Patents by Inventor Debra Neuman-Horn
Debra Neuman-Horn 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).
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Patent number: 10955370Abstract: Method and apparatus to test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including a cap configured to at least partially seal a container, and a plunger mechanism configured to form a passageway for air to flow from the container into a detection area. A sensor may be attached to the cap and positioned proximate the detection area. The sensor may be configured to detect data relating to a VOC and to generate a signal. A processor may be configured to receive the signal and to determine a result relating to the VOC.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Joseph F. Prisco, Debra A. Neuman-Horn, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Patent number: 10890573Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting environmental contaminants is described. In an embodiment, a method includes macerating and extracting a sample; reacting a first polymerizable compound with the sample to form a second mixture comprising a second polymerizable compound; adding an initiator to the second mixture comprising the second polymerizable compound; performing a polymerization reaction on the second mixture comprising the second polymerizable compound to form a third mixture comprising a precipitate; and performing a turbidimetric analysis on the third mixture comprising the precipitate. In another embodiment, a method includes macerating and extracting a sample; reacting a first mixture comprising the functionalized polythiophene compound and the sample to form a second mixture comprising a second functionalized polythiophene compound; performing a colorimetric analysis on the second mixture comprising the second functionalized polythiophene compound.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Debra A. Neuman-Horn, Kevin J. Przybylski, Joseph F. Prisco, Brandon M. Kobilka
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Patent number: 10820852Abstract: A wearable electronic device may alert a wearer as to a presence of either a range of allergens or to specific pollen to which the individual is allergic. As such, the device may warn the user of bioparticles likely to affect them allergenically. The device may include an airflow path. A deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) array may be positioned within the airflow path to capture bioparticles of a particular size. An imaging device may capture images of captured bioparticles. The system may include a database of bioparticles in a range of sizes. The system may be configured to compare the captured bioparticles to the information in the database. A wearer may be alerted if bioparticles potentially allergenically problematic to the person have been found in the captured bioparticles.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kevin J. Przybylski, Joseph Kuczynski, Debra A. Neuman-Horn, Marvin M. Misgen, Joseph F. Prisco
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Patent number: 10808090Abstract: A plastic film is produced by blending a polymer with particles encapsulating an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. Optionally, an “oxodegradable” and/or “oxo biodegradable” additive that promotes degradation of the polymer in the presence of oxygen may be blended into the plastic film. The presence of the oxidizing agent within the plastic film ensures degradation of an article of manufacture, e.g., a plastic bag, when it is disposed of in an anaerobic environment, such as a landfill. In some embodiments, the particles are microcapsules and/or nanocapsules each having a polymer shell encapsulating a core that includes the oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, the particles are microparticles and/or nanoparticles each having a matrix in which the oxidizing agent is encapsulated.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Patent number: 10794822Abstract: A quality-sensing bottle cap includes a sensor array having a plurality of conductive polymeric sensors. In some embodiments, each sensor is exposed within a mechanical chamber and is in electrical communication with an interrogation interface. The mechanical chamber is configured, in an inactive state, to be closed off from a headspace above a liquid contained in a bottle sealed with the quality-sensing bottle cap and configured, in an active state, to be open to the headspace. The sensor array may be tailored for a particular application, such as the detection of olive oil aroma. The sensor array may, for example, allow discrimination among olive oils of different qualities (e.g., extra virgin olive oil, lampante virgin olive oil, and refined olive oil), as well as discrimination among olive oils with negative attributes (e.g., olive oils with unpleasant aromatic notes, such as “fusty,” “muddy sediment,” “musty,” and “rancid”).Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Publication number: 20200187846Abstract: A wearable electronic device may alert a wearer as to a presence of either a range of allergens or to specific pollen to which the individual is allergic. As such, the device may warn the user of bioparticles likely to affect them allergenically. The device may include an airflow path. A deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) array may be positioned within the airflow path to capture bioparticles of a particular size. An imaging device may capture images of captured bioparticles. The system may include a database of bioparticles in a range of sizes. The system may be configured to compare the captured bioparticles to the information in the database. A wearer may be alerted if bioparticles potentially allergenically problematic to the person have been found in the captured bioparticles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2018Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Kevin J. PRZYBYLSKI, Joseph KUCZYNSKI, Debra A. NEUMAN-HORN, Marvin M. MISGEN, Joseph F. PRISCO
