Patents Issued in November 15, 2016
-
Patent number: 9494466Abstract: A temperature measurement device is provided with: light collection means; extraction means; optical intensity calculation means; and temperature measurement means. The light collection means collects the emission spectrum of a measurement subject. The extraction means extracts light having the wavelength of the atomic spectral lines and light having a wavelength in a wavelength region where there are no atomic spectral lines, from the emission spectrum collected by the aforementioned light collection means. The optical intensity calculation means calculates the optical intensities of the light extracted by the aforementioned extraction means. The temperature measurement means calculates the temperature of the aforementioned measurement subject, based on the intensities of the beams calculated by the aforementioned optical intensity calculation means.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Toshiyuki Uchii, Tadashi Mori
-
Patent number: 9494467Abstract: An infrared detection element includes first and second pyroelectric elements which are arranged in a single pyroelectric substrate. First pyroelectric element includes a first surface electrode, a first back face electrode, and a first portion interposed between first surface and back face electrodes. First portion is provided as part of pyroelectric substrate. Second pyroelectric element includes a second surface electrode, a second back face electrode, and a second portion interposed between second surface and back face electrodes. Second portion is provided as part of pyroelectric substrate. Pyroelectric substrate is provided in part thereof surrounding first pyroelectric element with a slit shaped along an outer periphery of first pyroelectric element. Slit is formed out of regions in which a first surface wiring and a first back face wiring are disposed. Part of pyroelectric substrate surrounding second pyroelectric element is continuously formed over an entire circumference of second portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshifumi Watabe, Sadayuki Sumi, Yuichi Inaba, Junichi Hozumi, Takahiko Hirai, Tsuyoshi Kuroda
-
Patent number: 9494468Abstract: A method of examining a substrate is provided. The method may include: generating a temperature gradient along a surface of the substrate; detecting a heat radiation emitted from the substrate; and determining as to whether the substrate is damaged based on the detected heat radiation.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventor: Christoph Wolfgruber
-
Patent number: 9494469Abstract: Infrared detection device comprising a gas detection device comprising a resistive layer, a first portion of which is able to emit infrared radiation able to be absorbed by the gas to be detected, and a second portion of which is thermally coupled to a first element for the thermoresistive transduction of the infrared radiation; a substrate comprising an electronic circuit for controlling and reading the gas detection device; portions of electrically conductive material electrically connecting the first portion and the first thermoresistive transduction element to the electronic circuit, and providing mechanical holding of the first and second portions opposite the substrate so that a distance between the first portion and the substrate is substantially equal to a distance between the second portion and the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignees: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, ULISInventors: Jean-Jacques Yon, Emmanuel Bercier
-
Patent number: 9494470Abstract: A measurement system for monitoring ambient temperature and airspeed is disclosed. The measurement system uses a single temperature sensor, disposed in the environment under test, in communication with a controller. The controller supplies a first current to the temperature sensor to measure the ambient temperature of the environment. This first current is selected so that it results in little or no self-heating of the temperature sensor. After the ambient temperature is determined, a second, higher current is applied to the temperature sensor. This higher current serves to heat the temperature sensor be a predetermined amount. Based on the expected temperature rise, the ambient temperature and the actual monitored temperature, the airspeed may be determined.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventor: Larry G. Nelson
-
Patent number: 9494471Abstract: A power measuring sensor for an optical beam which utilizes the temperature difference across a thin layer of heat insulating material, generated by the axial flow of the absorbed beam, from an absorber layer on which the beam impinges, to a cooled heat sink which dissipates the heat after passage through the sensor. The axial heat flow is measured by means of a continuous matrix of adjacent thermocouple junctions over the heat flow region of the sensor disc, with the thermal insulating layer, which generates the temperature drop, having thicker and thinner regions at alternate junctions. The junctions on the thicker regions of the insulator thus become the hot junctions, and those on the thinner regions of the insulating layer become the cold junctions, and the sum of the voltages generated by the thermocouples is proportional to the flow of heat, and thus to the incident optical power.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: OPHIR OPTRONICS SOLUTIONS LTD.Inventors: Ephraim Greenfield, Eliyahu Bender, Shimon Elstein
