Patents Issued in June 27, 2017
  • Patent number: 9689787
    Abstract: Technical system and method for online measuring and monitoring of the particle content in an injection water flow (6?) in an underwater line (8). The system comprises a data gathering means, a data communication link (48) and a data receiving means comprising an image analysis apparatus (2) provided with: a water sample line (18) for throughput of a partial flow (6?) of the injection water flow (6?); a means of conveyance (24) connected to the water sample line (18) for transport of the partial flow (6?); a light-transparent flow portion (18?) disposed along the water sample line (18); a camera (26) at the flow portion (18?); at least one light source (30, 32) for emission of light (34) via the flow portion (18?) and into the camera (26); an electronic control means (36) for (a) control of the image recording of the camera (26); (b) reception of image material from the camera (26); and (c) transmission of the image material to the data receiving means; and at least one energy supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SEABOX AS
    Inventor: Jan Olav Hallset
  • Patent number: 9689788
    Abstract: In a method for measuring fine particulates in the vicinity of a motor vehicle with an optical receiving device, at least one LED (2, 3) arranged inside the motor vehicle lights up an outside air region. The optical receiving device is designed to capture the area under examination in a spatially localized manner and takes an intensity measurement in an area that is lit by the LED. The intensities measured are analyzed for diffraction patterns that depend on the size of the fine particulates. Additionally, a portion of the light that is coupled into the windshield is also analyzed for the presence of water on the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.
    Inventors: Carsten Thun, Thomas Niemann, Ole Morisse, Alexander Gohmann
  • Patent number: 9689789
    Abstract: A first measured value of a specific physical quantity at a target portion is correlated with a damage evaluation index to calculate a damage degree corresponding to the first measured value. The specific physical quantity is measured at least once at a position corresponding to the first measurement position in another time period having a different usage elapsed time from that of the first measurement, and these second and subsequent measured values are correlated with damage degrees calculated based on temporal changes corresponding to the second and subsequent measurements. A new damage evaluation index is approximately calculated based on a relationship between the first, second, and subsequent measured values and the damage degrees corresponding to the first, second, and subsequent measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Komai, Hiroaki Fukushima, Yuichi Hirakawa, Hiroyuki Ohyama, Takeshi Miyazawa, Hiroaki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9689790
    Abstract: Environmental control systems and techniques for monitoring heat exchanger fouling are provided herein. In an embodiment, a technique for monitoring heat exchanger fouling includes providing a correlation of heat exchanger fouling to an operating variable. The correlation is programmed into a maintenance system that includes a processor that is adapted to receive data regarding the operating variable. The operating variable is chosen from inlet temperatures of input streams into the heat exchanger and outlet temperatures of output streams out of the heat exchanger, heat exchanger pressure drop, overall heat transfer coefficient value, speed of rotation of an air conditioning machine that includes the heat exchanger, and combinations thereof. Data regarding the operating variable is gathered via a sensor that is adapted to measure the operating variable. The measured operating variable is determined to correspond to excessive heat exchanger fouling in accordance with the correlation using the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ravindra Patankar, Sunil Menon, Emmanuel Obiesie Nwadiogbu
  • Patent number: 9689791
    Abstract: A testing device for testing adhesion seal strength of a tape to a substrate. The testing device includes a body defining a chamber having a first port in fluid communication with the chamber, a platform sealingly attached to the chamber and having an elongate opening or a plurality of openings therethrough as a second port of the chamber. The testing device further includes a frame removably mounted to the platform. The frame defines a perimeter that surrounds the second port and, when mounted to the platform, secures a test substrate thereunder against the platform with a fluid-tight seal. Methods for preparing a test sample and methods of operating the testing device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: INTERTAPE POLYMER CORP.
