Patents Issued in September 15, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160266048
    Abstract: A detecting system configured for detecting flaws on an object to be detected, increasing: a display processing device; an tunable light source; at least one light transmitter, wherein the tunable light source is connected with the at least one light transmitter; at least one light receiver configured for cooperating with the at least one light transmitter, wherein the at least one light receiver is connected with the display processing device; wherein the display processing device is connected to the tunable light source, receives and processes information provided by the light receiver to form detection images, and is operable to adjust the tunable light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Kui LIANG, Jianfeng YUAN, Seung Moo RIM
  • Publication number: 20160266049
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the inspection of pipes, and the like, and more particularly to the remote inspection of ferromagnetic pipes. The invention teaches apparatus comprising, in combination: a vehicle equipped with a plurality of wheels capable of propelling the vehicle within a predetermined ferromagnetic environment to be inspected; means for remotely applying drive forces to said wheels; said wheels including a plurality of passive non-driven rollers; said passive rollers including magnetized means; means for acquiring visual images of the condition of said pipes; and means for remotely accessing said visual images; thereby enabling remote inspection of said pipes. An immediate environment in which the use of the present invention is contemplated is in inspection of ferromagnetic pipes which are located above and/or below ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Lee Carlson, Jeffrey Shasho, Nishant Kumar, Jason Herman
  • Publication number: 20160266050
    Abstract: A base insulating layer and a cover insulating layer of a first printed circuit board are formed of a first insulating material, and a base insulating layer and a cover insulating layer of a second printed circuit board are formed of a second insulating material. During inspection of the first printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board is irradiated with first light having a peak wavelength in a first wavelength range, and an image is produced based on reflected light from the first printed circuit board. During inspection of the second printed circuit board, the second printed circuit board is irradiated with second light having a peak wavelength in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region, and an image is produced based on reflected light from the second printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Yoshihiro TOYODA
  • Publication number: 20160266051
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for calibrating acquired scattering data in a three-dimensional (3D) microwave imaging system. A scattering data calibrating method may include acquiring microwave scattering data for each height of a tank containing a target using a microwave transceiving sensor; and calibrating the microwave scattering data based on a variation between a plurality of sets of microwave scattering data. A height of the tank at which the microwave scattering data is to be acquired may be determined based on a height of the microwave transceiving sensor is located in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Kwang Jae LEE, Jang Yeol KIM, Laxmikant MINZ, Seong Ho SON, Simonov NIKOLAI, Soon Ik JEON
  • Publication number: 20160266052
    Abstract: A solid state sensor may be used to down-convert microwave signal into a low-frequency voltage or current signal, where its phase still carries the information of a measured continuous wave (CW) microwave phase. Two CW microwaves may be mixed and a solid state sensor used to rectify the mixed microwave into a direct voltage or current signal. The measurement system may include an input node for receiving a microwave signal from a source from which the output microwave is coherently split into two parts by a microwave power divider. Each part may travel in a separate path and couple at the solid state sensor. A lock-in amplifier coupled to the solid state sensor may be used to determine simultaneously a magnitude and phase of the microwave signals received from the microwave source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Can-ming HU, Yongsheng GUI, Lei FU
  • Publication number: 20160266053
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for performing quality control on a gasket material for use in a cell assembly in a high-pressure cubic press is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes determining at least one physical characteristic of the gasket material using a nondestructive testing technique, and predicting a moisture content for the tested gasket material at least partially based on the at least one physical characteristic. In an embodiment, the method includes determining a dissipation factor for the gasket material using an electromagnetic energy frequency testing technique, and predicting a moisture content for the tested gasket material at least partially based on the dissipation factor and a dissipation factor-moisture content calibration curve for the gasket material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: C. Eugene McMurray, Gene Bogdanov, Reinhold Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20160266054
