Patents Examined by John Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 11959836
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for analysis systems that are configured to extract a fluid sample from a fluid (e.g., aqueous solution) in a reactor (e.g., bioreactor) at a first rate and then flow the fluid sample to a sensor system at a second rate to analyze the fluid sample. The sensor system can detect the presence and/or concentration of molecules (e.g., biomolecules such as biomarkers (e.g., metabolites, proteins, peptides, cytokines, growth factors, DNA, RNA, lipids) and cells of different types and cell properties, e.g., mechanical stiffness, etc.)). The data obtained can be used by a feedback control system to modify, as needed, the conditions in the reactor to enhance the productively of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Andrei G. Fedorov, Mason Chilmonczyk, Peter Arthur Kottke
  • Patent number: 11953473
    Abstract: A circulation device causes gas to circulate between a sample storage space and a temperature adjustment space through the first and second opening regions in a separating member. A temperature of gas flowing in the temperature adjustment space is adjusted by a heat exchanger, so that the temperature of gas surrounding a sample in the sample storage space is adjusted. The separating member further has first and second unit regions. The second opening region includes a first portion located in the first unit region and a second portion located in the second unit region. The shortest distance between the first portion and the first opening region is larger than the shortest distance between the second portion and the first opening region, and an aperture ratio of the first portion in the first unit region is larger than an aperture ratio of the second portion in the second unit region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koki Miyazaki, Kodai Imaeda
  • Patent number: 11944920
    Abstract: A modified gathering manifold is disclosed, including a sampling header coupled to each of multiple production lines of wells, and a plurality of diverters, each coupled to one of the production lines, upstream of a relief header coupled to each of the plurality of production lines and a production header associated with the manifold and coupled to each of the plurality of production lines. The sampling header receives a production fluid diverted by a diverter in the open position. The manifold also includes a three-phase separator coupled to the sampling header downstream of the plurality of diverters that separates the production fluid into crude oil, water, and gas, and detects a volume flow rate for each. A return header passes the crude oil, the water, and the gas from the three-phase separator into the production header where they are combined into a hydrocarbon fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Rayan A Alidi, Abdulrahman H Almutairi
  • Patent number: 11944852
    Abstract: A firefighter safety system and tools purposed for extracting oneself from out of a burning and smoke infested compartment of a building structure where the floor has caved in. Disclosed is a hand tool and foot tool that a firefighter can use alongside with a pressurized fire hose whereby the hand tool and foot tool can engage the fire hose in frictional contact whereby the firefighter can pull with their hand on the tool and push with their foot on the foot tool until they extricated themselves from dangerous conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: John H Meredith
  • Patent number: 11947330
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tool orientation and/or position determining system are described herein. In one example, a plurality of tool sensors can be coupled to a tool. The tool sensors can provide data to a control module or system controller. The orientation and/or position of the tool can accordingly be determined from the data. If the orientation and/or position of the tool matches a desired orientation, the tool and/or control module can provide an indication that the tool is in the desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian Arthur Thompson, Jonathan T. Davis
  • Patent number: 11940422
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for analysing a specimen comprises a loading area for loading the specimen of interest and an analytical column. The loading area is connected on two sides to a first duct and a second duct respectively, both integrated in the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device comprises a first integrated input connected to the first duct to take the specimen into the loading area, a first integrated output connected to the second duct to discharge the rest of the specimen, once it has flown through the loading area, and a second integrated output downstream the analytical column. The first integrated output is arranged for during a first loading period of time being in circuit connected to the first integrated input so as to load the sample into the loading zone of the device while preventing loss of specimen during loading of the sample into the analytical column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventors: Jeff Op De Beeck, Paul Jacobs, Wim De Malsche
  • Patent number: 11940270
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine for measuring coordinates or properties of a workpiece includes an extended stylus. The extended stylus includes an extension element and a connection element. The extension element includes a carrier portion mounted at the connection element so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The extension element includes, on a side remote from the connection element, a shaft portion that is aligned so as to deviate from the axis of rotation. The coordinate measuring machine includes a measurement head to which the extended stylus is attached. The measurement head is configured to measure deflections of the stylus resulting from contacts of the extended stylus to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Otto Ruck, David Höcherl
  • Patent number: 11933773
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a gas detector test fixture (102) that recycles test gas, which can then be reused. A portable gas detector test fixture (102), comprises a test chamber (104), a processor (134), a docking connector (132) communicatively coupled to the processor (134), an output device (138) communicatively coupled to the processor (134), a memory (136) communicatively coupled to the processor (134), and an application (137) stored in the memory (136) that, when executed by the processor (134), is configured to conduct a bump test on a portable gas detector (106) plugged into the docking connector (132) and to output the bump test result to the output device (138).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Shane Lee McEwen, Jacob Thomas Spector, Andrew Nilsson, Chris Press
  • Patent number: 11933701
    Abstract: Devices and methods for analyzing a sample are disclosed. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample and conducting sample analysis. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a cartridge device and a reader instrument device. The reader instrument device receives, operates, and/or actuates the cartridge device to prepare a serial dilution of a sample and conduct sample analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: CytoChip Inc.
