Patents Issued in January 9, 2018
  • Patent number: 9863880
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An apparatus can include an assay chip that includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits emission energy; at least one element for directing the emission energy in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission energy travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the assay chip. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well; a plurality of sensors corresponding the sample wells. Each sensor may detect emission energy from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes at least one optical element that directs the emission energy from each sample well towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Quantum-Si Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Ali Kabiri, Jason W. Sickler, Brett J. Gyarfas, Jeremy Lackey, Gerard Schmid, Benjamin Cipriany, Jack Jewell, Lawrence West, Michael Ferrigno, Paul E. Glenn, Adam E. Cohen, Anthony Bellofiore
  • Patent number: 9863881
    Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of an analyte in a turbid solution containing the analyte and a solvent is disclosed. The method includes determining a turbidity value for the turbid solution based on a Raman line intensity calibration data set for the solvent. The method further includes determining turbidity correction factor based on the turbidity value and a Raman line calibration data set for the analyte and applying the turbidity correction factor to the Raman line intensity of the analyte in the turbid solution and calculating a turbidity-corrected Raman line intensity for the analyte in the turbid solution. The turbidity-corrected Raman line intensity of the analyte in the turbid solution is then used to determine the concentration of the analyte in the turbid solution utilizing previously developed calibration data sets relating Raman line intensity to analyte concentration in solutions of negligible turbidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Joseph Victor Sinfield, Chukwukelue Kenneth Monwuba
  • Patent number: 9863882
    Abstract: The variable thermodynamic Raman spectroscopy method and apparatus is a system for material analysis. In operation, a target material is subjected to a variable thermodynamic protocol and analyzed using a differential scanning calorimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by The Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Walter F. Schmidt, Moon S. Kim, Kuanglin Chao, Daniel R. Shelton, Catherine Leigh Broadhurst
  • Patent number: 9863883
    Abstract: A SERS element comprises a substrate having a front face; a fine structure part formed on the front face and having a plurality of pillars; and a conductor layer formed on the fine structure part and constituting an optical function part for generating surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The conductor layer has a base part formed along the front face and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the base part at respective positions corresponding to the pillars. The base part is formed with a plurality of grooves surrounding the respective pillars when seen in the projecting direction of the pillars, while an end part of the protrusion is located within the groove corresponding thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Katsumi Shibayama, Masashi Ito, Takafumi Yokino, Masaki Hirose, Anna Yoshida, Kazuto Ofuji, Yoshihiro Maruyama, Takashi Kasahara, Toshimitsu Kawai, Toru Hirohata, Hiroki Kamei, Hiroki Oyama
  • Patent number: 9863884
    Abstract: A SERS element comprises a substrate having a front face; a fine structure part formed on the front face and having a plurality of pillars; and a conductor layer formed on the fine structure part and constituting an optical function part for generating surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The conductor layer has a base part formed along the front face and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the base part at respective positions corresponding to the pillars. The base part has a thickness greater than the height of the pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Katsumi Shibayama, Masashi Ito, Takafumi Yokino, Masaki Hirose, Anna Yoshida, Kazuto Ofuji, Yoshihiro Maruyama, Takashi Kasahara, Toshimitsu Kawai, Toru Hirohata, Hiroki Kamei, Hiroki Oyama
  • Patent number: 9863885
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite film structure, the method includes determining a desired morphology for a metallic layer of the composite film structure, selecting a first metal substrate based on the determining, transferring a graphene layer onto the first metal substrate, depositing the metallic layer on the graphene layer to achieve the desired morphology, and removing the first metal substrate from the graphene and the deposited metallic layer to form the composite film structure. A surface energy difference between the first metal substrate and the deposited metallic layer results in the desired morphology of the metallic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Californa
    Inventors: Aliaksandr Zaretski, Darren J. Lipomi, Alex Savtchenko, Elena Molokanova, Mark Mercola
  • Patent number: 9863886
    Abstract: A sensor system, and a method of detecting a target analyte, comprises a chemically functionalized block copolymer, and a target analyte. The block copolymer exhibits a color change in the visible spectrum upon exposure to the target analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: University of Maryland, College Park, The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Peter Kofinas, Omar B. Ayyub, Jennifer W. Sekowski, Ta-I Yang
  • Patent number: 9863887
