Patents Issued in August 24, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170241905
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank, which includes a water sensor, arranged at the bottom of the tank and connected to a calculation and processing mechanism in order to receive a presence of water signal sent by the sensor, and to return information regarding the need, or not, to perform a fuel tank drainage operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Bruno Reynard
  • Publication number: 20170241906
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing vaporizers of electronic cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes or parts thereof comprising the vaporizers, comprises a movable holding construction part provided with multiple holding units each for holding a vaporizer, or electronic cigarette or part thereof comprising the vaporizer. A channel construction part moves synchronously with the holding construction part and is provided with multiple first channels. An inlet opening of each first channel is in fluid communication with a vapour output of a vaporizer in an associated holding unit. The outlet openings of the first channels move along an outlet opening trajectory. A fluid duct has a stationary inlet port adjacent to the outlet opening trajectory. The fluid duct is connected to a fluid pump to create a fluid flow in the fluid duct in a direction away from the inlet port. A vapour sensor is arranged in the fluid duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Oscar SLURINK, Lambert Wijnand BREMAN, Abraham VAN DEN BERG
  • Publication number: 20170241907
    Abstract: An apparatus detects a material within a sample using signal generation circuitry that generates an orbital angular momentum (OAM) twisted light beam having at least one orbital angular momentum applied thereto. The signal generation circuitry applies the at least one OAM twisted light beam to the sample. The OAM twisted light beam includes at least one fractional OAM state, at least one intensity signature and at least one phase signature unique to the material within the sample. A detector receives the OAM twisted light beam after the OAM twisted light beam passes through the sample and detects the material responsive to a presence of a unique combination of the at least one fractional OAM state, the at least one intensity signature and the at least one phase signature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Solyman ASHRAFI, Roger LINQUIST
  • Publication number: 20170241908
    Abstract: An apparatus has a transducer with a storage phosphor that is chargeable to emit light of a first wavelength in response to an excitation light of a second wavelength from an object scene, wherein the second wavelength is longer than the first wavelength. A digital light sensor is disposed to accumulate energy from the emitted light of the transducer and to generate a signal according to the accumulated energy. A charging illumination source is configured to direct a pulsed charging illumination of a third wavelength, shorter than the first wavelength, to the storage phosphor. A control logic processor is in signal communication with the digital light sensor and the charging illumination source and controls synchronization of the timing of pulsed charging illumination and energy acquisition and readout of the digital light sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Feke
  • Publication number: 20170241909
    Abstract: A subject-to-be-examined support unit that supports a subject to be examined, a light source unit that outputs light entering the subject-to-be-examined support unit from a side opposite to a side by which a sample is supported, a fluorescent plate that is illuminated with the light that has been output from the light source unit and passed through the subject-to-be-examined support unit and the sample, and emits fluorescence, a photomultiplier that detects fluorescence that has been emitted from the fluorescent plate and passed through the subject-to-be-examined support unit and the sample, and a plate support unit that supports the fluorescent plate are provided. The plate support unit is structured in such a manner that a distance between the subject-to-be-examined support unit and the fluorescent plate is changeable by moving the fluorescent plate in a direction closer to the subject-to-be-examined support unit and in a direction away therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yasutake TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20170241910
    Abstract: The discrimination ability of a chemical sensing cross-reactive arrays is enhanced by constructing sensing elements in two dimensions, first in the x-y plane of the substrate, second in the z dimension so that the sensors are vertically stacked on top of one another. Stacking sensing elements on top of one another adds to the discrimination ability by enabling the characteristic measurement of how fast target chemicals are passing through the stack of sensors. The new invention also allows the ability to discriminate components in a sample mixture by separating them using their innate difference in diffusional rates. Multi-sensor response patterns at each z level of sensors and time delay information from the sample passing from one level to the next are used to generate the response vector. The response vector is used to identify individual component samples and components in a mixture sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Vincent P. Schnee
  • Publication number: 20170241911
