Patents Issued in December 20, 2016
  • Patent number: 9523669
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method comprising obtaining a radio frequency response of a lab-on-chip based resonator with virus deposited within a recess of the resonator, determining at least one parameter of the radio frequency response and identifying a type of the virus or a group to which the virus belongs based on the at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: United Arab Emirates University
    Inventor: Mahmoud Al Ahmad
  • Patent number: 9523670
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining hemoglobin concentration is provided. A method aspect includes the steps of: a) depositing an unlyzed, substantially undiluted blood sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis; b) imaging the sample in a region of the analysis chamber where the height of the chamber is no more than about twenty microns (20?) or no less than about two microns (2?), to produce image signals representative of the optical density of the imaged region; c) determining a sample representative optical density value using the image signals representative of the optical density of the imaged region; and d) determining the hemoglobin concentration of the sample using the sample representative optical density value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Cord Mueller, Stephen C. Wardlaw, Darryn W. Unfricht
  • Patent number: 9523671
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of nutrition and health. In particular, the present invention relates to indoxyl sulfate as a biomarker in urine of the efficacy of prebiotics for the prevention of diet induced weight gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Francois-Pierre Martin, Sebastiano Collino, Ivan Montoliu Roura
  • Patent number: 9523672
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culture assay. The present invention comprises: a substrate; a scaffold channel which is formed along the center inside the substrate, and of which at least one is disposed continuously, and inside which a scaffold flows; and a microfluidic channel or channels which is/are respectively formed on one side or on both sides of the scaffold channel, and inside which cells flow, and, here, a leak-preventing part for preventing the scaffold from leaking into the microfluidic channel(s) is formed in at least one of the ceiling surface and the floor surface of a boundary part of the scaffold channel and the microfluidic channel(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Seok Chung, Se Woon Han, Yoo Jin Shin, Jae Young Byun
  • Patent number: 9523673
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods to modulate key elements along the DAG signaling pathway as well as a diagnostic assay, device and methods of using the same to diagnose bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods to identify diagnostic markers and drug targets for BD and ADHD. Methods of identifying effective compounds responsible for membrane potentials and excitabilities influencing bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods of identifying an effective compound that modulates the activity of Ca2+/CaM enzyme and compounds involved in changing the K+ gradient across the plasma membrane thereby increasing or decreasing the membrane potential ratio (MPR™) values. The invention provides methods of identifying a compound that modulates the activity of PKC which is an important protein of the DAG signaling pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: PsychNostics, LLC
    Inventor: Alagu P. Thiruvengadam
  • Patent number: 9523674
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for screening a substance capable of promoting induction of induced pluripotent stem cells from cells derived from an individual affected by a disease for which it is impossible to produce induced pluripotent stem cells simply by introducing reprogramming genes. The present invention provides a method for screening a substance, which comprises culturing cells derived from an individual affected by a disease for which it is impossible to produce induced pluripotent stem cells simply by introducing reprogramming genes, the cells being transfected with reprogramming genes, in the presence of test substances, and selecting a test substance capable of promoting induction of induced pluripotent stem cells from the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Takumi Era
  • Patent number: 9523675
    Abstract: The disclosure provides compounds useful as insect repellents and compositions comprising such repellents. The disclosure further provides insect traps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Anandasankar Ray, Stephanie Lynn Turner
  • Patent number: 9523676
    Abstract: A leukocyte measurement device is provided with a spread inspection window at a position separated from an opening part along a spreading direction of a blood-derived sample in a carrier, for making the carrier visible from outside. When the blood-derived sample is dropped from the opening part, leukocytes contained in the blood-derived sample are captured by the carrier in the vicinity of a dropping position, while erythrocytes and/or hemoglobin and the like spread through the carrier from the dropping position into a predetermined direction. Therefore, in the leukocyte measurement device, seeing through the spread inspection window the color of the erythrocytes and/or hemoglobin spread from the dropping position can determine whether it has already been used or not, whereby a simple structure can prevent measurers from erroneously reusing it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: EIKEN KAGAKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiaki Abe, Atsufumi Wada, Mikito Ohyama
  • Patent number: 9523677
    Abstract: A system and method for a flow cytometer system including a prepared sample fluid with reference beads; an interrogation zone that analyzes the prepared sample fluid; a peristaltic pump system that draws the sample fluid through the interrogation zone; and a processor that monitors a measured volume of sample fluid sampled by the peristaltic pump system and an expected sample volume based on data generated by the analysis of the sample fluid. A system and method is additionally described using an alternative volume sensing fluidic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack T. Ball, Grant C. Howes, Collin A. Rich
