Patents by Inventor Armin Volkel

Armin Volkel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7995081
    Abstract: An addressable imaging belt for use in printing applications having embedded anisotropically conductive addressable islands configured for electric contact on a first side of the belt by a write head consisting of an array of compliant cantilevered fingers with contact pads/points to which a voltage can be applied. The conductive addressable islands electrically isolated from one another and extending substantially through the thickness of the belt in order to allow charge to flow through the belt towards a second side of the belt, in order to form a latent electrostatic image on the second side and develop this latent image by attracting colorized toner or other electrically charged particles to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy D. Stowe, Chu-heng Liu, Jeng Ping Lu, Eugene Chow, Gregory B. Anderson, Armin Völkel, Eric Peeters
  • Publication number: 20090322845
    Abstract: An addressable imaging belt for use in printing applications having embedded anisotropically conductive addressable islands configured for electric contact on a first side of the belt by a write head consisting of an array of compliant cantilevered fingers with contact pads/points to which a voltage can be applied. The conductive addressable islands electrically isolated from one another and extending substantially through the thickness of the belt in order to allow charge to flow through the belt towards a second side of the belt, in order to form a latent electrostatic image on the second side and develop this latent image by attracting colorized toner or other electrically charged particles to the second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy D. Stowe, Chu-heng Liu, Jeng Ping Lu, Eugene Chow, Gregory B. Anderson, Armin Volkel, Eric Peeters
  • Publication number: 20070145249
    Abstract: A fluidic structure includes a channel and along the channel is a series of sensing components to obtain information about objects traveling within the channel, such as droplets or other objects carried by fluid. At least one sensing component includes a set of cells of a photosensor array. The set of cells photosense a range of photon energies that emanate from objects, and include a subset of cells that photosense within subranges. A processor can receive information about objects from the sensing components and use it to obtain spectral information. The processor can perform an initial analysis using information from one set of sensing components and, based on the results, control a fluidic device in the channel, such as a gate, to retain objects, such as for concentration and more detailed analysis by other sensing components, or to purge objects from the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Kiesel, Meng Lean, Oliver Schmidt, Armin Volkel, Noble Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070057748
    Abstract: Various traveling wave grid configurations are disclosed. The grids and systems are well suited for transporting, separating, and classifying small particles dispersed in liquid or gaseous media. Also disclosed are various separation strategies and purification cells utilizing such traveling wave arrays and strategies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Meng Lean, Jeng Lu, Scott Limb, Jurgen Daniel, Armin Volkel, Huangpin Hsieh, Scott Solberg, Bryan Preas
  • Publication number: 20060121555
    Abstract: A flow cell is disclosed for collecting and concentrating a sample dispersed in a flowing medium. The collected sample can be selectively manipulated within the cell by the use of one or more traveling wave grids. The cells are particularly useful as bio-enrichment devices and can be utilized upstream of conventional analytical or detection instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: Meng Lean, Armin Volkel, Peter Kiesel, Oliver Schmidt, Noble Johnson, H. Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20060115305
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing addressable fusing and/or heating of a substrate undergoing xerographic processing are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuser having an array of addressable heating elements in radiative communication with a substrate through a fuser roll or fuser belt. The array of addressable heating elements is operated to selectively heat portions of the substrate to achieve a desired effect on the substrate, such as changing its surface finish, or fusing unfused toner to the substrate. In the case of toner fusing, the array is operated such that substantially only an area covered by the unfused toner is heated. This eliminates the need for blanket fusing, and generally provides for greater flexibility in xerographically processing substrates. Apparatus and methods for performing two-sided selective fusing and/or heating are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Lofthus, Kristine German, Donald Bott, John Andrews, David Biegelsen, Armin Volkel
  • Publication number: 20060102525
    Abstract: Various particle transport systems and components for use in such systems are described. The systems utilize one or more traveling wave grids to selectively transport, distribute, separate, or mix different populations of particles. Numerous systems configured for use in two dimensional and three dimensional particle transport are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventors: Armin Volkel, David Biegelsen, Philip Floyd, Greg Anderson, Fred Endicott, Eric Peeters, Jaan Noolandi, Karen Moffat, Peter Kazmaier, Maria McDougall, Daniel Bobrow
  • Publication number: 20060087064
    Abstract: Various structures, such as microstructures and wall-like structures, can include parts or surfaces that are oblique. In some implementations, a cantilevered element includes a spring-like portion with a uniformly oblique surface or with another artifact of an oblique radiation technique. In some implementations, when a deflecting force is applied, a spring-like portion can provide deflection and spring force within required ranges. Various oblique radiation techniques can be used, such as radiation of a layer through a prism, and structures having spring-like portions with oblique radiation artifacts can be used in various applications, such as with downward or upward deflecting forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: Jurgen Daniel, David Fork, Armin Volkel
  • Publication number: 20060077231
    Abstract: Various systems and techniques are disclosed for stopping, selectively controlling, and optimizing a flow of particles in a flowing stream. The systems and techniques utilize a multi-electrode assembly and various voltage waveforms applied to those electrodes. The particles flow past or near the electrode assembly and their flow is controlled by the configuration and arrangement of the electrodes and the voltage waveforms applied thereto. An additional strategy for countering particle leakage flow is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Publication date: April 13, 2006
    Inventors: Meng Lean, John Ricciardelli, Osman Polatkan, Michael Savino, Armin Volkel
  • Publication number: 20060038120