-
Patent number: 9494472Abstract: The invention is a device for measuring the temperature of the vibrating beam of a vibrating-beam sensor. It comprises a resonator (10) vibrating in torsion in resonant mode and exhibiting a torsional vibration node (N), said node being its zone of fixing in the vicinity of the middle of the length (L3) of the vibrating beam, said fixing allowing thermal transfers between the resonator and the beam. The frequency of the resonator and the variations of this frequency are representative respectively of the mean temperature T of the beam and of the variations of this temperature T, the effects of which may be compensated by a model.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: OFFICE NATIONAL D'ETUDES ET DE RECHERCHES AEROSPATIALES (ONERA)Inventors: Oliver Le Traon, Claude Chartier, Vincent Gaudineau, Jean Guerard, Denis Janiaud, Raphaël Levy
-
Patent number: 9494473Abstract: A force-sensitive capacitive sensor that includes a first conductive plate, a second conductive plate that is spaced apart from the first conductive plate, and a compressible dielectric insulator positioned between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. The sensor also includes a first protective insulator, a second protective insulator sealed to the first protective insulator to encase the first conductive plate, the second conductive plate, and the compressible dielectric insulator, and a circuit attached via wires to the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. The sensor may also include electromagnetic shielding. The circuit is configured to sense a change in capacitance between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate caused by compression of the compressible dielectric insulator resulting from a person occupying the sensor or a support surface positioned above the sensor, and transmit output based on the sensed change in capacitance.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventors: Mark Andrew Hanson, Adam T. Barth, Samuel Alden Ridenour, Paul Michael Wempe
-
Patent number: 9494474Abstract: This invention pertains to a low cost, low noise strain sensor based on a web of continuous core-shell nanofibers with conductive shell and mechanically robust core that can be attached or embedded on a variety objects for directional monitoring of static or dynamic changes in mechanical deformation and pressure. This is a low cost, highly sensitive strain sensor, with low noise and ease of integration for different applications from synthetic tactile skins, to vibrational and health monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: TEXAVIE TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Peyman Servati, Frank K. Ko, Saeid Soltanian, Amir Servati
-
Patent number: 9494475Abstract: A system for dynamically measuring viscoelasticity of material samples using shear wave induced resonance, the system comprising: i) an apparatus comprising a vibration source; a vibration detector; a processor, and a user interface, for example to select a sample holder configuration, and ii) a rigid sample holder connectable to the vibration source, wherein the vibration source generates shear waves that induce vibrations and the resonance of a sample through the holder, the vibration sensor measuring the sample vibrations and resonance, and the processor determining the viscoelasticity of the sample from the vibrations or resonances and from the selected sample holder configuration. Multiple measurement modalities using the system to study materials viscoelasticity as function of time parameters; temperature parameters; strain parameters; repetition parameters and mapping parameters.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: VAL-CHUM, LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Anis Redha Hadj Henni, Cedric Rene Schmitt
-
Patent number: 9494476Abstract: Indicator devices, systems, and methods are provided. Indicator devices include a housing having a bore and an indicating component placed therein. The indicator devices are activated in response to an increase in temperature or pressure. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to a housing, such as a conduit or enclosure. Methods include utilizing an indicator device to determine if an area within a conduit or enclosure has been sealed.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Joseph Michael Manahan, David Carr Holloway
-
Patent number: 9494477Abstract: According to various embodiments, a dynamic pressure sensor includes a substrate, a reference volume formed in the substrate, a deflectable membrane sealing the reference volume, a deflection sensing element coupled to the membrane and configured to measure a deflection of the membrane, and a ventilation hole configured to equalize an absolute pressure inside the reference volume with an absolute ambient pressure outside the reference volume.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Andreas Wiesbauer, Alfons Dehe
-
