Patents by Inventor D. Block

D. Block 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: 7756365
    Abstract: Biosensors are disclosed based on one- or two-dimensional photonic-crystal reflectance filters operating at near-ultraviolet wavelengths. The biosensors feature a tightly confined resonant electric field at the surface of this biosensor and provide a high surface-sensitivity to bulk-sensitivity ratio, and therefore enables enhanced detection resolution for biomolecules adsorbed on the biosensor surface. These new biosensors can be fabricated in mass by replica molding. They are especially well suited for applications requiring the detection of small molecules or ultra-low analyte concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: University of Illinois, SRU Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Cunningham, Nikhil Ganesh, Ian D. Block
  • Publication number: 20100071713
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: LARADA SCIENCES INC.
    Inventors: Eric M. Simon, Randall D. Block
  • Publication number: 20080278722
    Abstract: Enhancement of fluorescence emission from fluorophores bound to a sample and present on the surface of two-dimensional photonic crystals is described. The enhancement of fluorescence is achieved by the combination of high intensity near-fields and strong coherent scattering effects, attributed to leaky photonic crystal eigenmodes (resonance modes). The photonic crystal simultaneously exhibits resonance modes which overlap both the absorption and emission wavelengths of the fluorophore. A significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity from the fluorophores on the photonic crystal surface is demonstrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Brian T. Cunningham, Nikhil Ganesh, Patrick C. Mathias, Ian D. Block
  • Publication number: 20080234652
    Abstract: A freeze-dried material is stored in a first chamber of a container along with a reconstituting liquid for the freeze-dried material, which is stored in a second chamber of the container. A sealing wall within the container forms a barrier between the first chamber and the second chamber preventing contact between the freeze-dried material and the reconstituting liquid. At least one valve assembly in the sealing wall selectively opens a region of the sealing wall to establish fluid flow communication between the first and second chambers, allowing the freeze dried material to be reconstituted. The reconstituted freeze-dried material can be administered from the same container to a recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Simon J. McCarthy, John W. Morgan, William D. Block
  • Publication number: 20080234653
    Abstract: A freeze-dried material is stored in a first chamber of a container along with a reconstituting liquid for the freeze-dried material, which is stored in a second chamber of the container. A sealing wall within the container forms a barrier between the first chamber and the second chamber preventing contact between the freeze-dried material and the reconstituting liquid. At least one valve assembly in the sealing wall selectively opens a region of the sealing wall to establish fluid flow communication between the first and second chambers, allowing the freeze dried material to be reconstituted. The reconstituted freeze-dried material can be administered from the same container to a recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Simon J. McCarthy, William D. Block, John W. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20080234654
    Abstract: A vessel receives a liquid material, which is freeze-dried in situ within the vessel. A gas permeable material carried by the vessel provides gas transport for sublimation during drying. After freeze drying, an oxygen-free inert gas is introduced into the vessel through the gas permeable material, to occupy the interior of the vessel with the freeze-dried material. The gas permeable material is covered, to trap the oxygen-free inert gas within the vessel with the freeze-dried material. The freeze-dried material is stored in the entrapped oxygen-free inert gas within the vessel for a storage period. The vessel receives a reconstituting liquid for mixing with the freeze-dried material, and conveys the reconstituted freeze-dried material from the vessel for administration to an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Simon J. McCarthy, William D. Block, John W. Morgan, Lisa A. Buckley, Lance D. Hopman, Clinton B. Pepper
  • Patent number: 7191992
    Abstract: A medical suspension system (10) includes a ceiling plate (30) configured for mounting to a support structure (16). The ceiling plate supports a device (12), such as a lighthead or video monitor, which is mounted to the ceiling plate via an articulated arm (50) and a spindle (40), which is centrally mounted to the ceiling plate. A second device (14) is mounted to the ceiling plate, not through the spindle (40), in the conventional manner, but via an adapter plate (62), which is mounted directly to the ceiling plate. This increases the number of devices which are readily carried by the support structure without extending the spindle length which conventionally occurs when additional hubs are added to the main spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Jorg Wagner, Klaus Steger, Yury Keselman, David Jesurun, Roland D. Block