    Abstract: A photon count-based radiation imaging system. The invention also relates to a method of implementing X-ray imaging in said system, and to key apparatus of said system. In the system, an x-ray source directs x-rays at a sample on a scanning platform. When the x-rays pass through said sample, photons carrying information about characteristics of the material at various spatial positions are produced. A photon count detector counts the photons on an imaging plane, obtains incident photon projection data and energy data, and transmits same to a 3D reconstruction system. The 3D reconstruction system reconstructs, on the basis of said projection data and energy data, the 3D structure and the matter composition inside the sample, then performs digital dyeing on the component parts of the sample, thereby differentiating the matter composition of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Hongguang CAO, Yunxiang LI, Hailiang ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20160266055
    Abstract: A method of inspecting a pipe, including the steps of providing a container comprising a first and a second portion, locating the container around a pipe when the container is in an open position and moving the container from the open to a closed position. In the closed position the container is located around the pipe and substantially encloses at least a portion of the pipe. Then passing radiation through the container and the at least a portion of the pipe. The distance between a source of the radiation and the at least a portion of the pipe being equal to or less than 300 mm. There is also described an apparatus comprising a container comprising a first and a second portion. The container being moveable between an open and a closed position. In the open position the container is locatable around a pipe and in the closed position the container substantially encloses at least a portion of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: David Sutherland Phin
  • Publication number: 20160266056
    Abstract: The manufactured structure is illuminated with an x-ray beam. The manufactured structure is positioned at a selected grazing angle and a selected rotation angle with respect to the x-ray beam. The selected rotation angle has been selected to enhance in-plane diffraction of reflections of the x-ray beam by the manufactured structure. A grazing in-plane diffraction beam produced by interference with the periodic feature is detected. A property of the grazing in-plane diffraction beam is determined by the critical dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Ronald D. Ruth, Roderick J. Loewen, Martin A. Gifford
  • Publication number: 20160266057
    Abstract: A method and system for use in reconstruction and retrieval of phase information associated with a two-dimensional diffractive response are presented. The method comprising: providing (75) input data indicative of one or more diffractive patterns corresponding to diffractive responses from one or more objects (50). Dividing (130) said input data into a plurality of one-dimensional slices and determining (140) one-dimensional phase data for at least some of said one-dimensional slices. Tailoring (150) the reconstructed phase data of said one-dimensional slices to form a two-dimensional phase solution. The two-dimensional phase solution is defined by phase shifts of said reconstructed one-dimensional phase data of said one-dimensional slices. The two-dimensional phase solution thus enables obtaining two-dimensional reconstructed phase data suitable for reconstruction of image data (250).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Nirit DUDOVICH, Oren RAZ, Boaz NADLER, Dan ORON
  • Publication number: 20160266058
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a reflective photomask includes a substrate, a first layer on the substrate and a second layer on the first layer. The first layer is capable of receiving a first light, and emitting electrons. The second layer has an opening of a predetermined pattern, and is capable of reflecting a second light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Masato NAKA, Kosuke TAKAI
  • Publication number: 20160266059
    Abstract: A testing device for the nondestructive testing of a component, including a test head for generating a scanning signal and for detecting a measuring signal, information concerning the quality of the by means of the measuring signal, wherein also provided is an OLED film, which during the testing is to be arranged on a surface of the component that is to be tested, and in that: a. the OLED film comprises a detection layer for recording position coordinates, or b. the OLED film is designed to represent the measuring signals detected by the test head on the OLED film, or c. the OLED film comprises a detection layer for recording position coordinates and is designed to represent on the OLED film the measuring signals detected by the test head in dependence on the position coordinates detected by means of the OLED film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: STEFAN OBERMAYR
  • Publication number: 20160266060
    Abstract: A steam quality meter includes a pipe with an inlet and an outlet. A rod is located within the pipe between the inlet and the outlet. The rod defines an annular flow passage between an outer wall of the rod and an inner wall of the pipe. A mixing device is located within the pipe between the inlet and an upstream end of the rod. Spaced sensors are located within the annular flow passage. Each sensor is configured to sense capacitance and/or impedance of steam flowing through the annular flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: David Eugene Wiklund, Dale Scott Davis
  • Publication number: 20160266061