Patent number: 9494478Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of measuring pressure or temperature using a sensor including a sensor element composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. In one example, the resistance of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is measured in response to the application of temperature or pressure. The changes in resistance are then recorded and correlated to temperature or pressure. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for independent measurement of pressure or temperature using the sensors disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Ilia N. Ivanov, David B. Geohegan
-
Patent number: 9494479Abstract: A drive shaft balancing machine for dynamic balancing of drive shafts includes two pedestals. Each pedestal includes a spring-mounted upper part receiving a rotary spindle, a support receiving an end of a drive shaft to be balanced and a first vibration sensor detecting upper part vibrations resulting from an unbalance of the drive shaft and further involved forces in at least a first degree of freedom of motion normal to the spindle axis. On the upper part of at least one pedestal a second vibration sensor is mounted which detects the vibrations of the upper part in at least a second degree of freedom of motion. An evaluating circuit analyzes and links the vibration signals of the first and the second vibration sensors so that pitch vibration excitations of the upper part not caused by the unbalance of the drive shaft do not enter the drive shaft unbalance value computed.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Schenck RoTec GmbHInventors: Martin Rogalla, Dieter Thelen, Karl Rabe
-
Patent number: 9494480Abstract: The present invention is a water use and/or a water energy use monitoring apparatus that is affixed to the hot and cold water supply piping for continuously (or on demand) monitoring displaying the water and water energy (hot vs. ambient) use within a residential or commercial building. A first wire or wireless means is incorporated to communicate with a remote display for viewing by the owner of a commercial building or occupier/resident of a home. A second optional wire or wireless means can be incorporated that can be monitored by civil, commercial, governmental or municipal operators or agencies, using a remote display and/or recorder means or by a secure wire or wireless communication network (e.g. cell phone, smart phone or other similar technology communication means). A third wireless means communicates water parameter data utilizing typical cell tower technology and/or mesh network technology.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: Michael Edward Klicpera
-
Patent number: 9494481Abstract: An evaporated fuel processing apparatus includes a valve between a canister and a fuel tank, and maintains the fuel tank in hermetic state by closing the valve while a vehicle is stationary, and adsorbs evaporated fuel by the canister by opening the valve during fuel filling, wherein the evaporated fuel occurs in the fuel tank. A diagnostic apparatus includes: a pump connected to a canister-side region with respect to the valve, and configured to pressurize a system of the canister and the fuel tank; and a pressure sensor for sensing an internal pressure of the system. The diagnostic apparatus starts pressurization by the pump with the valve closed; brings the system into a pressurized state by opening the valve with a delay after the start of pressurization; and performs a leakage diagnosis based on a change in the internal pressure of the system from the pressurized state.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Shinsuke Takakura
-
Patent number: 9494482Abstract: In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided methods, systems, and apparatuses for predicting whether a point on a computer-generated aircraft or vehicle surface is adjacent to laminar or turbulent flow is made using a transition prediction technique. A plurality of boundary-layer properties at the point are obtained from a steady-state solution of a fluid flow in a region adjacent to the point. Included in the list of boundary-layer properties are computed coefficients or weights of mode shapes that describe the boundary-layer profiles. A plurality of instability modes are obtained, each defined by one or more mode parameters. A vector of regressor weights is obtained for the known instability growth rates in a training dataset. For each instability mode in the plurality of instability modes, a covariance vector is determined, which is the covariance of a predicted local growth rate with the known instability growth rates.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Aerion CorporationInventors: Dev Rajnarayan, Peter Sturdza
-
Patent number: 9494483Abstract: A measuring system (10) for measuring an imaging quality of an EUV lens (30) includes a diffractive test structure (26), a measurement light radiating device (16) which is configured to radiate measurement light (21) in the EUV wavelength range onto the test structure, a variation device (28) for varying at least one image-determining parameter of an imaging of the test structure that is effected by a lens, a detector (14) for recording an image stack including a plurality of images generated with different image-determining parameters being set, and an evaluation device (15) which is configured to determine the imaging quality of the lens from the image stack.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbHInventors: Ralf Frese, Michael Samaniego, Markus Deguenther, Helmut Haidner, Rainer Hoch, Martin Schriever