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unit and method for detection of presence of oil on the water surface or in the water column. Unit comprises a sensor, whereby the sensor is connected to electronic compartment followed by microprocessor controller with embedded software for carrying out necessary analyses of reflected signals received by the sensor. The microprocessor controller is connected to communication means for transmitting an alarm signal through external communication line in case of oil pollution. All elements mentioned above are supplied by external power supply and are accommodated into a waterproof housing. The sensor comprises the probe light source formed by a pulsed UV LED, collimating optics and narrow band optical filter, at least one dichroic mirror, a projection-receiving lens, at least one optical filter, at least one photodetector and a reference photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NEMOR TECHNOLOGIES OU
    Inventor: Sergey Babichenko
  • Patent number: 9863888
    Abstract: A multispectral imaging system and method and a system for composite layup are provided in order to detect foreign object debris during the fabrication of a composite structure. In the context of a method, a surface of a composite material is illuminated with near infrared light. The method also detects the near infrared light following interaction of the near infrared light with the composite material. Following detection, the method analyzes a spectrum of the near infrared light to detect foreign object debris upon the composite material. The method analyzes the spectrum of near infrared light by distinguishing between different types of foreign object debris as a result of comparing the spectrum of near infrared light to predefined spectral signatures of a plurality of different types of foreign object debris. The method may also determine the size and location of the foreign object debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Shelley, Jr., Paul G. Vahey, Gregory J. Werner, Robert Arthur Kisch
  • Patent number: 9863889
    Abstract: A method and a system for inspecting a wafer. The system comprises an optical inspection head, a wafer table, a wafer stack, a XY table and vibration isolators. The optical inspection head comprises a number of illuminators, image capture devices, objective lens and other optical components. The system and method enables capture of brightfield images, darkfield images, 3D profile images and review images. Captured images are converted into image signals and transmitted to a programmable controller for processing. Inspection is performed while the wafer is in motion. Captured images are compared with reference images for detecting defects on the wafer. An exemplary reference creation process for creating reference images and an exemplary image inspection process is also provided by the present invention. The reference image creation process is an automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES & INSTRUMENTS PTE LTD
    Inventors: Ajharali Amanullah, Han Cheng Ge
  • Patent number: 9863890
    Abstract: A solar cell testing apparatus may include an illuminator for directing light energy on a solar cell under test. The solar cell testing apparatus may also include a device for selectively positioning different filters of a multiplicity of filters in an optical path between the illuminator and the solar cell under test to at least one of measure performance and detect any defects in the solar cell. The multiplicity of filters may include a first set of filters and a second set of filters. Each filter of the first set of filters is adapted for passing a predetermined percentage of intensity of the light energy from the illuminator onto the solar cell under test. The second set of filters being adapted for testing the solar cell under different spectrums of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Jungwirth, Emilio Quezada, Gregory A. Campbell, James H. Ermer, Russell K. Jones
  • Patent number: 9863891
    Abstract: A vehicle for external inspection of tubing conformed by a body with a magnetic traction arrangement in its lower part and at least one inspection device mounted on the body; In which the magnetic drive arrangement includes two front magnetic wheels, a rear magnetic wheel coupled to two servomotors, one for controlling longitudinal advancement and another rudder servomotor for controlling the spin or rotation of this third wheel, and wherein the magnetic drive arrangement Inspection consists of a laser sensor coupled to a linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Corporación Mexicana de Investigación en Materiales, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Juan Antonio Lara Magallanes, Elmer Sanchez Rivero, Jesús Héctor Gerardo García Ortíz
  • Patent number: 9863892
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus, including a photon emitter configured for sequentially emitting a first set of photons and a second set of photons onto a surface of an article. In addition, a photon detector array is configured to focus the first set of photons scattered from surface features of the article in a first focal plane. The photon detector array is further configured to focus the second set of photons scattered from surface features of the article in a second focal plane, wherein the first set of photons scattered is different from the second set of photons scattered. The photon detector array is further configured to provide information for distinguishing foreign surface features of the article from native surface features of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Joachim Walter Ahner, David M. Tung, Samuel Kah Hean Wong, Henry Luis Lott, Stephen Keith McLaurin, Maissarath Nassirou, Florin Zavaliche
  • Patent number: 9863893
