Patents by Inventor Margaret A. Ryan

Margaret A. Ryan 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: 8338552
    Abstract: Embodiments include a sensor comprising a co-polymer, the co-polymer comprising a first monomer and a second monomer. For some embodiments, the first monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridine, and the second monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridinium propylamine chloride. For some embodiments, the first monomer is polystyrene and the second monomer is poly-2-vinyl pyridinium propylamine chloride. For some embodiments, the first monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridine, and the second monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridinium benzylamine chloride. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Margaret A. Ryan, Margie L. Homer, Shiao-Pin S. Yen, Adam Kisor, April D. Jewell, Abhijit V. Shevade, Kenneth S. Manatt, Charles Taylor, Mario Blanco, William A. Goddard
  • Patent number: 8187865
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanowire sensor and method for forming the same. More specifically, the nanowire sensor comprises at least one nanowire formed on a substrate, with a sensor receptor disposed on a surface of the nanowire, thereby forming a receptor-coated nanowire. The nanowire sensor can be arranged as a sensor sub-unit comprising a plurality of homogeneously receptor-coated nanowires. A plurality of sensor subunits can be formed to collectively comprise a nanowire sensor array. Each sensor subunit in the nanowire sensor array can be formed to sense a different stimulus, allowing a user to sense a plurality of stimuli. Additionally, each sensor subunit can be formed to sense the same stimuli through different aspects of the stimulus. The sensor array is fabricated through a variety of techniques, such as by creating nanopores on a substrate and electrodepositing nanowires within the nanopores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Minhee Yun, Nosang Myung, Richard Vasquez, Margie Homer, Margaret Ryan, Shiao-Pin Yen, Jean-Pierre Fleurial, Ratnakumar Bugga, Daniel Choi, William Goddard, Abhijit Shevade, Mario Blanco, Tahir Cagin, Wely Floriano
  • Patent number: 8024133
    Abstract: A sensor system for detecting and estimating concentrations of various gas or liquid analytes. In an embodiment, the resistances of a set of sensors are measured to provide a set of responses over time where the resistances are indicative of gas or liquid sorption, depending upon the sensors. A concentration vector for the analytes is estimated by satisfying a criterion of goodness using the set of responses. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Margie L. Homer, Darrell L. Jan, April D. Jewell, Adam Kisor, Kenneth S. Manatt, Allison M. Manfreda, Margaret A. Ryan, Abhijit V. Shevade, Charles Taylor, Tuan A. Tran, Shiao-Pin S. Yen, Hanying Zhou
  • Publication number: 20110060114
    Abstract: Embodiments include a sensor comprising a co-polymer, the co-polymer comprising a first monomer and a second monomer. For some embodiments, the first monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridine, and the second monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridinium propylamine chloride. For some embodiments, the first monomer is polystyrene and the second monomer is poly-2-vinyl pyridinium propylamine chloride. For some embodiments, the first monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridine, and the second monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridinium benzylamine chloride. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Margaret A. Ryan, Margie L. Homer, Shiao-Pin S. Yen, Adam Kisor, April D. Jewell, Abhijit V. Shevade, Kenneth S. Manatt, Charles Taylor, Mario Blanco, William A. Goddard
  • Patent number: 7858720
    Abstract: Embodiments include a sensor comprising a co-polymer, the co-polymer comprising a first monomer and a second monomer. For some embodiments, the first monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridine, and the second monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridinium propylamine chloride. For some embodiments, the first monomer is polystyrene and the second monomer is poly-2-vinyl pyridinium propylamine chloride. For some embodiments, the first monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridine, and the second monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridinium benzylamine chloride. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Margaret A. Ryan, Margie L. Homer, Shiao-Pin S. Yen, Adam Kisor, April D. Jewell, Abhijit V. Shevade, Kenneth S. Manatt, Charles Taylor, Mario Blanco, William A. Goddard
  • Publication number: 20100286929
    Abstract: A sensor system for detecting and estimating concentrations of various gas or liquid analytes. In an embodiment, the resistances of a set of sensors are measured to provide a set of responses over time where the resistances are indicative of gas or liquid sorption, depending upon the sensors. A concentration vector for the analytes is estimated by satisfying a criterion of goodness using the set of responses. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Margie L. Homer, Darrell L. Jan, April D. Jewell, Adam Kisor, Kenneth S. Manatt, Allison M. Manfreda, Margaret A. Ryan, Abhijit V. Shevade, Charles Taylor, Tuan A. Tran, Shiao-Pin S. Yen, Hanying Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100022731
    Abstract: Embodiments include a sensor comprising a co-polymer, the co-polymer comprising a first monomer and a second monomer. For some embodiments, the first monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridine, and the second monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridinium propylamine chloride. For some embodiments, the first monomer is polystyrene and the second monomer is poly-2-vinyl pyridinium propylamine chloride. For some embodiments, the first monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridine, and the second monomer is poly-4-vinyl pyridinium benzylamine chloride. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Margaret A. Ryan, Margie L. Homer, Shiao-Pin S. Yen, Adam Kisor, April D. Jewell, Abhijit V. Shevade, Kenneth S. Manatt, Charles Taylor, Mario Blanco, William A. Goddard
  • Patent number: 7640116
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a space-invariant independent component analysis and electronic nose for detection of selective chemicals in an unknown environment, and more specifically, an approach to analysis of sensor responses to mixtures of unknown chemicals by an electronic nose in an open and changing environment. It is intended to fill the gap between an alarm, which has little or no ability to distinguish among chemical compounds causing a response, and an analytical instrument, which can distinguish all compounds present but with no real-time or continuous event monitoring ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Tuan Duong, Margaret Ryan