-
Patent number: 9494484Abstract: An arrangement for providing real-time, in-service OTDR measurements in an optical communication system utilizing distributed Raman amplification. One or more of the laser diodes used to provide the pump light necessary to create optical gain is modified to also generate short duration pulses that ride above or below the conventional pump light. These short duration pulses (which co-exist with the pump light within the optical fiber) are used in performing OTDR measurements, with a conventional processing system used to evaluate reflected pulses and create the actual OTDR measurements.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: II-VI INCORPORATEDInventors: Aravanan Gurusami, Timothy K. Zahnley, Scott Dahl, Martin R. Williams, Ian P. McClean
-
Patent number: 9494485Abstract: A system for measuring transparent optical elements includes a beam generator, optomechanics, an imaging module, and a logic unit. The beam generator is driven to emit a beam directed at a transparent optical element that is aligned by optomechanics. An image is captured of the beam after the beam reflects off of surfaces of the transparent optical element. The image is analyzed to measure tolerances of the transparent optical element.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Evan M. Richards, Anurag Gupta
-
Patent number: 9494486Abstract: A method for inspecting impacts present on an internal face of a fan casing, the method including: spotting a first impact present on the internal face of the fan casing; delimiting an inspection area containing the first impact; spotting the various impacts present in the delimited inspection area, the various spotted impacts forming a set of impacts to be considered; measuring, for each impact that is to be considered, the depth of length of the impact; for each impact to be considered, determining a harmfulness value, using at least one chart relating the depth and length of each impact to be considered to a level of harmfulness; determining, for the inspection area containing the first impact, a total harmfulness value by adding together the harmfulness level determined for each impact to be considered.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Julien Tran, Richard Lavignotte
-
Patent number: 9494487Abstract: Turbine engine rotor corresponding thru-bolts and disc cavities are inspected with a camera inspection system that includes one or both of a thru-bolt male threads inspection apparatus and a rotor disc cavity inspection apparatus. The thru-bolts threads inspection apparatus engages the male threads and advances along the bolt threads pattern, selectively capturing camera images at desired spatial positions along the threads pattern. The plural camera threads images are desirably combined to form a composite image of a desired portion of or the entire thru-bolt male threads profiles, which aids their inspection evaluation and provides an archived composite image of the profiles.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Joshua DeAscanis, James P. Williams, Robert G. Shannon, Forrest R. Ruhge, Clifford Hatcher, Jr.
-
Patent number: 9494488Abstract: A method to determine a rotational position of a phaser for variable phasing system including a low-resolution rotational position sensing system includes estimating a rotational position of the phaser based upon a time interval between occurrence of a measured position of the phaser and a present periodic timepoint, a commanded position of the phaser, said measured position of the phaser, and a time constant of the variable phasing system when the occurrence of the measured position of the phaser is subsequent to a preceding periodic timepoint occurring at a set time interval prior to the present periodic timepoint.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Shifang Li, Jyh-Shin Chen
-
Patent number: 9494489Abstract: An internal combustion engine inner-cylinder pressure estimation apparatus includes a detection unit that detects an operation condition of an internal combustion engine, a calculation unit that calculates an ignition delay that is an interval from an ignition timing to a starting timing of heat generation by combustion, based on an operation condition detected by the detection unit, and a combustion velocity calculation unit that calculates a combustion velocity, based on the operation condition. There is simulated a phenomenon that after an ignition delay period following an ignition timing has elapsed, a flame generated at the gap portion of an ignition plug expands up to the inner-cylinder wall surface at the combustion velocity and in the shape of an ellipsoid whose center is the gap portion of the ignition plug.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Hideki Hagari
-