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a monolithic MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) platform having a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a gas sensor, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the MEMS platform includes a semiconductor substrate having one or more transistor devices and a temperature sensor. A dielectric layer is disposed over the semiconductor substrate. A cavity is disposed within an upper surface of the dielectric layer. A MEMS substrate is arranged onto the upper surface of the dielectric layer and has a first section and a second section. A pressure sensor has a first pressure sensor electrode that is vertically separated by the cavity from a second pressure sensor electrode within the first section of a MEMS substrate. A gas sensor has a polymer disposed between a first gas sensor electrode within the second section of a MEMS substrate and a second gas sensor electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Shao-Chi Yu, Chia-Ming Hung, Hsin-Ting Huang, Hsiang-Fu Chen, Wen-Chuan Tai
  • Publication number: 20160266062
    Abstract: A sensor control apparatus for a gas sensor which detects a particular gas component contained in a gas under measurement. In the case where humidity detection is performed using an electromotive-force-type gas sensor, a sensor control apparatus changes a target voltage of an electromotive force cell to a second target voltage for humidity detection and then to a third target voltage which is lower than a first target voltage which is a target voltage used for detecting the concentration of the particular gas component. In the case where humidity detection is performed using a limiting-current-type gas sensor, the sensor control apparatus changes the voltage applied to a pump cell to a second application voltage for humidity detection and then to a third application voltage which is lower than a first application voltage which is an application voltage used for detecting the concentration of the particular gas component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dai NISHIJIMA, Satoshi TERAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20160266063
    Abstract: A bio-sensing semiconductor structure is provided. A transistor includes a channel region and a gate underlying the channel region. A first dielectric layer overlies the transistor. A first opening extends through the first dielectric layer to expose the channel region. A bio-sensing layer lines the first opening and covers an upper surface of the channel region. A second dielectric layer lines the first opening over the bio-sensing layer. A second opening within the first opening extends to the bio-sensing layer, through a region of the second dielectric layer overlying the channel region. A method for manufacturing the bio-sensing semiconductor structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Che-Ming Chang, Chih-Jen Chan, Chung-Yen Chou, Lee-Chuan Tseng, Shih-Wei Lin, Yuan-Chih Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20160266064
    Abstract: A device for controlling, detecting, and measuring a molecular complex is disclosed. The device comprises a common electrode. The device further comprises a plurality of measurement cells. Each measurement cell includes a cell electrode and an integrator electronically coupled to the cell electrode. The integrator measures the current flowing between the common electrode and the cell electrode. The device further comprises a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, wherein an integrator from the plurality of measurement cells is electrically coupled to one analog-to-digital converter of the plurality of analog-to-digital converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin Deierling, Roger J.A. Chen, David J. Fullagar
  • Publication number: 20160266065
    Abstract: A semi-dry, one step electroblot transfer buffer composition for rapid transfer of proteins or polypeptides from polyacrylamide gel to a suitable membrane such as nitrocellulose or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). The composition contains components that minimized electrical resistance and enabled high efficiency rapid semi-dry transfer using conventional readily available filter paper, i.e., cotton cellulose fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: PIERCE BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory John Kilmer, Brian David Wolf, Scott Eugene Starwalt, Gary G. Judd, Brian Lynn Webb
  • Publication number: 20160266066
    Abstract: Methods of estimating the suitability of a candidate antiperspirant material by measuring the zeta potential of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Colgata-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Long Pan, Shaotang Yuan, Iraklis Pappas, John Vaughn, James G. Masters
  • Publication number: 20160266067
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for detecting, identifying, classifying and/or quantifying chemical species in a gas flow using a micro-fabricated ion filter coupled to a system adapted to apply drive signals to the ion filter. Coupled to the ion filter is a system adapted to measure the output of the ion filter, which in turn is coupled to a system adapted to extract numerical parameters from the measured output of the ion filter to facilitate chemical detection, identification, classification and/or quantification of the gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Ashley Wilks, Matthew Hart, Stephen Hartwell, Alison Hart, Lara E. Jamieson, Max Allsworth, John Somerville
  • Publication number: 20160266068
    Abstract: An inspection tool for the non-destructive testing of a test component made of an electrically conductive material is described. The inspection tool employs movably mounted permanent magnets, which provides a means for generating a variable DC magnetic field within the test component, and eddy current probes so as to provide a means for performing a partial saturation eddy current test upon the test component. The eddy current probe preferably comprises an integrated magnetic field sensor which increases the accuracy and flexibility of the modes of operation of the described apparatus and methods. The described apparatus and methods are particularly suited for the inspection of tubular components that are often remotely located within the oil and gas exploration and production industries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Andreas Boenisch