  • Publication number: 20090242416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanowire sensor and method for forming the same. More specifically, the nanowire sensor comprises at least one nanowire formed on a substrate, with a sensor receptor disposed on a surface of the nanowire, thereby forming a receptor-coated nanowire. The nanowire sensor can be arranged as a sensor sub-unit comprising a plurality of homogeneously receptor-coated nanowires. A plurality of sensor subunits can be formed to collectively comprise a nanowire sensor array. Each sensor subunit in the nanowire sensor array can be formed to sense a different stimulus, allowing a user to sense a plurality of stimuli. Additionally, each sensor subunit can be formed to sense the same stimuli through different aspects of the stimulus. The sensor array is fabricated through a variety of techniques, such as by creating nanopores on a substrate and electrodepositing nanowires within the nanopores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Minhee Yun, Nosang Myung, Richard Vasquez, Margie L. Homer, Margaret A. Ryan, Shiao-Pin Yen, Jean-Pierre Fleurial, Ratnakumar Bugga, Daniel Choi, William Goddard, Abhijit Shevade, Mario Blanco, Tahir Cagin, Wely Floriano
  • Publication number: 20090093430
    Abstract: Potential therapeutic, agent for the prevention, treatment or amelioration of an affective disorder, such as a bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorder are identified. Also provided are methods for diagnosing and monitoring affective disorders. The methods are based on changes in expression of one or more genes that are differentially expressed in affective disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Helen Elizabeth Lockstone, Matthew Thomas Wayland, Margaret Ryan, Sabine Bahn
  • Publication number: 20080065334
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a space-invariant independent component analysis and electronic nose for detection of selective chemicals in an unknown environment, and more specifically, an approach to analysis of sensor responses to mixtures of unknown chemicals by an electronic nose in an open and changing environment
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Tuan Duong, Margaret Ryan
  • Patent number: 7098393
    Abstract: A thermoelectric device formed of nanowires on the nm scale. The nanowires are preferably of a size that causes quantum confinement effects within the wires. The wires are connected together into a bundle to increase the power density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Fleurial, Margaret A. Ryan, Alexander Borshchevsky, Jennifer Herman
  • Publication number: 20060150264
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of identifying potential therapeutic agents for the prevention, treatment, or amelioration of schizophrenia, to methods of diagnosis of schizophrenia, to methods of identifying patients most likely to respond to a particular therapeutic treatment, to methods for selecting participants in clinical trials, and to methods of prevention, treatment, or amelioration of schizophrenia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Sabine Bahn, Margaret Ryan, Stephen Huffaker
  • Patent number: 6787691
    Abstract: A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e.g., of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e.g., a BiTe alloy-based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Fleurial, Margaret A. Ryan, Alex Borshchevsky, Wayne Phillips, Elizabeth A. Kolawa, G. Jeffrey Snyder, Thierry Caillat, Thorsten Kascich, Peter Mueller
  • Publication number: 20030047204
    Abstract: A thermoelectric device formed of nanowires on the nm scale. The nanowires are preferably of a size that causes quantum confinement effects within the wires. The wires are connected together into a bundle to increase the power density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Fleurial, Margaret A. Ryan, Alexander Borshchevsky, Jennifer Herman
  • Publication number: 20030041892
    Abstract: A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e.g., of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e.g., a BiTe alloy-based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Fleurial, Margaret A. Ryan, Alex Borshchevsky, Wayne Phillips, Elizabeth A. Kolawa, G. Jeffrey Snyder, Thierry Caillat, Thorsten Kascich, Peter Mueller
  • Patent number: 6388185
    Abstract: A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e.g., of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e.g., a BiTe alloy-based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Fleurial, Margaret A. Ryan, Alex Borshchevsky, Wayne Phillips, Elizabeth A. Kolawa, G. Jeffrey Snyder, Thierry Caillat, Thorsten Kascich, Peter Mueller
  • Patent number: 5698771
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon gas detection device operates by dissociating or electro-chemically oxidizing hydrocarbons adsorbed to a silicon carbide detection layer. Dissociation or oxidation are driven by a varying potential applied to the detection layer. Different hydrocarbon species undergo reaction at different applied potentials so that the device is able to discriminate among various hydrocarbon species. The device can operate at temperatures between 100.degree. C. and at least 650.degree. C., allowing hydrocarbon detection in hot exhaust gases. The dissociation reaction is detected either as a change in a capacitor or, preferably, as a change of current flow through an FET which incorporates the silicon carbide detection layers. The silicon carbide detection layer can be augmented with a pad of catalytic material which provides a signal without an applied potential. Comparisons between the catalytically produced signal and the varying potential produced signal may further help identify the hydrocarbon present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Virgil B. Shields, Margaret A. Ryan, Roger M. Williams
  • Patent number: 5441575
    Abstract: An alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) having a plurality of cells structurally connected in series to form a septum dividing a plenum into two chambers, and electrically connected in series, is provided with porous metal anodes and porous metal cathodes in the cells. The cells may be planar or annular, and in either case a metal alkali vapor at a high temperature is provided to the plenum through one chamber on one side of the wall and returned to a vapor boiler after condensation at a chamber on the other side of the wall in the plenum. If the cells are annular, a heating core may be placed along the axis of the stacked cells. This arrangement of series-connected cells allows efficient generation of power at high voltage and low current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Mark L. Underwood, Roger M. Williams, Margaret A. Ryan, Barbara J. Nakamura, Dennis E. O'Connor