Patent number: 9494490Abstract: A creep life management system includes at least one sensor apparatus coupled to a first component. The at least one sensor apparatus is configured with a unique identifier. The creep life management system also includes at least one reader unit coupled to a second component. The at least one reader unit is configured to transmit an interrogation request signal to the at least one sensor apparatus and receive a measurement response signal transmitted from the at least one sensor apparatus. The creep life management system further includes at least one processor programmed to determine a real-time creep profile of the first component as a function of the measurement response signal transmitted from the at least one sensor apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nilesh Tralshawala, Harold Edward Miller, Vivek Venugopal Badami, Sameer Vittal, Daniel White Sexton
-
Patent number: 9494491Abstract: A method of determining blade tip timing measurement uncertainty comprising measuring time of arrival of each of a set of blades at each of a reference set of stationary probes. A reference blade tip parameter is derived from the measurements and the position of each of the probes. A reference condition number is calculated from the position of each of the probes and each targeted engine order, and then a mean calculated. Combinations of fewer probes are determined. For each combination, a condition number is calculated and then a mean condition number is calculated. The combination means are ordered relative to the reference mean and a predetermined number of combinations are selected. A blade tip parameter is derived for the selected combinations. Finally uncertainty of the blade tip parameter for each selected combination is calculated as a percentage of the reference blade tip parameter.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventor: Olivier Jousselin
-
Patent number: 9494492Abstract: An automated method for resolving fault in an engine is disclosed. The method may include providing a reasoner module for recommending a set of maintenance actions to resolve fault in the engine, inputting steady state performance data from the engine into the reasoner module, and using the reasoner module to recommend a set of maintenance actions based at least in part on the steady state performance data. A fault resolution system for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed. The fault resolution system may include at least one computer processor operatively configured to receive steady state performance data from the gas turbine engine, and recommend a set of maintenance actions to resolve fault in the gas turbine engine based at least in part on the steady state performance data.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Anya R. Brunschwig, Amy R. Nordmark, Bryan P. Donovan, Andrew D. Ruestow, Gregory J. Kacprzynski, Charles Pelosi
-
Patent number: 9494493Abstract: The state of a flame in a gas turbine combustor is acoustically monitored using a single dynamic pressure sensor within the combustor. A dynamic pressure sensor output signal is received from the single sensor and is processed to determine a flame status. The signal is processed by performing an autocorrelation operation to identify time-separated portions of the signal and to determine that the time-separated portions of the signal include portions indicative of acoustic oscillations emitted by the flame in the gas turbine engine combustor and received directly by the single acoustic sensor, and portions indicative of reflections.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Heiko Claussen, Nancy H. Ulerich, Zainul Momin, Patrick Ronald Flohr
-
Patent number: 9494494Abstract: A calibrating apparatus of a tire testing machine of the present invention calibrates force components along a lateral direction of a load cell on a tire testing machine provided with a rotary drum and the load cell mounted to a shaft portion of the rotary drum and capable of measuring force applied to the rotary drum, and has a hook member hooked on an outer peripheral edge of the rotary drum, a linear body, one end side of which is connected to the hook member, a load applying member connected to the other end side of the linear body and capable of generating a reference load toward a downward direction, and a pulley device around which the linear body is wound to convert the downward force by the load applying member into an upward force on one end side of the linear body.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Takehiko Wakazono, Munenori Soejima, Takahiko Ishii
-
Patent number: 9494495Abstract: A breath analysis system that includes a handle assembly with an analysis cartridge on an upper end thereof. The handle includes a main body portion with a pressure opening and a pressure transducer therein. The analysis cartridge includes a main body portion with an upper portion that defines a breath chamber, a lower portion that defines a fluid chamber and a filter assembly that is movable between a breath capture position and an analysis position. The filter assembly has an opening defined therethrough. In the breath capture position, the opening partially defines the breath chamber and in the analysis position the opening partially defines the fluid chamber. The system also includes an analysis device with a case, a door, a controller that controls the motor and a fluorescence detection assembly and a rotation assembly positioned in the case interior. The rotation assembly includes a shroud with a funnel portion for receiving the analysis cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: PULSE HEALTH LLCInventors: Steve Cooper, Neal Andrews, Maura Mahon, Rachel Dreilinger, David Barsic, Weston Myler, Martin Krauss, Scot Herbst, James Ingle, Gerald Thomas, Rick Myers, Brian Young, Juven Lara, Charles Noll
