Patents by Inventor John McCaffrey
John McCaffrey 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: 10018547Abstract: Viscometers and viscometry methods are disclosed. In one general aspect, a fluid is driven through capillary tubes with different inside volumes, and successive images of the fluid are acquired as it advances through the inside volume of the capillary tubes. A range of different viscosity values of the fluid are derived from the successive acquired images, and results of this step are reported in a manner that provides insight into non-Newtonian effects in the fluid. In another general aspect, a viscosity value is selected based on detected pressure levels.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Malvern Instruments LimitedInventors: E. Neil Lewis, Kenneth Haber, John McCaffrey, Vishal Patil, Samiul Amin, Rohit Goswami
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Patent number: 9939362Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting properties of heterogeneous samples, including detecting properties of particles or fluid droplets in industrial processes. Embodiments disclosed include a particle characterization method, comprising: providing a fluid containing suspended particles; causing at least a first subset of the suspended particles to flow past a first two-dimensional array detector (24); illuminating the first subset of suspended particles as they flow past the first two-dimensional array detector (24) in the fluid; acquiring a plurality of images of the first subset of particles as they flow past the first two-dimensional array detector (24) in the fluid; and automatically counting the particles in the images.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Malvern Instruments LimitedInventors: E. Neil Lewis, John McCaffrey, Vishal Patil, Kenneth Haber
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Publication number: 20170241894Abstract: An apparatus (10) for characterizing particles, comprising: a microscope objective with an optical axis and a depth of field; a holder cell (22) configured to position the particles in a generally planar volume below the microscope objective, the planar volume being substantially normal to the optical axis and having a depth that is less than or equal to the depth of field, wherein a portion of the cell holder (22) for positioning in the optical axis of the microscope objective is substantially free of significant spectral features in a Raman spectral range; an x-y stage (20) to move the microscope objective relative to the holder cell (22) in x and y directions to align particles with the optical axis of the microscope objective while the particles are held by the holder cell (22), a detector (18) for acquiring an image of a particle through the microscope objective, a laser operable to illuminate a particle held by the holder cell (22), a Raman spectrometer (16) arranged to obtain a spectrum including the RType: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: John McCaffrey, Kevin Dahl, Peter Bennett, Vishal Patil, E. Neil Lewis
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Publication number: 20170045438Abstract: A particle characterization apparatus and corresponding method is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample cell (14). The sample cell includes: an input opening (26) for receiving a fluid that carries particles flowing along a flow axis, a central acquisition channel (32) hydraulically responsive to the input opening (26) for receiving a first subset of the fluid, a pair of lateral bypass channels (32, 34) hydraulically responsive to the input opening (26) and disposed on either side of the central acquisition channel (32) for receiving second and third subsets of the fluid, a window (36) in the central acquisition channel (32) for illuminating the first subset of the fluid in the central acquisition channel (32),an illumination source (18) positioned to illuminate the fluid in the central acquisition channel (32) through the window (36), and a detector (20) positioned to receive light from the fluid in the central acquisition channel (32) after it has interacted with the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2015Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: Alon Vaisman, John McCaffrey, Peter Bennet, Vishal Patil
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Publication number: 20170029601Abstract: There is provided a starch composition comprising a crosslinked starch. The composition may be useful in a variety of applications, for example, in thermoformed articles or as a component in multilayer films.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventor: Nicholas John McCaffrey
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Publication number: 20160356696Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting properties of heterogeneous samples, including detecting properties of particles or fluid droplets in industrial processes. Embodiments disclosed include a particle characterization method, comprising: providing a fluid containing suspended particles; causing at least a first subset of the suspended particles to flow past a first two-dimensional array detector (24); illuminating the first subset of suspended particles as they flow past the first two-dimensional array detector (24) in the fluid; acquiring a plurality of images of the first subset of particles as they flow past the first two-dimensional array detector (24) in the fluid; and automatically counting the particles in the images.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2015Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: E. Neil LEWIS, John MCCAFFREY, Vishal PATIL, Kenneth HABER