  • Patent number: 7132990
    Abstract: A vertically integrated Ka-band active electronically scanned antenna including, among other things, a transitioning RF waveguide relocator panel located behind a radiator faceplate and an array of beam control tiles respectively coupled to one of a plurality of transceiver modules via an RF manifold. Each of the beam control tiles includes a respective plurality of high power transmit/receive (T/R) cells as well as dielectric waveguides, RF stripline and coaxial transmission line elements. The waveguide relocator panel is preferably fabricated by a diffusion bonded copper laminate stack up with dielectric filling. The beam control tiles are preferably fabricated by the use of multiple layers of low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) material laminated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Stenger, Fred C. Kuss, Kevin LaCour, Craig Heffner, Robert Sisk, Carl D. Wise, Joseph Paquin, Tujuana Hinton, Andrew Walters, David Krafcsik, Brian T. McMonagle, Steven D. Block, Steven S. Handley
  • Publication number: 20060084890
    Abstract: A method of performing a computer-assisted orthopaedic procedure includes securing a sensor support instrument to the patient's bone. A number of sensors are secured to the support instrument. A computer-assisted orthopaedic surgical instrument is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: D. Block, Thorsten Burger, Francois Urvoy, Magnus Flett, Michal Slomczykowski, Marcellino Maheson, Roger Oakeshott, Alec Birkbeck
  • Patent number: 7022520
    Abstract: A chemically defined mammalian cell culture medium is provided that supports maintenance and long term clonal growth of mammalian hepatocytes and other cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventor: Geoffrey D. Block
  • Publication number: 20060069324
    Abstract: A method of performing a computer-assisted orthopaedic procedure includes securing a sensor support instrument to the patient's bone. A number of sensors are secured to the support instrument. A computer-assisted orthopaedic surgical instrument is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: D. Block, Thorsten Burger, Francois Urvoy, Magnus Flett, Michal Slomczykowski, Marcellino Maheson, Roger Oakeshott, Alec Birkbeck
  • Publication number: 20050288792
    Abstract: An implant for use in ankle arthroplasty is provided. The implant includes a first member for cooperation with the tibia and a second member for cooperation with the talus. The second member is operably associated with the first member. The implant also includes a third member rigidly removably connectable to the second member. The third member includes a portion of the third member for attachment to the calcaneous. The third member is adapted to provide for a first position in the calcaneous when said third member is in a first relative position with respect to the second member is adapted to provide for a second position in the calcaneous when the third member is in a second relative position with respect to the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Mark Landes, D. Block
  • Patent number: 6975267
    Abstract: A vertically integrated Ka-band active electronically scanned antenna including, among other things, a transitioning RF waveguide relocator panel located behind a radiator faceplate and an array of beam control tiles respectively coupled to one of a plurality of transceiver modules via an RF manifold. Each of the beam control tiles includes a respective plurality of high power transmit/receive (T/R) cells as well as dielectric waveguides, RF stripline and coaxial transmission line elements. The waveguide relocator panel is preferably fabricated by a diffusion bonded copper laminate stack up with dielectric filling. The beam control tiles are preferably fabricated by the use of multiple layers of low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) material laminated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Stenger, Fred C. Kuss, Kevin LaCour, Craig Heffner, Robert Sisk, Carl D. Wise, Joseph Paquin, Tujuana Hinton, Andrew Walters, David Krafcsik, Brian T. McMonagle, Steven D. Block, Steven S. Handley
  • Patent number: 6959466
    Abstract: A power management system for a surface maintenance machine, such as a street sweeper is disclosed. The system includes a variable speed engine for transporting the surface maintenance machine, a hydraulic pump powered by the engine, a vacuum fan motor powered by the hydraulic pump, an engine speed sensor coupled to the engine, an electric proportional valve coupled between the hydraulic pump and the vacuum fan motor, said valve for selectively restricting a flow rate to the vacuum fan motor, and a control unit operatively coupled to the engine speed sensor and the proportional valve, said control unit receiving engine speed information from the engine speed sensor and communicating a predetermined signal to the proportional valve to control the flow rate to the vacuum fan motor as a function of engine speed. A method of managing engine power from a single-engine street sweeper is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Musibau O. Alowonle, Craig D. Block, Robert J. Erko, Richard F. Milun
  • Patent number: 6926681