-
Patent number: 9494496Abstract: A solid-phase extraction apparatus capable of carrying out highly accurate solid-phase extraction by automatically controlling liquid-permeation speeds in an adsorbing step, a cleaning step, and an eluting step of the solid-phase extraction in order to improve the accuracy of the collection rate of a measurement component(s) also in measurement of each of sample solutions respectively having different viscosities and to ensure a certain processing ability.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Tadao Yabuhara, Shinya Ito, Izumi Waki
-
Patent number: 9494497Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure present novel systems, devices and methods for an automated biological sample analysis using mass-spectrometry. The time from sample introduction to the reporting of data, in some embodiments, takes a relatively short amount of time (e.g., several minutes). In some embodiments, a biological sample to be analyzed is a blood sample. For many applications, only a single drop of blood may be sufficient. Through the use of a mixture of standards with unique molecular mass, a quantitative analysis of the target analyte can be performed in a single MS run (for example), eliminating the need to create and analyze standard curves. One advantage of such embodiments may be that the system, devices, and methods can eliminate the need for batch creation since the requirement to amortize the time and effort of creating and analyzing standard curves can be eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: PureHoney Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Can Ozbal
-
Patent number: 9494498Abstract: The invention provides a method of circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention also provides methods for splitting droplets. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with top and bottom substrates, a plurality of magnetic fields respectively present proximate the top and bottom substrates, wherein at least one of the magnet fields is selectively alterable, and a plurality of droplet operations electrodes positioned along at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. A droplet is positioned between the top and bottom surfaces and at least one of the magnetic fields is selectively altered.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.Inventors: Vamsee K. Pamula, Ramakrishna Sista, Vijay Srinivasan, Michael G. Pollack, Allen Eckhardt
-
Patent number: 9494499Abstract: A well plate includes a including a top portion, a bottom portion and a membrane disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion. The top portion defines a sample well in fluid communication with an opening defined by the membrane and in fluid communication with a reservoir defined by the bottom portion. The well plate is configured to be used in a centrifugation process of a test sample including a sample material and a wash liquid. The test sample configured to be received within the sample well and the reservoir. The membrane configured to filter the wash liquid from the test sample during the centrifugation process such that the wash liquid can pass from the reservoir, through the membrane and can be captured within a collection chamber while the sample material remains within the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Cytosaver LLCInventor: Matthew B. Hale
-
Patent number: 9494500Abstract: A system and method thereof for collecting and concentrating a biologic substance of interest is provided. The biologic of interest obtained from a biologic sample present at an initial low concentration (or low number counts) can be captured and released through a collection device of the system to an intermediate second concentration, and further recovered through a concentration device of the system to a third concentration, thereby facilitating subsequent detection, characterization, enumeration, immunostaining, inspection, imaging, culturing, molecular analysis, and/or other assays.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Academia SinicaInventors: Ying-Chih Chang, Chia-Hsien Hsu
-
Patent number: 9494501Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microfluidic devices adapted for post-centrifugation use with selective sample extraction, and methods for their use. Certain embodiments make use of a dye-selective sample extraction. Other embodiments make use of a geographically-selective sample extraction. Other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Corporation of AmericaInventor: Gary P. Durack
-
