Patents Examined by Thomas P. Noland
  • Patent number: 8171777
    Abstract: Methods, storage mediums, and systems for correlating pulses generated from multiple interrogation regions in a flow cytometer to particular particles flowing through the flow cytometer are provided. Embodiments of the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations for calibrating a flow cytometer using a calibration particle having a unique signature to determine a time-of-flight for particles flowing through the flow cytometer. Based on the calculated time-of-flight and relative positions of interrogation regions corresponding to collectors of the flow cytometer, the methods, storage mediums, and systems may further include configurations for associating other signal pulses to particles of one or more different particle sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Adam Richard Schilffarth
  • Patent number: 8171797
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assessing deterioration in a gearbox. Data is obtained from an operating gearbox regarding harmonic frequencies and their related sidebands generated as a consequence of the gearbox operation. In a first embodiment, a Sideband Energy Ratio (SER) is calculated by dividing the amplitude of the sum of sideband signals associated with a harmonic to the amplitude of the harmonic. In a second embodiment, a SER is calculated based on sideband amplitudes associated with adjacent harmonics. The ratio may be monitored over time or compared to one or more values to provide an indication of deterioration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Terrance Hatch, Dustin Delany Hess, Adam Anthony Weiss, Summer Woodson, Matthew Benjamin Kalb
  • Patent number: 8161803
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) nanoindenter transducer including a body, a probe moveable relative to the body, an indenter tip coupled to an end of the moveable probe, the indenter tip moveable together with the probe, and a micromachined comb drive. The micromachined comb drive includes an electrostatic actuator capacitor comprising a plurality of comb capacitors configured to drive the probe, together with the indenter tip, along a displacement axis, including in an indentation direction, upon application of a bias voltage to the actuation capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hysitron Incorporated
    Inventors: Yunje Oh, Syed Amanula Syed Asif, Oden Warren
  • Patent number: 8156783
    Abstract: An error-correction method for an acceleration sensor having a plurality of electrodes and a seismic mass. The error-correction method which makes it possible to correct systematic errors at low expense includes the following steps: applying a voltage in order to deflect the seismic mass; measuring a first current caused by the deflection of the seismic mass; measuring a second current caused by the deflection of the seismic mass; and determining a correction variable on the basis of the first current and the second current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Leopold Beer
  • Patent number: 8151655
    Abstract: A cross-belt sampler (100) for material (70) on a belt-conveyor (60) has a cutter head (50), where the cutting edges (9) of the side plates (3,4) lie on lines co-incident with the axis of rotation (1) of the cutter head (50). The rear plate (5) lies on a plane parallel to the axis of rotation (1) and a truncated plate (6) eliminates a sharp corner in which the material (70) may be compacted. The axis of rotation (1) of the cutter head (50) is offset a distance (28) relative to the longitudinal axis of the belt conveyor (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Geoffrey John Lyman
  • Patent number: 8146448
    Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Griffin Analytical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Briscoe, Brent Rardin, Dennis Barket, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8141410
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for testing batches of tips for pipettes, the method comprising the steps of calibrating a pipette to be tested with a recommended reference tip, fitting the pipette with a tip to be tested and performing a second calibration and recalibrating the pipette with the reference tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Biohit Oyj
    Inventor: Ian Hemmings
  • Patent number: 8145429
    Abstract: A device for sampling fluid from an earth formation is disclosed. The device includes: an inlet port disposable in fluid communication with the fluid in a borehole; an injector including an injection chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port, the injector configured to receive a portion of the fluid and direct the fluid toward an analysis unit for analyzing constituent materials in the fluid; and a high pressure valve configured to admit the portion of the fluid at a borehole pressure and release the portion of the fluid into the injector, the portion having a volume that is less than or equal to about one microliter. A system and method for analyzing constituents of fluid in a borehole in an earth formation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Paul Allan Bergren