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for analyzing a plurality of biological samples with a plurality of fluorescent reagents in an automated fashion. The system may include two optical systems, a fluorescence imaging system and an optical quenching system. These two systems may be placed laterally adjacent to one another, and generally beneath one of the wells of sample-containing microtiter plate. The biological sample contained therein may be stained with a series of fluorescent reagents, with the fluorescence quenched between stainings. By precise positioning of the sample with respect to the imaging system, the sample may be imaged with a plurality of serially applied reagents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Miltenyi Biotec GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Rockel, Stefan MILTENYI, Sven Ignatius, Jurgen Krieg
  • Publication number: 20170241912
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure an optical measurement device includes a sample holder defining a sample plane, wherein the sample holder is configured to arrange a sample carrier including an array of measurement positions in the sample plane, an illumination unit configured to illuminate the sample plane, a detector and an optical imaging system configured to image the sample plane including the array of measurement positions onto the detector, the optical imaging system including two or more curved reflective elements adapted to image the sample plane onto the detector with a magnification of between 2:1 and 1:2 and the detector being configured to take an image of all measurement positions of the array of measurement positions at a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joachim Wietzorrek
  • Publication number: 20170241913
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for spectroscopic determination of one or more optical properties of a gemstone. An imaging device may include one or more light sources configured to illuminate one or more portions of the gemstone, and one or more photo detectors configured to detect reflected light from the portions of the gemstone in response to the illumination. An analysis module may be communicatively coupled to the imaging device, and configured to analyze the reflected light to determine the optical properties of the portions of the gemstone. The optical properties may include at least one of a clarity, color, fluorescence, birefringence, dichroism, and brilliance of the portions of the gemstone. In some examples, an optical fingerprint of the gemstone may be created based on one or more determined optical characteristics of the portions of the gemstone, where the optical fingerprint may uniquely identify the gemstone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Yansong GU
  • Publication number: 20170241914
    Abstract: Disclosed is a laser-driven photon source comprising drive optics which focus drive radiation so as to maintain a plasma. The point spread function of the drive optics has a point spread function (75) which is configured such that a spectral position of a peak output wavelength of a black body portion of output radiation emitted by said plasma within a desired wavelength band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Martijn Petrus Christianus VAN HEUMEN, Sergii DENEGA, Ralph Jozef Johannes Gerardus Anna Maria SMEETS, Remco Marcel VAN DIJK, Marc VAN KEMENADE
  • Publication number: 20170241915
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting or observing a material web, a process of inspecting the material web and a method for operating the apparatus for inspecting or observing the material web are provided. The apparatus has a guiding device through which the material web is guided and a camera including a field of view and configured to record an image of the front side within the field of view. An incident light transmitter is configured to illuminate the front side with incident light, and a background panel is arranged on the rear side of the material web within the field of view. The background panel includes a diffuser plate, a light guide plate, a reflecting surface, and a light source configured to couple light into the light guide plate which is configured to uncouple the light to illuminate the rear side of the material web with transmitted light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Lars Zwerger
  • Publication number: 20170241916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of visualizing the planeness of a ring surface (16) of a container (14), the method consisting in: lighting the ring surface from above using a peripheral incident light beam having radial rays with specular reflection on the ring surface; and using an optical system (24, 124) to form a plane image of the ring surface on a sensor (18), with an optical geometrical transformation that converts a real height difference (dZ) into an image radial offset (dR) on the image, and the image radial offset (dR) corresponding to a unit real height difference (dZ) is greater than the image radial offset corresponding to a real radial offset of the same dimension. The invention also provides a device and an installation implementing such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Marc LECONTE, Michel OLLIVIER
  • Publication number: 20170241917
    Abstract: A method of defect inspection for a photomask is provided. According to the method, a light transmittance correction is performed to reduce a light transmittance of a calibration key pattern region of a photomask including a field region and the calibration key pattern region to the light transmittance of the field region. Light calibration is performed using the calibration key pattern region having corrected light transmittance. Defect inspection for the field region is performed by applying a result of the light calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Goo Min JEONG, Mun Sik KIM
  • Publication number: 20170241918
