Patents Assigned to Symyx Technologies
  • Patent number: 6819420
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for rapid characterization and screening of liquid samples to determine properties (e.g., particle size, particle size distribution, molar mass and/or molar mass distribution) thereof with static light scattering and/or dynamic light scattering. The liquid samples can be solutions, emulsions, suspensions or dispersions. One method, includes providing a vessel containing a liquid sample having an exposed surface that defines a gas-liquid sample interface, and analyzing the sample by light scattering methods that include transmitting light through the gas-liquid sample interface into the sample, and detecting light scattered from the sample or from a component thereof. Additional methods are directed to characterizing a plurality of liquid samples or components thereof. The methods, systems, and devices have applications in high-throughput screening, and particularly, in combinatorial materials research and in industrial process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sigrid C. Kuebler, James Bennett
  • Patent number: 6818183
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Damian A. Hajduk, Ralph B. Nielsen, Adam Safir, Leonid Matsiev, Eric McFarland, Paul Mansky
  • Patent number: 6818110
    Abstract: An electrochemical deposition and testing system consisting of individually addressable electrode arrays, a fully automated deposition head, and a parallel screening apparatus is described. The system is capable of synthesizing and screening millions of new compositions at an unprecedented rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Warren, Robert C. Haushalter, Leonid Matsiev, Martin Devenney, Eric McFarland, Earl Danielson
  • Publication number: 20040219602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of research for drug formulations. More particularly, this invention is directed toward an apparatus and method of performing parallel synthesis and screening of multiple drug compositions for stability and compatibility when exposed to various conditions over time, including various environmental and/or chemical conditions. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of testing for effects of a condition on a drug sample. The method includes providing an array of drug samples, simultaneously exposing a first plurality of the drug samples in the array to a first controlled condition for a period of time within an exposure period, and evaluating a plurality of the exposed drug samples at a first time and a second time using a non-destructive test in order to determine whether the condition has an affect on one or more of the drug samples over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Carlson, Peter J. Desrosiers, Li Song
  • Publication number: 20040211247
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring viscosity or related properties of fluid samples in parallel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of tubes and reservoirs in fluid communication with the tubes. The tubes provide flow paths for the fluid samples, which are initially contained within the reservoirs. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for filling the reservoirs with the fluid samples, and a device for determining volumetric flow rates of fluid samples flowing from the reservoirs through the plurality of tubes simultaneously. The disclosed apparatus is capable of measuring viscosity or related properties of at least five fluid samples simultaneously. Useful reservoirs and tubes include syringes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Damian Hajduk, Paul Mansky
  • Publication number: 20040214714
    Abstract: Metal-ligand complexes that are useful as precursors to catalysts for the polymerization of olefins are provided. Certain of the catalysts are particularly effective at polymerizing ethylene and styrene into copolymers having novel properties, including a low molecular weight and close comparison between vinyl and methyl end groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Brummer, Gary M. Diamond, Christopher Goh, Anne M. LaPointe, Margarete K. Leclerc, James Longmire, James A.W. Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20040214717
    Abstract: Metal-ligand complexes that are useful as precursors to catalysts for the polymerization of olefins are provided. Certain of the catalysts are particularly effective at polymerizing ethylene and styrene into copolymers having novel properties, including a low molecular weight and close comparison between vinyl and methyl end groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Brummer, Gary M. Diamond, Christopher Goh, Anne M. LaPointe, Margarete K. Leclerc, James Longmire, James A.W. Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20040209765
    Abstract: New ligands, compositions, metal-ligand complexes and arrays with pyridyl-amine ligands are disclosed that catalyze the polymerization of monomers into polymers. Certain of these catalysts with hafnium metal centers have high performance characteristics, including higher comonomer incorporation into ethylene/olefin copolymers, where such olefins are for example, 1-octene, isobutylene or styrene. Certain of the catalysts are particularly effective at polymerizing propylene to high molecular weight isotactic polypropylene in a solution process at a variety of polymerization conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Boussie, Gary M. Diamond, Christopher Goh, Keith A. Hall, Anne M. Lapointe, Margarete K. Leclerc, Cheryl Lund, Vince Murphy
  • Patent number: 6805175
    Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing powder, comprising a hopper having a powder transfer port and a suction port for connection to a source of suction to establish an upward flow of air (or other gas) through the transfer port. A gas flow control system varies the upward flow through the transfer port to have different velocities greater than 0.0 m/s. These velocities include an aspirating velocity for aspirating powder into the hopper through the transfer port to form a fluidized bed of powder in the hopper, and a dispensing velocity less than the aspirating velocity but sufficient to maintain fluidization of the bed while allowing powder from the bed to gravitate through the transfer port for dispensing into one or more destination receptacles. A method of aspirating and dispensing powder is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Pinkas, Claus G. Lugmair