  • Patent number: 9523678
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel fluorescent dyes with phosphorylated hydroxymethyl groups, a method for preparing the same as well as to their use in imaging techniques. The fluorescent dyes are coumarin, rhodamine or BODIPY dyes having of one of the following general formulae I-III: wherein W=OP(O)Y1Y2 or P(O)Y1Y2, where Y1 and Y2 independently denote any of the following residues: OH, O(?), ORa and ORb, NHRa and NHRb, NRaRb and NRcRd, ORa and NHRb, ORa and NRbRc, NHRa and NRbRc; and any salt thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
    Inventors: Stefan W. Hell, Shamil Nizamov, Gerald Donnert, Kirill Kolmakov, Heiko Schill, Lars Kastrup, Christian A. Wurm, Vladimir N. Belov, Johanna Wildanger, Katrin Willig
  • Patent number: 9523679
    Abstract: Chromophore compositions and methods of making and using the same are provided. Aspects of the chromophore compositions include a chromophore component having a chromophore, such as a fluorescent dye moiety, stably associated with a prosthetic group binding cavity of a metalloprotein. Also provided are methods of making, methods of use, systems and kits related to the subject fluorescent compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Majid Mehrpouyan, Oleg Guryev, Marybeth Sharkey
  • Patent number: 9523680
    Abstract: Methods for proteomic screening on random protein-bead arrays by mass spec is described. Photocleavable mass tags are utilized to code a protein library (bait molecules) displayed on beads randomly arrayed in an array substrate. A library of probes (prey) can be mixed with the protein-bead array to query the array. Because mass spec can detect multiple mass tags, it is possible to rapidly identify all of the interactions resulting from this mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: AmberGen, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Lim, Kenneth J. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 9523681
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a method for isolating chromatin from a sample, comprising a step of passing a liquid sample comprising chromatin through a rigid porous matrix on which a ligand is immobilized, wherein the ligand binds to a protein associated with the chromatin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Porvair Filtration Group Limited
    Inventors: Igor Chernukhin, Elena Klenova, David Cowieson, Samantha Brown
  • Patent number: 9523682
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for the detection of one or more analytes in a sample. Aspects of the methods include flowing a sample (e.g., a biological sample, such as blood) through a channel comprising an analyte specific capture domain stably associated with a surface thereof, wherein the analyte specific capture domain comprises particles displaying a specific binding member for an analyte; and imaging the analyte specific capture domain to detect whether the analyte is present in the sample. Also provided are systems, devices, and kits that may be used in practicing the subject methods. Methods and compositions as described herein find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Wei Huang, Scott Bornheimer
  • Patent number: 9523683
    Abstract: A microarray includes a solid substrate having a surface, the surface having a plurality of binding spots and a plurality of reaction moieties bound to the binding spots. A reaction moiety includes a plurality of polyacetylene monomers, the polyacetylene monomers having a first coupling region and a second coupling region, the first coupling region having a first functional group operable to bind to the binding spot and the second coupling region comprising a second functional group operable to bind to an accessory molecule; and an accessory molecule having a binding region and an analyte reaction region, the analyte reaction region operable to selectively bind to the target analyte, and the binding region operable to bind to the second coupling region of the polyacetylene monomer. Upon binding a target analyte with the reaction moiety, a color change from the polyacetylene monomer occurs and the reaction moiety produces fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents Of The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Jinsang Kim, Jiseok Lee
  • Patent number: 9523684
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the present disclosure include microfluidic devices that include a separation medium having functional groups which covalently bond to one or more analytes of interest, e.g., proteins, in a sample upon application of an applied stimulus, e.g., light. Also provided are methods of using the devices as well as systems and kits that include the devices. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic and validation assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Amy E. Herr, Alex James Hughes
  • Patent number: 9523685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the in vitro diagnostic detection of an infection with a microorganism, comprising placing a biological sample, in a single assay receptacle, in the presence of particles, each carrying at least one specific detectable physical parameter, and belonging to at least two different groups, one of the groups carrying an anti-IgM capture antibody and the other group carrying a capture antigen derived from said microorganism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: BIO-RAD INNOVATIONS
    Inventors: Christine Charpentier, Stephane Gadelle, Nadine Lambert, Amparo Sanjuan
  • Patent number: 9523686
    Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that are specific for the Dengue non-structural glycoprotein NS1 in monomeric and/or oligomeric (primarily dimeric) form, together with methods, including ELISA and lateral flow assays, that employ the disclosed antibodies for the early detection of Dengue virus infection. Diagnostic kits for the detection of Dengue infection are also provided, such kits including the disclosed monoclonal and/or polyclonal antibodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: InBios International, Inc.