    Abstract: A microwave moisture sensor for agricultural materials, such as grains and nuts, is disclosed herein that includes a material sample holder having a substantially cylindrical cavity formed therein. The meter assembly further includes a transmitting antenna on a side of the sample holder and a receiving antenna on a side of sample holder directly opposite the transmitting antenna wherein the sample holder is located between the two antennas, the receiving antenna configured to receive a transmitted microwave through the sample holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Amit Vasant ITAGI
  • Publication number: 20170241919
    Abstract: A measurement processing device used for an x-ray inspection apparatus that detects an x-ray passing through a specimen with a detection unit to sequentially inspect a plurality of specimens on the basis of an acquired transmission image, includes a setting unit that sets a region to be inspected on a portion of the specimen; a determination unit that determines the non-defectiveness of the region to be inspected by using a transmission image of the x-ray that passed through the region to be inspected; a correction unit that performs a correction on the region to be inspected on the basis of a determination result by the determination unit; and a display control unit that displays the corrected region to be inspected corrected by the correction unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: NOBUKATSU MACHII, FURNINORL HAYANO, AKITOSHI KAWAI
  • Publication number: 20170241920
    Abstract: High-contrast, subtraction, x-ray images of an object are produced via scanned illumination by a laser-Compton x-ray source. The spectral-angle correlation of the laser-Compton scattering process and a specially designed aperture and/or detector are utilized to produce/record a narrow beam of x-rays whose spectral content consists of an on-axis region of high-energy x-rays surrounded by a region of slightly lower-energy x-rays. The end point energy of the laser-Compton source is set so that the high-energy x-ray region contains photons that are above the k-shell absorption edge (k-edge) of a specific contrast agent or specific material within the object to be imaged while the outer region consists of photons whose energy is below the k-edge of the same contrast agent or specific material. Scanning the illumination and of the object by this beam will simultaneously record and map the above edge and below k-edge absorption response of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher P. J. BARTY
  • Publication number: 20170241921
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for predicting total organic carbon (TOC) values are described. A representative method includes obtaining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data and training a radial basis function (RBF) model based on the NMR data and measured total organic carbon (TOC) values. The method also includes obtaining subsequent NMR data and employing the trained RBF model to predict TOC values based at least in part on the subsequent NMR data. The method also includes storing or displaying the predicted TOC values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Songhua CHEN, Wei SHAO
  • Publication number: 20170241922
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for estimating fluid or rock properties from NMR measurements. A modified pulse sequence is provided that can directly provide moments of relaxation-time or diffusion distributions. This pulse sequence can be adapted to the desired moment of relaxation-time or diffusion coefficient. The data from this pulse sequence provides direct estimates of fluid properties such as average chain length and viscosity of a hydrocarbon. In comparison to the uniformly-spaced pulse sequence, these pulse sequences are faster and have a lower error bar in computing the fluid properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: LALITHA VENKATARAMANAN, TAREK M. HABASHY, DENISE E. FREED
  • Publication number: 20170241923
    Abstract: System and method for quantifying qualitative turf conditions as they relate to turf performance and health. In an embodiment, data is collected about turf condition using a turf analysis device. The data collected aboute the conditions may be used to generate condition-based turf stress indexes that may be used to genasrte an overall a Turf Performance Indicator (TPI). Such collections are calculated through a unique quantitative mathematical equation resulting in a measurable quotient that is used to assess overall turf performance qualities on a relative scale over time. Using an integrated Global Positioning System (GPS), the TPI measurements can be used to identify overall property conditions and zone specific conditions within that property. Such analysis is viewed with visual analysis methods using a cloud based system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Chun Kit Chan, Michael Kuvelas, Carmen Magro, Scott South
  • Publication number: 20170241924
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of characterizing the thermal ageing of a part made of composite material, in particular a composite material having an organic matrix. The method includes taking from the part a sample of composite material, subjecting the sample to modulated temperature differential calorimetry, determining, from the curve representing the total heat flow component associated with irreversible phenomena, the temperature at which a local extremum appears, this local extremum being characteristic of the thermal ageing, and determining the thermal ageing of the composite material by comparing the temperature at which the local extremum appears with a reference chart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: SAFRAN NACELLES