    Inventors: Wendian Shi, Yuan Gao, Yuzhe Ding
  • Patent number: 11927580
    Abstract: A method of detecting at least a partial blockage in a porous member separating a first volume from a second volume or inner chamber of a device includes emitting pressure waves within the inner chamber by changing a volume of the inner chamber, measuring a response via a pressure sensor responsive to pressure waves positioned within the inner chamber, and determining if at least a partial blockage is present in the porous member based upon the response of the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Stokoe, Harry Bullivant, Shane Kelleher
  • Patent number: 11921017
    Abstract: A multi-phase sampling collection system includes a three-way four-port valve unit that includes a valve housing having a first port, a second port opposite the first port, and a third port. The valve unit includes an inner valve member that is movably disposed within the valve housing between a plurality of positions. The inner valve member has a main valve body that has a first valve opening, a second valve opening opposite the first valve opening, a third valve opening and a fourth valve opening opposite the third valve opening. The third valve opening is defined by a plurality of orifices for mixing incoming non-homogenous fluid to generate a mixed homogenous fluid and the fourth valve opening has a lesser diameter that the third valve opening for increasing fluid pressure drop, fluid velocity, and fluid turbulence resulting in improved mixing of the non-homogenous fluid that exits through the fourth valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Mohamed Soliman
  • Patent number: 11920952
    Abstract: A removeable level endcap is disclosed where the endcap safeguards the end of the level apparatus against drops and impacts. The endcap assembly includes a sliding C-clamp slidably housed inside a locking hook structure. Both locking and locking hook structures are “C” shaped with two end portions coupled to a middle portion. With the sliding C-clamp in a fully pushed backward position within the locking hook housing structure, a single linear forward push of the sliding C-clamp couples the locking hook structure end portions with the level end and locks the endcap onto the level end using locking tabs on locking hook structure end portions with the sliding C-clamp in a pushed fully forward position within the locking hook structure. Unlocking, detaching, and removing the endcap from the level apparatus is accomplished with a single linear backward pull of the sliding C-clamp within the locking hook structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventors: Michael H Panosian, Joshua M Keeler
  • Patent number: 11922914
    Abstract: A desk bell that has a good sound reverb and a long lingering sound includes a swingably supported bell body and striking section that hits the bell body. The striking section includes a striker, an operating part for operating the striker, and separating part that quickly separates the striker from the bell body after the striker striking the bell body. The bell body is placed and supported on or point-supported on a supporting member. The bell body has a conical shape with an open bottom or an inverted bowl shape and has an inner top part placed and supported on or point-supported on the supporting member. The striker is disposed inside the bell body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Koizumi Factory
    Inventor: Toshihiro Koizumi
  • Patent number: 11913968
    Abstract: An automatic liquid density measurement device includes a receptacle configured to contain the liquid, a float configured to be submerged in the liquid when it is contained in the receptacle, and an electronic system. The electronic system includes a first electromagnetic sensor configured to make a reference measurement relative to the electrical properties of the liquid, a second electromagnetic sensor configured to make a measurement of the volume of the liquid displaced when the float is submerged in the liquid, and an electronic circuit coupled with said first and second electromagnetic sensors to determine the density of the liquid based on the measurement of the physical properties of the liquid and the measurement of the volume of the liquid displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Florian Porte
  • Patent number: 11913916