Patent number: 9494502Abstract: A device for fixing a rock sample, the device including: a lower clamp and an upper clamp. The lower clamp includes: a lower connector connected to a bottom loading base, a lower end cap for fixing samples, a lower chain connecting the lower connector and the lower end cap, a first spiral spring, a first central position-limit mechanism, and a second central position-limit mechanism. The lower end cap includes: a first sample fixing groove and a first connecting segment. The upper clamp includes: an upper connector connected to a top loading base, an upper end cap for fixing the samples, an upper chain connecting with the upper connector and the upper end cap, a second spiral spring, a third central position-limit mechanism, and a fourth central position-limit mechanism. The upper end cap includes a second sample fixing groove and a second connecting segment.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: SICHUAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Jianfeng Liu, Heping Xie, Yang Ju, Jianliang Pei, Lu Wang, Huining Xu, Fei Wu
-
Patent number: 9494503Abstract: A system of performing inline measurements of flow rate, density, and rheology of a flowing fluid. The system includes a rheology measurement subsystem, a density measurement subsystem, and a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the test fluid within the vertical tube at a location y2 downstream from y1 and displaced vertically from y1 by a distance ?h.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: ASPECT IMAGING LTD.Inventors: Emilio Javier Tozzi, Uri Rapoport
-
Patent number: 9494504Abstract: A dual component density sampler determines at least one of a density of water and a density of oil in a mixture of oil and water extracted from an oil well during production. A three-way valve is coupled to the oil well, with the three-way valve having a first output port and second output port. A dual-in-single-out manifold is coupled to the first output port. A segregation tank separates the water and oil, and has an entrance tank and exit tank. An entrance of the entrance tank is coupled to the second output port, and an exit of the entrance tank is coupled to an entrance end of the exit tank. An exit end of the exit tank is coupled to the dual-in-single-out manifold. A coriolis meter is coupled to the dual-in-single-out manifold, and is configured to selectively measure a density of the fluid mixture, the oil, and the water.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Unico, Inc.Inventors: James P. McCrickard, Ronald G. Peterson, Thomas L. Beck, Michael A. Macdonald, Michael D. Dry
-
Patent number: 9494505Abstract: The disclosure provides non-contact microrheological methods that can measure the fluctuation of a particle in a monolayer, where the particle is hydrodynamically coupled to the monolayer. The disclosure further comprises devices to carry out the non-contact microrheological methods thereof, including Laser Tweezer devices which can study in vitro biological processes.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael Dennin, Thomas Boatwright, Alexander Levine, Arthur A. Evans, Roy Shlomovitz
-
Patent number: 9494506Abstract: There is provided a method of determining whether a first type of liquid is being used in a nebulizer, the method comprising obtaining a measurement of the time taken by the nebulizer to nebulize a specified volume of liquid that was held therein, comparing the time taken to nebulize the specified volume of liquid to an estimated value for the time required to nebulize the same volume of the first type of liquid, and determining whether the liquid nebulized by the nebulizer was the first type of liquid based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Anthony Dyche, Timothy Spencer, Charles David Hillier, Michael James Robbert Leppard
-
Patent number: 9494507Abstract: An apparatus to determine the blood sedimentation rate and other parameters connected thereto, carried out by emitting, by means of emitter means, a beam of radiations which passes through a sample being examined, and by detecting, by means of receiver means, the beam of radiations after they have passed through said sample, comprising a reading chamber associated to at least a tube connected to a feed of the sample to be analyzed. Said reading chamber is at least partly transparent to radiations in a certain range of wavelengths, and has at least a substantially rectilinear segment of reduced size into which the sample to be analyzed is introduced. The reading chamber consists of a tube made of plastic material, or glass, defining a capillary channel coupled to said tube in fluidic continuity.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: ALIFAX HOLDING SPAInventor: Paolo Galiano
-
Patent number: 9494508Abstract: A particulate matter sensor unit may include a sensor portion of an electrostatic induction type that may be reacted when a particulate matter having electric charge may be passing the vicinity thereof, a protection pad that the sensor portion may be bonded on one side thereof through a conductive paste, an heater electrode that may be formed on the protection pad and burns the particulate matters that may be disposed on the sensor portion to eliminate them, and a sensor electrode that may be formed on the protection pad to transfer a signal that may be generated by the sensor portion to an outside.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, SNU R&DB FOUNDATIONInventors: Jin Ha Lee, Sera Lim, Kuk-jin Chun, Junyong Lee, Kyoung doug Min, Seounghyeon Lee, Young Jae Kim