    Inventors: John K. Tynan, Jr., Kenneth Joseph Zanon, II, Nicholas John Carter
  • Patent number: 9689792
    Abstract: A particle detection apparatus and method includes an excitation source having a first emission band that excites a sample and a second emission band; a first optical device connected to the excitation source and attenuates radiation emitted in the second emission band; an optical cavity adjacent to the first optical device, which includes a sample excited by radiation from the excitation source; a substrate coupled to the optical cavity and exposed to the radiation from the excitation source; a binding compound coupled to the substrate, which includes a ligand coupled to the substrate; and a capture material coupled to the ligand and capturing the sample; a second optical device connected to the substrate and attenuates radiation emitted in the first emission band; and an optical detector connected to the second optical device and detects radiation emitted in the second emission band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: David W. Sickenberger, Christopher J. Karwacki
  • Patent number: 9689793
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detection of an amphiphile at a liquid crystal interface include the production of circular polarized light. A system 100 for detecting an amphiphile at a liquid crystal interface comprises a source of white collimated light. A circular polarizer is included for circularly polarizing incoming white light. Polarized white light passes through to an LC grid including a suspended LC film and a solution in contact with the LC grid at a surface. A spectrophotometer optically detects the presence of an amphiphile at the surface by determining a change in birefringence exhibited by the suspended LC film. A method for detecting amphiphiles at a liquid crystal water interface comprises shining collimated white light on an LC cell including an LC film, polarizing the white light with a circular polarizer, adding an amphiphile to a solution in contact with the LC film, and optically detecting the presence of the amphiphile by measuring a change in birefringence exhibited by the LC film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Antal Jakli, Elizabeth Mann, Piotr Popov
  • Patent number: 9689794
    Abstract: To provide to a method for measuring and examining lithium ions in an aqueous solution of a specimen such as biomaterials or environment samples, by using a lithium reagent composition as a coloration reaction reagent and by visual observing or a simple a colorimeter. The lithium ions measuring method is characterized by contacting the specimen including serum and plasma test sample with an aqueous solution of a lithium reagent composition comprising a tetraphenyl porphyrin compound, a pH regulator and a pH buffer, by irradiating or expose the resulting solution with white light, and by detecting change in color tone by a visual observation or by detecting the sensitivity by a colorimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: METALLOGENICS Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Takuya Iwabuchi, Tsugikatsu Odashima, Hiroko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9689795
    Abstract: A system is presented. The system includes an absorption cell filled-with a gas-mixture, a mirror-cum-window comprising a first portion that acts as a first mirror and a second portion that acts as a first window, a second mirror, a plurality of radiation sources to generate a plurality of light beams directed into the absorption cell through the first window followed by reflection of the plurality of light beams between the first mirror and the second mirror to irradiate the gas-mixture resulting in generation of a plurality of transmitted light beams passing out of the absorption cell through the second window, a detector that detects at least one characteristic of the plurality of transmitted light beams resulting in generation of one or more response signals, and a processing subsystem that analyzes the gas-mixture at least based on the one or more response signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Marshall Meyers, David Peter Robinson, Sandip Maity, Nagapriya Kavoori Sethumadhavan
  • Patent number: 9689796
    Abstract: A method of characterizing a wet paint layer of a painted body by paint layer parameters based on fitting to a physical model is provided. The method is carried out by a sensor system in a non-contact manner, the sensor system including an emitter system for emitting THz radiation, a detector system for detecting THz radiation, and a processing unit operationally coupled to the emitter system and the detector system. The method includes: Emitting, by the emitter system, a THz radiation signal towards the painted body such that the THz radiation interacts with the wet paint layer, the wet paint layer having not yet finished a drying process during which the wet paint layer becomes a dry paint layer; and Detecting, by the detector system, a response signal being the detected THz radiation signal having interacted with the wet paint layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Jacobus Lodevicus Martinus Van Mechelen
  • Patent number: 9689797