    Abstract: A material constituent sensor includes one or more metamaterial assisted antennas located to probe a material that is a multiphase composition. A signal source excites at least one metamaterial assisted antenna in a desired range of radio frequency (RF) signals, a desired range of microwave signals, or a combination RF signals and microwave signals. A data processing device is programmed to estimate material constituent fractions associated with the probed material based on amplitude data, phase data, frequency shift data, or a combination of amplitude data, phase data and frequency shift data in response to transmitted energy from at least one excited metamaterial assisted antenna, reflected energy received by at least one metamaterial assisted antenna, frequency shift data, or a combination of the transmitted energy, the reflected energy and the frequency shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Praful Sharma, Manoj Kumar Koyithitta Meethal, Aparna Chakrapani Sheila-Vadde, Suma Memana Narayana Bhat, Vipin Velayudhan
  • Patent number: 9863894
    Abstract: Seed sensors that surround the conventional mounting location on existing seed tubes. The seed sensors sense seeds using electromagnetic fields, including RF and microwave fields. In one embodiment, a first seed sensor has a coaxial Fabry-Perot resonant cavity which is formed between two coaxial portions of a conduit that surround the seed tube. Another seed sensor uses a capacitive design. In one embodiment, the driving signals are applied 180 degrees out of phase. The detected phase shift between the reference and reflected signals provides reliable seed counting. Electronics extract the signal from the sensing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TSI, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Amit V. Itagi, Bernard Wiwel, Russell F. Oberg
  • Patent number: 9863895
    Abstract: Provided in some embodiments are systems and methods for monitoring cement quality of a cased well. Embodiments include conducting a cement-bond logging and a first pulsed neutron (PN) logging to generate a cement-bond log (CBL) and first pulsed neutron log (PNL) for the well, determining a first cement quality index (CQI) for the well based on the CBL and the first PNL, in response to determining that mud effects for the well have dissipated, conducting a second PN logging to generate a second PNL for the well, determining a second CQI for the well based on the CBL and the second PNL, determining a tuned CQI for the well based on the first CQI and the second CQI, conducting a follow-up PN logging to generate a follow-up PNL for the well, and determining a cement quality log for the well based on the tuned CQI and the follow-up PNL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Weatherford International, LLC
    Inventors: Shouxiang Mark Ma, Darryl Trcka, Robert Wilson
  • Patent number: 9863896
    Abstract: An X-ray transmission inspection apparatus includes: an X-ray source configured to irradiate a sample with an X-ray; a detector configured to be disposed on a side opposite to the X-ray source with respect to the sample and to detect the X-ray which is transmitted through the sample using a phosphor; a shield member configured to be arranged to face a detection surface of the detector and to block a part of X-rays to partially form a shield area from the X-rays on the detection surface; and a shield moving mechanism configured to move the shield member relative to the detector to enable change of a position of the shield area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiki Matoba
  • Patent number: 9863897
    Abstract: There is provided an X-ray nondestructive testing device which irradiates X-rays to an article, the article including a substrate having a predetermined X-ray absorption coefficient and a measurement target object disposed therein and having another X-ray absorption coefficient differing from that of the substrate, the device including: an X-ray source configured to irradiate the X-rays to the article; a detector configured to detect the transmission amounts of the X-rays passed through the article at at least paired different locations; a detection position specifying designator configured to specify the paired different locations as a set of paired locations based on a pre-stored design information; a driving mechanism configured to move the detector to the set of paired locations; and an operation calculator configured to calculate the thickness of the measurement target object based on the transmission amounts of the X-rays detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Naozo Sugimoto, Toshihiko Nishizaki, Masahiro Inoue, Masuo Amma, Masaru Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9863898
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a boiling point distribution of a sample include controlling the rates of temperature increase for a column and an injection port. An analyzer includes a column having a column heating element and an injection port having an injection port heating element. The temperature of the column can be increased at a first rate, and a temperature of the injection port can be increased at a second rate. The first and second rates are selected such that the temperature of the injection port is within about five to fifteen degrees Celsius of the temperature of the column when the temperature of the injection port reaches a target temperature of minimal thermal decomposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: EXXONMOBILE RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Frank P. DiSanzo, Howard J. Freund, Edward A. Moy
  • Patent number: 9863899