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Publication number: 20150377758Abstract: A viscometer, comprising: a source of fluid pressure, a tube, an array of optical detectors, an acquisition driver circuit and viscosity computation logic. The tube has an inside volume that is hydraulically responsive to the source of fluid pressure. The array of optical detectors is positioned along a length of the first tube with a plurality of its detectors optically responsive to the inside volume of the first tube and including an image data output. The acquisition driver circuit is responsive to the image data output of the first array to acquire a series of successive images of the inside volume of the first tube. The viscosity computation logic is responsive to the acquisition driver circuit and operative to compute the viscosity of a fluid flowing along the first tube from the series of images of the inside volume of the first tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: E. Neil Lewis, Kenneth HABER, John MCCAFFREY, Vishal PATIL, Samiul AMIN, Rohit GOSWAMI
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Publication number: 20150362421Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for detecting properties of heterogeneous samples, including detecting properties of particles or fluid droplets in industrial processes. Embodiments disclosed include a particle characterization method, comprising: suspending particles in a fluid; causing the suspended particles to flow past a two-dimensional array detector; illuminating the suspended particles as they flow past the two-dimensional array detector in the fluid; acquiring a plurality of images of the particles as they flow past the two-dimensional array detector in the fluid; and applying a particle characterization function to results of steps of acquiring a plurality of images for at least some of the suspended particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: December 17, 2015Applicant: Malvern Instruments LimitedInventors: E. Neil LEWIS, John MCCAFFREY, Ken HABER, Peter BENNETT, Gerald SANDO, Tomasz SADOWSKI
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Publication number: 20150338334Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and device for detecting properties of heterogeneous samples, including detecting properties of particles or fluid droplets in industrial processes. A probe may be inserted into a first of multiple heterogeneous fluid samples. A portion of the first sample may be drawn into the probe and past a two-dimensional array detector. The portion of the first sample may be illuminated as it is drawn past the array detector and an image of the portion of the first sample may be acquired. The probe may be inserted into a second of multiple heterogeneous fluid samples. A portion of the second sample may be drawn into the probe and past a two-dimensional array detector. The portion of the second sample may be illuminated as it is drawn past the array detector and an image of the portion of the second sample may be acquired.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: November 26, 2015Inventors: E. Neil LEWIS, John MCCAFFREY, Ken HABER, Peter BENNETT, Gerald SANDO, Tomasz SADOWSKI
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Publication number: 20140349047Abstract: There is provided a multilayer film comprising a starch layer and at least one other layer. The multilayer film has excellent barrier properties. The starch layer comprises a modified starch having a degree of substitution less than 1.5. Suitable other layers include polyolefins. The multilayer film finds use in packaging, particularly in packaging foodstuffs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2012Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Nicholas John McCaffrey, Roya Khalil, Nicholas Roy Oakley, Brendan Morris
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Publication number: 20140190129Abstract: Child-resistant bulk dose dispensing packaging unit, and a method for opening the packaging unit, including a container and a lid engaged with the container. The container includes a reservoir, an aperture at a top end of the reservoir, and a protrusion extending from a surface of the container. The lid engages with the container and slides between a closed position and an open position. The lid includes a top wall, a side wall extending down from an outer edge of the top wall, and a post configured to engage the protrusion at a first position when the lid is closed so as to keep the lid closed. At least a portion of the post extends substantially parallel to the side wall at a distance from the side wall. Pressing the side wall inward places the post at a second position, wherein at the second position the post is disengaged from the protrusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Wyeth LLCInventors: Ari Tao Adler, Robert John McCaffrey
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Patent number: 8701464Abstract: A gas chromatography system comprising a sample introduction device, an oven coupled to the sample introduction device and a detector coupled to the oven is disclosed. In certain examples, the oven may be configured to receive a chromatography column in a space in the oven. In some examples, the oven may be constructed and arranged to provide a substantially constant temperature to the space during an analysis stage of the gas chromatography system.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Perkinelmer Health Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Tipler, James Botelho, Avinash Dalmia, Michael J. Rafa, John Vanderhoef, Paul Schallis, Neal Green, David J. Scott, John McCaffrey, Paul St. Cyr, E. Joel McCorkle, Giuseppe Coppola
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Patent number: 8697245Abstract: A biodegradable injection mouldable polymer composition including on a dry weight basis from 45-85% w/w by weight of a starch and/or a modified high amylose starch, from 2-15% w/w by weight of a water soluble polymer preferably selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components, and from 5-45% w/w by weight of one or more polyol plasticizers having a molecular weight in the range of 50-6000, more preferably 50-2500, and still more preferably 100-400 and preferably selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, polyglycerol, glycerol trioleate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, polyethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol; more preferably glycerol, maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol and xylitol.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Plantic Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Kishan Khemani, Nicholas John McCaffrey, Rulande Henderson