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a microscopy imaging structure with phase conjugated mirror and the method thereof. The afore-mentioned imaging structure produces a reverse focusing conjugated probe beam together with an original probe beam. These two probe beams meet at the focal point in the object body to be probed, and an interference pattern is produced. The interval between any two consecutive wave fronts in the interference pattern is then half of the wavelength of the original probe beam, and hence the vertical resolution of the image is improved. The present invention also applies a light modulator module on the probe beam to easily adjust the depth of the focal point of the probe beam and the phase conjugated reverse focusing probe beam in the object body. With the adoption of this invention, the size or position limitation of the target object is eliminated and the imaging resolution is also improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Ching-Cherng Sun, Yeh-Wei Yu, Che-Chu Lin, Szu-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 9689798
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a protective film detecting method of detecting the formed condition of a protective film formed on the front side of a workpiece. The protective film detecting method includes a fluorescence intensity measuring step of forming a plurality of reference protective films having different thicknesses on the front sides of a plurality of reference workpieces, next applying excitation light absorbable by an absorbing agent contained in each reference protective film to each reference protective film, and next measuring the intensity of fluorescence emitted from the absorbing agent due to the absorption of the excitation light, and a threshold deciding step of deciding a threshold of the fluorescence intensity corresponding to a desired one of the different thicknesses of the reference protective films according to the fluorescence intensity measured above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Disco Corporation
    Inventors: Senichi Ryo, Yukinobu Ohura
  • Patent number: 9689799
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and a method for measuring fluorescence of a sample. The sample may be a polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) array, a loop-mediated-isothermal amplification array, etc. LEDs are used to excite the sample, and a photodiode is used to collect the sample's fluorescence. An electronic offset signal is used to reduce the effects of background fluorescence and the noises from the measurement system. An integrator integrates the difference between the output of the photodiode and the electronic offset signal over a given period of time. The resulting integral is then converted into digital domain for further processing and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Vincent J. Riot
  • Patent number: 9689800
    Abstract: Processes for making high multiplex arrays for use in analyzing discrete reactions at ultra high multiplex with reduced optical noise, and increased system flexibility. The high multiplex arrays include substrates having integrated optical components that increase multiplex capability by one or more of increasing density of reaction regions, improving transmission of light to or collection of light from discrete reactions regions. Integrated optical components include reflective optical elements which re-direct illumination light and light emitted from the discrete regions to more efficiently collect emitted light. Particularly preferred applications include single molecule reaction analysis, such as polymerase mediated template dependent nucleic acid synthesis and sequence determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Zaccarin, Stephen Turner, Pezhman Monadgemi, Ravi Saxena
  • Patent number: 9689801
    Abstract: The present invention relates to method detecting analytes by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), comprising contacting the analytes with at least one analyte binding molecule attached to a metal substrate surface that enhances Raman scattering via a Raman-active molecular linker; and detecting a surface enhanced Raman signal from said compound. In a further aspect, this invention relates to a conjugate and a biosensor suitable for the invented SERS-based analyte detection method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Kiang Wei Kho, Olivo Malini
  • Patent number: 9689802
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure water content and water pH of multiphase fluid mixtures of water and oil. The apparatus employs a water content sensor containing an infrared light source and a photodetector. The pH sensor includes a pH indicator that exhibits a color change in an oleophobic coating including an image recording device. The apparatus and method may be applied to measure water fraction and pH within oil/water pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Leonardo J. Caseres, James F. Dante
  • Patent number: 9689803
    Abstract: A chemical characteristic of a material is measured using a calibration unit and container for holding a sample of the material. The calibration unit has a front portion and an imaging background positioned behind the sample and viewable through the container and the sample of the material, wherein a portion of the sample of the material is positioned in front of the imaging background so as to form a sample imaging region. A calibration strip extends along the front portion, which includes a location marker and a plurality of calibration indicia of differing colors. A computing device captures an image of the calibration strip and the sample imaging region. A calibration step is performed using the calibration strip to generate a calibration model, which is applied to the sample color vector to generate a calibrated sample color vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Chroma Fish Corp.
