Patents by Inventor Erica Forzani

Erica Forzani 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: 11793431
    Abstract: A system with an analyzer device in fluid communication with a sample of a bodily fluid is configured to chemically or electrochemically convert at least a portion of ammonium (NH4+) contained within the bodily fluid into ammonia (NH3) and dispel the converted ammonia (NH3) into a gas sensing chamber. An ammonia (NH3) sensor located within the gas sensing chamber in conjunction with a processor can quantify an amount of ammonia (NH3) present in the gas sensing chamber in relation to the total ammonia of the bodily fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignees: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Marylaura Thomas, Leslie Thomas, Erica Forzani
  • Publication number: 20230329596
    Abstract: A system with an analyzer device in fluid communication with a sample of a bodily fluid is configured to chemically or electrochemically convert at least a portion of ammonium (NH4?) contained within the bodily fluid into ammonia (NH3) and dispel the converted ammonia (NH3) into a gas sensing chamber. An ammonia (NH3) sensor located within the gas sensing chamber in conjunction with a processor can quantify an amount of ammonia (NH3) present in the gas sensing chamber in relation to the total ammonia of the bodily fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Marylaura Thomas, Leslie Thomas, Erica Forzani
  • Publication number: 20230330379
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mitigating release of aerosols from a nebulizer treatment device, or from the respiratory system of a contaminated subject utilizes a mask configured to cover the nose and mouth of the subject, and utilizes a high efficiency filter and fan coupled with an exhaust port of the mask. The fan creates a pressure differential that causes the respiratory products to flow through the high efficiency filter, where aerosols are captured. The mask may further include at least one inlet port for admission of gas (e.g., oxygen) or aerosols. The apparatus provides adequate inhaled oxygen levels and avoids carbon dioxide rebreathing problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Xiaojun Xian, Bhavesh Patel, Kelly McKay
  • Patent number: 11566801
    Abstract: An integrated method for assessing metabolic rate and maintaining indoor air quality and efficient ventilation energy use. A physical sensor assesses room occupancy. An actuated ventilation system is set to a constant CO2 level in a predetermined healthy range, where the actuated ventilation system includes a CO2 sensor. The actuated ventilation system sets a first air ventilation rate and the sensor measures a first CO2 level. The system determines whether CO2 level is in a healthy range, if not then the CO2 level is adjusted by setting a subsequent air ventilation rate. A subsequent CO2 level is measured. If the CO2 level is determined to meet a predetermined healthy range, then an assessment of change of air ventilation rate (? ACH) is determined. The determination of air change rate can be further augmented by a physical pressure based measurement. The overall metabolic rate is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao, Francis Tsow
  • Publication number: 20220236293
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods of assessing a concentration of iron in a body fluid sample, such as whole blood. Systems include a highly stable, fast reacting, and accurate sensing area of a sensor for contacting with a body fluid sample, wherein upon contact, the body fluid sample causes a color change to the sensor that correlates with the concentration of iron in the body fluid sample. The disclosed systems and methods generate one or more signal outputs of light intensity data, from which the concentration of iron in the body fluid sample is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, David Jackemeyer, Michael Serhan
  • Publication number: 20220054687
    Abstract: A system and method for mitigating airborne contamination in a conditioned indoor environment utilizes one or more sensing modules configured to detect presence and/or concentration of particles and/or aerosols at different locations. A control module employs an artificial intelligence algorithm to selectively activate at least one mitigation module utilizing machine learning programmed rules and output signals from the sensing module(s). The mitigation module(s) are configured to take one or more actions to reduce presence and/or concentration of particles and/or aerosols in the conditioned indoor environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Gabriel Pyznar, Bhavesh Patel, Kelly McKay
  • Publication number: 20210378546
    Abstract: A stand-alone, fully integrated self-contained wearable metabolic analyzer for metabolic rate and respiratory quotient measurement. It includes a device body, disposable mask, and headgear. The device body comprises multiple different miniaturized modules, including a colorimetric sensing module, flow module, control circuit, power module, environmental sensors, wireless module, communication module, memory module, signal processing module, and display module. A disposable sensor chip, coated with chemical sensing probes, is utilized in the colorimetric sensing module for breath O2 and CO2 detection. A Venturi tube and pressure sensor-based flow module measures breath flow rate. The self-contained wearable metabolic analyzer derives physiological parameters including resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory quotient (RQ), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), minute ventilation (VE), breath frequency (BF), and tidal volume (TV) from the measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Xiaojun Xian, Devon Bridgeman, Francis Tsow, Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao
  • Publication number: 20210076999
    Abstract: A system with an analyzer device in fluid communication with a sample of a bodily fluid is configured to chemically or electrochemically convert at least a portion of ammonium (NH4+) contained within the bodily fluid into ammonia (NH3) and dispel the converted ammonia (NH3) into a gas sensing chamber. An ammonia (NH3) sensor located within the gas sensing chamber in conjunction with a processor can quantify an amount of ammonia (NH3) present in the gas sensing chamber in relation to the total ammonia of the bodily fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Marylaura Thomas, Leslie Thomas, Erica Forzani
  • Publication number: 20210048206
    Abstract: An integrated method for assessing metabolic rate and maintaining indoor air quality and efficient ventilation energy use. A physical sensor assesses room occupancy. An actuated ventilation system is set to a constant CO2 level in a predetermined healthy range, where the actuated ventilation system includes a CO2 sensor. The actuated ventilation system sets a first air ventilation rate and the sensor measures a first CO2 level. The system determines whether CO2 level is in a healthy range, if not then the CO2 level is adjusted by setting a subsequent air ventilation rate. A subsequent CO2 level is measured. If the CO2 level is determined to meet a predetermined healthy range, then an assessment of change of air ventilation rate (? ACH) is determined. The determination of air change rate can be further augmented by a physical pressure based measurement. The overall metabolic rate is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao, Francis Tsow
  • Patent number: 10663442
    Abstract: A method for CO2 detection includes obtaining a gas sample; exposing a CO2 sensor to the gas sample, where the sensor includes a reversible and selective pH-sensitive nanocomposite sensor element for CO2 detection, and a hydrophobic surface; compensating for humidity and temperature; coupling at least one light source to receive signals from the CO2 sensor and respond to color changes in the sensor by transducing the color change into a light intensity change; measuring flow; and receiving signals from the at least one light source by at least one photodiode which responds to light intensity changes by transducing the light intensity changes into electronic signals representing varying degrees of light intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao, Di Zhao, Francis Tsow
  • Publication number: 20190257802
    Abstract: A method for CO2 detection includes obtaining a gas sample; exposing a CO2 sensor to the gas sample, where the sensor includes a reversible and selective pH-sensitive nanocomposite sensor element for CO2 detection, and a hydrophobic surface; compensating for humidity and temperature; coupling at least one light source to receive signals from the CO2 sensor and respond to color changes in the sensor by transducing the color change into a light intensity change; measuring flow; and receiving signals from the at least one light source by at least one photodiode which responds to light intensity changes by transducing the light intensity changes into electronic signals representing varying degrees of light intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao, Di Zhao, Francis Tsow
  • Patent number: 10209232
    Abstract: A CO2 detection chamber includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A CO2 sensor is housed in the CO2 detection chamber, where the sensor includes a reversible and selective pH-sensitive nanocomposite sensor element for CO2 detection, and a hydrophobic surface. A flowmeter, a thermistor and a humidity sensor operate to read flow and compensate for humidity conditions. A light source is coupled to receive signals from the CO2 sensor and respond to color changes in the sensor by transducing the color change into a light intensity change. A photodiode receives signals from the light source and responds to light intensity changes by transducing the light intensity changes into electronic signals representing varying degrees of light intensity. Data representing CO2 measurements is transmitted for display to a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao, Di Zhao, Francis Tsow
  • Patent number: 10143401
    Abstract: A method for weight and/or fitness management using a metabolic analyzer that measures metabolic data including oxygen and carbon dioxide. The metabolic analyzer includes integrated collection-detection sensors with for high efficiency and collection, high specificity and simultaneous detection of at least two metabolic signatures, including at least oxygen and carbon dioxide, in breath via a porous membrane with high density of sensing binding sites, where the porous membrane includes sensing materials such that the sensing binding sites are specific to the metabolic signatures, and change colors upon interactions with the metabolic signatures. Weight of the subject is measured using a weight measurement device and a recommendation for food intake and/or physical activity is based on at least the readings of the metabolic analyzer and weight of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ACTING FOR AND ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Nongjian Tao, Erica Forzani