  • Publication number: 20160266069
    Abstract: A system includes an ultrasound measurement probe. The ultrasound measurement probe includes a lower portion. The lower portion includes a delay block, an array of ultrasound transducers coupled to the delay block, and a first circuit board. The first circuit board further includes a first plurality of pins coupled to the array of ultrasound transducers. The ultrasound measurement probe also includes an upper portion removably coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion includes a second circuit board. The second circuit board further includes a second plurality of pins configured to couple with the first plurality of pins when the upper portion is removably coupled to the lower portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas R. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20160266070
    Abstract: In a method for determining the spatial position of damage on a glass body, in particular on a windshield of a vehicle, comprising at least one structure-borne sound sensor and at least one evaluation unit, it is provided according to the invention that the spatial position of a signal source of at least one structure-borne sound signal generated by means of the damage is detected, that the spatial position of the damage is concluded from the spatial position of the signal source, that the spatial position of the damage is checked for spatial overlapping with a predetermined region on the glass body, that this information goes into an information signal in the case of overlapping, and that the information signal is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Klaas Hauke Baumgartel
  • Publication number: 20160266071
    Abstract: A device to hold a piece for an item of equipment for ultrasonic measurement. This device has a hollow body, which is substantially tubular, a first end of which can be applied against a surface of the piece and a second opposite end can be connected to a suction element. The hollow body is made from rigid material and the device includes a peripheral joint associated with the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: FRANCK BENTOUHAMI, LOUIS LE PINRU
  • Publication number: 20160266072
    Abstract: An analysis device 101 includes: a first sensor 102 for acquiring waveform data generated from an object; a second sensor 103 for acquiring time-series data of an element that affects a change in state of the object; frequency transform means 105 for acquiring a frequency of the waveform data; feature value calculation means 107 for calculating a feature value based on the frequency; time-series arrangement means 108 for assigning a time corresponding to the time-series data, to the feature value; and correlation check means 113 for checking a correlation between the feature value and the time-series data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Katsuhiro OCHIAI
  • Publication number: 20160266073
    Abstract: A wavy micro gas chromatography column includes a silicon substrate and a bonded glass cover. A micro channel having a rectangular cross section is etched on the silicon substrate and coated with a stationary phase film. A projection figure of the micro channel on the silicon substrate includes multiple regular wavy curves. Each wavy curve is formed through alternately connecting first upper arcs with first lower arcs. Because the groove has a curving structure, the carrier gas velocity is decreased as the increase of the arc angle, resulting in an improvement of the flow uniformity at the zones between two adjacent bends but also an enlarging nonsymmetric distribution at the bends. Thus, an optimal curving structure can make the overall flow more even, and in turn achieve a better separation performance compared to the straight channel columns. Meanwhile, a wavy channel realizes a longer column length on a given area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Xiaosong Du, Huan Yuan, Xulan Zhao, Penglin Wu, Yadong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20160266074
    Abstract: A number of analytes are divided into groups based on at least either the elution position determined by silica gel column chromatography under the same condition or the partition ratio in a hexane-acetonitrile partition method. To each group, a compound obtained by labeling one of the compounds in the group by deuterium and/or carbon is assigned as the surrogate. After those surrogates are added as internal standard substances to a standard sample for the creation of calibration curves, a GC/MS analysis for the sample is performed and a calibration curve is created for each analyte. In the measurement of an unknown sample, the same set of surrogates are added to the sample and the GC/MS analysis is performed. A quantitative determination processor determines the quantity of each analyte by comparing a peak area ratio calculated from the analysis result with a calibration curve read from the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicants: SHIMADZU CORPORATION, AICHI PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT
    Inventors: Eiji UENO, Riki KITANO, Haruhiko MIYAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20160266075