    Inventors: Syamal Raychaudhuri, Raymond L. Houghton, Stanislaw Morkowski, Yvonne Stevens, Mohua Bose, James William Needham, Hongjing Chen
  • Patent number: 9523687
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for the identification of patients capable of controlling HIV progression, as well as to the identification of an antagonist form of IP-10 associated to HIV progression control and the uses thereof for improving the immunological response of HIV patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: INSTITUT PASTEUR
    Inventors: Michaela Müller-Trutwin, Mickaël J. Y. Ploquin, Matthew Albert, Yoann Madec, Cécile Goujard, Laurence Meyer
  • Patent number: 9523688
    Abstract: The invention concerns a novel diagnostic and/or prognostic test for cancer. More particularly, the invention concerns the human LIV21 protein, its use as cancer diagnostic and prognostic markers. The invention also concerns methods for treating cancers and neurodegenerative diseases as well as compositions therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Laurence Faure
  • Patent number: 9523689
    Abstract: This documents provided methods and materials involved in treating bladder cancer. This document also provides methods and materials involved in identifying bladder cancer patients likely or unlikely to respond to treatment (e.g., BCG therapy).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Nancy A. Lee, James J. Lee, Erik P. Castle, Rafael Nunez Nateras
  • Patent number: 9523690
    Abstract: The present invention provides an in vitro method for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma in a subject suspected of suffering it, in which method the presence and levels of a phosphorylated form of the protein Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) are determined. Said determination is performed in any isolated sample, in particular in a biopsy of a tumor. The invention relates also to the use of means for detecting said phosphorylated form to be applied in the method for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: FUNDACIÓ HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARI VALL D'HEBRON-INSTITUT DE RECERCA
    Inventors: Anna Meseguer Navarro, Thais Cuadros Arasa
  • Patent number: 9523691
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing KRAS mutations in colorectal cancers by measuring the level of OLFM4. In another aspect, the present invention relates a method of predicting the responds to a chemotherapeutic agent of a subject suffering from a colorectal cancer: according to the present invention, the by determining the OLFM4 levels. According to the present invention, the response can be predicted by determining the OLFM4 levels. This result in turn permits the design or the adaptation of a treatment of the said subject with the said chemotherapeutic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: INSTITUT DE CANCEROLOGIE DE L'OUEST
    Inventors: Catherine Guette, Olivier Coqueret, Benjamin Barre, Erick Gamelin
  • Patent number: 9523692
    Abstract: The invention provides populations of molecules that are prepared as, or treated to become, homogeneous for one or more molecular characteristics. In an aspect, the invention relates to molecular weight standards that may be used to determine the molecular weight or apparent molecular weight of uncharacterized molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, as well as in other applications. In one aspect, the molecular weight standards are pre-stained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph W. Amshey, Roumen A. Bogoev
  • Patent number: 9523693
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of determining whether a non-purified sample contains a target protein bound to a ligand of interest comprising the steps of a) exposing the non-purified sample to a temperature which is capable of causing or enhancing precipitation of the unbound target protein to a greater extent than it is capable of causing or enhancing precipitation of the target protein bound to the ligand; and b) analyzing said sample for the presence of soluble or native target protein using two or more affinity reagents capable of binding to said soluble or native target protein with a higher affinity than to an unfolded and/or insoluble form of said target protein. The invention particularly concerns the use of two affinity reagents (e.g. antibodies) which are capable of distinguishing between soluble or native, and unfolded and/or insoluble forms of a target protein and whose detection e.g. by FRET based technology, allows the performance of the method without a separation step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Biotarget Engagement Interest Group AB
    Inventors: Pär Nordlund, Daniel Martinez Molina, Thomas Lundbäck
  • Patent number: 9523694
    Abstract: A method identifies atypical antibodies in blood or blood product manufacturing processes that may produce false positives in quality control testing on intermediate or final products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GRIFOLS, S.A.