  • Patent number: 10078074
    Abstract: A system for measuring and tracking metabolic rate, physical activity and calorie intake. The metabolic rate is measured with a design that features an adaptive sampling mechanism for accurate breath sample collection, optimized flow rate measurement for minimizing backpressure while maximizing accuracy, humidity regulation and water condensation reduction mechanism for reliable performance, as well as breath temperature measurement for volume and humidity corrections. The system further comprises an improved algorithm for determining physical activity such as related energy expenditure, and a mechanism for tracking changes in food intake over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Francis Tsow, Xiaojun Xian, Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao
  • Patent number: 9931055
    Abstract: A low back pressure mouthpiece for accurate detection of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) includes a conduit for receiving the exhaled breath from the subject. An oxidizing filter for sample conditioning, wherein the conduit and oxidizing filter operate to produce a back pressure of less than 4 cm H2O; and a device for measuring the level of one or more components of the received exhaled breath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao, Xiaojun Xian, Francis Tsow
  • Patent number: 9581561
    Abstract: A gas-phase detection system based on detecting optochemical and optoelectrochemical signals. The sensing platform is particularly powerful for detection of nitrogen oxides at low ppbV concentrations. The optochemical analysis is based on the color development due to a chemical reaction taking place in an optimized material. The electrochemical analysis can be based on the doping level or redox potential changes of an electrochemical sensor; and optoelectrochemical detection can be based on a combination of the electrochemical and optoelectrochemical methodologies. Each independent signal can be simultaneously detected, increasing the reliability of detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS FOR AND ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Nongjian Tao, Erica Forzani, Rodrigo A Iglesias
  • Publication number: 20160313290
    Abstract: A CO2 detection chamber includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A CO2 sensor is housed in the CO2 detection chamber, where the sensor includes a reversible and selective pH-sensitive nanocomposite sensor element for CO2 detection, and a hydrophobic surface. A flowmeter, a thermistor and a humidity sensor operate to read flow and compensate for humidity conditions. A light source is coupled to receive signals from the CO2 sensor and respond to color changes in the sensor by transducing the color change into a light intensity change. A photodiode receives signals from the light source and responds to light intensity changes by transducing the light intensity changes into electronic signals representing varying degrees of light intensity. Data representing CO2 measurements is transmitted for display to a mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona Stat e University
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao, Di Zhao, Francis Tsow
  • Publication number: 20150369795
    Abstract: A system for measuring and tracking metabolic rate, physical activity and calorie intake. The metabolic rate is measured with a design that features an adaptive sampling mechanism for accurate breath sample collection, optimized flow rate measurement for minimizing backpressure while maximizing accuracy, humidity regulation and water condensation reduction mechanism for reliable performance, as well as breath temperature measurement for volume and humidity corrections. The system further comprises an improved algorithm for determining physical activity such as related energy expenditure, and a mechanism for tracking changes in food intake over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Francis Tsow, Xiaojun Xian, Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao
  • Publication number: 20150201865
    Abstract: A low back pressure mouthpiece for accurate detection of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) includes a conduit for receiving the exhaled breath from the subject. An oxidizing filter for sample conditioning, wherein the conduit and oxidizing filter operate to produce a back pressure of less than 4 cm H2O; and a device for measuring the level of one or more components of the received exhaled breath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao, Xiaojun Xian, Francis Tsow
  • Patent number: 8926822
    Abstract: An integrated sensing device is capable of detecting analytes using electrochemical (EC) and electrical (E) signals. The device introduces synergetic new capabilities and enhances the sensitivity and selectivity for real-time detection of an analyte in complex matrices, including the presence of high concentration of interferences in liquids and in gas phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Nongjian Tao, Erica Forzani