Patents Assigned to Espro
  • Patent number: 8836924
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus including at least one analog and one digital circuit component and an analog/digital converter for converting analog signals of the analog circuit component into digital signals for the digital circuit component, and vice versa, wherein the analog circuit component and the digital circuit components include at least one module for electronically implementing a function, and wherein one of the modules of the analog circuit component is embodied as a sensor device for detecting optical radiation and one of the modules of the digital circuit component is embodied as a signal processing device for processing digital signals. In order to enable improved integration into application-based sensor devices, the circuit components including the analog/digital converter are integrated as an integrated circuit in a chip and the chip is manufactured as a semiconductor structure using 1-poly technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Espros Photonics AG
    Inventors: Martin Popp, Beat De Coi
  • Patent number: 8802566
    Abstract: A method for producing semiconductor components on a substrate including photolithographic patterning steps, in which method, on the substrate, a first layer to be patterned is applied and a second layer serving as a mask layer for the first layer to be patterned is applied, wherein a third layer serving as a mask for the second layer is applied, and wherein at least two photolithographic patterning processes are carried out successively for the second layer, wherein, during one of the patterning processes, after the production of a structure made from a photosensitive layer for the provision of a mask layer for a patterning process at the third layer, positive ramp angles ? are produced at the patterning edges of the third layer, as a result of which the structures remaining free, given a thickness h of the third layer, decrease in size by a value D=2*h/tan ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Espros Photonics AG
    Inventors: Martin Popp, Beat De Coi, Marco Annese
  • Patent number: 8770097
    Abstract: An infusion extractor is provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that has vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. The plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container, to define a first chamber containing the mixture of infusible material and extract. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber; the second surface includes extract flow openings which permit flow of extract from the first chamber into the second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Espro, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. McLean, Bruce A. Constantine
  • Publication number: 20140016429
    Abstract: A steaming pitcher comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle provides enhanced control of fluid flow inside the steaming pitcher to enhance mixing and heating of the fluid by the incoming steam. The steaming pitcher may also comprise flow directing and launching surfaces to assist in control of fluid flow patterns. A flow control kit with a flow receiving surface may be installed in an existing flat-bottom steaming pitcher to provide aspects of fluid flow control. The flow receiving, flow directing and launching surfaces of the steaming pitcher may be substantially smooth, faceted, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Espro, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher R. McLean
  • Patent number: 7992486
    Abstract: An espresso tamper including a force calibration means is shown. The tamper is optimally handheld. Upon force of a desired magnitude being applied by a user, at least one discrete signal, such as an audible, visual, tactile or electrical signal is emitted. The tamper handle includes an anti-rotation feature. The handle is flared to avoid pinching the user's fingers during operation and to stop the user's fingers from sliding down the handle or in any way touching the base, thereby rendering the tamper more effective and safe. The tamper and force-calibration kit and method of use optimize espresso making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Espro Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher McLean
  • Publication number: 20070187421
    Abstract: A steaming pitcher comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle provides enhanced control of fluid flow inside the steaming pitcher to enhance mixing and heating of the fluid by the incoming steam. The steaming pitcher may also comprise flow directing and launching surfaces to assist in control of fluid flow patterns. A flow control kit with a flow receiving surface may be installed in an existing flat-bottom steaming pitcher to provide aspects of fluid flow control. The flow receiving, flow directing and launching surfaces of the steaming pitcher may be substantially smooth, faceted, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: Espro Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher McLean
  • Publication number: 20050132890
    Abstract: An espresso tamper including a force calibration means is disclosed. The tamper is optimally handheld. Upon force of a desired magnitude being applied by a user, at least one discrete signal, such as an audible, visual, tactile or electrical signal is emitted. The tamper handle includes an anti-rotation feature. The handle is flared to avoid pinching the user's fingers during operation and to stop the user's fingers from sliding down the handle or in any way touching the base, thereby rendering the tamper more effective and safe. The tamper and force-calibration kit and method of use optimize espresso making.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Applicant: Espro, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Constantine, Christopher McLean
  • Patent number: 5080807
    Abstract: A continuous process for the separation of small particles from larger particles in a biological preparation passes a liquid stream of the preparation through a first filter or screen, which retains larger particles, passing smaller particles in the liquid. The large particles have retained on their surfaces wetting water, in which are entrained some of the small particles. The large particles are directed to a liquid having a concentration of smaller particles lower than the concentration of smaller particles in the wetting water, and mixed therein. The smaller particles separate from the larger particles in the mixed suspension, which is then directed to a second filter or screen, for further separation. The smaller particle/liquid stream may be recycled to the biological preparation stage, the liquid suspension for the large particles, or to a separator means where the smaller particles are separated off from the liquid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignees: Espro, The University of Maryland, College Park
    Inventors: Charles Carr, Edward Sybert, Aldis E. Adamson
  • Patent number: D761624
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ESPRO, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher R. McLean, Bruce Constantine