Patents by Inventor Nicholas Carter
Nicholas Carter 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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Fuel tank temperature and pressure management via selective extraction of liquid fuel and fuel vapor
Patent number: 8783281Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing temperature and pressure of fuel in a fuel tank stored at or near its vapor pressure. In response to fuel feed pressure, a variable ratio of liquid fuel to fuel vapor is extracted from the fuel tank in order to regulate temperature and pressure of the fuel for the purpose of keeping the pressure lower in anticipation of refilling or to assist a vaporizer of the fuel system which is incompletely vaporizing the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicholas Carter, Richard W. Hurley, Mark D. Archer, Alec G. Woolley, Jon D. Edsell -
Patent number: 8758686Abstract: This invention relates to a device (1) for detecting energy generated by non-radiative decay generated in a substance (2) on irradiation with electromagnetic radiation. The device (1) comprises a radiation source (6) adapted to generate a series of pulses of electromagnetic radiation, a transducer (3) having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes (4, 5) which is capable of transducing the energy generated by the substance (2) into an electrical signal, and a detector (7) which is capable of detecting the electrical signal generated by the transducer (3). The detector (7) is adapted to determine the time delay between each pulse of electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source (6) and the generation of the electric signal. The device (1) has a wide applicability in the fields of assays and monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Vivacta LimitedInventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Steven Andrew Ross
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Publication number: 20140096235Abstract: A system implements dishonest policies for managing unauthorized access requests. The system includes memory management hardware to store a set of dishonest policy bits, each dishonest policy bit that is configured to a predetermined value indicating disallowed access for one of a set of memory ranges. When a processor receives an access request for a location in a memory range to which access is not allowed as indicated by a set dishonest policy bit, the processor returns a false indication according to a dishonest policy that the requested access has been performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventors: Joshua Fryman, Nicholas Carter, Robert Knauerhase, Sebastian Schoenberg, Aditya Agrawal
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Publication number: 20130315783Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte in a sample, which includes a radiation source adapted to generate electromagnetic radiation; a transducer capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal; at least one tethered reagent on or proximal to the transducer, the tethered reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte; a chamber for holding the sample in fluid contact with transducer, wherein the chamber is adapted to contain the sample on inversion, partial inversion or agitation of the device; and a detector which is capable of detecting the electrical signal generated by the transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Vivacta LimitedInventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Steven Andrew Ross
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Patent number: 8524504Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising the steps of exposing the sample to a transducer which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, the transducer having at least one tethered reagent on or proximal thereto, the at least one tethered reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte; introducing a labelled reagent into the sample, wherein the labelled reagent contains a binding site for the analyte or the tethered reagent and a label which is capable of absorbing electromagneticradiation generated by a radiation source to generate energy; allowing the labelled reagent to bind to the analyte or tethered reagent in a first period in which the transducer is oriented such that the labelled reagent is caused to settle, at least in part, on the transducer; subsequently, in a second period, causing the labelled reagent to become unsettled; irradiating the sample with electromagnetic radiation during the first and secondType: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Vivacta LimitedInventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Steven Andrew Ross
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Patent number: 8512966Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte (10) in a sample, comprising the steps of: providing a transducer comprising a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, a first reagent immobilised on the transducer, and a second reagent (11) releasably bound to the first reagent and having a label attached thereto which is capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation to generate energy by non-radiative decay, wherein either the first or second reagent has a binding site which allows binding to the other and which is capable of preferentially binding to the analyte or a derivative of the analyte; exposing the transducer to the sample thereby allowing the analyte or a derivative of the analyte to bind to the binding site and displace the second reagent; irradiating the sample with electromagnetic radiation; transducing the energy generated into an electrical signal; and detecting the electrical signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Vivacta Ltd.Inventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Steven Andrew Ross
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Patent number: 8443785Abstract: A control system for a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicle, includes a composition determination module and a pump control module. The composition determination module determines a composition of LPG in an LPG tank of the LPG vehicle based on an LPG tank pressure and a temperature of the LPG in the LPG tank. The pump control module controls operation of an LPG pump based on the composition.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Inventor: Nicholas Carter
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Patent number: 8439016Abstract: A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel assembly may include a fuel rail and a flow control mechanism. The fuel rail may have an inlet in communication with a pressurized LPG fuel source, an injection passageway in communication with the inlet and a fuel injector that provides fuel to a combustion chamber of an engine, and an outlet in communication with the fuel injection passageway. The flow control mechanism may be in communication with the outlet of the fuel rail and a LPG fuel tank and may be operable in first and second modes. The second mode may provide a greater flow restriction than the first mode to control a fuel flow from the outlet of the fuel rail to the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Nicholas Carter
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Patent number: 8412438Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, an intake manifold, and a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel assembly. The engine structure may define a combustion chamber and the intake manifold may be in communication with the combustion chamber. The LPG fuel assembly may include a LPG fuel tank containing LPG fuel, a liquid LPG fuel injection system in communication with the LPG fuel tank and the combustion chamber, and a vapor LPG fuel injection system in communication with the LPG fuel tank and the intake manifold.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventor: Nicholas Carter
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Publication number: 20130052632Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample. The method comprises the steps of exposing the sample to a transducer having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, the transducer having at least one reagent proximal thereto, the reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte or a complex or derivative of the analyte, wherein at least one of the analyte or the complex or derivative of the analyte has a label attached thereto which is capable of absorbing the electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation source to generate energy by non-radiative decay; irradiating the reagent with a series of pulses of electromagnetic radiation, transducing the energy generated into an electrical signal, detecting the electrical signal and the time delay between each pulse of electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source and the generation of the electric signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: VIVACTA LIMITEDInventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Steven Andrew Ross