    Inventor: Gabriel T. Ruttner
  • Patent number: 9689804
    Abstract: A system for inspecting a backside surface of a wafer with multi-channel focus control includes a set of inspection sub-systems including a first inspection sub-system positioned and an additional inspection sub-system. The first and additional inspection sub-systems include an optical assembly, an actuation assembly, where the optical assembly is disposed on the actuation assembly, and a positional sensor configured to sense a position characteristic between a portion of the optical assembly and the backside surface of the wafer. The system also includes a controller configured to acquire one or more wafer profile maps of the backside surface of the wafer and adjust a first focus position of the first inspection sub-system or an additional focus position of the additional inspection sub-system based on the received one or more wafer profile maps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventor: Yakov Bobrov
  • Patent number: 9689805
    Abstract: A method for inspecting a manufactured product includes applying a first test regimen to the manufactured product to identify product defects. The first test regimen produces a first set of defect candidates. The method further includes applying a second test regimen to the manufactured product to identify product defects. The second test regimen produces a second set of defect candidates, and the second test regimen is different from the first test regimen. The method also includes generating a first filtered defect set by eliminating ones of the first set of defect candidates that are not identified in the second set of defect candidates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Biow-Hiem Ong, Chih-Chiang Tu, Chien-Hung Lai, Jong-Yuh Chang, Kuang-Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 9689806
    Abstract: To facilitate adjusting of a distance from an inspection target to an illumination section by providing a movable illumination section that is movable independently of the imaging section. An illumination apparatus has a plurality of LEDs arranged in a substantially annular form, a light diffusion member for diffusing light emitted from the plurality of LEDs, and a lighting control part for lighting the plurality of light sources in accordance with a predetermined lighting pattern when designated to start lighting. In particular, the illumination apparatus moves independently of a camera to adjust a distance to a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9689807
    Abstract: A substrate detection device and a substrate direction method are disclosed in the embodiments for achieving a wide-range high-compatibility detection of leads in a peripheral circuit region of a liquid crystal display. The detection device comprises a converting unit configured to calculate a gray scale of a gray image of a circuit lead region of a substrate based on the gray image of the circuit lead region of the substrate, and to convert the gray image into an image of leads in the circuit lead region, based on a difference between the calculated gray scales of the leads and of the substrate in the circuit lead region; and a judging unit configured to judge a state of the leads in the circuit lead region based on the image of the leads in the circuit lead region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing BOE Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao Ye, Tao Wang, Yuandan Chen, Shengzuo Guan, Guanglong Guo
  • Patent number: 9689808
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to systems and techniques for inspecting seals for high altitude balloons. In one example, a system may include a reflective surface, a translucent material on the reflective surface, and a movable light source configured to move along the reflective surface and provide light to the reflective surface. The light is provided such that it is reflected from the reflective surface and through the translucent material in order to backlight a balloon envelope seal for inspection. A method for inspecting a balloon envelope seal may include placing balloon envelope material on a table, forming a seal between portions of the material, moving a light over the seal, shining light onto a reflective portion of the table below the seal to backlight the seal, and inspecting the seal using the backlighting of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Henry Fourie
  • Patent number: 9689809
    Abstract: A container inspection device is used to inspect containers, such as bottles or similar containers in a container filling plant. The container inspection device comprises a guide arrangement that guides characteristic information of one or more regions of a container along a first guide path to a first sensor, and along a separate, second guide path to a second sensor. The guide arrangement comprises at least two essentially identical guide structures, through which the guide paths travel. A guide element is included that is designed to guide the characteristic information to both the first guide path and the second guide path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Buchwald, Wolfgang Schorn
  • Patent number: 9689810
