Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Renz

Thomas E. Renz 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: 6877964
    Abstract: Apparatus for inducing, impeding, selectively filtering or otherwise effecting fluid flow in microfluidics applications. Opposing mesh layers are placed into relative motion by a variety of motive forces. Fluid between the opposing mesh layers is compressed so as to be pumped through the mesh layers when the relative motion of the layers is toward each other. Mesh layers may also be offset from each other though an actuating force so that one mesh layer blocks the openings in the other mesh layer, thereby creating an impediment to fluid flow. The degree of offset may be varied so as to create a partial impediment to fluid flow, thereby presenting a filter effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Daniel J. Burns, Thomas E. Renz
  • Publication number: 20040086390
    Abstract: Apparatus for inducing, impeding, selectively filtering or otherwise effecting fluid flow in microfluidics applications. Opposing mesh layers are placed into relative motion by a variety of motive forces. Fluid between the opposing mesh layers is compressed so as to be pumped through the mesh layers when the relative motion of the layers is toward each other. Mesh layers may also be offset from each other though an actuating force so that one mesh layer blocks the openings in the other mesh layer, thereby creating an impediment to fluid flow. The degree of offset may be varied so as to create a partial impediment to fluid flow, thereby presenting a filter effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel J. Burns, Thomas E. Renz