Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Beck
Thomas W. Beck 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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Patent number: 12042455Abstract: A method of manufacturing a patient transfer system including obtaining an inflatable device, where the device includes a top sheet of material and a bottom sheet of material connected to the top sheet of material defining a cavity therebetween to be inflated. The device further includes a plurality of passages in the bottom sheet extending from the cavity to an exterior of the device, where the passages are configured to permit air to pass from the cavity to the exterior of the device. The device also including a plurality of inflation-limiting members connecting the top sheet and bottom sheet, and an input configured for receiving air to inflate the device. The method further includes providing an absorbent body pad with the inflatable device, the absorbent body pad configured to be positioned between the top sheet of material and a patient positioned on the inflatable device.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2022Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Sage Products, LLCInventors: Ryan A. Alvarez, David P. Beck, Jay Roberts, Michael J. Rigoni, Garret W. Sweetwood, Hester C. Fletcher, Thomas Keaty, Jr., Gregory T. Davis, Paul H. Hanifl
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Patent number: 9764288Abstract: In accordance with aspects and embodiments, a filtration system is provided comprising a membrane module comprising an upper header and a lower header, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes having an upper end potted in the upper header and a lower end potted in the lower head, a cage at least partially surrounding the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and a screen in contact with and surrounding the cage, the filtration system further comprising an aeration cap coupled to the lower header of the membrane module. The screen may protect the hollow fiber membranes from damage from coarse contaminants contained in the feed liquid, may improve module integrity, and may improve the efficiency of the filtration system.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLCInventors: Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck, Fufang Zha, Zhiyi Cao, Jessica Stiller, Bruce Biltoft
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Publication number: 20130264251Abstract: In accordance with aspects and embodiments, a filtration system is provided comprising a membrane module comprising an upper header and a lower header, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes having an upper end potted in the upper header and a lower end potted in the lower head, a cage at least partially surrounding the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and a screen in contact with and surrounding the cage, the filtration system further comprising an aeration cap coupled to the lower header of the membrane module. The screen may protect the hollow fiber membranes from damage from coarse contaminants contained in the feed liquid, may improve module integrity, and may improve the efficiency of the filtration system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: SIEMENSInventors: Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck, Fufang Zha, Zhiyi Cao, Jessica Stiller, Bruce Biltoft
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Patent number: 8048306Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
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Patent number: 7591950Abstract: A membrane filtration module having a plurality of permeable, hollow membranes is disclosed. In use, a pressure differential is applied across the walls of the permeable, hollow membranes when immersed in a liquid suspension containing suspended solids. Some of the liquid suspension passes through the walls of the membranes to be drawn off as clarified liquid or permeate, and at least some of the solids are retained on or in the permeable, hollow membranes or otherwise as suspended solids within the liquid suspension. The module has a shell or similar structure that at least partially surrounds the membrane module and substantially effects retaining at least portion of fluid flowed into the membrane module.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.Inventors: Fufang Zha, Gary C. Ganzi, Thomas W. Beck
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Patent number: 7431814Abstract: A biosensor for use in determining a concentration of a component in an aqueous liquid sample is provided including: an electrochemical cell having a first electrically resistive substrate having a thin layer of electrically conductive material, a second electrically resistive substrate having a thin layer of electrically conductive material, the substrates being disposed with the electrically conductive materials facing each other and being separated by a sheet including an aperture, the wall of which aperture defines a cell wall and a sample introduction aperture whereby the aqueous liquid sample may be introduced into the cell; and a measuring circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.Inventors: Alastair Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Oddvar Johansen, Ian Andrew Maxwell
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Patent number: 7041210Abstract: The invention relates to an amperometric electrochemical cell having a first insulating substrate carrying a first electrode, a second insulting substrate carrying a second electrode, said electrodes being disposed to face each other and spaced apart by less than 500 ?m, and defining a sample reservoir therebetween, and wherein at least one, and preferably both, insulating substrates and the electrode carried thereon include an electromagnetic radiation transmissive portion in registration with said reservoir. The walls of the electrochemical cell may be formed from a thin metallic portion on a transparent substrate. Such cells are useful in providing visual confirmation of the validity of the electrochemical measurement.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.Inventors: Alastair M. Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Ian A. Maxwell
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Patent number: 6969465Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: U. S. Filter Wastewater Group, Inc.Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
