Patents Examined by Luan Van
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Patent number: 9759713Abstract: A hand-held test meter for use with an electrochemical-based analytical test strip in the determination of an analyte in a bodily fluid sample includes a housing, a micro-controller disposed in the housing, a test strip simulation passive circuit block disposed in the housing, and a strip port connector (“SPC”) configured to operationally receive an electrochemical-based analytical test. The test strip simulation passive circuit block is in electrical communication with the SPC and the SPC is configured in electrical communication with the micro-controller. In addition, the test strip simulation passive circuit block is configured to simulate insertion of an electrochemical-based analytical test strip into the SPC and also to simulate application of a bodily fluid sample to an electrochemical-based analytical test strip inserted into the SPC by presenting one or both of (i) an alternating current (AC) load to SPC; and (ii) a direct current (DC) load to the SPC.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: LifeScan Scotland LimitedInventor: David Elder
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Patent number: 9755095Abstract: The present technology relates to multi-cell devices fabricated on a common substrate that are more desirable than single cell devices, particularly in photovoltaic applications. Multi-cell devices operate with lower currents, higher output voltages, and lower internal power losses. Prior art multi-cell devices use physical isolation to achieve electrical isolation between cells. In order to fabricate a multicell device on a common substrate, the individual cells must be electrically isolated from one another. In the prior art, isolation generally required creating a physical dielectric barrier between the cells, which adds complexity and cost to the fabrication process. The disclosed technology achieves electrical isolation without physical isolation by proper orientation of interdigitated junctions such that the diffusion fields present in the interdigitated region essentially prevent the formation of a significant parasitic current which would be in opposition to the output of the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: MTPV POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Eric Brown, Andrew Walsh, Jose Borrego, Paul Greiff
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Patent number: 9753004Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical biosensor with improved hematocrit measurement accuracy for measuring blood glucose. According to the present invention, an electrochemical biosensor including a first electrode part for correcting a measured hematocrit value and a second electrode part for measuring a glucose concentration is effective in improving accuracy of a measured hematocrit value and in more improving accuracy of a measured blood glucose concentration using the measured hematocrit values for correction, because an insulation cover is made thinner than a working electrode and an auxiliary electrode, so that areas of a first working electrode and a first auxiliary electrode of the first electrode part exposed to a blood sample become equal; a distance between the first working electrode and the second working electrode becomes constant; and electrode areas are maintained constantly by the insulation cover even when a positioning error occurs during printing.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: I-Sens, Inc.Inventors: Myeong Ho Lee, Moon Hwan Kim, Ung Ki Lee, Han Be Park, Sung-Kwon Jung, Hakhyun Nam, Geun Sig Cha
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Systems and methods for separating metallic and nonmetallic particles in a mixed-particle suspension
Patent number: 9751091Abstract: A continuous flow particle separation system for separating metallic and nonmetallic particles from a mixed-particle suspension includes a fluid channeling component defining an input channel and first and second output channels fluidly connected to the input channel at a bifurcated junction, a first electrode and a second electrode arranged proximate the input channel at least partially prior to the bifurcated junction, and an alternating current (AC) electric power source electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITYInventors: Su Chih Chi, Robert Cammarata, Stephen L. Farias, Donglei Fan, Danru Qu, Chia-Ling Chien -
Patent number: 9746440Abstract: A sensor includes a sheath that is elongated along a longitudinal axis; a spacer positioned within the sheath and defining first and second channels having lengths that extend along the longitudinal axis; a first elongated member positioned within the first channel; and a second elongated member positioned within the second channel. The first elongated member includes an active surface forming a working electrode and the second elongated member including an active surface defining a counter electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Pepex Biomedical, LLCInventor: James L. Say
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Patent number: 9739742Abstract: The present invention provides a remote monitoring system for monitoring the operation of a fluid treatment system and/or the qualities, characteristics, properties, etc., of the fluid being processed or treated by the fluid treatment system. The present invention also relates to carbon nanotube sensors.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Inventors: Corey Alan Salzer, Russell Martin Young, Michael Mario Carrabba, Vishnu Vardhanan Rajasekharan, Christopher Patrick Fair, Frank Howland Carpenter, Jr., John Edwin Lee
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Patent number: 9719980Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the length of analytes and/or sequencing analytes are provided in which two or more electrical signals are obtained as an analyte traverses a fluidic channel. Detection of the relative position of probes hybridized to a biopolymer and/or the length of the analyte (e.g., a biopolymer) does not rely on the absolute time between detection events of a given electrical signal to determine a distance associated with the biopolymer. Instead, multiple signals are obtained (e.g., as functions of time) corresponding to a plurality of detector volumes at known locations along a fluidic channel through which the biopolymer passes, and the distances are determined from the multiple signals.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: NABSYS 2.0 LLCInventor: John S. Oliver