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Publication number: 20190227015Abstract: Method and apparatus to test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including a cap configured to at least partially seal a container, and a plunger mechanism configured to form a passageway for air to flow from the container into a detection area. A sensor may be attached to the cap and positioned proximate the detection area. The sensor may be configured to detect data relating to a VOC and to generate a signal. A processor may be configured to receive the signal and to determine a result relating to the VOC.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2018Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Joseph KUCZYNSKI, Marvin M. MISGEN, Joseph F. PRISCO, Debra A. NEUMAN-HORN, Kevin J. PRZYBYLSKI
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Publication number: 20190187117Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting environmental contaminants is described. In an embodiment, a method includes macerating and extracting a sample; reacting a first polymerizable compound with the sample to form a second mixture comprising a second polymerizable compound; adding an initiator to the second mixture comprising the second polymerizable compound; performing a polymerization reaction on the second mixture comprising the second polymerizable compound to form a third mixture comprising a precipitate; and performing a turbidimetric analysis on the third mixture comprising the precipitate. In another embodiment, a method includes macerating and extracting a sample; reacting a first mixture comprising the functionalized polythiophene compound and the sample to form a second mixture comprising a second functionalized polythiophene compound; performing a colorimetric analysis on the second mixture comprising the second functionalized polythiophene compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Inventors: Joseph KUCZYNSKI, Marvin M. MISGEN, Debra A. NEUMAN-HORN, Kevin J. PRZYBYLSKI, Joseph F. PRISCO, Brandon M. KOBILKA
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Publication number: 20190154571Abstract: A quality-sensing bottle cap includes a sensor array having a plurality of conductive polymeric sensors. In some embodiments, each sensor is exposed within a mechanical chamber and is in electrical communication with an interrogation interface. The mechanical chamber is configured, in an inactive state, to be closed off from a headspace above a liquid contained in a bottle sealed with the quality-sensing bottle cap and configured, in an active state, to be open to the headspace. The sensor array may be tailored for a particular application, such as the detection of olive oil aroma. The sensor array may, for example, allow discrimination among olive oils of different qualities (e.g., extra virgin olive oil, lampante virgin olive oil, and refined olive oil), as well as discrimination among olive oils with negative attributes (e.g., olive oils with unpleasant aromatic notes, such as “fusty,” “muddy sediment,” “musty,” and “rancid”).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Patent number: 10107541Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a reusable chemical cold pack. The apparatus includes a body which defines a chamber having two volumes separated by a thin film composite membrane. The thin film composite membrane includes a fabric material sheet, a thermoplastic polymer material sheet, and a polyamide material sheet. A first volume disposed on one side of the thin film composite membrane contains a solvent and a second volume disposed on an opposite side of the thin film composite membrane contains a solute. A check valve is disposed through the thin film composite membrane and enables mixing of the solvent and the solute. The solvent and the solute may also be separated after mixing by diffusion of the solvent through the thin film composite membrane.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Patent number: 10072167Abstract: An ink composition includes a fluid and a plurality of microcapsules suspended in the fluid. The fluid includes a first chemical compound that exhibits a first color characteristic in a first pH range and exhibits a second color characteristic in a second pH range, where the first color characteristic is visually distinct from the second color characteristic. A second chemical compound is contained within the microcapsules, such that rupturing at least a subset of the plurality of microcapsules releases the second chemical compound. Releasing the second chemical compound shifts a pH of the fluid from a first pH in the first pH range to a second pH in the second pH range.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Debra A. Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Patent number: 10011725Abstract: A paint composition includes a fluid and a coloring agent in the fluid. The fluid maintains the coloring agent in a first protonation state. The coloring agent exhibits a first color characteristic in the first protonation state. The paint composition includes microcapsules in the fluid. The paint composition also includes a chemical compound in the microcapsules. Rupture of at least a portion of the microcapsules is configured to release the chemical compound and expose the coloring agent to the chemical compound. Exposure of the coloring agent to the chemical compound changes the coloring agent from the first protonation state with the first color characteristic to a second protonation state with a second color characteristic. The second color characteristic is visually distinct from the first color characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Publication number: 20180135905Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a reusable chemical cold pack. The apparatus includes a body which defines a chamber having two volumes separated by a thin film composite membrane. The thin film composite membrane includes a fabric material sheet, a thermoplastic polymer material sheet, and a polyamide material sheet. A first volume disposed on one side of the thin film composite membrane contains a solvent and a second volume disposed on an opposite side of the thin film composite membrane contains a solute. A check valve is disposed through the thin film composite membrane and enables mixing of the solvent and the solute. The solvent and the solute may also be separated after mixing by diffusion of the solvent through the thin film composite membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2016Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Joseph KUCZYNSKI, Marvin M. MISGEN, Debra NEUMAN-HORN, Joseph F. PRISCO, Kevin J. PRZYBYLSKI
