Patents by Inventor Nathan S. Lewis

Nathan S. Lewis 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: 20080262743
    Abstract: Provided are compositions and systems useful in remote monitoring of chemical hazards, air quality, and medical conditions, for example, robotic systems to search for and detect explosives, mines, and hazardous chemicals. In addition, the methods, systems and compositions of the invention provide the ability to mine data from a database containing a plurality of chemical fingerprints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik Severin
  • Patent number: 7359802
    Abstract: Provided are compositions and systems useful in remote monitoring of chemical hazards, air quality, and medical conditions, for example, robotic systems to search for and detect explosives, mines, and hazardous chemicals. In addition, the methods, systems and compositions of the invention provide the ability to mine data from a database containing a plurality of chemical fingerprints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik Severin
  • Publication number: 20080077331
    Abstract: Provided are compositions and systems useful in remote monitoring of chemical hazards, air quality, and medical conditions, for example, robotic systems to search for and detect explosives, mines, and hazardous chemicals. In addition, the methods, systems and compositions of the invention provide the ability to mine data from a database containing a plurality of chemical fingerprints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik Severin
  • Patent number: 7189353
    Abstract: Methods, systems and sensor arrays are provided implementing techniques for detecting an analyte in a fluid. The techniques include providing a sensor array including at least a first sensor and a second sensor in an arrangement having a defined fluid flow path, exposing the sensor array to a fluid including an analyte by introducing the fluid along the fluid flow path, measuring a response for the first sensor and the second sensor, and detecting the presence of the analyte in the fluid based on a spatio-temporal difference between the responses for the first and second sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund, Shawn M. Briglin
  • Patent number: 7175885
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combinatorial approach for preparing arrays of chemically sensitive polymer-based sensors which are capable of detecting the presence of a chemical analyte in a fluid in contact therewith. The described methods and devices comprise combining varying ratios of at least first and second organic materials which, when combined, form a polymer or polymer blend that is capable of absorbing a chemical analyte, thereby providing a detectable response. The detectable response of the sensors prepared by this method is not linearly related to the mole fraction of at least one of the polymer-based components of the sensors, thereby making arrays of these sensors useful for a variety of sensing tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Robert H. Grubbs, Robert D. Sanner, Eric J. Severin
  • Patent number: 7144553
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting the activity of a molecule or analyte of interest is provided. The chemical sensors comprise and array or plurality of sensors that are capable of interacting with a molecule of interest, wherein the interaction provides a response fingerprint. The fingerprint can be associated with a library of similar molecules of interest to determine the molecule's activity and diffusion coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik J. Severin, Michael Freund, Adam J. Matzger
  • Patent number: 7122152
    Abstract: Sensor arrays and sensor array systems for detecting analytes in fluids. Sensors configured to generate a response upon introduction of a fluid containing one or more analytes can be located on one or more surfaces relative to one or more fluid channels in an array. Fluid channels can take the form of pores or holes in a substrate material. Fluid channels can be formed between one or more substrate plates. Sensor can be fabricated with substantially optimized sensor volumes to generate a response having a substantially maximized signal to noise ratio upon introduction of a fluid containing one or more target analytes. Methods of fabricating and using such sensor arrays and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignees: University of Florida, The California Institute of Technology, Aerovironment, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund, Shawn M. Briglin, Phil Tokumaru, Charles R. Martin, David T. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7061061
    Abstract: Techniques are used to detect and identify analytes. Techniques are used to fabricate and manufacture sensors to detect analytes. An analyte (810) is sensed by sensors (820) that output electrical signals in response to the analyte. The electrical signals may be preprocessed (830) by filtering and amplification. In one embodiment, a plurality of sensors are formed on a single integrated circuit. The sensors may have diverse compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Rodney M. Goodman, Nathan S. Lewis, Robert H. Grubbs, Jeffery Dickson, Vincent F. Koosh, Richard S. Payne
  • Patent number: 6962675
    Abstract: Methods, systems and sensor arrays are provided implementing techniques for detecting an analyte in a fluid. The techniques include providing a sensor array including at least a first sensor and a second sensor in an arrangement having a defined fluid flow path, exposing the sensor array to a fluid including an analyte by introducing the fluid along the fluid flow path, measuring a response for the first sensor and the second sensor, and detecting the presence of the analyte in the fluid based on a spatio-temporal difference between the responses for the first and second sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund, Shawn M. Briglin
  • Patent number: 6890715