  • Patent number: 8137796
    Abstract: A particle-harvesting material includes a flexible, reusable, and thermally conductive material including a rough surface having dimples of a size within a first range of sizes, a microstructure including interstices of a second range of sizes, the second range of sizes including sizes smaller than the first range of sizes, and an etched portion on the rough surface configured to attract particles upon contact between the particles and the etched portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications CyTerra Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi K. Konduri, Neil Alan Stewart, Edward E. A. Bromberg, Yarelis M. Rios, David H. Fine, John M. Oelschlaeger, Mark Fraser
  • Patent number: 8136383
    Abstract: To calibrate an accelerometer, a seismic cable that carries the accelerometer is rotated. Data measured by the accelerometer as the seismic cable is rotated is received, and at least one calibration parameter according to the received data is computed. The at least one calibration parameter is for use in calibrating the accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nicolas Goujon, Ahmet Kemal Ozdemir, Bent Andreas Kjellesvig
  • Patent number: 8136384
    Abstract: A hardband wear testing system with a first rotatable member connected to a tool joint to rotate the tool joint in a first direction. A second rotatable member connectable to the casing sample to rotate the casing sample in the first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction. One or more actuators may be utilized to raise and lower the second rotatable member and the casing sample with respect to the tool joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Hannahs, Irving O. Logan, Alfred Calles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8132452
    Abstract: A low maintenance adjustable method for sampling fluid from a well using a gas analyzer, a fluid conditioner, and a gas trap. The gas trap can have a plurality of couplings, a plurality of hammer unions, a plurality of base manifold pipes, a base manifold flow line, a chimney pipe connected to the base manifold flow line, a controllable valve, a reducer connected to the chimney, an expansion chamber component connected to the reducer, a restrictor mounted to the expansion chamber component, and a conduit connection connected to the restrictor for engaging a conduit to flow a gas sample from the gas trap to a gas analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Juanita C. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings, Richard James Gonzales, Brian A. Jennings, Stephen M. Bergman
  • Patent number: 8127595
    Abstract: This invention describes a multi-stage pre-concentrator device for use with a detector system. One pre-concentrator stage is detachable and may be used to collect sample remotely from the detection system. The detachable pre-concentrator stage mates with the detector system and can transfer its desorbed sample to another pre-concentrator stage which also incorporates the functions of a sample loop serving as an injection volume to the separation column of an analytical instrument. In one embodiment the fixed pre-concentrator stage serves as a sample loop that preferably integrates suitable valves with sorbent materials onto the same structure to minimise dead volume, maximise sensitivity, improving column loading efficiency, reducing duty cycles and minimising detection system response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Microsaic Systems PLC
    Inventors: Alan Finlay, Eric Yeatman, Steven Wright
  • Patent number: 8122765
    Abstract: The invention describes membrane protections for a sensor having a membrane, which membrane protection does not increase the external diameter of a sensor and can be easily removed from a hole in which the sensor is installed. The membrane protection can be fastened to an inner surface of a front region of a sensor using a clip system and thus forms a unit with the sensor. The membrane protection for a sensor which can be screwed into a hole of an installation part and is provided with a membrane in the front region. The membrane protection has a clip system in order to be internally fastened in the front region of such a sensor. The sensor has a membrane protection which is internally fitted to the front region of the sensor using a clip system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kistler Holding, AG
    Inventors: Stefan Brechbühl, Peter Wolfer
  • Patent number: 8117902
    Abstract: The invention is comprised, in part, of a surface that contains more than one component or construct. Such heterogenous surface compositions and configurations, related systems and methods for sensing particle or analyte interaction therewith can selectively and/or differentially interact with a range of particles/analytes, in lieu of specific molecular sensor-analyte interactions for each particle. These interactions of various analytes or particles can differ sufficiently in strength and range between multiple analyte types or particles to effect a separation of analytes or particles mixtures, in a way that requires no sensing or detection. With incorporation of a sensing mechanism, discrimination/detection of different compounds within an analyte mixture can be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Maria Monica Santore, Surachate Kalasin