    Inventors: Joann Hotta, Clark Zervos
  • Patent number: 9523695
    Abstract: Therapeutic antibodies having binding specificity for ROR-1 expressed on cancer cells (particularly leukemic and lymphomic cells) and pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more such antibodies for use in treating cancer. Methods for diagnosing such cancers through in vitro detection of binding to ROR-1 protein expressed on putative cancer cells are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kipps, George F. Widhopf, II, Bing Cui
  • Patent number: 9523696
    Abstract: Methods using biomarkers, e.g., serum levels of ST2, to predict risk of developing hypertension, as well as methods for treating subjects to reduce the risk of developing hypertension and methods for selecting and/or stratifying subjects for clinical trials of treatments to reduce the risk of hypertension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Critical Care Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventor: James V. Snider
  • Patent number: 9523697
    Abstract: The invention relates to an epitope protection assay for use in diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic intervention in diseases, for example, involving polypeptide aggregation, such as prion infections. The methods of the invention first block accessible polypeptide target epitope with a blocking agent. After denaturation of the polypeptide, a detecting agent is used to detect protein with target epitope that was inaccessible during contact with the blocking agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: PROMIS NEUROSCIENCES Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Cashman, Marty Lehto
  • Patent number: 9523698
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing the presence of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) or predicting the risk of developing HSP in a human subject, comprising detecting the presence or absence of a defect in a gene encoding a polypeptide comprising the sequence of FIG. 9 (SEQ ID NO: 19), in a nucleic acid sample of the subject, whereby the detection of the defect is indicative that the subject has or is at risk of developing HSP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignees: Val-Chum L.P., The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University, Universite de Montreal
    Inventors: Guy A. Rouleau, Paul Valdmanis, Inge Meijer, Pierre Drapeau, Patrick Dion
  • Patent number: 9523699
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for dispensing sample holders for use in an automated sample analyzer is disclosed herein. The apparatus for dispensing sample holders includes a rotating carousel for housing stack of sample holders. Stacks of sample holders from the rotating carousel are fed into a chute where sample holders contact a set of rotating members having helical threads thereon. The helically threaded rotating members engage the sample containers and separate each sample holder from the remaining sample holders in the stack by rotation of the helically threaded rotating members. The sample holder can then be transferred for use in an automated sample analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Biokit, S.A.
    Inventors: Mark Talmer, Paul C. Dahlstrom
  • Patent number: 9523700
    Abstract: A sample identification system for an automated sampling and dispensing device is described. In an example implementation, the sample identification system includes a sample probe configured to contact a sample positioned within a sample vessel. Further, the sample identification system includes an identifier capture device configured to measure a sample identifier associated with the sample vessel and generate a data signal in response thereto, where the data signal corresponds to an identity of the at least one sample. During operation, the identifier capture device scans a sample holder, a sample vessel, or a table top of the automated sampling and dispensing device to measure the sample identifier and to generate the data signal in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Yost, David Diaz, Daniel R. Wiederin, Kevin Hahn
  • Patent number: 9523701
    Abstract: A sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. The sample well can comprise one or more bead retaining chambers. A method of using the sample plate and a kit comprising the sample plate is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: DYNEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Adrian Bunce, Andrew Fusellier
  • Patent number: 9523702
    Abstract: A sensor unit includes sensors. Each of the sensors provides a measurement axis. A connector is electrically connected with the sensors. The position of the connector is fixed relative to the sensors. A memory unit stores calibration information which specifies the respective directions of the measurement axes with respect to a reference plane established for the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Kinoshita, Yoshihiro Kobayashi, Yoshikuni Saito
  • Patent number: 9523703
    Abstract: A velocity mapping system comprising a sensor system and an airflow mapper. The sensor system is configured to generate data about a velocity of airflow for a location in a duct system. The airflow mapper is configured to receive the data from the sensor system and generate a profile of the velocity of the airflow at the location in the duct system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason Andrew Koehn, James K. Whitley, Shawn Paul Snell
  • Patent number: 9523704
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring athletic performances include determining “flight time,” e.g., the amount of time both feet are off the ground, and optionally “flight time” resulting from different types of activities, such as jogging, running, sprinting, jumping, etc. “Flight time” may help a player or coach better understand the effort the athlete is putting out, compare efforts of two or more players, gauge the athlete's performance change over time, and/or identify conditioning needs and/or areas for improvement. Such systems and methods also may generate and display various athletic performance metrics, such as: instantaneous flight time; average flight time; cumulative flight time during an athletic performance or other time period; instantaneous jump height; average jump height; cumulative jump height during an athletic performance or other time period; and comparisons of any flight time and/or jump height metric(s) of one player against another player and/or against himself/herself; etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Santoshkumar Balakrishnan, Robert Bruce, Justin Fraga, Paul Francis