    Abstract: A pre-concentration device is provided for a gas analysis system (10) for collecting molecular contamination in a vacuum environment (11). The pre-concentration device (13) comprises a hollow element (15) having an entrance opening (20) for receiving molecules from the vacuum environment (11) in a collection phase, a gas outlet for transferring collected molecules to a vacuum compatible detector or second preconcentration device in a transfer phase. The device has an inner wall for adsorbing molecules in the collection phase and desorbing molecules in the transfer phase. The device has a filler element (14) that is movable from a first position outside the hollow element in the collection phase to a second position inside the hollow element in the transfer phase which second position leaves open a transfer channel to the gas outlet along the inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Ruud Johannes Theodorus SOERS, Hugo Hubertus KNOBEL, Pieter Klaas DE BOKX
  • Publication number: 20160266076
    Abstract: A system and method of reducing chromatographic band broadening within a separation column include passing a mobile phase through a length of a separation column, and generating a spatial thermal gradient external to and along the length of the separation column. The spatial thermal gradient is specifically configured to counteract a particular change in a property of the mobile phase as the mobile phase passes through the separation column. For example, the particular change counteracted may be a change in density or in temperature of the mobile phase. For analytical-scale columns, for example, the spatial thermal gradient may be configured to produce temperatures external to and along the length of the separation column that substantially matches temperatures predicted to form in the mobile phase along the column length as the mobile phase passes through the separation column, thereby substantially preventing formation of a radial thermal gradient in the mobile phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Michael O. Fogwill, Joseph D. Michienzi, Joshua A. Shreve, Abhijit Tarafder
  • Publication number: 20160266077
    Abstract: Analytical-scale separation column assemblies include a tube with a bore packed with a stationary phase through which a mobile phase flows. In one embodiment, thermal elements are disposed remotely from and unattached to the tube. The thermal elements are in thermal communication with an external surface of the tube for producing a spatial thermal gradient outside of and along a length of the tube. In another embodiment, discrete, spatially separated strips of thermally conductive material are disposed on and wrapped around an external surface of the tube. Thermal elements are disposed remotely from the tube. Each thermal element is in thermal communication with one strip of thermally conductive material by a heat-transfer device. The thermal elements produce a spatial thermal gradient outside of and along a tube length by controlling temperature of each strip of thermally conductive material disposed on and wrapped around the external surface of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Michael O. Fogwill, Abhijit Tarafder, Joseph D. Michienzi, Joshua A. Shreve
  • Publication number: 20160266078
    Abstract: A liquid-mixing device that minimizes solvent leakage and reduces creep of or damage to the component parts of said liquid-mixing device even at ultrahigh pressures of 100 MPa and up. Also, a liquid chromatography device using said quid-mixing device. Said liquid chromatography device is provided with a supply pump that supplies a plurality of different solutions, a liquid-mixing device that mixes the supplied solutions, a sample injection device that injects a sample into the mixture of solutions, a column that separates the components of the injected sample, and a detector that detects the separated components. The liquid-mixing device has an inlet-side connector through which the plurality of different solutions flow in, a liquid-mixing section in which said solutions are mixed, and an outflow-side connector through which the mixed solutions flow out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Yugo ONODA, Shoji TOMIDA, Kouichi SUGIMOTO, Takashi YAGI, Tetsuya WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20160266079
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of improving an antioxidant effect in a redox pathway that involves selenium in a subject, an in vitro method of inhibiting oxidation in a cell or tissue, and an in vitro method of promoting proliferation of a cell, by use of a selenium-containing compound of chemical formula 1:
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Fisheries Research Agency
    Inventors: Yumiko YAMASHITA, Michiaki YAMASHITA, Takeshi YABU
  • Publication number: 20160266080
    Abstract: An aqueous test reagent for detection of formaldehyde. The reagent comprises acetylacetone; ammonia, a C1-C4 primary amine or salts thereof; and a C4-C8 aliphatic organic dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Emmanuel Appiah-Amponsah, Emre Discekici
  • Publication number: 20160266081
    Abstract: A distributed sensor system includes a set of spatially distributed base units and a central server both in communication with a data network. Each base unit includes a controller and one or more sensor modules where each sensor module includes a sensor configured to measure an air quality parameter. Each base unit transmits raw sensor data associated with each of the sensor modules over the data network and the central server receives the raw sensor data from the base units and stores the raw sensor data in a database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Gabriel Risk, Davida Herzl, Roland Herzl, Tobe Corazzini, Stanley Hu
  • Publication number: 20160266082