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Publication number: 20120231488Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample collection device for an aqueous fluid, such as whole blood, serum, plasma and urine. The device comprises a cartridge body defining an elongate sample collection passage that has open ends. The passage is arranged to draw the fluid into the passage by capillary action. The passage is provided along a portion of its length with a sample metering stop in the form of a hydrophobic coating arranged to prevent flow of the fluid by capillary action thereacross. A sample receiving portion of the passage extending between a collection end and the metering stop is non-linear, and preferably defines a pair of straight limbs connected by a bend. By providing a non-linear passage in this way, the maximum gravitational force which can act on the collected sample is reduced as compared to a conventional linear passage, thereby reducing the tendency of the sample to leak from the device and potentially avoiding the need for one or both ends of the passage to be sealed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: VIVACTA LTD.Inventors: Catriona Marshall, Anne Marie Crawford, Steven Andrew Ross, Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter
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Publication number: 20120220023Abstract: Disclosed herein is an analysis device for use with an external testing apparatus to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device comprises a transducer formed of a layer of pyroelectric or piezoelectric material sandwiched between first and second electrode layers, the transducer being arranged to produce an electrical voltage across the electrode layers in response to heating or straining of the pyroelectric or piezoelectric material layer. The device also comprises first and second stiffening elements for the transducer, the transducer being sandwiched between the stiffening elements. Each of the stiffening elements defines a planar surface for maintaining the transducer in a flat condition. Each of the stiffening elements exposes a portion of a respective electrode layer of the transducer for electrically connecting the transducer to the external text apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: VIVACTA LTD.Inventors: Paul Brendan Monaghan, Steven Andrew Ross, Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter
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Publication number: 20120189462Abstract: A pump assisted refilling system for LPG and other fuels wherein the fuel storage pressure is at, or close to, the vapor pressure of the fuel. A fuel pump is selectively activated to assist fuel delivery from the refilling fitting to the tank interior responsive to a determined fuel pressure condition of the fuel so that rapid refilling is always assured.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: RICHARD W. HURLEY, NICHOLAS CARTER
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Publication number: 20120060796Abstract: A control system for a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicle, includes a composition determination module and a pump control module. The composition determination module determines a composition of LPG in an LPG tank of the LPG vehicle based on an LPG tank pressure and a temperature of the LPG in the LPG tank. The pump control module controls operation of an LPG pump based on the composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Nicholas Carter
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Fuel Tank Temperature and Pressure Management Via Selective Extraction of Liquid Fuel and Fuel Vapor
Publication number: 20120060935Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing temperature and pressure of fuel in a fuel tank stored at or near its vapor pressure. In response to fuel feed pressure, a variable ratio of liquid fuel to fuel vapor is extracted from the fuel tank in order to regulate temperature and pressure of the fuel for the purpose of keeping the pressure lower in anticipation of refilling or to assist a vaporizer of the fuel system which is incompletely vaporizing the fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Nicholas Carter, Richard W. Hurley, Mark D. Archer, Alec G. Woolley, Jon D. Edsell -
Publication number: 20120034636Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical sensing device for detecting an analyte. The device comprises a light source, at least one luminescent reagent which is capable of luminescing when irradiated by the light source wherein the luminescence of the luminescent reagent is modifiable by the analyte thereby changing the generation of heat, which change in heat generation is proportional to the concentration of the analyte, a transducer having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing the change in heat to an electrical signal, and a detector which is capable of converting the electrical signal into an indication of the concentration of the analyte. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: Vivacta LimitedInventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Florence Colin, Steven Andrew Ross, John Dalton Wright
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Patent number: 8084002Abstract: The present application relates to a chemical sensing device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample containing suspended particles. The device comprises a radiation source adapted to generate electromagnetic radiation, a transducer (3) having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, at least one reagent (2) on or proximal to the transducer (3), the reagent being capable of absorbing the electromagnetic radiation to generate energy when in contact with the analyte, a chamber (9) for holding the sample in fluid contact with transducer, and a detector which is capable of detecting the electrical signal generated by the transducer. The transducer is in a plane from +45° to ?45° to the vertical.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Vivacta Ltd.Inventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Steven Andrew Ross
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Patent number: 8066944Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical sensing device for detecting an analyte. The device comprises a light source; at least one luminescent reagent which is capable of luminescing when irradiated by the light source wherein the luminescence of the luminescent reagent is modifiable by the analyte thereby changing the generation of heat, which change in heat generation is proportional to the concentration of the analyte, a transducer having a pyroelectric or piezoelectric element and electrodes which is capable of transducing the change in heat to an electrical signal, and a detector which is capable of converting the electrical signal into an indication of the concentration of the analyte. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Vivacta LimitedInventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Florence Colin, Steven Andrew Ross, John Dalton Wright
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Publication number: 20110225825Abstract: Systems and methods for the automated installation of solar (photovoltaic or PV) modules is disclosed. Embodiments comprise a conveyor system configured to support and deliver a plurality of photovoltaic modules, and a clampless mounting framework comprising an upper rail and a lower rail, the upper and lower rails configured and spaced apart to receive and secure a photovoltaic module. The mounting framework does not require clamps, so once the modules are delivered into place, physical installation is complete.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventor: Nicholas Carter
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Publication number: 20110182776Abstract: The present application relates to a sensor (1) for use in detecting an analyte comprising: a transducer (10) composed of a pyroelectric or piezoelectric polymer substrate e.g. PVDF (3) and a transparent electrode layer (4) on a surface of the substrate; a layer of parylene (12) on the transparent electrode layer; and a reagent (17) immobilised on the transducer, the reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte or a derivative of the analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: Vivacta LimitedInventors: Timothy Joseph Nicholas Carter, Steven Andrew Ross, Timothy Stuart Dwyer