Patents by Inventor G. Cameron Dales
G. Cameron Dales 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).
-
Publication number: 20040025575Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Miroslav Petro, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen, G. Cameron Dales, Eric D. Carlson, Thomas S. Lee
-
Patent number: 6653138Abstract: A method and system for researching and developing and/or optimizing new catalysts and products in a combinatorial manner is disclosed. The method begins with starting components or a ligand library and provides methods of creating catalyst or product libraries, which are then tested in a reaction of interest. The system uses methods of robotic handling for moving libraries from station to station. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial catalyst libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental methods as well.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Howard W. Turner, Lynn VanErden, G. Cameron Dales, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen
-
Publication number: 20030211016Abstract: An apparatus for parallel processing of multiple reaction mixtures comprises a plurality of reactor vessels for holding reaction mixtures at pressures of at least about 15 psig. Cannula passages communicate with respective vessels, and a cannula is adapted to be inserted into each cannula passage. A sealing mechanism, comprising a valve and a seal, in each cannula passage maintains a respective vessel sealed when the cannula is inserted into and withdrawn from the cannula passage. A robot system is operable to insert the cannula to a location where a distal end and port of the cannula are past the open valve and seal, and to withdraw the cannula. Methods for transferring fluid reaction material to and from a series of pressurized vessels, establishing fluid communication between a cannula and a vessel of a combinatorial chemistry reactor and establishing fluid communication between a cannula and a series of pressurized vessels of a combinatorial chemistry reactor are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: G. Cameron Dales, Gary Diamond, Trevor G. Frank, J. Christopher Freitag, Kenneth S. Higashihara, Dave Huffman, Jonah R. Troth
-
Publication number: 20030190755Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2003Publication date: October 9, 2003Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Howard Turner, G. Cameron Dales, Lynn VanErden, Johannes A.M. VanBeek, Damian A. Hajduk, Ralph B. Nielsen, Paul Mansky, Leonid Matsiev, Pei Wang, Eric McFarland
-
Publication number: 20030157721Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2002Publication date: August 21, 2003Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Howard Turner, G. Cameron Dales, Lynn vanErden, Johannes A.M. van Beek, Damian A. Hajduk, Ralph B. Nielsen, Paul Mansky, Leonid Matsiev, Pei Wang, Eric McFarland
-
Patent number: 6584832Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed, where the polymer sample, solvent, liquid chromatograph column and/or mobile phase eluant is heated to temperatures of at least 75 degrees Celsius during the sample injection or elution process. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Miroslav Petro, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen, G. Cameron Dales, Eric D. Carlson, Thomas S. Lee
-
Publication number: 20030086822Abstract: A method and system for researching and developing and/or optimizing new catalysts and products in a combinatorial manner is disclosed. The method begins with starting components or a ligand library and provides methods of creating catalyst or product libraries, which are then tested in a reaction of interest. The system uses methods of robotic handling for moving libraries from station to station. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial catalyst libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental methods as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Howard W. Turner, Lynn VanErden, G. Cameron Dales, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen
-
Patent number: 6548026Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1998Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: G. Cameron Dales, Johannes A. M. van Beek, Damian A. Hajduk, Ralph B. Nielsen, Paul Mansky
-
Patent number: 6508984Abstract: A method and system for researching and developing and/or optimizing new catalysts and products in a combinatorial manner is disclosed. The method begins with starting components or a ligand library and provides methods of creating catalyst or product libraries, which are then tested in a reaction of interest. The system uses methods of robotic handling for moving libraries from station to station. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial catalyst libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental methods as well.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Howard W. Turner, Lynn VanErden, G. Cameron Dales, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen
-
Patent number: 6489168Abstract: Computer programs and computer-implemented methods for monitoring the progress and properties of parallel chemical reactions. The invention repeatedly receives a measured value or values associated with the contents of each of a plurality of reactor vessels and displays the measured over the course of a combinatorial chemical reaction. Reaction parameters associated with individual reactor vessels are changed in response to the value measured during the reaction. Reaction parameters include temperature, pressure, stirring speed. The reaction occurring in one or more reactor vessels is quenched in response to values measured during the reaction. The measured values are used to calculate experimental results including temperature change, pressure change, percent conversion of starting material, and viscosity. The measured values and experimental results are displayed. In another aspect, the invention features a method for controlling a combinatorial chemical reactor.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Pei Wang, G. Cameron Dales
-
Publication number: 20020174713Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Miroslav Petro, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen, G. Cameron Dales, Eric D. Carlson, Thomas S. Lee
-
Patent number: 6455316Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Howard Turner, G. Cameron Dales, Lynn VanErden, Johannes A. M. VanBeek, Damian A. Hajduk, Ralph B. Nielsen, Paul Mansky, Leonid Matsiev, Pei Wang, Eric McFarland
-
Publication number: 20020110493Abstract: A cannula for use in transferring small volumes of fluid materials, such as in a parallel reaction process. The cannula comprises a long thin needle having various end (port) configurations, and an adapter for connecting the needle to a fluid line. The adapter may include the combination of a reservoir and transition, or simply a transition.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Symyx Technologies , IncInventors: G. Cameron Dales, Gary Diamond, Trevor G. Frank, J. Christopher Freitag, Kenneth S. Higashihara, Dave Huffman, Jonah R. Troth
-
Publication number: 20020106813Abstract: A parallel reactor system including a reactor and vessels in the reactor for holding reaction mixtures, and a cannula for introducing fluid reaction material into the vessels. A robot system is operable to insert the cannula into cannula passages in the reactor for delivery of reaction materials, including condensed gases, to respective vessels, and to withdraw the cannula from the cannula passages after delivery. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2002Publication date: August 8, 2002Applicant: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Matthew F. Smith, John F. Varni, G. Cameron Dales, Trevor G. Frank, Rakesh Jain, Lynn Van Erden
-
Publication number: 20010034064Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Howard Turner, G. Cameron Dales, Lynn VanErden, Johannes A.M. Van Beek
-
Publication number: 20010034067Abstract: A parallel reactor system including a reactor and vessels in the reactor for holding reaction mixtures, and a cannula for introducing fluid reaction material into the vessels. A robot system is operable to insert the cannula into cannula passages in the reactor for delivery of reaction materials, including slurries, to respective vessels, and to withdraw the cannula from the cannula passages after delivery. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: G. Cameron Dales, Jonah R. Troth, Kenneth S. Higashihara, Gary Diamond, Vince Murphy, William H. Chandler, Trevor G. Frank, J. Christopher Freitag
-
Patent number: 6306658Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1998Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Symyx TechnologiesInventors: Howard W. Turner, G. Cameron Dales, Lynn VanErden, Johannes A. M. van Beek
-
Patent number: 6260407Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. In preferred high-temperature embodiments, the polymer sample is maintained at a temperature of not less than about 75° C. during sample preparation, loading into a liquid chromatography or flow-injection analysis system, injection into a mobile phase of a liquid chromatography or flow-injection analysis system, and/or elution from chromatographic column. The described methods, systems, and device have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Miroslav Petro, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen, G. Cameron Dales, Eric D. Carlson, Thomas S. Lee