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an Operational Flight Efficiency Evaluation (OFEE) system for an aircraft. The system comprises an Avionics Situation Awareness Device (ASAD). The ASAD includes one or more processors, a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, and a flight data collection interface configured to, via the one or more processors, collect empirical flight data for a flight and store the empirical flight data in the memory. The OFEE also includes a Simulation And Comparison System (SACS) in communication with the ASAD. The ASAD includes a database communicatively coupled to a National Airspace System (NAS). The database is also configured to automatically acquire and store avionics systems available for flight efficiencies from the NAS. The ASAD also includes a simulator configured to identify at least one avionics upgrade based on the collected empirical flight data and the avionics systems available for flight efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen William Smothers
  • Patent number: 9863900
    Abstract: Various embodiments include planar sensor arrays for use in determining characteristics of a material under test (MUT). The planar sensor arrays can include a set of electrodes positioned to enhance a depth and clarity of detection into the material under test. Some embodiments include an electromagnetic sensor array having: a first set of two rectilinear electrodes, positioned opposed to one another across a space; and a second set of two rectilinear electrodes, positioned opposed to one another across the space, the second set being off-set from the first set, wherein the first set and the second set are configured to detect an electromagnetic impedance of the MUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TransTech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, Donald D. Colosimo, John W. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 9863901
    Abstract: A semiconductor gas sensor device includes a substrate, a conductive layer supported by the substrate, a non-suitable seed layer, and a porous gas sensing layer portion. The non-suitable seed layer is formed from a first material and includes a first support portion supported by the conductive layer, a second support portion supported by the conductive layer, and a suspended seed portion extending from the first support portion to the second support portion and suspended above the conductive layer. The porous gas sensing layer portion is formed from a second material and is supported directly by the non-suitable seed layer in electrical communication with the conductive layer. The first material and the second material form a non-suitable pair of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ando Feyh, Gary O'Brien, Ashwin K. Samarao, Fabian Purkl, Gary Yama
  • Patent number: 9863902
    Abstract: A resistive microelectronic fluid sensor implemented as an integrated voltage divider circuit can sense the presence of a fluid within a fluid reservoir, identify the fluid, and monitor fluid temperature or volume. Such a sensor has biomedical, industrial, and consumer product applications. After fluid detection, the fluid can be expelled from the reservoir and replenished with a fresh supply of fluid. A depression at the bottom of the sample reservoir allows a residual fluid to remain undetected so as not to skew the measurements. Electrodes can sense variations in the resistivity of the fluid, indicating a change in the fluid chemical composition, volume, or temperature. Such fluctuations that can be electrically sensed by the voltage divider circuit can be used as a thermal actuator to trigger ejection of all or part of the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Archit Giridhar, Teck Khim Neo
  • Patent number: 9863903
    Abstract: Condensation sensor systems and methods are described herein. Methods for forming a condensation sensor can include depositing a III-nitride on a substrate via sputtering, and implementing conductive contacts on the deposited III-nitride via a shadow mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Viorel G. Dumitru, Stefan D. Costea, Mihai Brezeanu
  • Patent number: 9863904
    Abstract: A method of analyzing a molecule is disclosed. A voltage source is selectively connected to or disconnected from a capacitor using a switch controlled by a reset signal. A charge is stored in a capacitor when the voltage source is connected to the capacitor. The capacitor is discharged through a nanopore in a membrane when the voltage source is disconnected from the capacitor. A duty cycle of the reset signal is determined such that the voltage source and the capacitor is connected for at least a one tenth portion of a reset signal period and disconnected for a remaining portion of the reset signal period, such that a voltage across the nanopore is maintained at a higher level during the portion of the reset signal period in which the connection is maintained than during the remaining portion of the reset signal period in which the connection is not maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Genia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. A. Chen, Hui Tian, Bill Maney
  • Patent number: 9863905
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting contact of a pipetting needle in an in vitro diagnostic system. To this end, the pipetting needle, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, should be cyclically charged by an electric voltage or current applied between the pipetting needle and a reference potential and discharged again by a subsequent electric connection between the pipetting needle and the reference potential. A characteristic variable for the current capacitance between the pipetting needle and the reference potential should be established from a number of measured values detected during the charging and/or discharging. A temporal curve of the characteristic variable should be monitored continuously based on a number of predetermined criteria and a contact signal should be generated if the predetermined criteria are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventor: Alexander Wiedekind-Klein
  • Patent number: 9863906