    Inventors: Arnaud DELEHOUZE, Emmanuel PIEL, Nicolas PREUD'HOMME
  • Publication number: 20170241925
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for testing residual stress in coatings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: China Building Material Test & Certification Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yiwang BAO, Delong MA, Detian WAN, Xiaogen LIU
  • Publication number: 20170241926
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
  • Publication number: 20170241927
    Abstract: The method for analyzing an ozone concentration comprising the steps of: providing at least one catalytic chamber having an ozone decomposition path between an inlet portion and an outlet portion thereof; receiving a sample flow of gas containing ozone by the inlet portion of the at least one catalytic chamber and along the ozone decomposition path; decomposing a totality of the ozone of the sample flow of gas into oxygen in an exothermic reaction along the ozone decomposition path of the catalytic chamber; measuring a first temperature value at a first position and measuring a second temperature value at a second position, the first and second positions being associated with the inlet and outlet portions; evaluating the ozone concentration of the sample flow of gas based on the temperature difference between the second temperature value and the first temperature value and calibration data; and generating a signal indicating the evaluated ozone concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Marco TREMBLAY
  • Publication number: 20170241928
    Abstract: A tissue identification method including a preparation step and a detection step is provided. The preparation step includes preparing a biosensor which includes a transistor and a response electrode. The response electrode is spaced apart from the transistor relative to a gate terminal of the transistor. The detection step includes disposing a biological tissue sample to be identified on the response electrode, applying a pulse voltage that has a tunable pulse width and a tunable pulse height to the response electrode, resulting in a voltage difference between the response electrode and the gate terminal of the transistor, and measuring and calculating a detection current which is generated from the transistor in the pulse width, so as to obtain a first sensing indicator. In addition, a biosensor for tissue identification is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Yu-Lin Wang, Indu Sarangadharan
  • Publication number: 20170241929
    Abstract: A density measurement system for measuring the density of a material within a region, the density measurement system comprises: a plurality of electrodes arranged around the region; an energisation source arranged to apply an electrical signal to at least one of said electrodes; a monitor arranged to monitor an electrical parameter at at least one of said electrodes, the monitored electrical parameter being caused to change in response to flow of electrical current within the region; and a processor arranged to: generate data indicative of the complex impedance of the material within the region based upon the monitored electrical parameter; and generate data indicative of the density of the material based upon the data indicative of the complex impedance of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Changhua QUI, Kenneth PRIMROSE
  • Publication number: 20170241930
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for sensing species in fluids. In accordance with some embodiments, methods comprise activities such as diverting of the fluid into an analytics spool. These methods also comprise causing the fluid to separate into layers. Furthermore, they comprise sensing the type of fluid flowing at a position where water is likely to flow. Some methods further comprise sensing a pressure, a temperature, and a total dissolved solids concentration in the fluid. Moreover, such methods can comprise comparing those conditions to precipitation curves for a plurality of species. These methods can also comprise determining whether a particular species might be precipitating from the fluid. Some methods comprise sensing a carbon dioxide and an oxygen concentration in the fluid. Moreover, such methods can comprise determining whether a ratio between the carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations has changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: William Roberts
  • Publication number: 20170241931
    Abstract: Provided is a sensing system that has a long life span. The sensing system includes a first detector (1) and a second detector (2) that detect at least one type of detection target which is included in a first concept which is common to both of detection targets, and which is included in a subordinate concept of the first concept; and a controller (3) that controls, according to a detected value from any one of the first detector (1) and the second detector (2), start, stop, or a detection condition of detection operations of the other detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: TAZUKO KITAZAWA, NOBORU IWATA, TAKANOBU SATO
  • Publication number: 20170241932
    Abstract: Disclosed are a hydrogen sensor which includes a P-type silicon nanowire array and a hydrogenation catalyst formed on a surface of the nanowire array, and a method of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Woo Young LEE, Ji Sun BAEK, Byung Jin JANG
  • Publication number: 20170241933
