Patents by Inventor Martin A. Smith

Martin A. Smith 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: 10429499
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for measuring a parameter (e.g. volume, temperature or pressure) of a target, the system comprising a diaphragm, a sensor for measuring the axial spacing between the sensor and the diaphragm, and an axially adjustable mount. The mount has a first axial end for mounting the diaphragm which is axially movable relative to the sensor and an opposing, second axial end which is axially fixed relative to the sensor. The diaphragm and mount define a chamber for receiving the target or for being received within the target. In use, the axial spacing between the first axial end and the second axial end of the mount and thus the axial spacing between the diaphragm and sensor varies as a result of a change in the parameter differential across the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Francis Bridge, Martin A Smith, Bob E Wilson
  • Publication number: 20170261607
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for measuring a parameter (e.g. volume, temperature or pressure) of a target, the system comprising a diaphragm, a sensor for measuring the axial spacing between the sensor and the diaphragm, and an axially adjustable mount. The mount has a first axial end for mounting the diaphragm which is axially movable relative to the sensor and an opposing, second axial end which is axially fixed relative to the sensor. The diaphragm and mount define a chamber for receiving the target or for being received within the target. In use, the axial spacing between the first axial end and the second axial end of the mount and thus the axial spacing between the diaphragm and sensor varies as a result of a change in the parameter differential across the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Francis BRIDGE, Martin A. SMITH, Bob E. WILSON
  • Patent number: 9090863
    Abstract: Systems are provided for convenient and sterile isolation, collection, and seeding of cells onto a scaffold or tissue graft. The systems may be closed. Methods for use of the disclosed systems for isolation, collection and seeding of cells and generation of tissue engineered vascular grafts are also provided. The systems may be supplied in kits for efficient and expeditious use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignees: PALL CORPORATION, YALE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Christopher Breuer, Edward L. Snyder, Keru O. Shafi, Martin A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110281358
    Abstract: Systems are provided for convenient and sterile isolation, collection, and seeding of cells onto a scaffold or tissue graft. The systems may be closed. Methods for use of the disclosed systems for isolation, collection and seeding of cells and generation of tissue engineered vascular grafts are also provided. The systems may be supplied in kits for efficient and expeditious use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicants: PALL CORPORATION, YALE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Christopher Breuer, Edward L. Snyder, Keru O. Shafi, Martin A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090043087
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for rapid nucleic acid purification from sources heavily contaminated with high particulate material, such as cellular debris, and solids, including suspended solids. In particular, this invention provides methods for rapid, quantifiable recovery and purification of nucleic acids from a variety of sources heavily contaminated with solids, such as small organisms, tissue samples, samples of blood found on soil, or samples of washing from foods, which are frequently difficult sources for nucleic acid isolation due to their propensity to clog filters and columns. A device and kit are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Martin A. Smith, Frank D. Igoe, Marcela A. Vera-Garcia
  • Patent number: 6958392
    Abstract: A method for isolating nucleic acid which comprises: (a) applying a sample comprising cells containing nucleic acid to a filter, whereby the cells are retained as a retentate and contaminants are removed; (b) lysing the retentate from step (a) while the retentate is retained by the filter to form a cell lysate containing the nucleic acid; (c) filtering the cell lysate with the filter to retain the nucleic acid and remove remaining cell lysate; (d) optionally washing the nucleic acid retained by the filter; and (e) eluting the nucleic acid, wherein the filter composition and dimensions are selected so that the filter is capable of retaining the cells and the nucleic acid. Additionally, there is provided a substrate for lysing cells and purifying nucleic acid having a matrix and a coating and an integrity maintainer for maintaining the purified nucleic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Whatman, Inc.
    Inventors: Galina N. Fomovskaia, Martin A. Smith, Mikhail A. Fomovsky, Neil J. Butt
  • Patent number: 6881543
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods, a kit, and an apparatus for detecting and analyzing genetic material from a biological sample. The method can be used to analyze samples from a wide variety of sources, including tissues, blood, plasma, sera, mucus, urine, saliva, sweat, semen, and cultures, as well as analyzing samples of contaminated water, food, beverages, and other items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Whatman, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Philpott, Martin A. Smith, Frank D. Igoe, James C. Davis
  • Patent number: 6670128
    Abstract: The present invention provide methods for utilizing spent leukodepletion filter devices as a source of material for the isolation and analysis of genomic DNA (gDNA), including polymorphism, genotyping, and pharmacogenomic studies. Cellular retentate with the filter contains leukocytes, which are lysed to release the nuclei. The nuclei are lysed or ruptured to release genomic DNA, which is then isolated and used for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Whatman, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Smith, Galina N. Fomovskaia, Mikhail A. Fomovsky, Neil J. Butt, Matthew Baker
  • Patent number: 6645717
    Abstract: A medium for storage and subsequent analysis of a genetic material includes a support for immobilizing the genetic material thereon and allowing subsequent elution of the genetic material therefrom and a coating functionally associated with the support for enabling cellular lysis and releasing the genetic material from the lysed cells while stabilizing the immobilized released genetic material. A method of storing the genetic material and subsequently analyzing the genetic material includes the steps of immobilizing the genetic material on a support while enabling cellular lysis and release of genetic material from the lysed cells and stabilizing the immobilized released genetic material on the support. The genetic material is then eluted to generate a soluble genetic material fraction. The eluted genetic material can be analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Whatman, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Smith, Mridula Iyer, Daqing Qu, James C. Davis