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically conditioning a patch plate and a plenum of an electrophysiology measurement system is provided. An arm is linearly movable between a non-operative position and an operative position. An end effector mounted to one side of the arm is configured to condition the patch plate. Another end effector mounted to an opposite side of the arm is configured to condition the plenum. A linear actuator is coupled to the arm and is configured to drive movement of the arm between the operative position and the non-operative position. When the arm is positioned in the operative position, the arm is situated between the patch plate and the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MOLECULAR DEVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Lee, Windsor Owens
  • Patent number: 9863907
    Abstract: An electrochemical detection system for determining a concentration of a gas in exhaust gases of a combustion process. The system includes an electrolyte, a reference electrode, and a sense electrode that cooperate to form an electrochemical sensor that exposes both the reference electrode and the sense electrode to the exhaust gases. The electrochemical sensor is configured to output a sensor signal indicative of a species concentration of a species gas in the exhaust gases. The sensor signal exhibits a transient error in response to a change in a reference concentration of a reference gas in the exhaust gases. The processor is configured to determine the species concentration based on the sensor signal, and to determine an estimate of the transient error based on an operating condition of the combustion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Da Yu Wang, David M. Racine, Sheng Yao
  • Patent number: 9863908
    Abstract: An ion selective electrode sensor includes a housing containing an internal solution and enclosing a reference element containing a metal salt solution; open mesh fabric sieves traversing an opening in the housing; and at least one ion sensitive film layer on the mesh fabric sieves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BioChem Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: George Jaw Fang Lee, Sergey K. Maneshin, Steven Kestel
  • Patent number: 9863909
    Abstract: Various methods for operating an oxygen sensor are provided. In one example, a method of operating an oxygen sensor comprises applying power to a heater of the oxygen sensor, and indicating whether water is in contact with the oxygen sensor based on a time rate of change of a temperature of the oxygen sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Mcquillen, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Daniel A. Makled, Stephen B. Smith
  • Patent number: 9863910
    Abstract: A metal oxide TFT-based sensor with multiple sensing modalities including an ion sensitive detector having an extended gate, a reservoir constructed to receive a sample carrying solution, and an ion sensitive electrode. The sensor further including a photodiode, a plurality of metal-oxide thin film transistors and a signal output. A pair of the metal-oxide thin film transistors are coupled to the photodiode, the ion sensitive detector and the output so as to provide output signals at the output alternately representative of ion emissions sensed by the ion sensitive detector and fluorescence events sensed by the photodiode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CBRITE INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Ackley, Chan-Long Shieh
  • Patent number: 9863911
    Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Jenn-Hann Larry Wang, Michael E. Miller, Raghavendhar Gautham, Yiwen Li, Rajiv Shah
  • Patent number: 9863912
    Abstract: Provided is a device comprising an upper chamber, a middle chamber and a lower chamber, wherein the upper chamber is in communication with the middle chamber through a first pore, and the middle chamber is in communication with the lower chamber through a second pore, wherein the first pore and second pore are about 1 nm to about 100 nm in diameter, and are about 10 nm to about 1000 nm apart from each other, and wherein each of the chambers comprises an electrode for connecting to a power supply. Methods of using the device are also provided, in particular for sequencing a polynucleotide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: William Dunbar, Jungsuk Kim
  • Patent number: 9863913
    Abstract: A liquid handling system for supplying liquids to a flow cell (FC). The system may include a droplet actuator cartridge, wherein the droplet actuator and a flow cell are fluidly coupled to, or situated within, a droplet operations gap of the droplet actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Pollack
  • Patent number: 9863914
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a first chamber containing a plurality of evenly spaced rods having voltages applied thereto to cause gas ions in the first chamber to move in a direction from a first end of the first chamber to a second end of the first chamber and a second chamber coupled to the second end of the first chamber and having at least one ion detector, where ions pass from the first chamber to the second chamber through a plurality of channels between the first chamber and the second chamber and are detected by the at least one ion detector. The voltages applied to the rods may include a first voltage applied to a first subset of the rods and a second voltage applied to a second subset of the rods, each of first and second voltages containing a DC component and an AC component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Implant Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: Said Boumsellek
  • Patent number: 9863915
    Abstract: A bending detection apparatus for a flexible device includes a plurality of antennas disposed to be bent together with a flexible device; and a bending detection unit for detecting bending of the flexible device based on inductances of the plurality of antennas or information corresponding to the inductances, a bending detection method for a flexible device, and a flexible device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heeseo Hwang, HaZoong Kim, SungWan Hong