    Abstract: An automatic calibration method suitable for an electronic apparatus comprising a proximity sensor is disclosed. The automatic calibration method includes steps of: resetting data comprising a minimal index and a maximal index when a specific function is activated; updating the minimal index and the maximal index according to readings from the proximity sensor; resetting the minimal index when the proximity sensor detects a far event according to a threshold value of the proximity sensor; resetting the maximal index when the proximity sensor detects a near event according to the threshold value; and, re-calculating the threshold value according to the minimal index or the maximal index every time the minimal index or the maximal index is updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chuan-Ying Hsu, Tung-Hao Hsu, Chih-Hao Yan
  • Patent number: 9689811
    Abstract: A scanning transmission x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source producing x-rays at a focal spot and moving about a source movement axis passing through the focal spot, x-ray detector arrays each detecting x-rays from the x-ray source along a detector dimension, and a collimator between the source and the arrays, fixed to the source, and defining slits to collimate the x-rays into a set of linear x-ray beams. The arrays are spaced from the source such that the linear x-ray beam at each of the arrays has the linear x-ray beam substantially impact within a height and width of a respective one of the arrays. The arrays move correspondingly with the source such that each of the linear x-ray beams remain aligned with a respective one of the arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Visuum, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Cox, James Gimlett, Shaun Georges, David Cleaves
  • Patent number: 9689812
    Abstract: A method for generating a two-dimensional image of an object using a CT scanner is provided. The method includes selecting an imaging surface for the object, the imaging surface including a plurality of pixels, selecting a viewing direction that is non-parallel to the imaging surface, rotating an x-ray source of the CT scanner around the object through a plurality of views, wherein the x-ray source projects x-rays towards a detector array opposite the x-ray source. For each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the method includes acquiring using the detector array, from the plurality of views, data values for x-rays that pass through the pixel and are within a pre-determined angle from parallel to the viewing direction, and combining the data values acquired for the pixel to calculate a final value for the pixel. The method further includes generating the two-dimensional image of the object based on the calculated final values for each pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MORPHO DETECTION, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Irving Garms, Sondre Skatter
  • Patent number: 9689813
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented. X-rays are directed at a workpiece. The workpiece includes a fastener installed in an opening. Backscatter is received from the workpiece. It is determined if the fastener installed in the opening has an out of tolerance gap using the backscatter. An output is generated if the fastener installed in the opening has the out of tolerance gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Taisia Tsukruk Lou, William Talion Edwards, Gregory Paul Saguto
  • Patent number: 9689814
    Abstract: A chemical detection system includes a frame, an emitter coupled to the frame, and a detector coupled to the frame proximate the emitter. The system also includes a shielding system coupled to the frame and positioned at least partially between the emitter and the detector, wherein the frame positions a sensing surface of the detector in a direction substantially parallel to a plane extending along a front portion of the frame. A method of analyzing composition of a suspect object includes directing neutrons at the object, detecting gamma rays emitted from the object, and communicating spectrometer information regarding the gamma rays. The method also includes presenting a GUI to a user with a dynamic status of an ongoing neutron spectroscopy process. The dynamic status includes a present confidence for a plurality of compounds being present in the suspect object responsive to changes in the spectrometer information during the ongoing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Augustine J. Caffrey, David L. Chichester, Ann E. Egger, Kenneth M. Krebs, Edward H. Seabury, Clinton D. Van Siclen, C. Jayson Wharton, John M. Zabriskie
  • Patent number: 9689815
    Abstract: An XRF analyzer can include a rotatable filter structure to separately position at least two different x-ray source modification regions between an x-ray source and a focal point and at least two different x-ray detector modification regions between an x-ray detector and the focal point. An XRF analyzer can include a rotatable source filter wheel between an x-ray source and a focal point and a rotatable detector filter wheel between an x-ray detector and the focal point. The source filter wheel can include multiple x-ray source modification regions. The detector filter wheel can include multiple x-ray detector modification regions. A gear wheel can mesh with a gear on the source filter wheel and with a gear on the detector filter wheel and can cause the source filter wheel and the detector filter wheel to rotate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Floyd Jones