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Patent number: 9722123Abstract: A solar cell of an embodiment has a first solar cell, a second solar cell, and an intermediate layer between the first and second solar cells. The first solar cell has a Si layer as a light absorbing layer. The second solar cell has as a light absorbing layer one of a group I-III-VI2 compound layer and a group I2-II-IV-VI4 compound layer. The intermediate layer has an n+-type Si sublayer and at least one selected from a p+-type Si sublayer, a metal compound sublayer, and a graphene sublayer. The metal compound sublayer is represented by MX where M denotes at least one type of element selected from Nb, Mo, Pd, Ta, W, and Pt and X denotes at least one type of element selected from S, Se, and Te.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kazushige Yamamoto, Naoyuki Nakagawa, Soichiro Shibasaki, Hiroki Hiraga, Mutsuki Yamazaki, Shinya Sakurada, Michihiko Inaba
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Patent number: 9705020Abstract: A module structure is provided, which includes a front sheet, a back sheet opposite the front sheet, and a solar cell disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet. A first encapsulate film is disposed between the solar cell and the front sheet, and a second encapsulate film disposed between the solar cell and the back sheet. One or both of the front sheet and the second sheet includes a support layer and a light conversion layer on the support layer, wherein the light conversion layer includes a fluorescent molecule and hydrogenated styrene elastomer resin. The light conversion layer is disposed between the support layer and the solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Min-Tsung Kuan, Pei-Ying Yang, Wen-Hsien Wang, Wen-Hsien Chou, Wen-Kuei Lee, Han-Chang Liu
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Patent number: 9702842Abstract: Provided are an amperometric sensor and device for electrochemically quantifying nitrosothiol (RSNO), which is associated with storage and delivery of nitric oxide (NO) in the human body. The amperometric sensor for measuring a concentration of RSNO includes an electrode configured to measure an electric current generated by an oxidation reaction of NO, and a means configured to start and stop photo-induced decomposition of RSNO. Here, the electric current is measured by the oxidation reaction of NO before and after the photo-induced decomposition of RSNO. The amperometric sensor may measure separate signals of RSNO and NO, which are present in the sample at the same time, using one electrode, thereby preventing an inhibition action caused by NO during the measurement of RSNO. Also, the amperometric sensor is simple in structure and easy to manufacture and may be applied to manufacture of a small electrode, and thus may be developed as a sensor for in vivo measurements.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: I-SENS, INC.Inventors: Sung A Hong, Da Yeon Sung, Jun Hee Han, Jea Hun Song, Hakhyun Nam, Geun Sig Cha, Jae Ho Shin
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Biosensor incorporating protein-immobilized membrane and method of immobilizing protein in biosensor
Patent number: 9702843Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein-immobilized membrane (14) including a cell membrane homologous layer (14A) and a protein (14B) immobilized to the cell membrane homologous layer (14A), where the protein contains cytochrome or a cytochrome complex. The present invention also relates to a method for forming a protein-immobilized membrane (14), and an enzyme-immobilized electrode and a biosensor (X1) provided with a protein-immobilized membrane (14). Preferably, the cell membrane homologous layer (14A) may contain a phospholipid polymer, and the protein (14B) may be CyGDH including an ? subunit having a glucose dehydrogenase activity and cytochrome C having a function of electron transfer.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.Inventors: Koji Katsuki, Hideaki Yamaoka -
Patent number: 9689075Abstract: Embodiments of a cathodic protection device include an anchor bar operably connected to a metallic structure placed in a marine or aquatic environment, a plurality of articulated bars and a joining mechanism. The plurality of articulated bars are connected to one another in a chain-like manner. The joining mechanism is configured to connect the anchor bar to the plurality of articulated bars.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Inventors: Lorenzo Martinez Gomez, Lorenzo Martínez Martínez de la Escalera, Jorge Joaquín Cantó Ibáñez, José Julián Sánchez Hernández, Alejandro Dávila Martinez
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Patent number: 9689833Abstract: A gas sensor includes known types of electrodes such as sensing electrodes, counter electrodes or reference electrodes to sense the presence of a predetermined gas. In addition, at least one diagnostic electrode is carried in the sensor. The diagnostic electrode implements at least one diagnostic function without substantially impairing the gas sensing function. The diagnostic electrode is immersed in sensor electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Life Safety Distribution AGInventors: Keith Francis Edwin Pratt, Martin G. Jones, John Chapples, Lei Xiao
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Patent number: 9689829Abstract: A device for determining the presence of a single cell and/or determining a state of a single cell includes a first nanotube disposed on a first electrode, and a second nanotube disposed on a second electrode, wherein the first and second nanotubes are spaced apart at a length that is smaller than a cell size to be detected. A method for determining the presence of a single biological cell includes sensing impedance between a first nanotube and a second nanotube. A method of manufacturing includes providing a nanotube, providing an electrode coated with an insulating material, wherein an aperture is defined in the insulating material through to the electrode, and using electrophoresis deposition to deposit a nanotube within the aperture and in electrical communication with the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: New Jersey Institute of TechnologyInventors: Reginald C. Farrow, Camelia Prodan, Alokik Kanwal, Gordon A. Thomas