    Abstract: A liquid chromatography sample manager includes a thermal chamber, a sample platter mounted in the thermal chamber, and a needle drive including a base having a shaft configured to rotate about a vertical axis, the base attachable to an interior of a sample manager of a liquid chromatography system. The needle drive further includes a needle assembly attached to the base, the needle assembly including a sample needle, and a drive system attached to the base, the drive system including a sample needle motor configured to impart vertical movement of the sample needle. The liquid chromatography sample manager further includes a sample delivery system configured to transfer a first sample from a first sample vial carrier located in the sample platter into a chromatographic flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua A. Burnett, Rose Solow, David A. Simpson, Marc E. Lemelin
  • Patent number: 11913967
    Abstract: In variants, the method for determining dispensing volume for a liquid handler 110 can include: dispensing a droplet using the liquid hander no, sampling a set of measurements of the droplet, determining the droplet volume based on the set of measurements, and/or any other suitable steps. In variants, the system 100 can include: the liquid handler 110, a droplet vessel 130, a measurement system 150, and/or any other suitable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Spaero Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitris Papageorgiou, Mitchell Adler
  • Patent number: 11905807
    Abstract: A method includes determining a free water level in the reservoir, analyzing a free water pressure trend of the free water phase, determining a presence of anomalous pressures and salinities within the free water phase, determining whether gas down to models and water up to models fit the reservoir, determining a bi-modal pore throat distribution of the plurality of pores within the reservoir, and generating a difference map to model the water distribution in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Ahmed Moustafa Abdel Wahab M. Kassem, Nawaf Abdulrahman A Alghamdi, Badr Saeed Badghaish
  • Patent number: 11906489
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to chemical analysis systems, including autosampler systems. In some embodiments, an autosampler system can analyze gas phase samples using a single inlet for better consistency. The autosampler system can move the sample container closer to the sample introduction/preconcentration system prior to accessing the contents of the container to reduce exposure of the sample to reactive surfaces. The autosampler system is able to couple the sample containers to a sampling wand automatically, thereby eliminating the need to pre-attach each container using a gas transfer line. The autosampler system can be disposed on top of a chemical analysis system (e.g., a GC or GCMS), thereby conserving laboratory bench space. In some embodiments, the modules (e.g., sample trays, thermal conditioning systems, support legs) of the autosampler system can be coupled to the autosampler system using clamps that include magnetic codes associated with autocalibration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Entech Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Cardin
  • Patent number: 11906479
    Abstract: A portable, case-enclosed pressure test manifold, configured to support both pneumatic and hydrostatic pressure testing, and comprising a downstream fluid path (e.g., a system test gauge, a ball valve, a system test port, a system relief valve, and other components/piping) and an upstream fluid path (e.g., a low-pressure gauge, a high-pressure gauge, and other components/piping). A regulator and/or the ball valve selectively operate the downstream fluid path, defining a hydrostatic pressure testing path, to receive a liquid; and the upstream fluid path in combination with the downstream fluid path, defining a pneumatic pressure testing path, to receive a gas. Manifold components are pressure rated based on use and are ASME Code B31.3 compliant. A flexible hose connects with either of the pneumatic pressure testing path and the hydrostatic pressure testing path of the manifold. The case includes parking receptables and a carrying handle configured to stow the hose during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Fermi Research Alliance, LLC
    Inventor: Roger A. Milholland
  • Patent number: 11906386
    Abstract: A wheel balancing tool includes a body member, an attachment member and an alignment member. The body member includes a notch configured to be aligned with a balancing mark on a rim of a vehicle wheel. The attachment member is connected to the body member. The attachment member includes at least one hook configured to attach the tool to the wheel rim. The alignment member extends outwardly from the body portion and is configured to indicate an attachment position on the wheel for a balancing weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Nissan North America Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Miller, Eric Cohen