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes an insulation layer and detection cells covered with the insulation layer. Each of the plurality of detection cells includes: a first electrode; a second electrode having a surface exposed from the insulation layer; and a metal oxide layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. In each of the detection cells, a resistance value of the metal oxide layer decreases with a response time, which is different in each of the detection cells, when a gas containing a hydrogen atom comes into contact with the second electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: SATORU FUJII, KAZUNARI HOMMA, ZHIQIANG WEI
  • Publication number: 20170241934
    Abstract: This invention relates to a matric potential sensor (100). Specifically, but not exclusively, the invention may relate to a sensor containing micro-lattice matrix portions (104) arranged to take up water. The matric potential sensor (100) comprises sensing electronics (120) arranged to measure a change in a signal injected into a matrix via one or more sensing elements(102), wherein the matrix comprises at least one portion of a substantially open-cell hydrophilic micro-lattice matrix (104) arranged to absorb moisture from a medium into which, in use, it is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Martin Goodchild, Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Saywell
  • Publication number: 20170241935
    Abstract: A flexible capacitance sensor having multiple layers for communicating signals to a data acquisition system for reconstructing an image of an area or object located in a subject being sensed, the flexible capacitance sensor having a flexible layer of capacitance plates; a flexible shielding ground layer next to the layer of capacitance plates; a flexible layer of signal traces next to the shielding ground layer, where the layer of signal traces has a plurality of trace lines; and where the capacitance sensor is flexible and adapted to be wrapped around the subject being sensed. The sensor is adapted to communicate signals via the plurality of trace lines to a data acquisition system for providing an image of the area or object between the capacitance plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Qussai Marashdeh, Yousef Alghothani
  • Publication number: 20170241936
    Abstract: The present invention involves a multimodal sensor network for analyte detection. A first mode may involve low-power detection and a second mode may involve determining an analyte concentration and transmitting data associated with the analyte concentration. Specifically, the first mode may include establishing an analyte sensor network in a detection region, detecting an analyte in the detection region, and generating an electrical signal in response to the detecting the analyte. In response to the electrical signal exceeding a first threshold, the analyte detection system may operate in the second mode. The second mode may include requesting data associated with the one or more environmental conditions, determining an analyte concentration based on one or more environmental conditions transmitting data associated with the analyte concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Josephine B. Chang, Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente Klein, Siyuan Lu
  • Publication number: 20170241937
    Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor includes a substrate, a plurality of layered active metal parts, a plurality of layered electrodes, a reaction confinement layer, an electrochemical reactive layer and a cover piece. The substrate is formed with through holes each of which is defined by an interior wall surface and penetrates top and bottom surfaces. Each of the layered active metal parts is formed at least upon a respective one of the interior wall surfaces. The layered electrodes are formed on the layered active metal parts. The reaction confinement layer confines a reactor space over a region where the through holes are formed. The electrochemical reactive layer is disposed in the reactor space and is electrically coupled to the layered electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Taiwan Green Point Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chuan LIN, Sung-Yi YANG, Yi-Cheng LIN
  • Publication number: 20170241938
    Abstract: In some aspects, a modular analyte measurement system having a replaceable strip port module is provided to permit contaminated modules to be replaced. Some aspects of the present disclosure related to barriers for strip ports or the sealing of strip ports and/or analyte measurement devices to maintain a clean strip port and/or enable the strip port to be cleaned for reuse. Cleaning tools are also provided. Also provided are strip port interfaces that guide fluid away from the strip port opening, as well as absorptive elements that prevent fluid from entering a strip port. Analyte measurement devices with gravity sensors or accelerometers are also provided, along with methods related thereto. Also provided are docking station that serve as an information server and provides storage and recharging capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Simmons, Cherie Bulala, Christopher Myles, Bonita Park Song
  • Publication number: 20170241939
    Abstract: Subject matter herein can include identifying a biochemical test strip assembly electrically, such as using the same test circuitry as can be used to perform an electrochemical measurement, without requiring use of optical techniques. The identification can include using information about a measured susceptance of an identification feature included as a portion of the test strip assembly. The identification can be used by test circuitry to select test parameters or calibration values, or to select an appropriate test protocol for the type of test strip coupled to the test circuitry. The identification can be used by the test circuitry to validate or reject a test strip assembly, such as to inhibit use of test strips that fail meet one or more specified criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Liam Riordan, Tudor M. Vinereanu, Paul V. Errico, Dermot O'Keeffe, Camille L. Huin, Donal Bourke