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Patent number: 9683296Abstract: Galvanic anodes and barrier corrosion control for metal pipelines, tanks, and equipment under thermal insulation includes the use of pure aluminum and aluminum alloys in fresh water at high temperatures to protect steel elements in hot water without sufficient chlorides. Sacrificial aluminum and sacrificial zinc-aluminum powders in a mixed primer provide long-term, effective corrosion control of steel under thermal insulation can be achieved in all water temperature ranges regardless of the presence of sufficient chlorides. At temperatures below 75° C., the zinc particles in the primer act to protect the substrate steel. At temperatures above 75° C., the aluminum particles in the primer, and galvanic aluminum tape protect the substrate steel in chloride free neutral pH water and also reduce the consumption of zinc particles in the primer. When the electrolyte water for CUI is sufficiently contaminated with chlorides, the aluminum particles in the primer and the galvanic aluminum become active.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Inventor: Miki Funahashi
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Patent number: 9678032Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for the identification of chemical agents and determination of their level of exposure using electrochemical detection and advanced signal processing. In one aspect, a method includes collecting a sample from a surface containing a chemical agent to an electrode on a sensor such that the chemical agent transfers on the electrode, detecting an electrochemical signal of the chemical agent on the electrode to transduce chemical information associated with the chemical agent to an electrical signal, processing the electrical signal to obtain electrochemical spectral signature data to identify the chemical agent and generating a series of coefficients of the electrochemical spectral signature data to reduce the data, and classifying the chemical information based on the series of coefficients among preselected data sets to determine a level of exposure to the chemical agent.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignees: The Regents Of The University Of California, Universitat Autonoma De BarcelonaInventors: Joseph Wang, Joshua Ray Windmiller, Aoife O'Mahony, Xavier Cetó, Manel Del Valle
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Power generating apparatus and power generating system equipped with such power generating apparatus
Patent number: 9666741Abstract: A power generating apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes a plurality of pn stacks, each formed by stacking a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer one on top of the other, and a mode switching unit which effects switching to a photovoltaic power generation mode or a thermal power generation mode by connecting the plurality of pn stacks with each other. The mode switching unit effects switching to the photovoltaic power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other and the n-type semiconductor layers in parallel with each other between the plurality of pn stacks. The mode switching unit effects switching to the thermal power generation mode by connecting the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer 11b in series between different ones of the pn stacks.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Takashi Suzuki -
Patent number: 9658187Abstract: A biosensor with an underfill recognition system assesses whether to analyze a sample for one or more analytes in response to the volume of the sample. The underfill recognition system applies polling and test excitation signals to the sample. The polling signals generate one or more polling output signals, which maybe used to detect when a sample is present and to determine whether the sample has sufficient volume for analysis. The test excitation signal generates one or more test output signals, which may be used to determine one or more analyte concentrations in the sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AGInventors: Huan-Ping Wu, Joseph E. Perry, Christine Trippel, Eric Maurer
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Patent number: 9658188Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor includes a lid and a base. The base has a length and a width. The length of the base is greater than the width of the base. The base includes at least a working electrode, a counter electrode and at least three test-sensor contacts for electrically connecting to a meter. The at least three test-sensor contacts are spaced along the length of the base from each other. The base and the lid assist in forming a fluid chamber for receiving the fluid sample. The electrochemical test sensor further includes a reagent to assist in determining the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AGInventors: Greg P. Beer, John P. Creaven
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Patent number: 9651518Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-fluidic field effective device. The device includes a channel having a first side and a second side, a first set of electrodes adjacent to the first side, a second set of electrodes adjacent to the second side, a control unit for applying electric potentials to the electrodes and a fluid within the channel containing a charge molecule. The first set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials produces a spatially varying electric field that confines a charged molecule within a predetermined area of said channel. The second set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials relative to the electric potentials applied to the first set of electrodes creates an electric field that confines the charged molecule to an area away from the second side of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Stefan Harrer, Binquan Luan, Glenn J. Martyna, Dennis M. Newns, Hongbo Peng, Stanislav Polonsky, Stephen Rossnagel, Gustavo Stolovitzky