Patents by Inventor David J. Strachan

David J. Strachan 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).

  • High-volume on-line spectroscopic composition testing of manufactured pharmaceutical dosage units
    Publication number: 20090294673
    Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical dosage unit manufacturing process control apparatus and methods. These can include acquiring a plurality of multi-pixel images of a flow of pharmaceutical dosage units at different wavelengths along an axis that is perpendicular to a direction of the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units, processing the images acquired in the step of acquiring, and providing an indication about the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units based on the step of processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: E. Neil Lewis, David J. Strachan, Linda H. Kidder
  • Spectroscopic instruments and methods employing array detector and variable filtering
    Patent number: 7399968
    Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical dosage unit manufacturing process control apparatus and methods. These can include acquiring a plurality of multi-pixel images of a flow of pharmaceutical dosage units at different wavelengths along an axis that is perpendicular to a direction of the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units, processing the images acquired in the step of acquiring, and providing an indication about the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units based on the step of processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Malvern Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: E. Neil Lewis, David J. Strachan, Linda H. Kidder
  • Large-collection-area optical probe
    Patent number: 7148963
    Abstract: A compact Raman/fluorescence probe is capable of collecting spectra from a relatively large spot size as compared to traditional confocal Raman probes. The inventive probe collects spectra from an area or 1 mm or greater, preferably 3–12 mm or more, compared to current instruments which utilize spot sizes on the order of 2–60 microns. The larger spot size facilitates the collection of statistically useful data from inhomogeneous and laser-sensitive samples, among other applications. Potential pharmaceutical applications include tablet dosage level measurements, as well as online and at-line quality-control (QC) monitoring opportunities. Other applications include tablet identification as a forensic tool to identify counterfeit pharmaceutical products; granulation and blend uniformity for improved formulation via better process understanding, and reactor cleanliness validation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Kaiser Optical Systems
    Inventors: Harry Owen, David J. Strachan, Joseph B. Slater, James M. Tedesco
  • High-volume on-line spectroscopic composition testing of manufactured pharmaceutical dosage units
    Patent number: 6690464
    Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical dosage unit manufacturing process control apparatus and methods. These can include acquiring a plurality of multi-pixel images of a flow of pharmaceutical dosage units at different wavelengths along an axis that is perpendicular to a direction of the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units, processing the images acquired in the step of acquiring, and providing an indication about the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units based on the step of processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignees: Spectral Dimensions, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: E. Neil Lewis, David J. Strachan, Linda H. Kidder