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Publication number: 20180100077Abstract: An ink composition includes a fluid and a plurality of microcapsules suspended in the fluid. The fluid includes a first chemical compound that exhibits a first color characteristic in a first pH range and exhibits a second color characteristic in a second pH range, where the first color characteristic is visually distinct from the second color characteristic. A second chemical compound is contained within the microcapsules, such that rupturing at least a subset of the plurality of microcapsules releases the second chemical compound. Releasing the second chemical compound shifts a pH of the fluid from a first pH in the first pH range to a second pH in the second pH range.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Debra A. Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Publication number: 20180066119Abstract: A plastic film is produced by blending a polymer with particles encapsulating an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. Optionally, an “oxodegradable” and/or “oxo biodegradable” additive that promotes degradation of the polymer in the presence of oxygen may be blended into the plastic film. The presence of the oxidizing agent within the plastic film ensures degradation of an article of manufacture, e.g., a plastic bag, when it is disposed of in an anaerobic environment, such as a landfill. In some embodiments, the particles are microcapsules and/or nanocapsules each having a polymer shell encapsulating a core that includes the oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, the particles are microparticles and/or nanoparticles each having a matrix in which the oxidizing agent is encapsulated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Patent number: 9890258Abstract: A plastic film is produced by blending a polymer with particles encapsulating an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. Optionally, an “oxodegradable” and/or “oxo biodegradable” additive that promotes degradation of the polymer in the presence of oxygen may be blended into the plastic film. The presence of the oxidizing agent within the plastic film ensures degradation of an article of manufacture, e.g., a plastic bag, when it is disposed of in an anaerobic environment, such as a landfill. In some embodiments, the particles are microcapsules and/or nanocapsules each having a polymer shell encapsulating a core that includes the oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, the particles are microparticles and/or nanoparticles each having a matrix in which the oxidizing agent is encapsulated.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Patent number: 9884974Abstract: An ink composition includes a fluid and a plurality of microcapsules suspended in the fluid. The fluid includes a first chemical compound that exhibits a first color characteristic in a first pH range and exhibits a second color characteristic in a second pH range, where the first color characteristic is visually distinct from the second color characteristic. A second chemical compound is contained within the microcapsules, such that rupturing at least a subset of the plurality of microcapsules releases the second chemical compound. Releasing the second chemical compound shifts a pH of the fluid from a first pH in the first pH range to a second pH in the second pH range.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Publication number: 20170362447Abstract: A paint composition includes a fluid and a coloring agent in the fluid. The fluid maintains the coloring agent in a first protonation state. The coloring agent exhibits a first color characteristic in the first protonation state. The paint composition includes microcapsules in the fluid. The paint composition also includes a chemical compound in the microcapsules. Rupture of at least a portion of the microcapsules is configured to release the chemical compound and expose the coloring agent to the chemical compound. Exposure of the coloring agent to the chemical compound changes the coloring agent from the first protonation state with the first color characteristic to a second protonation state with a second color characteristic. The second color characteristic is visually distinct from the first color characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Publication number: 20170327706Abstract: An ink composition includes a fluid and a plurality of microcapsules suspended in the fluid. The fluid includes a first chemical compound that exhibits a first color characteristic in a first pH range and exhibits a second color characteristic in a second pH range, where the first color characteristic is visually distinct from the second color characteristic. A second chemical compound is contained within the microcapsules, such that rupturing at least a subset of the plurality of microcapsules releases the second chemical compound. Releasing the second chemical compound shifts a pH of the fluid from a first pH in the first pH range to a second pH in the second pH range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Marvin M. Misgen, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski
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Publication number: 20170029582Abstract: A plastic film is produced by blending a polymer with particles encapsulating an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. Optionally, an “oxodegradable” and/or “oxo biodegradable” additive that promotes degradation of the polymer in the presence of oxygen may be blended into the plastic film. The presence of the oxidizing agent within the plastic film ensures degradation of an article of manufacture, e.g., a plastic bag, when it is disposed of in an anaerobic environment, such as a landfill. In some embodiments, the particles are microcapsules and/or nanocapsules each having a polymer shell encapsulating a core that includes the oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, the particles are microparticles and/or nanoparticles each having a matrix in which the oxidizing agent is encapsulated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Debra Neuman-Horn, Joseph F. Prisco, Kevin J. Przybylski