Patents Assigned to Thermedics, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5569683
    Abstract: A gel includes a multi-component scented mixture in which the components act in concert to create a perceived scent, disposed in a polymer matrix comprising the polymerization product of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The monomers are selected such that the gel (a) has sufficient mechanical integrity to retain its shape under ambient conditions and (b) releases the components of the scented mixture in a manner that substantially preserves the native scent of the mixture upon release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Thermedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Bootman, Randall E. Adams
  • Patent number: 5551278
    Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Rounbehler, Eugene K. Achter, David P. Lieb, David H. Fine, Eugenie Hainsworth, Alf L. Carroll, Gregory J. Wendell
  • Patent number: 5476794
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of rapidly checking surfaces for the presence of traces of specific compounds such as certain explosives and drugs. A hand-covering such as a cotton glove is used to wipe surfaces to pick up particles of the specific compound which may indicate the presence of larger amounts or previous contact of a surface by a person who has handled the compound. The particles are transferred--unheated--to collection surfaces of a hand-held sample probe by vacuuming of the gloved hand by the battery-operated probe. Heat is then supplied by a source external to the probe to vaporize the particles, and the vapors are analyzed by a suitable technique such as high speed gas chromatography. The method permits checking of surfaces for explosives at processing rates of up to several samples per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. O'Brien, David H. Fine, Freemand W. Fraim
  • Patent number: 5455516
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for the measurement of, for example, the moisture in a material or, more generally, for the measurement of any material parameter which may be inferred by measuring the electromagnetic properties of the material under investigation. The electromagnetic properties of use in the present invention are complex electrical permittivity or the magnetic permeability of the material. The meter apparatus of the present invention comprises a controllable source of electromagnetic energy having stable selectable frequency. The controllable source of electromagnetic energy is coupled to a material measurement chamber by means of probes, loops, antennas, apertures or other structures so as to establish an electromagnetic wave inside the measurement chamber thereby causing the wave to interact with the material contained in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: Buford R. Jean, Gary L. Warren, F. Lynn Whitehead
  • Patent number: 5391420
    Abstract: Label-like, hermetically-sealed perfume pouch samplers with artwork on their top surface and a pressure sensitive adhesive bottom surface. The adhesive bottom surface may be employed to attach the pouch labels to pages of a magazine or other mailer, providing an efficient method of mass distribution of perfume samples. The fragrance is stored in a perfume-releasing article such as an ultraviolet radiation-cured perfume-doped polymer, or a fragrance-laden polymer gel of modified cellulosic, ethyl alcohol, fragrance oil, an antioxidant, and water, surrounded by two perfume impervious sealed barrier layers. There is disclosed a method of manufacturing the perfume pouch labels on a support web that can be wound onto rolls from which the pouch labels may be readily released and applied rapidly and precisely to advertising pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Bootman, Daniel L. Brown, Elaine Trebek-Kares, Randall E. Adams
  • Patent number: 5365442
    Abstract: An implement position control device including a central processing unit (6) coupled to an ultrasonic transducer (17) and receiver/amplifier (20) adapted to calculate the distance to a reference target (12 and a relatively more distant surface (9). Control pulses are initiated by the CPU (6) to manipulate a solenoid (25) by means of a valve driver (24) in response to the calculated distance measurements. An autotune task (26) causes a series of precise pulses to manipulate the solenoid, thereby permitting calculation of the transfer function (52) defining the relationship between pulse width and implement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Thermedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5310681
    Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Rounbehler, Eugenie Hainsworth, David P. Lieb
  • Patent number: 5300758