  • Patent number: 9523705
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an acceleration sensor, including: a mass body part including a first mass body and a second mass body; a frame supporting the first mass body and the second mass body; first flexible parts each connecting the first mass body and the second mass body to the frame; and second flexible parts each connecting the first mass body and the second mass body to the frame, wherein the first mass body and the second mass body are each connected to the frame so as to be eccentric by the second flexible part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Woon Kim, Jung Won Lee, Seung Joo Shin, Won Kyu Jeung
  • Patent number: 9523706
    Abstract: A system and method automatically calibrate a posture sensor, such as by detecting a walking state or a posture change. For example, a three-axis accelerometer can be used to detect a patient's activity or posture. This information can be used to automatically calibrate subsequent posture or acceleration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hatlestad, Aaron Lewicke, Keith R. Maile
  • Patent number: 9523707
    Abstract: A method of operating a metrology instrument includes generating relative motion between a probe and a sample at a scan frequency using an actuator. The method also includes detecting motion of the actuator using a position sensor that exhibits noise in the detected motion, and controlling the position of the actuator using a feedback loop and a feed forward algorithm. In this embodiment, the controlling step attenuates noise in the actuator position compared to noise exhibited by the position sensor in a bandwidth of about seven times the scan frequency. Scan frequencies up to a third of the first scanner resonance frequency or greater than 300 Hz are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Bruker Nano, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Shi, Craig Prater, Ji Ma, Chanmin Su
  • Patent number: 9523708
    Abstract: An electrical testing device includes a base having two parallel first rails, a platform provided on the base, a support provided between the first rails, a test arm, a rotary table provided on the test arm, a plurality of holders provided on the rotary table, and a plurality of probe sets respectively provided on the holders. The support has a second rail provided thereon, and is moveable relative to the base and the platform. The test arm is provided on the second rail and above the platform, wherein the test arm is moveable along with the support, and is also movable relative to the support. The rotary table is moveable or rotatable relative to the test arm. The holders are moveable along with the rotary table, and are also moveable or rotatable relative to the rotary table. The probe sets are moveable along with the holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Ku, Shao-Wei Lu, Ya-Hung Lo, Shou-Jen Tsai
  • Patent number: 9523709
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer wiring board includes a stacking process in which insulating layers, each of which includes a ceramic layer and a shrinkage suppression layer being stacked on top of the ceramic layer, are stacked on top of one another, a press-bonding process in which the insulating layers are press-bonded, so that a multilayer body is formed, and a firing process in which the multilayer body is fired. In the stacking process, in each of the insulating layers, a wiring electrode is formed on a surface of the shrinkage suppression layer on the opposite side to the surface of the layer facing the ceramic layer, and the thickness of a peripheral area of the shrinkage suppression layer located around the area of the shrinkage suppression layer that is in contact with the electrode is larger than those of portions of the layer except for the peripheral area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Murata Manufcaturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihito Otsubo
  • Patent number: 9523710
    Abstract: A nest includes a fix part, and a movable part, wherein the fix part and movable part are configured to cooperate so as to define a pocket which can receive at least a part of an electrical component, wherein the movable part is moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the pocket is open so that at least part of the electrical component can be moved into the pocket, and in the second position the pocket is closed so that the at least part of the electrical component positioned in the pocket is secured within the pocket, wherein the nest further includes a biasing means which is arranged to bias the movable part towards its second position. There is further provided a nest assembly, a component handling assembly, and a table that includes the nest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: ISMECA SEMICONDUCTOR HOLDING SA
    Inventors: Sylvain Vienot, Phillipe Viverge, Massimo Scarpella, Philippe Roy
  • Patent number: 9523711
    Abstract: A probe apparatus includes a card clamp unit detachably supporting a probe card; and a wafer mounting table adsorbing the semiconductor wafer and bringing electrodes on the semiconductor wafer into contact with the probes. In order to mount the semiconductor wafer including an annular portion protruding from a rear surface of an outer peripheral portion and a thin portion having a thickness smaller than the annular portion, the wafer mounting table includes a planar portion on which the thin portion is mounted; and a step-shaped portion which is formed at an edge of the planar portion and mounts the annular portion thereon. Multiple circular vacuum chuck grooves are concentrically formed in the planar portion, and at least some of the vacuum chuck grooves are connected to multiple vacuum paths through which vacuum evacuation is performed at multiple positions separated from each other by 90° or more along a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazuya Yano, Eiji Hayashi, Munetoshi Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 9523712
