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).

  • Patent number: 12042455
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Sage Products, LLC
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 9764288
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck, Fufang Zha, Zhiyi Cao, Jessica Stiller, Bruce Biltoft
  • Publication number: 20130264251
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS
    Inventors: Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck, Fufang Zha, Zhiyi Cao, Jessica Stiller, Bruce Biltoft
  • Patent number: 8048306
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
  • Patent number: 7591950
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Fufang Zha, Gary C. Ganzi, Thomas W. Beck
  • Patent number: 7431814
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Oddvar Johansen, Ian Andrew Maxwell
  • Patent number: 7041210
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair M. Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Ian A. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 6969465
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: U. S. Filter Wastewater Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
  • Patent number: 6878251
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair Hodges, Thomas W. Beck
  • Publication number: 20040232076
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
  • Publication number: 20040178154
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Pall Filtration and Separations Group Inc.
    Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
  • Publication number: 20040168979
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
  • Publication number: 20040145076
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
  • Publication number: 20040084369
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: U.S. Filter Wastewater Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton Kopp, Robert McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
  • Publication number: 20030178365
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Fufang Zha, Clinton V. Kopp, Robert J. McMahon, Warren T. Johnson, Thomas W. Beck
  • Publication number: 20030164293
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Alastair M. Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Ian A. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 6592744
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair M Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Ian A. Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20030079987
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Alastair Hodges, Thomas W. Beck
  • Patent number: RE42567
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair M. Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Oddvar Johansen, Ian Andrew Maxwell
  • Patent number: RE44330
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: LifeScan Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair M. Hodges, Thomas W. Beck, Oddvar Johansen