    Abstract: Method for monitoring the odorous emissions of a plurality of zones (2, 3, 4, 5) of a given site (6); the method provides for the use of an electronic nose, and comprises a plurality of selective feeding steps, during each of which a respective sample coming from a relative zone is selectively conveyed to the electronic nose so as not to convey other gas samples coming from other zones to the electronic nose; according to some aspects of the invention, the selective feeding steps are repeated several times and the order of succession of the selective feeding steps is modified so as to control zones of particular interest more often.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Marco REMONDINI
  • Publication number: 20160266083
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method for detecting a target substance in a consumable sample comprises receiving a consumable sample; extracting a test sample including a target of interest from the consumable sample with an extraction buffer; transmitting the test sample to an immunoassay device; generating a first indication characteristic of presence of the target substance in the consumable sample upon interfacing the test sample with a probe configured to react with the allergen constituent at the immunoassay device; generating a second indication characteristic upon interfacing the test sample with a bioconjugate configured to react with the allergen constituent at the immunoassay device; generating an analysis of the indication, including at least one of a presence of and an amount of the target substance present in the consumable sample; and providing information derived from the analysis to a user associated with the consumable sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Jingqing Zhang, Scott Sundvor, Jack Shirajian
  • Publication number: 20160266084
    Abstract: An automated unified monitoring/analytical system for the sampling and analysis of volatile compounds (VOCs) in gaseous (soil-gas and atmospheric) and water samples. The unified system uses static and dynamic headspace techniques to partition VOCs from the water samples into a gaseous sample that can be introduced into a single sensor (or sensor array) for the analysis of the VOCs. The identical sensor (or sensor array) is used for the analysis of soil-gas and atmospheric samples. The monitoring system can acquire samples from a variety of sources and medias and provide analytical information on all the sources and medias using one sensor (or sensor array). The system can be calibrated using gaseous standards, permeation tubes or aqueous standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Russell Burge, David Allan Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20160266085
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for detecting gas (4) in a high-voltage device (3) filled with an insulating medium (2) comprises an inlet (5) for introducing a carrier gas (16) and an outlet (6) for discharging a carrier gas (16); at least one gas sensor (12) for detecting a gas (4); a first pump (9) for conveying the carrier gas (16) in the apparatus (1); a membrane (13) which at least consists of at least one semipermeable material, is at least partially surrounded by the insulating medium (2) and is at least partially subjected to a flow of the carrier gas (16); a second pump (10) for conveying the carrier gas (16) into the apparatus (1) and for conveying the carrier gas (16) out of the apparatus (1); wherein there is no valve which can be used to convey the carrier gas (16) into the apparatus (1) or out of the apparatus (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Sebastian HOLLUNDER, Martin KUBICZEK, Juergen SCHUEBEL, Karsten VIERECK
  • Publication number: 20160266086
    Abstract: The invention encompasses systems and methods for detecting and/or monitoring the integrity and/or condition of cement, structures incorporating cement including, for example, highways, bridges, buildings, and wellbores using Nano-Electro-Mechanical System (NEMS)-based and/or Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)-based data sensors. The disclosure further encompasses systems and methods of monitoring the integrity and performance of a structure and the surrounding formation of structure through the life of the structure using NEMS/MEMS-based data sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Brian VON HERZEN, Steven Van Fleet
  • Publication number: 20160266087
    Abstract: Devices and methods for performing frequency domain (FD) fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy are provided. The devices include a modulated light source, a focusing optical fiber, a detecting optical fiber, and a detector. The methods include focusing sinusoidal modulated incident light from a light source on a biological sample containing a protein, detecting a range of wavelengths of sinusoidal modulated fluorescent light emitted from the protein, determining a phase shift for the modulated fluorescent light, determining an amplitude modulation of the modulated fluorescent light, and determining a fluorescence lifetime of the protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Joe Fu-Jiou LO, Zhengtuo ZHAO, Rui LIU
  • Publication number: 20160266088
    Abstract: Various molecular barcoded bi-stable switches are provided that can be used to detect various analytes. An electrical current is provided through a pore to electrophoretically draw at least a portion of one or more molecular barcoded bi-stable switches from one volume through one or more pores to another volume. Each molecular barcoded bi-stable switch includes a status identifier that provides an indication when a binding material is bound to the analyte. Each molecular barcoded bi-stable switch also includes a barcode that can be read as it passes through the pore to ascertain the identity of the particular molecular barcoded bi-stable switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Timothy Lee Sauder
  • Publication number: 20160266089
    Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting a target molecule or particle suspected to be present in a sample, comprising (a) contacting the sample with (i) a fusion molecule comprising a ligand capable of binding to the target molecule or particle and a binding domain, and (ii) a polymer scaffold comprising at least one binding motif to which the binding domain is capable of binding, under conditions that allow the target molecule or particle to bind to the ligand and the binding domain to bind to the binding motif; (b) loading the polymer into a device comprising a pore that separates an interior space of the device into two volumes, and configuring the device to pass the polymer through the pore from one volume to the other volume, wherein the device further comprises a sensor adjacent to the pore configured to identify objects passing through the pore; and (c) determining, with the sensor, whether the fusion molecule or particle bound to the binding motif is bound to the target molecule or particle, thereby detect
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, Daniel Alexander Heller, William B. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20160266090
    Abstract: A bioelectrochemical sensor utilizing a nanoporous gold electrode. The bioelectrochemical sensor is suitable for measuring redox in biologic media while having increased resistance to biofouling as compared to conventional electrodes such as planar gold electrodes, due to greater exposed surface area of the three-dimentional ligature structure defining the nanopores. The nanopores have a pore size of 5-100 nm, preferably with an average pore size of less than 50 nm, and more preferably with an average pore size of less than 20 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Rodney C. Daniels, Kevin R. Ward, Maryanne M. Collinson
  • Publication number: 20160266091
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: providing a blood sample having one or more of each first and second constituents; admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the first constituents and second constituents to fluoresce and absorb light; illuminating at least a portion of the sample; e) imaging a portion of the sample; determining a fluorescence value for each the first constituents and second constituents; determining an optical density value for each of the first constituents and second constituents; and identifying the first constituents and the second constituents using the determined fluorescence and optical density values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw, Niten V. Lalpuria, Darryn W. Unfricht
  • Publication number: 20160266092
    Abstract: A hematology analyzer is provided. In certain embodiments, the hematology analyzer comprises: a) a flow cell; b) a light source for directing light to the flow cell; c) a plurality of detectors for detecting a plurality of optical characteristics of a blood cell passing through the flow cell; and d) a data analysis workstation programmed to: i. enumerate test blood cells passing through the flow cell; and ii. flag a blood sample as containing lysis-resistant red blood cells or fragile white blood cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Martin Krockenberger, Richard Bordenkircher, Diana Garrett, John Glazier, James Bearden, Bodo Roemer, Giacomo Vacca
  • Publication number: 20160266093
    Abstract: The present invention provides cells comprising disrupted expression of at least one membrane transporter, drug metabolizing enzyme, xenobiotic sensor, or cellular stress response pathway protein. Also provided are methods for assessing the effect of an agent in the cells disclosed herein relative to comparable control cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Maureen Bourner, Timothy Brayman, Gary Davis, Michael D. Mitchell, David C. Thompson, Yongling Xiao
  • Publication number: 20160266094
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel barcode structures and compositions and methods of making and using such barcodes, in particular for cellular labeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: James A. Ankrum, Anthony J. Burand, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160266095
    Abstract: The present invention relates to use of inhibitors of Notch signalling pathway selected from the group consisting of 6-(4-Tert-Butylphenoxy)Pyridin-3-Amine (I3), its derivatives, in treating and/or preventing cancers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Freddy RADTKE, Rajwinder LEHAL, Viktoria REINMÜLLER, Jieping ZHU
  • Publication number: 20160266096
    Abstract: A method for preparing a hepatocyte includes the following steps: providing a liver progenitor cell, proliferating the liver progenitor cell in a medium supplemented with nicotinamide, insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS) and EGF, and inducing the liver progenitor cell into the hepatocyte having a hepatic cord-like structure morphology. In one embodiment, the method further includes providing a pluripotent stem cell and differentiating the pluripotent stem cell into the liver progenitor cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Chen-Ming Chen, Wannhsin Chen, Lih-Tao Hsu
  • Publication number: 20160266097
    Abstract: A method of isolating exosomes includes conducting at least one purification step in the presence of an organic zwitterion having a molecular weight of less than about 350 Daltons, a buffering pK of a negatively charged portion of the organic zwitterion is at least one full pH unit below an operating pH at which the at least one purification step is conducted, and a buffering pK of the positively charged portion of the organic zwitterion is at least one full pH unit above the operating pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Peter Stanley GAGNON