-
Patent number: 9494509Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Steven W. Graves, Robert C. Habbersett
-
Patent number: 9494510Abstract: A cuvette system may comprise a disposable cuvette element for holding a sample for analysis, with the cuvette element comprising an elongated strip having opposite faces and a well for receiving the sample to be analyzed. The well may be formed on the strip to hold a sample on the strip, and a hole may form at least a portion of the well and may extend through the strip. The well may be configured to hold a defined volume of the sample to be held therein. The system may comprise a reusable holder for removably receiving the cuvette element, with the holder having a substantially hollow interior for receiving at least a portion of the cuvette element. The holder may have a perimeter wall including a front wall and a rear wall of the holder, and a window may be formed in each of the front and rear walls and may be generally positioned in alignment with each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventor: John L. Sternick
-
Patent number: 9494511Abstract: Apparatus and systems, preferably using UV spectroscopy, for the dynamic and continuous detection and quantification of a range of chemicals, particularly pollutants, in the environment, and to the production of a real-time display or map to display chemical levels in the environment are provided. By providing data packets which combine details of pollutants in the atmosphere with very accurate position and temporal information, and real-time map of pollution is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: DUVAS TECHNOLOGIES LIMITEDInventor: Steven Wilkins
-
Patent number: 9494512Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely detecting nuclear and non-nuclear materials such as chemical agents and gas-phase explosives are disclosed. Nuclear and non-nuclear materials may be detected by transmitting electromagnetic energy toward a remote target area, collecting scattered electromagnetic energy reflected from the remote target area, analyzing an absorption spectrum of the collected scattered electromagnetic energy, and detecting a presence of at least one nuclear or non-nuclear material in the remote target area based on the analyzed absorption spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Inventors: Dong Ho Wu, Rongjia Tao, Benjamin D. Graber
-
Patent number: 9494513Abstract: A method of detecting a transmission laser beam is disclosed. A laser beam of a wavelength having a transparency to a plate-shaped workpiece having a first face and a second face is irradiated upon the workpiece from the first face side with a focal point of the laser beam positioned in the inside of the workpiece. The laser beam is detected after it has passed through the workpiece to the second face side. A photosensitive sheet is positioned to hold the workpiece on a holding face of a chuck table. A photosensitive layer between the sheet and the workpiece is opposed to the second face of the workpiece. The laser beam is irradiated from the first face side of the workpiece, and the state of the transmission laser beam from a photosensitive reaction region formed in the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive sheet is confirmed.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: DISCO CORPORATIONInventors: Chikara Aihara, Tomohiro Endo
-
Patent number: 9494514Abstract: In systems and methods for analyzing traces of airborne compounds, the air to be analyzed is circulated for a given length of time through a small-diameter analysis tube while lowering the temperature of the air at the entrance to the analysis tube. Condensation and deposits of compounds are formed on the inner walls of the analysis tube. A scraping liquid is circulated through the analysis tube to scrape off the deposits. The compounds in the deposits are concentrated at the front of this liquid. The front of the liquid is then analyzed to identify the compounds.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: FlowgeneInventors: Bruno de Vandiere, Claude Debroche, Nicolas Garnier
-
Patent number: 9494515Abstract: The invention relates to glycan arrays with quantified levels of glycan expression and a method for fabricating thereof. The method comprises quantitatively reacting an ?-aminoalkylglycan with an activated polymer of an acrylic acid derivative to obtain glycoconjugated polymer or copolymer and covalently attaching the (co)polymer to a functionalized substrate. The glycan arrays according to the invention comprise an co-aminoalkylglycan covalently attached to a functionalized substrate via a fluorescently labeled (co)polymer of an acrylic acid derivative. The copolymer of the acrylic acid derivative may comprise fluorescein cadaverine as a fluorescent label or lysine or aminated PEG. The functionalized substrate is selected from an epoxylated and aminated glass or plastic. The invention also provides a fluorescently labeled co-aminoalkylglycan conjugated polymer of the acrylic acid derivative for use in the fabrication of glycan arrays.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Obschestvo s organichennoy oivetstvennostyu “SEMIOTIK”Inventors: Nikolay Vladimirovich Bovin, Nadezhda Vladimirovna Shilova