  • Patent number: 9689816
    Abstract: The invention includes various electronic devices for avoiding or minimizing XRF analyzer user fatigue. In one embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a finger sensor for activating an XRF analysis. In another embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a finger tap switch for activating the XRF analysis. In another embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a microphone for activating the XRF analysis by receipt of a verbal command. Additional benefits of some embodiments include improving XRF analysis safety and avoiding XRF analyzer theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Floyd Jones, Daniel N. Paas, Brad Harris
  • Patent number: 9689817
    Abstract: A system for margin assessment of an ex-vivo tissue (25) is provided, including a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner (14) controlled by a control unit (12), and a tissue container (24) for holding a sample of an ex-vivo tissue (25). The MRI scanner (14) includes a coil-magnet assembly (31) including magnets (34), wherein the tissue (25), placed in the container (24), is placed under a constant static magnetic field (Bo), which is induced by the magnets (34), and the container (24) is positioned so the sensitive region is within a measured field of view (FOV) excited by one or more transmit/receive coils (38) operative to generate a time-varying RF B1 electro-magnetic field pointing towards the tissue (25), and wherein the container (24) is fixed on a moving table (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Clear-Cut Medical Ltd.
    Inventor: Erez Golan
  • Patent number: 9689818
    Abstract: A thermoanalysis device, including a controllable temperature regulating device for the controlled change in the temperature of a sample to be investigated, a detection device for the continuous detection of at least one signal characteristic of a property of the sample during the change in the temperature, and a gas analysis device for investigating gases which are liberated from the sample. In order to enable an improved time- and temperature-resolved investigation of volatile components and decomposition products, provision is made according to the invention such that, during the change in the temperature of the sample, the temperature regulating device is controlled according to a control algorithm taking account of the detected signal and/or the gas analysis device is constituted so as to be controllable and is controlled according to a control algorithm taking account of the detected signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Netzsch-Gerätebau GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Blumm
  • Patent number: 9689819
    Abstract: The present invention has to do with a method and system for a high precision electronic psychrometer operable at low temperatures and high humidity environments. The electronic psychrometer includes thermistors for measuring wet and dry bulb temperatures and a wicked cage surrounding one of the thermistors. The wicking action of the wicked cage is controlled by an evaporation controller in conjunction with the wick's physical parameters. The electronic psychrometer determines relative humidity and provides a readout display and/or a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventor: Christopher W Callahan
  • Patent number: 9689820
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the detection of irregularities in a thin film by measurement of transient thermal response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: James Michael Caruthers, Douglas E. Adams, Anand David, Peter R. O'Regan, Farshid Sadeghi, Nathan Daniel Sharp, Mark David Suchomel
  • Patent number: 9689821
    Abstract: The application relates to a conductivity measurement cell for measuring the concentration of a preselected biomarker or analyte in a body fluid, such as urine. In order to reduce the effect of sample dilution on measured concentration, the measured concentration can be normalized by a dilution factor, which can be determined from electrical conductivity. A test strip and measurement apparatus is disclosed for performing such normalized concentration measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GMBH
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Barnard, Stephen J. Carlisle, Malcolm R. Jones
  • Patent number: 9689822
    Abstract: A system and a method for characterizing a dielectric material are provided. The system and method generally include applying an excitation signal to electrodes on opposing sides of the dielectric material to evaluate a property of the dielectric material. The method can further include measuring the capacitive impedance across the dielectric material, and determining a variation in the capacitive impedance with respect to either or both of a time domain and a frequency domain. The measured property can include pore size and surface imperfections. The method can still further include modifying a processing parameter as the dielectric material is formed in response to the detected variations in the capacitive impedance, which can correspond to a non-uniformity in the dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Danny J. King, Susan Babinec, Patrick L. Hagans, Lonnie C. Maxey, Edward A. Payzant, Claus Daniel, Adrian S. Sabau, Ralph B. Dinwiddie, Beth L. Armstrong, Jane Y. Howe, David L. Wood, III, Nicole S. Nembhard