    Abstract: Provided is an inspection apparatus that includes a rotation disk configured to spin about an axis of rotation. The rotation disk includes a probe bushing configured to securely hold a standard eddy current probe a predetermined distance above a surface to be examined by the probe. The rotation disk is further configured to adjustably hold the standard eddy current probe such that the radial offset of the probe from the axis of rotation is set using a radial positioning set screw that is coupled to the rotation disk via a first slotted arm. The predetermined distance is set using a probe height set screw configured to secure the probe within the probe bushing. An outer stationary housing is coupled to the rotation disk such that the rotation disk rotates within the outer stationary housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Bangsund, Jeffrey G. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9523713
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to interconnects that include liquid metal, and associated techniques and configurations. The individual interconnects may electrically couple a contact of a printed circuit board (PCB) to a contact of a device under test (DUT). The interconnect may be disposed in or on the PCB. In various embodiments, the interconnect may include a carrier that defines a well (e.g., an opening in the carrier), and the liquid metal may be disposed in the well. In some embodiments, the contact of the DUT, or a contact of an intermediary device, may extend into the well and directly contact the liquid metal. In other embodiments, a flex circuit may be disposed over the well to seal the well. The flex circuit may include a conductive pad to electrically couple the liquid metal to the contact of the DUT. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youngseok Oh, Joe F. Walczyk, Jin Yang, Pooya Tadayon, Ting Zhong
  • Patent number: 9523714
    Abstract: A non-mechanical contact signal measurement apparatus includes a first conductor on a structure under test and a gas in contact with the first conductor. At least one electron beam is directed into the gas so as to induce a plasma in the gas where the electron beam passes through the gas. A second conductor is in electrical contact with the plasma. A signal source is coupled to an electrical measurement device through the first conductor, the plasma, and the second conductor when the plasma is directed on the first conductor. The electrical measurement device is responsive to the signal source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignees: PHOTON DYNAMICS, INC., ORBOTECH LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Kadyshevitch, Ofer Kadar, Arie Glazer, Ronen Loewinger, Abraham Gross, Daniel Toet
  • Patent number: 9523715
    Abstract: A probe card assembly and associated processes of forming them may include a wiring substrate with a first surface and an opposite surface, an electrically conductive first via comprising electrically conductive material extending into the wiring substrate from the opposite surface and ending before reaching the first surface, and a plurality of electrically conductive second vias, and a custom electrically conductive terminal disposed on the first surface such that said custom terminal covers the first via and contacts one of the second vias adjacent to said first via without electrically contacting the first via. Each of the second vias may be electrically conductive from the first surface to the opposite surface. The first via may include electrically insulating material disposed within a hole in the first via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Powell
  • Patent number: 9523716
    Abstract: There is provided a probe guide plate. The probe guide plate includes: a substrate having a through hole for guiding a probe, which is formed through the substrate, wherein the substrate includes a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface; and a first insulating film formed on an inner wall of the through hole and on the first and second main surfaces of the substrate such that portions of the first and second main surfaces of the substrate are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignees: SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., JAPAN ELECTRONIC MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akinori Shiraishi, Kosuke Fujihara
  • Patent number: 9523717
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring the waveform capture rate of parallel digital storage oscilloscope. On the basis of double pulse measurement, and in consideration of the asymmetry of acquisition and the refreshing time of parallel DSO, the present invention provides a step amplitude-frequency combined pulse measurement to measure the time for waveform acquisition and mapping Tmap, the number of captured waveforms before LCD refreshing Wacq and the dead time caused by LCD refreshing TDDT, and then calculates the measured average WCR of parallel DSO, according to the measured data, so that the WCR of parallel can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF ELECTRONIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF CHINA
    Inventors: Hao Zeng, Peng Ye, Kuojun Yang, Guang Yang, Qinchuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9523718
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disaggregation apparatus for identifying an appliance in an electrical network (2) comprising multiple appliances (3, 4, 5). A voltage meter (7) measures a first change in a mains voltage (V) delivered to the appliances of the electrical network, while an operational state of an appliance is modified, and a second change in the mains voltage, while a switchable load is switched. An appliance determination unit (9) determines the appliance, of which the operational state has been changed, based on the measured first change in the mains voltage, the measured second change in the mains voltage and the resistance of the switchable load. Thus, an appliance can be determined without detecting switching flickers in very short time durations, i.e. high sampling rates and continuous monitoring are not necessarily required. This reduces the technical efforts of the disaggregation apparatus for performing the disaggregation function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Ronald Rietman, Alessio Filippi, Ashish Vijay Pandharipande, Ying Wang, Paul Anthony Shrubsole