  • Publication number: 20170241940
    Abstract: A method for determining a diffusion feature of a fluidic sample using redox reactions in an electrochemical cell that has at least two electrodes, wherein the first electrode has at least one redox mediator at its surface or in close vicinity of its surface, and the second electrode has an electrode surface free of the redox mediator(s) in the beginning of a test, the method comprising: applying an electric potential to a fluidic sample in the electrochemical cell to initiate redox reactions at the two electrode surfaces; measuring current associated with the applied potential as a function of time, and using a measurement point on a transient part of the measured current at or after a turning point and its associated time to determine the diffusion feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Zuifang LIU, Magdalena GUTOWSKA
  • Publication number: 20170241941
    Abstract: Provided is a flat plate-type oxygen sensor element. The flat plate-type oxygen sensor element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a first electrolyte layer having a sensing electrode exposed to a target gas; a second electrolyte layer on which a reference electrode is disposed; and a heating unit having a heating resistor surrounded by an insulating layer and disposed between the sensing electrode and the reference electrode, wherein the heating unit is disposed so that the heating resistor is located at a position ranging from 40 to 60% of a total height from an upper surface of the first electrolyte layer to a lower surface of the second electrolyte layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: AMOTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yeon-Soo CHUNG, Kil Jin PARK, Sung-Jin HONG, Soo-Min OH, Eun-Ji KIM
  • Publication number: 20170241942
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a porous protective layer for a gas sensor. The porous protective layer according to one Example of the present invention is manufactured by a method of manufacturing a porous protective layer for a gas sensor including (1) a step of introducing a composition for forming a porous protective layer including a pore former and a ceramic powder, which includes particles having a degree of deformation of 1.5 or more expressed by the following Relational Formula 1 according to the present invention, onto a sensing electrode for a gas sensor, and (2) a step of sintering the introduced composition for forming a porous protective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: AMOTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yeon-Soo CHUNG, Kil Jin PARK, Sung-Jin HONG, Soo-Min OH, Eun-Ji KIM
  • Publication number: 20170241943
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan ROTHBERG, Wolfgang HINZ, Kim JOHNSON, James BUSTILLO
  • Publication number: 20170241944
    Abstract: ISFET measuring probe with a housing in which an ISFET and a reference electrode are arranged in such a way that the gate electrode of the ISFET, which is coated with an ion-sensitive layer, and the reference electrode reach into a measurement space into which a measurement medium can be introduced, with the distinguishing feature that an auxiliary electrode is arranged additionally inside the housing and is held inside the measurement space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Ingo Andreas Schneider, Petr Horn
  • Publication number: 20170241945
    Abstract: An electrochemically active device is provided for collecting and retaining a blood sample with at least a two-electrode member connected to conductive tracks. A receptor with an integral receptor-membrane arranged on the two-electrode member, to receive non-electrochemically active heamoglobin bioanalyte and its complexes from red blood cells (RBC) of said blood sample, through a lysing agent and convert the non-electrochemically active heamoglobin bioanalyte and its complexes, into an electrochemically active bioanalyte and its electrochemically active complexes. The present invention also provides a point-of-care biosensor incorporated with the device of the present invention and method of measuring for the detection and quantitative measurement of concentrations of haemoglobin (Hb), glycated haemoglobin (GHb), methaemoglobin (MetHb) and myoglobin, in reduced volumes of blood samples, by determining redox current values in the reduced volumes of blood samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Vinay Kumar, Navakanta Bhat
  • Publication number: 20170241946
    Abstract: Provided are devices that include a polymeric separation medium configured to immobilize one or more constituents of interest in the polymeric separation medium and have an increased pore size upon application of an applied stimulus. Systems including the devices, as well as methods of using the devices, are also provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure find use in a variety of different applications, including detecting whether an analyte is present in a fluid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Calfornia
    Inventors: Amy E. Herr, Todd A. Duncombe
  • Publication number: 20170241947
