Patents by Inventor Benjamin A. Hardy

Benjamin A. Hardy 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).

  • Publication number: 20240101943
    Abstract: A neural lattice device includes a substrate having formed therein one or more wells and one or more supply ducts. A channel network includes one or more channels configured to establish fluid communication among the at least one well and the at least one supply duct. A reservoir is coupled to the substrate and configured to hold a fluid, and a cover is disposed against an upper surface of the substrate and configured to hermetically seal the wells, the supply ducts and the channel network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Sagarika Mukesh, Steven Holmes, John S. Werner, Benjamin Hardy Wunsch, Arkadiy O. Tsfasman
  • Patent number: 11845079
    Abstract: A structure, apparatus, and method are disclosed. A silicon substrate with a microfluidic system that receives a sample fluid and prepares an analyte solution received by a reservoir containing a sensing surface is electrically connected to a semiconductor device. The structure includes a component for receiving a sample fluid, a component for preparing the sample fluid, a CRISPR system for cleaving a reporter species when the sample fluid contains a target sequence, a sorting component for separating the cleaved reporter species from the sample fluid and the CRISPR products, a cavity for receiving an analyte solution containing the cleaved reporter species, and a sensing surface in the cavity. The sensing surface detects electrical signals induced by reaction events in the analyte solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Vince Siu, Sufi Zafar, Benjamin Hardy Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20230173484
    Abstract: A structure, apparatus, and method are disclosed. A silicon substrate with a microfluidic system that receives a sample fluid and prepares an analyte solution received by a reservoir containing a sensing surface is electrically connected to a semiconductor device. The structure includes a component for receiving a sample fluid, a component for preparing the sample fluid, a CRISPR system for cleaving a reporter species when the sample fluid contains a target sequence, a sorting component for separating the cleaved reporter species from the sample fluid and the CRISPR products, a cavity for receiving an analyte solution containing the cleaved reporter species, and a sensing surface in the cavity. The sensing surface detects electrical signals induced by reaction events in the analyte solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Vince Siu, Sufi Zafar, Benjamin Hardy Wunsch
  • Patent number: 11565262
    Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a channel within a substrate and a condenser or a hydrodynamic focusing chamber along the channel, configured to focus a fluid containing particles of a plurality of sizes. A negative angle deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) array is configured to receive the focused fluid and separate the particles in the focused fluid into three sizes ranges. The negative angle DLD array comprises a plurality of rows of pillars, wherein the rows of pillars are positioned to repeat a pattern every N rows with a shift of M columns, N and M are relatively coprime, and N is greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sung-Cheol Kim, Stacey Gifford, Benjamin Hardy Wunsch, Joshua T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220143605
    Abstract: A method of forming a microfluidic device is disclosed. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer on a substrate, forming electrodes partially into the first dielectric layer, and forming a second dielectric layer on the electrodes. The method includes filling, with a metal material, two wells formed in the second dielectric layer such that the metal material is in direct contact with the electrodes. The method includes forming a third dielectric layer on the metal material and second dielectric layer. The method includes filling, with a structural material, a channel formed between the wells such that the structural material does not directly contact the electrodes. The method includes forming a fourth dielectric layer on the third dielectric layer and the structural material, extracting the structural material through at least one vent hole in the fourth dielectric layer, and forming a fifth dielectric layer on the fourth dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin Hardy Wunsch, Adele L. Pacquette, Eugene J. O'Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11266989
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus may comprise a layer of a microfluidic chip. The layer may comprise a nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement (nanoDLD) array. The nanoDLD array may comprise a plurality of pillars arranged in a plurality of columns. Further, the nanoDLD array may separate particles from a purified fluidic sample associated with a bodily materials of an organism. A method for purifying at least one target particle from a sample by utilizing a sized-based separation is provided. The method may include detecting the at least one target particle associated with the sample, by utilizing at least one detector molecule in a nanoDLD array. The method may then include separating the detected at least one target particle and the at least one detector molecule from a bump fraction in the sample based on a size of the detected at least one target particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stacey Gifford, Sung-Cheol Kim, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin Hardy Wunsch
  • Publication number: 20210283611
    Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a channel within a substrate and a condenser or a hydrodynamic focusing chamber along the channel, configured to focus a fluid containing particles of a plurality of sizes. A negative angle deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) array is configured to receive the focused fluid and separate the particles in the focused fluid into three sizes ranges. The negative angle DLD array comprises a plurality of rows of pillars, wherein the rows of pillars are positioned to repeat a pattern every N rows with a shift of M columns, N and M are relatively coprime, and N is greater than 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Sung-Cheol Kim, Stacey Gifford, Benjamin Hardy Wunsch, Joshua T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210039101