  • Patent number: 9689823
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: David Eugene Wiklund, Dale Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 9689824
    Abstract: A semiconductor-based multi-sensor module integrates miniature temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors onto a single substrate. Pressure and humidity sensors can be implemented as capacitive thin film sensors, while the temperature sensor is implemented as a precision miniature Wheatstone bridge. Such multi-sensor modules can be used as building blocks in application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Furthermore, the multi-sensor module can be built on top of existing circuitry that can be used to process signals from the sensors. An integrated multi-sensor module that uses differential sensors can measure a variety of localized ambient environmental conditions substantially simultaneously, and with a high level of precision. The multi-sensor module also features an integrated heater that can be used to calibrate or to adjust the sensors, either automatically or as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Olivier Le Neel, Ravi Shankar, Suman Cherian, Calvin Leung, Tien-Choy Loh, Shian-Yeu Kam
  • Patent number: 9689825
    Abstract: A system for testing a first layer disposed over a capacitive sensing device includes a test probe having a substantially flat conductive test surface, a device under test (DUT) disposed over the capacitive sensing device, and a power supply operatively connected to the test probe. The DUT can include the first layer and one or more additional layers. The substantially flat conductive test surface is positioned over a surface of the DUT and applies power to the DUT. The capacitance between the test probe and at least one capacitive sensing element in the capacitive sensing device is then measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Lim, Benjamin B. Lyon, Srdjan D. Sobajic, Giovanni Gozzini, Peter G. Panagas
  • Patent number: 9689826
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor or a system comprising gold nanoparticles coated with specific organic coatings for diagnosing, staging or monitoring chronic kidney disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventors: Hossam Haick, Ophir Marom
  • Patent number: 9689827
    Abstract: An electrochemical detector can be powered partly, or entirely by voltages generated by the sensor. Using either active circuits or a passive component which produces a predetermined voltage drop in the respective sensor, two electrode consumable anode oxygen sensors can be provided which do not evolve hydrogen during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Francis Edwin Pratt, Martin Willett, Lei Xiao, Ali Hosseinmardi
  • Patent number: 9689828
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and/or methods for use in passive wireless transmission of one or more parameters such as, e.g., pH, temperature, etc. are described. The systems, devices, and/or methods may use a passive sensor located proximate a material and an interrogator that may be used to interrogate the passive sensor and to receive a signal from the passive sensor representative of the one or more parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA
    Inventors: Greg E. Bridges, Douglas L. Thomson, Sharmistha Bhadra, Michael Freund
  • Patent number: 9689829
    Abstract: A device for determining the presence of a single cell and/or determining a state of a single cell includes a first nanotube disposed on a first electrode, and a second nanotube disposed on a second electrode, wherein the first and second nanotubes are spaced apart at a length that is smaller than a cell size to be detected. A method for determining the presence of a single biological cell includes sensing impedance between a first nanotube and a second nanotube. A method of manufacturing includes providing a nanotube, providing an electrode coated with an insulating material, wherein an aperture is defined in the insulating material through to the electrode, and using electrophoresis deposition to deposit a nanotube within the aperture and in electrical communication with the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Reginald C. Farrow, Camelia Prodan, Alokik Kanwal, Gordon A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9689830
    Abstract: A monitor system to monitor a characteristic of a user is disclosed. A monitor system includes a sensor producing signals indicative of glucose characteristics within the user. The sensor has a connector with a plurality of contacts, at least two contacts being shorted by a fuse trace. The monitor system further includes an electronics package with a package housing. The package housing contains a battery, a package port interfaced with the connector to receive signals from the sensor, and a package processor to process the signals from the sensor. Further included in the monitor system is a fuse system controlled by the package processor that includes a fuse timer, wherein the fuse trace is destroyed after the fuse timer reaches a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Jose J. Ruelas, David Y. Choy