    Abstract: A sample manipulator that utilizes electrostatic traveling waves to selectively displace one or more samples deposited on its face is disclosed. The sample manipulator enables an operator to perform a wide variety of processes upon the deposited samples. Also disclosed are strategies for separating two or more samples, focusing a sample, and passing a reagent through a sample, all conducted on the face of the sample manipulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventors: Meng Lean, Francisco Torres, Huangpin Hsieh, Armin Volkel, Bryan Preas, Scott Elrod, John Fitch, Richard Bruce
  • Publication number: 20060027034
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compact, non-contacting device for collecting samples, and particularly minute quantities of bio-agents or particulates, from a surface. The device vibrates a region of a target surface containing the sample and collects the sample on an electrically charged pin array. The sample can be later released to a detector or other instrumentation for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: February 9, 2006
    Inventors: Meng Lean, Huangpin Hsieh, Armin Volkel, Peter Kiesel, Noble Johnson
  • Publication number: 20060009051
    Abstract: A data transmission interconnect assembly capable of transmission speeds in excess of 40 Gbps in which, for example, a line-card is detachably coupled to a backplane using flexible flat cables that are bent to provide a continuous, smooth curve between the connected boards, and connected by a connection apparatus that employs cable-to-cable interface members that are transparent to the transmitted signal waves. Microspring interface members are formed on the contact structure pressed against the cables to provide interface arrangements that are smaller than a wavelength of the transmitted signal. A connector apparatus uses a cam mechanism to align the cables, and then to press the contact structure, having the microspring interface members formed thereon, against the cables. An alterative contact structure uses anisotropic conductive film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Koenraad Schuylenbergh, Armin Volkel, Thomas DiStefano, Michel Rosa, David Fork, Eugene Chow, Meng Lean
  • Publication number: 20050247565
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for extracting and concentrating bioagents within a fluid medium includes a container with sample solution inlet port and traveling wave grids patterned on surfaces of the container. The traveling wave grids cause bioagents to migrate to a specified surface within the container and then to an extraction port. The traveling wave grids include a substrate, across which extend a collection of closely spaced and parallel electrically conductive electrodes, and a collection of buses providing electrical communication with the collection of conductive electrodes. A voltage controller provides a multiphase electrical signal to the collection of buses and electrodes of the traveling wave grids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Inventors: H. Hsieh, Meng Lean, Bryan Preas, Armin Volkel
  • Publication number: 20050247564
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting and concentrating bioagents within a continuously flowing fluid medium includes a flow channel fluid inlet, in which bioagents are concentrated from three dimensions to a two-dimensional transport layer in a preconcentration area. Traveling wave grids cause the preconcentrated bioagents to migrate to one side of the flow channel and then to an extraction port. Each of the traveling wave grids includes a substrate, a collection of closely spaced and parallel electrically conductive electrodes extending across said substrate, and a collection of buses providing electrical communication with the collection of conductive electrodes. A voltage controller provides a multiphase electrical signal to the collection of buses and electrodes of the traveling wave grids. Fluid exits through an outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Inventors: Armin Volkel, Meng Lean, H. Hsieh, Jurgen Daniel
  • Publication number: 20050167769
    Abstract: A MEMS system including a fixed electrode and a suspended moveable electrode that is controllable over a wide range of motion. In traditional systems where an fixed electrode is positioned under the moveable electrode, the range of motion is limited because the support structure supporting the moveable electrode becomes unstable when the moveable electrode moves too close to the fixed electrode. By repositioning the fixed electrode from being directly underneath the moving electrode, a much wider range of controllable motion is achievable. Wide ranges of controllable motion are particularly important in optical switching applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventors: John Dunec, Eric Peeters, Armin Volkel, Michel Rosa, Dirk DeBruyker, Thomas Hantschel
  • Publication number: 20050136703
    Abstract: A data transmission interconnect assembly (e.g., a router) capable of transmission speeds in excess of 40 Gbps in which a line-card is detachably coupled to a backplane using flexible flat cables that are bent to provide a continuous, smooth curve between the connected boards, and connected by a connection apparatus that employs cable-to-cable interface members that are transparent to the transmitted signal waves. Microspring contact structures are formed on the cables, or on a contact structure pressed against the cables, to provide interface arrangements that are smaller than a wavelength of the transmitted signal. A connector apparatus uses a cam mechanism to align the cables, and then to press a contact structure, having micro spring interface members formed thereon, against the cables. An alterative contact structure uses anisotropic conductive film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: Koenraad Van Schuylenbergh, Armin Volkel, Thomas DiStefano, Michel Rosa, David Fork, Eugene Chow, Meng Lean
  • Publication number: 20050123992
    Abstract: Several traveling wave grid systems are disclosed that may be used to concentrate and form highly localized regions of bio-agents or other charged species. In addition, specific detection systems are described that enable currently available detectors and sensors, including those to be developed in the future, to be used for measuring the presence and concentration of certain bio-agents or charged particles, which otherwise are present at concentrations too low to readily detect or measure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: Armin Volkel, Meng Lean, Huangpin Hsieh, Jurgen Daniel
  • Publication number: 20050123930
    Abstract: Various traveling wave grids and related systems are disclosed that are particularly beneficial for the separation, transport, and focusing of biomolecules or other charged species. An implementation of a vertically integrated traveling wave module is described which allows for scalability to arbitrary gel dimensions through tiling. In addition, several unique traveling wave algorithms are also described which when used in conjunction with the traveling wave grids, impart selective motion to biomolecules or other charged species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: Meng Lean, Jeng Lu, Jackson Ho, Chinwen Shih, Armin Volkel, Huangpin Hsieh, Jurgen Daniel