  • Publication number: 20030091989
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for rapid nucleic acid purification from sources heavily contaminated with high particulate material, such as cellular debris, and solids, including suspended solids. In particular, this invention provides methods for rapid, quantifiable recovery and purification of nucleic acids from a variety of sources heavily contaminated with solids, such as small organisms, tissue samples, samples of blood found on soil, or samples of washing from foods, which are frequently difficult sources for nucleic acid isolation due to their propensity to clog filters and columns. A device and kit are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Whatman, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Davis, Martin A. Smith, Frank D. Igoe, Marcela A. Vera-Garcia
  • Publication number: 20020150907
    Abstract: A method for isolating nucleic acid which comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Galina N. Fomovskaia, Martin A. Smith, Mikhail A. Fomovsky, Neil J. Butt
  • Publication number: 20020090623
    Abstract: The present invention provide methods for utilizing spent leukodepletion filter devices as a source of material for the isolation and analysis of genomic DNA (gDNA), including polymorphism, genotyping, and pharmacogenomic studies. Cellular retentate with the filter contains leukocytes, which are lysed to release the nuclei. The nuclei are lysed or ruptured to release genomic DNA, which is then isolated and used for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Martin A. Smith, Galina N. Fomovskaia, Mikhail A. Fomovsky, Neil J. Butt, Matthew Baker
  • Publication number: 20020081618
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods, a kit, and an apparatus for detecting and analyzing genetic material from a biological sample. The method can be used to analyze samples from a wide variety of sources, including tissues, blood, plasma, sera, mucus, urine, saliva, sweat, semen, and cultures, as well as analyzing samples of contaminated water, food, beverages, and other items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Philpott, Martin A. Smith, Frank D. Igoe, James C. Davis
  • Publication number: 20020054833
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a multiwell device including a multiwell plate having at least one well, wherein each well has an open end portion and a sealing mechanism disposed over each well. The sealing mechanism prevents the loss of contents from each well after the sealing mechanism receives and is penetrated by a material transfer device during a material transfer procedure. Additionally, the present invention provides for a sealing mechanism for being disposed over a plurality of wells of a multiwell plate. The sealing mechanism prevents loss of content from the wells during a material transfer procedure. The present invention also provides for a method of transferring material from the wells of the multiwell device including the steps of puncturing the sealing matrix with the material transfer device and preventing cross-contamination of the content with other wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Daqing Qu, Martin A. Smith, Andrew M. Mitchell, Neil James Butt, James C. Davis, Steven J. Kabachus
  • Publication number: 20010007746
    Abstract: A medium for storage and subsequent analysis of a genetic material includes a support for immobilizing the genetic material thereon and allowing subsequent elution of the genetic material therefrom and a coating functionally associated with the support for enabling cellular lysis and releasing the genetic material from the lysed cells while stabilizing the immobilized released genetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 1999
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventors: MARTIN A. SMITH, MRIDULA IYER, DAQING QU, JAMES C. DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20010000149
    Abstract: A medium for storage and subsequent analysis of a genetic material includes a support for immobilizing the genetic material thereon and allowing subsequent elution of the genetic material therefrom and a coating functionally associated with the support for enabling cellular lysis and releasing the genetic material from the lysed cells while stabilizing the immobilized released genetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: April 5, 2001
    Inventors: Martin A. Smith, Mridula Iyer, Daqing Qu, James C. Davis
  • Patent number: 5674029
    Abstract: A weir structure for controlling liquid flow in a channel having a floor and side walls comprising a barrier extending between the sidewalls of the channel and from the floor of the channel to a crest to separate the channel into an upstream region and a downstream region. Fluid in the channel flows from the upstream region to the downstream region by overflowing the barrier at the crest. The barrier is formed with at least one passage through the barrier positioned and dimensioned to allow for free, unregulated fluid flow through the passage from the upstream region to the downstream region whenever fluid is overflowing the barrier to increase flow past the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: UV Waterguard Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Smith, Douglas F. Sommerville, Peter W. Emmett, John R. Gaetz
  • Patent number: 4802788
    Abstract: A road marking apparatus has a hopper mounted upon a pair of side runners that straddle an outlet in the bottom of the hopper. A doctor blade is mounted for reciprocal vertical movement in sliding contact with the outside of a rear wall of the hopper adjacent the hopper outlet between the runners. A floor gate is mounted for reciprocal horizontal movement into and out of contact with a bottom edge of the hopper rear wall and the doctor blade for opening and closing the hopper outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Pave-Mark Corporation
    Inventor: Martin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 4623279
    Abstract: A preheater for melting a slab of thermoplastic marking material preparatory to applying a melt therefrom onto a paved surface has a heated slab receiver formed with a side wall oriented between 70.degree. and 82.degree. with respect to a reference ground plane upon which surface a slab may be flushly supported for heating and melt down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Pave-Mark Corporation
    Inventor: Martin A. Smith
  • Patent number: 4101058
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying glass spheres or other dry particles at prescribed adjustable widths without wastage of material by gravity feeding such spheres upon a roller assembly comprising a plurality of roller sections selectively engagable for rotation by a continuously driven coaxial drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Inventor: Martin A. Smith