  • Patent number: 6803410
    Abstract: Cellulosic polymers, copolymers and grafts, are disclosed that adhere to fibers and surfaces during an aqueous treatment process. The cellulosic polymers having grafts and/or co-blocks are prepared using living-type free radical polymerization techniques, which provides control over the degree of substitution and graft/co-block composition and structure. These cellulosic polymers allow for the modification of fibers and surfaces to provide a desired effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Charmot, Manikandan Jayaraman, Han Ting Chang, Paul Mansky, Wilfried Blokzijl
  • Patent number: 6802991
    Abstract: A CsX:Eu phosphor produced by heating a cesium halide with a Europium compound containing one or more halides selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I. Preferably the Europium compound is selected from the group consisting of EuX′2, and EuX′3 and EuX′, X′ being one or more halides selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I. The invention also includes novel phosphors having properties inherent to the manufacturing process as well as other phosphors containing a mixture of Br and Cl in the cesium halide, europium doped phosphor. A method for preparing a binderless phosphor screen using these phosphors and a method for recording and reproducing an X-ray image using such screens are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignees: Symyx Technologies, Inc., AGFA-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Martin Devenney, Casper Reaves, Paul Leblans, Luc Struye
  • Patent number: 6799629
    Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a bundle of capillary tubes to prevent overheating of the tubes during a parallel capillary electrophoresis procedure. The apparatus includes a jacket of thermally conductive solid material comprising mating jacket members movable between an open position in which the jacket members are separated to allow placement of the bundle in the jacket and a closed position in which the jacket members are mated together and the bundle is disposed inside the jacket in thermally conductive relation with the jacket. Window openings in the mating jacket members define a window to permit the passage of light through the window and the capillary tubes of the bundle at the location of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peijun Cong, Robert D. Doolen, Tony N. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6794052
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Schultz, Xiao-Dong Xiang, Isy Goldwasser, Gabriel Briceño, Xiao-Dong Sun
  • Patent number: 6794514
    Abstract: Metal-ligand complexes that are useful as precursors to catalysts for the polymerization of olefins are provided. Certain of the catalysts are particularly effective at polymerizing ethylene and styrene into copolymers having novel properties, including a low molecular weight and close comparison between vinyl and methyl end groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Brümmer, Gary M. Diamond, Christopher Goh, Anne M. LaPointe, Margarete K. Leclerc, James A. W. Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20040177707
    Abstract: A library of materials is screened for mechanical properties such as strength, tack or other properties. A library of materials is provided. A stimulus such as a stress or force is provided to each member of the library. A response (e.g., a strain) of each of the materials due to the stimulus is measured and the response, the stimulus or both are recorded and related to provide data. Thereafter, the data is analyzed to reach conclusions regarding properties of the material samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Mansky
  • Publication number: 20040175760
    Abstract: Computer programs and computer-implemented methods implement techniques for evaluating experimental data from a library of materials. The techniques receive a plurality of images of a library of materials that includes an array of members associated with locations in the library. User input identifying a plurality of regions of interest is received. A series of reduced data values is determined for one or more of the regions of interest as a statistical function of a plurality of pixel values for pixels in the corresponding regions. A figure of merit is calculated from one or more of the series of reduced data values for a library member at the corresponding library location. The regions of interest include a plurality of pixels in the images and correspond to locations in the library.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Crevier, William B. Archibald, Marc Hornbostel, Dieter Schaefer, Thomas Boussie
  • Patent number: 6787112
    Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Turner, G. Cameron Dales, Lynn VanErden, Johannes A. M. VanBeek, Damian A. Hajduk, Ralph B. Nielsen, William C. Rust
  • Publication number: 20040166396
    Abstract: A catalyst suitable for use in a fuel cell, especially as an anode catalyst, that contains platinum, ruthenium, and nickel, wherein the nickel is at a concentration that is less than about 10 atomic percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Gorer
  • Patent number: 6776902
    Abstract: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods and systems are disclosed that combine parallel chromatographic separation of a plurality of samples with a detection technique that involves post-separation treatment of the plurality of samples to enhance one or more properties of the sample or of a component thereof, followed by detection of the one or more enhanced properties. Selective, tunable detection schemes are achievable, and are particularly advantageous as applied in connection with combinatorial chemistry, combinatorial material science and more particularly, combinatorial synthesis and screening of polymeric materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Miroslav Petro
  • Publication number: 20040154704
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California and Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Schultz, Xiao-Dong Xiang, Isy Goldwasser, Gabriel Briceno, Xiao-Dong Sun, Kai-An Wang