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Patent number: 8657136Abstract: Child-resistant bulk dose dispensing packaging unit, and a method for opening the packaging unit, including a container and a lid engaged with the container. The container includes a reservoir, an aperture at a top end of the reservoir, and a protrusion extending from a surface of the container. The lid engages with the container and slides between a closed position and an open position. The lid includes a top wall, a side wall extending down from an outer edge of the top wall, and a post configured to engage the protrusion at a first position when the lid is closed so as to keep the lid closed.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Wyeth LLCInventors: Ari Tao Adler, Robert John McCaffrey
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Publication number: 20140002662Abstract: In one general aspect, a particle characterization method is disclosed that includes suspending particles in a fluid, causing them to flow past a two-dimensional array detector, and illuminating them as they do so. The method also includes acquiring images of the particles as they flow past the two-dimensional array detector in the fluid, and applying a particle characterization function to the images for at least some of the suspended particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: E. Neil Lewis, John McCaffrey, Kenneth S. Haber, Peter Bennett, Gerald Sando, Tomasz Sadowski
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Publication number: 20120285325Abstract: A gas chromatography system comprising a sample introduction device, an oven coupled to the sample introduction device and a detector coupled to the oven is disclosed. In certain examples, the oven may be configured to receive a chromatography column in a space in the oven. In some examples, the oven may be constructed and arranged to provide a substantially constant temperature to the space during an analysis stage of the gas chromatography system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Tipler, James Botelho, Avinash Dalmia, Michael J. Rafa, John Vanderhoef, Paul Schallis, Neal Green, David J. Scott, John McCaffrey, Paul St. Cyr, E. Joel McCorkle, Giuseppe Coppola
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Patent number: 8104326Abstract: A gas chromatography system comprising a sample introduction device, an oven coupled to the sample introduction device and a detector coupled to the oven is disclosed. In certain examples, the oven may be configured to receive a chromatography column in a space in the oven. In some examples, the oven may be constructed and arranged to provide a substantially constant temperature to the space during an analysis stage of the gas chromatography system.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Tipler, James Botelho, Avinash Dalmia, Michael J. Rafa, John Vanderhoef, Paul Schallis, Neal Green, David J. Scott, John McCaffrey, Paul St. Cyr, E. Joel McCorkle, Guiseppe Coppola
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Publication number: 20110226772Abstract: Child-resistant bulk dose dispensing packaging unit, and a method for opening the packaging unit, including a container and a lid engaged with the container. The container includes a reservoir, an aperture at a top end of the reservoir, and a protrusion extending from a surface of the container. The lid engages with the container and slides between a closed position and an open position. The lid includes a top wall, a side wall extending down from an outer edge of the top wall, and a post configured to engage the protrusion at a first position when the lid is closed so as to keep the lid closed. At least a portion of the post extends substantially parallel to the side wall at a distance from the side wall. Pressing the side wall inward places the post at a second position, wherein at the second position the post is disengaged from the protrusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: Wyeth LLCInventors: Ari Tao Adler, Robert John McCaffrey
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Publication number: 20100297458Abstract: A biodegradable injection mouldable polymer composition including on a dry weight basis from 45-85% w/w by weight of a starch and/or a modified high amylose starch, from 2-15% w/w by weight of a water soluble polymer preferably selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components, and from 5-45% w/w by weight of one or more polyol plasticizers having a molecular weight in the range of 50-6000, more preferably 50-2500, and still more preferably 100-400 and preferably selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, polyglycerol, glycerol trioleate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, polyethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol; more preferably glycerol, maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol and xylitol.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2007Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: PLANTIC TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventors: Kishan Khemani, Nicholas John McCaffrey, Rulande Henderson
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Patent number: D790686Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Intellectual Property Management LimitedInventors: Mark Anthony Cox, Joseph John Fire, Michelle Nicole Kwasny, Scott Robert Mackie, Robert John McCaffrey, Jason Lee Robinson, Gerd Schmieta