  • Patent number: 9689831
    Abstract: An engagement component that engages with the rear part of a sensor mounted to a sensor connector, and a manipulation body that moves this engagement component to a sensor insertion opening side are provided. In addition, there are provided a manipulation rod that is engaged at one end with the manipulation body and whose other end is pulled out of a main body case through a through-hole provided to the main body case, and a manipulation component that is linked to the other end side of this manipulation rod. The device further comprises an annular wall that is provided outside the main body case and around a through-hole, and a metal slide bearing that covers this annular wall, and a resin sliding member that is slid with respect to a metal slide bearing is provided on the metal slide bearing side of the manipulation component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9689832
    Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base, a first electrode and a second electrode wherein a thermocouple portion is provided integral with the second electrode thereby enabling on-sensor temperature measurement capability. In some embodiments, two and only two electrical contact engagement portions are provided thereby simplifying electrical contact. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG
    Inventors: Hoi-Cheong Steve Sun, John P. Creaven, Mu Wu, Paul M. Ripley, Steven C. Charlton
  • Patent number: 9689833
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes known types of electrodes such as sensing electrodes, counter electrodes or reference electrodes to sense the presence of a predetermined gas. In addition, at least one diagnostic electrode is carried in the sensor. The diagnostic electrode implements at least one diagnostic function without substantially impairing the gas sensing function. The diagnostic electrode is immersed in sensor electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Life Safety Distribution AG
    Inventors: Keith Francis Edwin Pratt, Martin G. Jones, John Chapples, Lei Xiao
  • Patent number: 9689834
    Abstract: A gas sensor including a plate-shaped detecting element is disclosed, wherein the detecting element has a pair of principle surfaces and a pair of side surfaces adjacent to the pair of principle surfaces, in a radical direction thereof, wherein a first chamfered portion is provided between at least one first principal surface of the pair of principal surfaces and the rear end surface of the detecting element, and wherein the angle between a first axis ridgeline portion formed by the first principal surface and a first side surface that is one of the pair of side surfaces and extending in the direction of the axis, and a first width ridgeline formed by the first principal surface and the first chamfered portion and extending in a width direction is larger than 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shun Sakuma, Shigeki Mori, Masaki Mizutani, Yuichi Yamada, Shohei Yoshiyasu, Hirotaka Tsukamatsu, Makoto Shimoide
  • Patent number: 9689835
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bio-field effect transistor (BioFET) and a method of fabricating a BioFET device. The method includes forming a BioFET using one or more process steps compatible with or typical to a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The BioFET device may include a substrate; a gate structure disposed on a first surface of the substrate and an interface layer formed on the second surface of the substrate. The interface layer may allow for a receptor to be placed on the interface layer to detect the presence of a biomolecule or bio-entity. An amplification factor of the BioFET device may be provided by a difference in capacitances associated with the gate structure on the first surface and with the interface layer formed on the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Shao Liu, Rashid Bashir, Fei-Lung Lai, Chun-wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 9689836
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube sensor device includes one or more carbon nanotubes and a functionalization layer. An outer surface of the one or more carbon nanotubes is coated with the functionalization layer and the functionalization layer includes a chemical compound that binds to one or more specific analytes. Binding of the one or more specific analytes to the functionalization layer alters an electrical property of the carbon nanotube sensor device and contributes to their detection. The functionalization layer includes a first layer stacked onto an outer surface of the carbon nanotubes, a second layer stacked onto the first layer and a third layer stacked onto the second layer. The first layer enables stacking of a polymer onto the carbon nanotubes. The second layer includes the polymer and the third layer includes the chemical compound that binds to the one or more a specific analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: ALPHASZENSZOR, INC
    Inventors: Prashanth Makaram, Steve Lerner