    Abstract: Massage device (10) comprising head (12), which 76 defines cavity (8) and an opening to cavity (8). Head (12) has one or more contact surfaces and post (32) connected to head (12). Post (32) is positioned within cavity (8) and extends toward the opening. Post (32) also has one or more contact surfaces. Vacuum source (49) communicating with cavity (8) provides a means for creating negative pressure with cavity (8). Additionally, a method and system for performing abrasion on a surface, such as on the skin 74 of a patient, is disclosed. The dermabrasion apparatus includes means for delivering and retrieving material to and from a selected site to be abraded, a delivery and retrieval hand piece, an abrasive handling device, and a waste retrieval holding device. Hand piece (118) is coupled to the abrasive handling device as well as the waste retrieval holding device, which is further coupled to the delivery and retrieval means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Dynatronics Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Ramey, Larry K. Beardall, Eric M. Simon, Randall D. Block
  • Publication number: 20040262484
    Abstract: A medical suspension system (10) includes a ceiling plate (30) configured for mounting to a support structure (16). The ceiling plate supports a device (12), such as a lighthead or video monitor, which is mounted to the ceiling plate via an articulated arm (50) and a spindle (40), which is centrally mounted to the ceiling plate. A second device (14) is mounted to the ceiling plate, not through the spindle (40), in the conventional manner, but via an adapter plate (62), which is mounted directly to the ceiling plate. This increases the number of devices which are readily carried by the support structure without extending the spindle length which conventionally occurs when additional hubs are added to the main spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicants: STERIS, INC., ONDAL INDUSTRIETECHNIK GmbH
    Inventors: Jorg Wagner, Klaus Steger, Yury Keselman, David Jesurun, Roland D. Block
  • Patent number: 6817585
    Abstract: A medical suspension system (10) includes a ceiling plate (30) configured for mounting to a support structure (16). The ceiling plate supports a device (12), such as a lighthead or video monitor, which is mounted to the ceiling plate via an articulated arm (50) and a spindle (40), which is centrally mounted to the ceiling plate. A second device (14) is mounted to the ceiling plate, not through the spindle (40), in the conventional manner, but via an adapter plate (62), which is mounted directly to the ceiling plate. This increases the number of devices which are readily carried by the support structure without extending the spindle length which conventionally occurs when additional hubs are added to the main spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignees: Steris Inc., Ondal Industrietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jorg Wagner, Klaus Steger, Yury Keselman, David Jesurun, Roland D. Block
  • Publication number: 20040166579
    Abstract: A chemically defined mammalian cell culture medium is provided that supports maintenance and long term clonal growth of mammalian hepatocytes and other cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Geoffrey D. Block
  • Publication number: 20040150554
    Abstract: A vertically integrated Ka-band active electronically scanned antenna including, among other things, a transitioning RF waveguide relocator panel located behind a radiator faceplate and an array of beam control tiles respectively coupled to one of a plurality of transceiver modules via an RF manifold. Each of the beam control tiles includes a respective plurality of high power transmit/receive (T/R) cells as well as dielectric waveguides, RF stripline and coaxial transmission line elements. The waveguide relocator panel is preferably fabricated by a diffusion bonded copper laminate stack up with dielectric filling. The beam control tiles are preferably fabricated by the use of multiple layers of low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) material laminated together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Peter A. Stenger, Fred C. Kuss, Kevin LaCour, Craig Heffner, Robert Sisk, Carl D. Wise, Joseph Paquin, Tujuana Hinton, Andrew Walters, David Krafcsik, Brian T. McMonagle, Steven D. Block, Steven S. Handley
  • Publication number: 20040045117
    Abstract: A power management system for a surface maintenance machine, such as a street sweeper is disclosed. The system includes a variable speed engine for transporting the surface maintenance machine, a hydraulic pump powered by the engine, a vacuum fan motor powered by the hydraulic pump, an engine speed sensor coupled to the engine, an electric proportional valve coupled between the hydraulic pump and the vacuum fan motor, said valve for selectively restricting a flow rate to the vacuum fan motor, and a control unit operatively coupled to the engine speed sensor and the proportional valve, said control unit receiving engine speed information from the engine speed sensor and communicating a predetermined signal to the proportional valve to control the flow rate to the vacuum fan motor as a function of engine speed. A method of managing engine power from a single-engine street sweeper is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Musibau O. Alowonle, Craig D. Block, Robert J. Erko, Richard F. Milun