Patents by Inventor Carl W. Sims

Carl W. Sims 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: 11692980
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into first and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Peter W. Carr, Marcelo Filgueira, Klaus Witt
  • Publication number: 20200025726
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into first and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Peter W. Carr, Marcelo Filgueira, Klaus Witt
  • Patent number: 10429361
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into first and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Peter W. Carr, Marcelo Roberto Filgueira, Klaus Witt
  • Patent number: 9962661
    Abstract: A composite membrane for separations includes a substrate sheet with a non-woven array of nanotubes, and a dopant incorporated with the substrate sheet to form a non-porous, permeable composite. The composite membrane may be used to separate a target gas from a liquid by mounting the composite membrane in a housing chamber, and conditioning a permeate side of the chamber to establish a driving force for the target gas across the non-porous, permeable composite membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLC
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Quan Liu
  • Publication number: 20160317978
    Abstract: A composite membrane for separations includes a substrate sheet with a non-woven array of nanotubes, and a dopant incorporated with the substrate sheet to form a non-porous, permeable composite. The composite membrane may be used to separate a target gas from a liquid by mounting the composite membrane in a housing chamber, and conditioning a permeate side of the chamber to establish a driving force for the target gas across the non-porous, permeable composite membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Quan Liu
  • Patent number: 9381449
    Abstract: A composite membrane for separations includes a fabric with a non-woven array of intermingled carbon nanotubes, and a dopant incorporated with the fabric to form a non-porous, permeable composite. The composite membrane may be used to separate a target gas from a liquid by mounting the composite membrane in a housing chamber, and conditioning a permeate side of the chamber to establish a driving force for the target gas across the non-porous, permeable composite membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLC
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Quan Liu
  • Publication number: 20160131619
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into fist and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Peter W. Carr, Marcelo Roberto Filgueira, Klaus Witt
  • Patent number: 9239319
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into first and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Peter W. Carr, Marcelo Roberto Filgueira, Klaus Witt
  • Patent number: 9044712
    Abstract: An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas permeable outer shell and one or more gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable elongated inner conveyance members extending within the outer shell and at least partially through a chamber defined within the outer shell. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet junctions for securing the outer shell to the inner conveyance member. The outer shell exhibits a first permeance that is substantially greater than a second permeance of the inner conveyance member. The degassing apparatus may be sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science, LLC
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Yuri Gerner, Quan Liu
  • Publication number: 20150027304
    Abstract: A composite membrane for separations includes a fabric with a non-woven array of intermingled carbon nanotubes, and a dopant incorporated with the fabric to form a non-porous, permeable composite. The composite membrane may be used to separate a target gas from a liquid by mounting the composite membrane in a housing chamber, and conditioning a permeate side of the chamber to establish a driving force for the target gas across the non-porous, permeable composite membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Quan Liu
  • Patent number: 8440003
    Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to limit pervaporation through a membrane by attenuating pressure oscillations developed by a vacuum pump. The attenuation is obtained through a combination of one or more flow restrictors and added volume chambers fluidly interposed between the degassing chamber and the vacuum pump. The pressure oscillation attenuation may further inhibit cross-contamination of pervaporated solvents among a plurality of distinct degassing chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Quan Liu, Carl W. Sims
  • Patent number: 8430949
    Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to limit pervaporation through a membrane by establishing a pervaporation control space at a permeate side of the membrane. The pervaporation control space is defined in a vacuum chamber between the membrane and a shield member. The shield member may be substantially gas and liquid impermeable to maintain an environment in contact with the permeate side of the membrane that is relatively rich in solvent vapor concentration, thereby limiting further liquid pervaporation across the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Quan Liu, Carl W. Sims
  • Publication number: 20130061748
    Abstract: An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas permeable outer shell and one or more gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable elongated inner conveyance members extending within the outer shell and at least partially through a chamber defined within the outer shell. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet junctions for securing the outer shell to the inner conveyance member. The outer shell exhibits a first permeance that is substantially greater than a second permeance of the inner conveyance member. The degassing apparatus may be sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Yuri Gerner, Quan Liu
  • Publication number: 20120240770
    Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to limit pervaporation through a membrane by attenuating pressure oscillations developed by a vacuum pump. The attenuation is obtained through a combination of one or more flow restrictors and added volume chambers fluidly interposed between the degassing chamber and the vacuum pump. The pressure oscillation attenuation may further inhibit cross-contamination of pervaporated solvents among a plurality of distinct degassing chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Quan Liu, Carl W. Sims
  • Publication number: 20120240769
    Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to limit pervaporation through a membrane by establishing a pervaporation control space at a permeate side of the membrane. The pervaporation control space is defined in a vacuum chamber between the membrane and a shield member. The shield member may be substantially gas and liquid impermeable to maintain an environment in contact with the permeate side of the membrane that is relatively rich in solvent vapor concentration, thereby limiting further liquid pervaporation across the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Quan Liu, Carl W. Sims
  • Patent number: 8017016
    Abstract: A method for controlling pervaporation through a membrane includes assessing the vapor pressure of each component material of a mobile phase disposed on a retentate side of the membrane, and maintaining a designed environment on a permeate side of the membrane. The environment maintained on the permeate side of the membrane contains partial pressures of selected component materials of the mobile phase at a level substantially equal to or greater than the respective vapor pressures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Carl W. Sims, Jonathan Thompson, Yuri Gerner
  • Patent number: 7947112
    Abstract: A method for degassing a fluid includes providing a degassing system having a degassing module and a fluid pump apparatus having a fluid reservoir, wherein the fluid pump apparatus is operated in a discontinuous mode involving one or more discrete pumping cycles having a first cycle time. The fluid pump apparatus is calibrated to deliver a predetermined volume of the fluid from the fluid reservoir during each of the pumping cycles, and the degassing module is adapted to operably move gas from the fluid to an extent sufficient to render the fluid volume to a desired degassed condition within a period of time that is not greater than the first cycle time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Rheodyne, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims, Jonathan Thompson
  • Patent number: 7808619
    Abstract: A fluid analysis apparatus includes a cell body having a chamber disposed therein for containing fluid during analysis thereof. The chamber is specifically configured to operably and statically secure a radiant energy guiding member solely through surface-to-surface interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims, Jonathan Thompson
  • Patent number: 7780834
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemically modifying the retention of a species on a chromatography material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing having an effluent flow channel adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough. The effluent flow channel comprises chromatography material. The apparatus further comprises first and second electrodes positioned such that at least a portion of the chromatography material is disposed between the first and second electrodes, and fluid flow through the apparatus is between, and in contact with, the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Anderson, Jr., Raaidah Saari-Nordhaus, Carl W. Sims, Yuri E. Gerner
  • Patent number: 7713331
    Abstract: An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas and liquid impermeable outer member and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable inner barrier extending within the outer member and at least partially along a first chamber defined within the outer member. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet connection structures operably coupled to respective portions of the outer member and a second chamber defined by the inner barrier to further enable a sealed engagement between the outer member and the inner barrier, and to provide for connection devices to operably couple the degassing apparatus of the present invention to respective spaced apart components. The degassing apparatus may be sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Rheodyne, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims, Thomas J. Thielen