to a structural element to be tested. Portions of the conductive corrosion sense loop are exposed through weep holes in the resilient material layer. A fracture in the bonded structural element induces a disruption in both the frangible membrane and the thin breakable conductor sense loop and corrosion of the conductive corrosion sense loop changes its electrical properties. Measured electrical property changes of the disrupted conductor sense loop and/or the conductive corrosion sense loop reveal possible damage. Both sensor layers may utilize a single shared wireless communications tag to couple to an electrical measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Matthew K. Fay, Greg L. Sheffield
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Patent number: 8129681Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an energy extraction device that employs a radioactive isotope, such as 90Sr, as a charged particle source. The decaying radioactive isotope emits energetic charged particles, such as beta particles, into a magnetic field. Because the magnetic field is substantially normal to the paths of the charged particles, a force is induced on the charged particles normal to both the path and the magnetic field. The induced force causes the charged particles to assume circular paths, forming a circulating charged particle beam that is contained within a structure. The circulating charged particle beam emits cyclotron radiation. The structure includes one or more rectennas around the interior wall which convert the cyclotron radiation to electrical energy as a direct current voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Sebong Chun
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Patent number: D660096Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Inventor: Hansen Chen
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Patent number: D660097Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Inventor: Hansen Chen
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Patent number: D660098Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Inventor: Hansen Chen