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus may comprise a layer of a microfluidic chip. The layer may comprise a nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement (nanoDLD) array. The nanoDLD array may comprise a plurality of pillars arranged in a plurality of columns. Further, the nanoDLD array may separate particles from a purified fluidic sample associated with a bodily materials of an organism. A method for purifying at least one target particle from a sample by utilizing a sized-based separation is provided. The method may include detecting the at least one target particle associated with the sample, by utilizing at least one detector molecule in a nanoDLD array. The method may then include separating the detected at least one target particle and the at least one detector molecule from a bump fraction in the sample based on a size of the detected at least one target particle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Stacey Gifford, Sung-Cheol Kim, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin Hardy Wunsch
  • Patent number: 8700452
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, that can include receiving from an advertiser a request for billing based on a first measure of services, determining from quality data related to the advertiser whether the first measure of services can be converted with sufficient confidence to a second measure of services, providing services according to the first measure of services, monitoring stability data indicative of the stability of the relationship between the first measure of services and the second measure of services, and automatically switching from one to another mode of determining a price to be charged the customer for services provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy R. McKennon, Bhavesh R. Mehta, Dustin S. Jackson, Abhinay Sharma, Scott S. Benson, Andrew E. Silverman, Dan Siroker, Robert Kniaz, Nicholas C. Fox, Markus Mock, James A. Gallagher, Benjamin A. Hardy, Mark K. Rose, Kai Chen, Joerg Heilig
  • Patent number: 8473339
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, that can include receiving from an advertiser a request for billing based on a first measure of services, determining from quality data related to the advertiser whether the first measure of services can be converted with sufficient confidence to a second measure of services, providing services according to the first measure of services, monitoring stability data indicative of the stability of the relationship between the first measure of services and the second measure of services, and automatically switching from one to another mode of determining a price to be charged the customer for services provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy R. McKennon, Bhavesh R. Mehta, Dustin S. Jackson, Abhinay Sharma, Scott S. Benson, Andrew E. Silverman, Dan Siroker, Robert Kniaz, Nicholas C. Fox, Markus Mock, James A. Gallagher, Benjamin A. Hardy, Mark K. Rose, Kai Chen, Joerg Heilig
  • Patent number: 7793418
    Abstract: A blade for mounting to a scraped surface heat exchanger drive shaft by pivotal connection with a mounting pin has a blade body having a first side and a second side, and a scraper edge and a hinge edge. At least one mounting hole extends through the blade body generally proximate at the hinge edge. An L-shaped locking track protrudes into the first set of the blade, having an entry track extending from the hinge edge and an intermediate track extending from the entry track to the mounting hole. An L-shaped locking track also protruding into the second side of the blade, has an entry track extending from the hinge edge of the blade and an intermediate track extending from the entry track to and past the mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Drew J. Van Norman, Curt Hagen, Benjamin Hardy
  • Patent number: 7647666
    Abstract: Attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Hardy, Drew Van Norman
  • Publication number: 20080086826
    Abstract: Attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Benjamin Hardy, Drew Norman
  • Publication number: 20080041564
    Abstract: A blade for mounting to a scraped surface heat exchanger drive shaft by pivotal connection with a mounting pin has a blade body having a first side and a second side, and a scraper edge and a hinge edge. At least one mounting hole extends through the blade body generally proximate at the hinge edge. An L-shaped locking track protrudes into the first set of the blade, having an entry track extending from the hinge edge and an intermediate track extending from the entry track to the mounting hole. An L-shaped locking track also protruding into the second side of the blade, has an entry track extending from the hinge edge of the blade and an intermediate track extending from the entry track to and past the mounting hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Drew Van Norman, Curt Hagen, Benjamin Hardy
  • Patent number: 7325269
    Abstract: Attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Hardy, Drew Van Norman
  • Patent number: 7302999
    Abstract: A curved scraper blade for a scraped-surface heat exchanger pivots about an axis off the centerline of the blade. The profile of the blade is chosen to provide a low initial scrape angle and to change gradually if at all as the blade wears away in service. The off-center pivot placement allows scraped material to flow between the blade and the drive shaft. Several materials are suitable for the blade, including PEEK thermoplastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Hardy
  • Patent number: 7303000
    Abstract: A blade for mounting to a scraped surface heat exchanger drive shaft by pivotal connection with a mounting pin has a blade body having a first side and a second side, and a scraper edge and a hinge edge. At least one mounting hole extends through the blade body generally proximate at the hinge edge. An L-shaped locking track protrudes into the first set of the blade, having an entry track extending from the hinge edge and an intermediate track extending from the entry track to the mounting hole. An L-shaped locking track also protruding into the second side of the blade, has an entry track extending from the hinge edge of the blade and an intermediate track extending from the entry track to and past the mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Drew Van Norman, Curt Hagen, Benjamin Hardy
  • Publication number: 20070158915
    Abstract: A scraped surface heat exchanger includes a seal assembly between a rotating tube and the end housing. The seal assembly is removable by removing the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Drew Van Norman, Benjamin Hardy, Curt Hagen
  • Patent number: 7237944
    Abstract: Attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam. The blades feature protective supporting nubs that are outwardly facing from the blade and located proximate to the mounting locations of the blade to provide a supporting rest for the drive shaft pin and blade assembly as it is slid into or out of its outer housing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Hardy, Curt Hagen, Gary Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7178807
    Abstract: A scraped surface heat exchanger includes a seal assembly between a rotating tube and the end housing. The seal assembly is removable by removing the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Drew Van Norman, Benjamin Hardy, Curt Hagen