    Abstract: The present invention provides a class of sensors prepared from at least a first material having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance and a second non-conductive or insulating material compositionally different than the first material that show an increase sensitivity detection limit for polar and non-polar analytes. The sensors have applications in the detection of analytes in the environment, associated with diseases and microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Robert H. Grubbs, Gregory Sotzing
  • Patent number: 6844197
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for matching and validating the response intensity of a sensor array to an odorant with the detection threshold of a human nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brett J. Doleman, Nathan S. Lewis, Erik J. Severin
  • Patent number: 6841391
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence of an analyte indicative of various medical conditions, including halitosis, periodontal disease and other diseases are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignees: Smiths Detection-Pasadena, Inc., California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik J. Severin, Bernard Wong, David M. Kelso, Beth C. Munoz
  • Patent number: 6773926
    Abstract: Sensors, sensor arrays and sensing methods provide for detection of a chemical analyte in a fluid. Sensors include a plurality of conductive and nonconductive regions in contact with a measuring apparatus. One or more sensors include a plurality of particles that include a metallic core. Preferably, the particles also include one or more capping ligands coupled to the metallic core. Exposure of the sensors to a fluid containing a chemical analyte causes the analyte to react with the metal core, preferably by displacing one or more of the capping ligands. The chemical analyte can be detected based on a change in electrical or optical properties of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael S. Freund, Nathan S. Lewis, Shawn M. Briglin
  • Publication number: 20040147038
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence of an analyte indicative of various medical conditions, including halitosis, periodontal disease and other diseases are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik J. Severin, Bernard Wong, David M. Kelso, Beth C. Munoz
  • Patent number: 6759010
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting the activity of a molecule or analyte of interest is provided. The chemical sensors comprise and array or plurality of sensors that are capable of interacting with a molecule of interest, wherein the interaction provides a response fingerprint. The fingerprint can be associated with a library of similar molecules of interest to determine the molecule's activity and diffusion coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik J. Severin, Michael Freund, Adam J. Matzger
  • Patent number: 6759349
    Abstract: A two-step chlorination/alkylation technique used to introduce alkyl groups, —CnH2n+1 (n=1-6), functionally onto single-crystal, (111)-oriented, n-type Si surfaces. H-terminated Si photoanodes were unstable under illumination in contact with an aqueous 0.35 M K4Fe(CN)6-0.05 MK3Fe(CN)6 electrolyte. Such electrodes displayed low open-circuit voltages and exhibited a pronounced time-dependent deterioration in their current density vs potential characteristics due to anodic oxidation. In contrast, Si surfaces functionalized with —CH3 and —C2H5 groups displayed significant improvements in stability while displaying excellent electrochemical properties when used as photoelectrodes in the aqueous Fe(CN)63−/4− electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Ashish Bansal
  • Patent number: 6752964
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel class of vapor sensors with tunable properties. More particularly, this invention relates to vapor sensors modified by the addition of a compatible small molecule of low volatility, i.e., a plasticizer. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a sensor for detecting an analyte in a fluid comprising: an organic polymer; a plasticizer combined with the organic polymer; and detector operatively associated with the organic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert H. Grubbs, Nathan S. Lewis, Adam J. Matzger
  • Publication number: 20040042933
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting the activity of a molecule or analyte of interest is provided. The chemical sensors comprise and array or plurality of sensors that are capable of interacting with a molecule of interest, wherein the interaction provides a response fingerprint. The fingerprint can be associated with a library of similar molecules of interest to determine the molecule's activity and diffusion coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik J. Severin, Michael Freund, Adam J. Matzger
  • Publication number: 20040033165
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprise first and second conductive elements (e.g. electrical leads) electrically coupled to and separated by a chemically sensitive resistor which provides an electrical path between the conductive elements. The resistor comprises a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive organic polymer) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material) transverse to the electrical path. The resistor provides a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising a chemical analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with a fluid comprising the chemical analyte at a second different concentration. Arrays of such sensors are constructed with at least two sensors having different chemically sensitive resistors providing dissimilar such differences in resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund
  • Patent number: 6631333
    Abstract: Provided are compositions and systems useful in remote monitoring of chemical hazards, air quality, and medical conditions, for example, robotic systems to search for and detect explosives, mines, and hazardous chemicals. In addition, the methods, systems and compositions of the invention provide the ability to mine data from a database containing a plurality of chemical fingerprints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik Severin