    Abstract: Molecular species that are immobilized in discrete locations on a planar support such as protein bands on a gel or a blotting membrane or species applied in dots or spots on a membrane are reacted with binding reagents that are applied through a porous hydrophilic transfer sheet placed over the planar support, the sheet having at least one region that is laterally bordered by a barrier with the binding reagent retained within the bordered region. The bordered region is placed directly over an area on the planar support where the molecular species are expected to reside if they are present on the support. The binding reagent is then delivered into the support to contact the species. Targeted delivery of the binding reagent is thus achieved with improved efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Clayton T. McKee, William Strong
  • Publication number: 20170241948
    Abstract: This disclosure provides chips, systems and methods for sequencing a nucleic acid sample. Tagged nucleotides are provided into a reaction chamber comprising a nanopore in a membrane. An individual tagged nucleotide of the tagged nucleotides can contain a tag coupled to a nucleotide, which tag is detectable with the aid of the nanopore. Next, an individual tagged nucleotide of the tagged nucleotides can be incorporated into a growing strand complementary to a single stranded nucleic acid molecule derived from the nucleic acid sample. With the aid of the nanopore, a tag associated with the individual tagged nucleotide can be detected upon incorporation of the individual tagged nucleotide. The tag can be detected with the aid of the nanopore when the tag is released from the nucleotide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicants: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, Genia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey Kalachikov, Jingyue Ju, Irina Morozova, Michael Dorwart
  • Publication number: 20170241949
    Abstract: A droplet actuator for manipulating a fluid using an electrical field includes a droplet arranged on or over an electrode. The droplet includes a set of beads arranged substantially in a monolayer on or over a surface of the droplet actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Donovan Bort, Carrie Graham, Vamsee Pamula, Michael Pollack, Ramakrishna Sista, Vijay Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20170241950
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a process for calibrating a detection apparatus, especially an ion mobility spectrometer, using isoflurane (CAS Reg. No. 26675-46-7) as a chemical standard whereby calibrating the detection apparatus for a known target chemical is based on an evaluation of the experimental data collected for the negative isoflurane monomer ion against the experimental data collected for the negative isoflurane dimer ion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Henry McIntyre, Neal Thathapudi, Paul Arnold
  • Publication number: 20170241951
    Abstract: An ion filter for a mass spectrometer, the apparatus comprising an ion modifier; an ion selector configured to select a subset of a sample of ions based on their mobility in a gas; and a controller configured to operate the ion modifier in a first mode to modify the ions selected by the ion selector to provide daughter ions, and configured to operate the ion modifier in a second mode to output the ions selected by the ion selector; wherein the ion filter is adapted for providing output ions from the ion modifier to an intake of a mass spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Alastair Clark, Jonathan Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20170241952
    Abstract: Ion modification An ion mobility spectrometer (100) comprising a sample inlet (108) comprising an aperture arranged to allow a sample of gaseous fluid to flow from an ambient pressure region to a low pressure region of the ion mobility spectrometer to be ionised; a controller (200) arranged to control gas pressure in the low pressure region to be lower than ambient pressure; and an ion modifier (126, 127, 202) configured to modify ions in the low pressure region, wherein the ions are obtained from the sample of gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan Atkinson, Alastair Clark
  • Publication number: 20170241953
    Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic flaw detection device and a magnetic flaw detection method which are configured to: apply a magnetic field to an inspection target object; detect magnetism at a plurality of mutually different first detection positions from an exterior surface of the inspection target object, and, based on respective detection results at the first detection positions, derive a position of a given defect in the inspection target object, along a first direction causing a distance with respect to the inspection target object to gradually increase or decrease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Tetsuya KAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20170241954
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container, comprising at least an oscillatable unit having at least one membrane, and at least one oscillatory element, a driving/receiving unit embodied to excite the mechanically oscillatable unit by means of an electrical, exciter signal of adjustable excitation frequency to execute oscillations in an oscillation mode corresponding to the excitation frequency and to receive mechanical oscillations from the oscillatable unit and to convert such into an electrical received signal, and an electronics unit embodied, to produce the exciter signal, and to ascertain from the received signal the at least one process variable. The membrane is connected with the driving/receiving unit. The oscillatory element has the shape of an oscillatory rod, on which a paddle is terminally formed, and the oscillatory element is secured on the membrane in an end region remote from the paddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Raphael Kuhnen, Ira Henkel, Peter Wimberger