Patents by Inventor John Birks

John Birks 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: 20060286570
    Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect molecular recognition events. The invention also provides methods to detect the presence of or identify a target species based on its interaction with one or more probe species. The methods of the invention are based on amplification of the signal due to each molecular recognition event. The amplification is achieved through photopolymerization, with the polymer formed being associated with the molecular recognition event. In an embodiment, a fluorescent polymer, a magnetic polymer, a radioactive polymer or an electrically conducting polymer can form the basis of detection and amplification. In another embodiment, a polymer gel swollen with a fluorescent solution, a magnetic solution, a radioactive solution or an electrically conducting solution can form the basis of detection and amplification. In another embodiment, sufficient polymer forms to be detectable by visual inspection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: Kathy Rowlen, John Birks, Christopher Bowman, Hadley Sikes, Ryan Hansen, Robert Kuchta
  • Publication number: 20060251560
    Abstract: A method and system to consistently and automatically conditioning and delivering a solid-free liquid (filtrate) sample suitable for instrumental analysis is disclosed. A slurry, preferably a slurry produced by a sub-atmospheric pressure chlorate dioxide generating process, is fed through a filter to remove the solid phase and to provide the liquid phase on the downstream side of the filter, where the concentration of at least one dissolved component is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Mario Costa, John Birks, Chunmin Pu, Kui Xu