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Patent number: 6878251Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample comprising the steps of heating the sample and measuring the concentration of the analyte or the concentration of a species representative thereof in the sample at a predetermined point on a reaction profile by means that are substantially independent of temperature. Also provided is an electrochemical cell comprising a spacer pierced by an aperture which defines a cell wall, a first metal electrode on one side of the spacer extending over one side of the aperture, a second metal electrode on the other side of the spacer extending over the side of the aperture opposite the first electrode, means for admitting a sample to the cell volume defined between the electrodes and the cell wall, and means for heating a sample contained within the cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.Inventors: Alastair Hodges, Thomas W. Beck
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Publication number: 20040232076Abstract: The present invention relates to membrane filtration systems, and, in particular, arrangements where the membranes are supported within a tank or vessel containing the feed liquid to be filtered.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
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Publication number: 20040178154Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Pall Filtration and Separations Group Inc.Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
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Publication number: 20040168979Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
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Publication number: 20040145076Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2004Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
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Publication number: 20040084369Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: U.S. Filter Wastewater Group, Inc.Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton Kopp, Robert McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
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Publication number: 20030178365Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fouling materials from the surface of a plurality of porous membranes (9) arranged in a membrane module (4) by providing, from within the module, by means (10) other than gas passing through the pores of said membranes, gas bubbles in a uniform distribution relative to the porous membrane array such that the bubbles move past the surfaces of the membranes (9) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. The membranes (9) are arranged in close proximity to one another and mounted to prevent excessive movement therebetween. The bubbles also produce vibration and rubbing together of the membranes to further assist removal of fouling materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
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Publication number: 20030164293Abstract: The invention relates to an amperometric electrochemical cell having a first insulating substrate carrying a first electrode, a second insulting substrate carrying a second electrode, said electrodes being disposed to face each other and spaced apart by less than 500 &mgr;m, and defining a sample reservoir therebetween, and wherein at least one, and preferably both, insulating substrates and the electrode carried thereon include an electromagnetic radiation transmissive portion in registration with said reservoir. The walls of the electrochemical cell may be formed from a thin metallic portion on a transparent substrate. Such cells are useful in providing visual confirmation of the validity of the electrochemical measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Alastair M. Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Ian A. Maxwell
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Patent number: 6592744Abstract: The invention relates to an amperometric electrochemical cell having a first insulating substrate carrying a first electrode, a second insulting substrate carrying a second electrode, said electrodes being disposed to face each other and spaced apart by less than 500 &mgr;m, and defining a sample reservoir therebetween, and wherein at least one, and preferably both, insulating substrates and the electrode carried thereon include an electromagnetic radiation transmissive portion in registration with said reservoir. The walls of the electrochemical cell may be formed from a thin metallic portion on a transparent substrate. Such cells are useful in providing visual confirmation of the validity of the electrochemical measurement.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.Inventors: Alastair M Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Ian A. Maxwell
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Publication number: 20030079987Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample comprising the steps of heating the sample and measuring the concentration of the analyte or the concentration of a species representative thereof in the sample at a predetermined point on a reaction profile by means that are substantially independent of temperature. Also provided is an electrochemical cell comprising a spacer pierced by an aperture which defines a cell wall, a first metal electrode on one side of the spacer extending over one side of the aperture, a second metal electrode on the other side of the spacer extending over the side of the aperture opposite the first electrode, means for admitting a sample to the cell volume defined between the electrodes and the cell wall, and means for heating a sample contained within the cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Alastair Hodges, Thomas W. Beck
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Patent number: RE42567Abstract: A biosensor for use in determining a concentration of a component in an aqueous liquid sample is provided including: an electrochemical cell having a first electrically resistive substrate having a thin layer of electrically conductive material, a second electrically resistive substrate having a thin layer of electrically conductive material, the substrates being disposed with the electrically conductive materials facing each other and being separated by a sheet including an aperture, the wall of which aperture defines a cell wall and a sample introduction aperture whereby the aqueous liquid sample may be introduced into the cell; and a measuring circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.Inventors: Alastair M. Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Oddvar Johansen, Ian Andrew Maxwell
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Patent number: RE44330Abstract: This invention relates to a biosensor and more particularly to an electrochemical biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte in a carrier. The invention is particularly useful for determining the concentration of glucose in blood and is described herein with reference to that use but it should be understood that the invention is applicable to other analytic determinations.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: LifeScan Inc.Inventors: Alastair M. Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Oddvar Johansen