  • Patent number: 8117927
    Abstract: A pipette is provided. The pipette includes a body, a piston, and a valve. The body includes a nozzle, a first chamber, a second chamber, and a channel formed in the nozzle. The first chamber is isolated from the second chamber, and the channel is isolated from the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is mounted to slide within the first chamber and the second chamber so that movement of the piston simultaneously increases a first volume of the first chamber and decreases a second volume of the second chamber. The valve is in communication with the first chamber, the second chamber, the channel, and an exterior of the body to selectively provide a communication between the first chamber and the channel, between the second chamber and the channel, between the first chamber and the exterior of the body, and between the second chamber and the exterior of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Gilson SAS
    Inventors: Frédéric Millet, Hervé Malvoisin
  • Patent number: 8113067
    Abstract: A pipette and a process for producing a pipette (10) with a capacity of from 1 to 50 ml from a thermoplastic polymer. An essentially cylindrical pipette shaft (12) with an internal diameter (di) and an essentially cylindrical cup-shaped pipette reservoir (16) with an internal diameter (Di) are produced in an injection molding process. The pipette shaft (12) has, at one end, a pipette tip (14) which narrows to a suction/exit orifice (20), and, at the other end, a conical widening (18). The pipette reservoir (16) has a suction nozzle (24) abutting coaxially from the bottom of the pipette reservoir (16). The conical widening (18) is welded or adhesive-bonded at the end and coaxially to the pipette reservoir (16). The ratio of the total pipette length (L) to the arithmetic mean of the internal diameters (di and Di) of the pipette shaft (12) and of the pipette reservoir (16) is at least 15. The pipette may have a suction nozzle (24) with a retainer, such as a radially inward jutting rib (34) for a cotton wool bud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: TPP Techno Plastic Products AG
    Inventor: Max Tanner
  • Patent number: 8109159
    Abstract: A pressure vessel test rig for testing a component under high pressure and temperature, the pressure vessel having a flange with an opening so that instrumentation lines can pass from inside the vessel to outside, and a sealing plate with grooves that provide a seal for the instrumentation lines when a cover plate is secured to the flange. A removable instrumentation hold-down tool is attached to the flange and includes a number of spring biased clamps that secure the instrumentation lines to the flange during changes to the component within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John A Carella
  • Patent number: 8105549
    Abstract: A test sample collection device includes a generally elongated sample collection section for collecting and holding a test sample, a handle member having a top half, a bottom half, a test strip located between the top and bottom halves, and an opening formed by the top and bottom halves, and a cap. Prong members fit within the opening of the handle member for releasably connecting the sample collecting section to the handle member. The cap is releasably mounted on the sample collecting section and covers the sample collecting section. Flexible extension members on the cap are used to release the sample collecting section from the handle member. The collecting section includes a plurality of fins and slots for assisting in collecting the test sample. The device also includes windows for magnified viewing of test results and for indicating whether a sufficient amount of the sample has been collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sun Biomedical Laboratories, Inc
    Inventor: Ming Sun
  • Patent number: 8096198
    Abstract: An electronic metering apparatus for metering liquids with a drive with an electric motor, at least one displacer device with a displacer element, which is connected and/or connectable to the drive, an electric mode key and an electric parameter key for changeover between different menus, a pair of electric control keys, arranged next to each other, for navigation in the menus, setting of parameters and controlling the dislocation of the displacer element, wherein the two control keys control the navigation in the menus, the setting of parameters and the dislocation of the displacer element in different directions, an electronic display device for displaying menus and parameters, an electric control unit, which is connected to the electric motor, the electric mode key, the electric parameter key, the electric control keys and the electric display device, and which controls the display of menus and parameters by the display device as well as the dislocation of the displacer element corresponding to the actuati
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventor: Peter Molitor