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for high speed, selective detection of vapors of specific compounds, particularly nitrogen-containing compounds, utilizing a bypass branch and high speed gas chromatography for improved selectivity and sensitivity of detection. A system with two gas chromatographs (GC's) alternating in series with two pyrolyzers provides two time intervals of detection in a downstream detector, with the second time interval containing signals delayed and further separated relative to signals from the first time interval. The bypass branch, in diverting a portion of the flow of gas samples from passage through the second gas chromatograph and second pyrolyzer, avoids interferences in the first time interval of detection from non-GC-retained compounds decomposed in the second pyrolyzer. Also disclosed is an arrangement for rapid, precise heating of vapor concentrator tubes in which vapors are rapidly focussed and then injected into a GC, and for rapid, precise heating of the GC's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Rounbehler, David P. Lieb, Eugene K. Achter, David B. Gernes, Abdul Tafreshi
  • Patent number: 5268302
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selective, high speed detection of vapors of specific gas-chromatographically-separable compounds. In the disclosed method separate analyses are performed on two portions of a gas sample formed by flash-heating trapped vapors to successively higher temperatures while flowing hydrogen carrier gas over coatings in/on which the vapors are held. Within a total time interval of about twenty seconds 1) two sample portions are formed, 2) each portion is rapidly separated in two series-connected, high speed, temperature-programmed gas chromatographs, and 3) specific compounds are identified by detection of NO gas formed during an oxidative pyrolysis of each separated portion. One application of the described method and apparatus is the rapid, selective, and sensitive detection of nitrogen-containing compounds such as the drugs methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Rounbehler, David P. Lieb
  • Patent number: 5171216
    Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter for independent delivery and withdrawal of fluids having an improved leading end to minimize stasis and an improved coupling for connection to externally located infusion and withdrawal tubes. The improved leading end has an ellipsoidally shaped tip with a smooth, uninterrupted surface and, in close proximity to the tip, a port or ports evenly spaced along the length of each lumen in staggered relation between each lumen. The improved coupling is a generally L-shaped, implantable transition device bonded to a percutaneous access device. The overall conformation of the multi-lumen catheter may be either a "U-shape" or an upright "Z-shape." Externally located infusion and withdrawal tubes are in fluid connection with an epidermal end of the transition device and a multi-lumen tube fits snugly over nipples at a subcutaneous end of the transition device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Dasse, Scott M. Epstein, Victor Poirier
  • Patent number: 5123274
    Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surface coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyroloyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: Alf L. Carroll, Gabor Miskolczy, Freeman W. Fraim, Eugene K. Achter, David P. Lieb
  • Patent number: 5108705
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for high speed, selective detection of vapors of specific compounds, particularly nitrogen-containing compounds, utilizing, a bypass branch and high speed gas chromatography for improved selectively and sensitivity of detection. A system with two gas chromatographs (GC's) alternating in series with two pyrolyzers provides two time intervals of detection in a downstream detector, with the second time interval containing signals delayed and further separated relative to signals from the first time interval. The bypass branch, in diverting a portion of the flow of gas samples from passage through the second gas chromatograph and second pyrolyzer, avoids interferences in the first time interval of detection from non-GC-retained compounds decomposed in the second pyrolyzer. Also disclosed is an arrangement for rapid, precise heating of vapor concentrator tubes in which vapors are rapidly focussed and then injected into a GC, and for rapid, precise heating of the GC's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Rounbehler, David P. Lieb, Eugene K. Achter, David B. Gernes, Abdul Tafreshi
  • Patent number: 5099743
    Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Rounbehler, Eugenie Hainsworth, David P. Lieb
  • Patent number: 5098451
    Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Rounbehler, David P. Lieb, Eugene K. Achter, Gabor Miskolczy, Eugenie Hainsworth, Gregory J. Wendel
  • Patent number: 5092218
    Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Fine, David P. Rounbehler
  • Patent number: 5092155
    Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Rounbehler, Eugenie Hainsworth
  • Patent number: 5092219
    Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detetion of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Rounbehler, David H. Fine
  • Patent number: 5092217
    Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene K. Achter, Gregory J. Wendell
  • Patent number: 5092220
    Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Rounbehler
  • Patent number: D329391
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Thermedics Inc.
    Inventors: Edward E. A. Bromberg, Dale N. Larson, David A. Sutton, Michel D. Arney