  • Patent number: 9863916
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a first cover member; a detection element including an element substrate located on the first cover member, and a detection portion configured to detect an analyte, the detection portion being located on the element substrate; a terminal located on the first cover member and electrically connected to the detection element; an intermediate cover member located on the first cover member and having a space with the detection element; a filler member located in the space between the detection element and the intermediate cover member; a second cover member configured to cover at least a part of the detection element and joined to at least one of the first cover member and the intermediate cover member; an inlet into which the analyte flows; and a flow passage which is continuous with the inlet, and extends at least to the detection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Tanaka, Yasutaka Ohashi
  • Patent number: 9863917
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for condition monitoring of and/or fault diagnostics in solid dosage compaction presses and, more particularly, to methods and systems for real-time vibroacoustic condition monitoring of and/or fault diagnostics in solid dosage compaction presses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CLARKSON UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Cetin Cetinkaya
  • Patent number: 9863918
    Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement device includes a substrate, an ultrasonic element array, an ultrasonic transducer device, and an integrated circuit device. The ultrasonic element array has a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged on the substrate. The ultrasonic transducer device is formed on the substrate and having a plurality of signal electrode lines electrically connected to the ultrasonic element array. The integrated circuit device has a plurality of terminals to output a transmission signal to the ultrasonic element array. Each of the signal electrode lines includes an electrode layer in which at least one signal electrode among some of the ultrasonic elements is formed to extend on the substrate. The integrated circuit device is mounted on the substrate, and each of the terminals of the integrated circuit device is connected to a corresponding one of the signal electrode lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kogo Endo
  • Patent number: 9863919
    Abstract: A modular inspection vehicle having at least first and second motion modules is provided. The first and second motion modules are connected to a chassis. The first motion module includes a first wheel mounted to the chassis. The second motion module includes second wheel mounted to the chassis, the second wheel being at an angle to the first wheel. The vehicle further includes a navigation module configured to collect position data related to the position of the vehicle, an inspection module configured to collect inspection data related to the vehicle's environment, and a communication module configured to transmit and receive data. The vehicle can also include a control module configured to receive the inspection data and associate the inspection data with received position data that corresponds to the inspection data collect at a corresponding position for transmission via the communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Pablo Carrasco Zanini, Fadl Abdellatif, Brian Parrott, Hassane Trigui, Sahejad Patel, Ayman Amer, Ali Outa
  • Patent number: 9863920
    Abstract: Disclosed are fibers which contain identification fibers. The identification fibers can contain a one or more of chemical markers and one or more distinct features, or taggants, which may vary among the fibers or be incorporated throughout all of the fibers. The chemical markers and distinct features can be representative of specific supply chain information. The supply chain information can be used to track the fibers from manufacturing through intermediaries, conversion to final product, and/or the consumer. The disclosed embodiments also relate to the method for making and characterizing the fibers. Characterization of the fibers can include identifying chemical markers and distinct features and correlating the chemical markers and distinct features to manufacturer-specific taggants to determine supply chain information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott Gregory Gaynor, Andrew Ervin McLeod, Steven Anthony Wilson, Humberto Collazo, Larry Wayne Renfro, Lydia Juanita Salyer, Jeremy Kenneth Steach, Michael John Rodig, Brian Douglas Seiler, Jonathan Horton, Clarissa Tatum
  • Patent number: 9863921
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device transfers a fluid from a first fluid channel with a first cross-sectional area into a second fluid channel with a second cross-sectional area, larger than the first cross-sectional area. The fluid transfer device includes a fluid inlet interface at which the fluid is transferable from the first fluid channel into the fluid transfer device; an inlet branch configured to split the fluid from the first fluid channel into multiple inlet branch channels; multiple outlet branches, each of which is configured to split the fluid from the inlet branch channels into respective outlet branch channels; and a fluid outlet interface configured to transfer the fluid in the outlet branch channels into the second fluid channel. The inlet and output branches and branch channels are disposed such that the fluid exits from the fluid outlet interface, distributed in a two-dimensional manner across the second cross-sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Holger Rapp
  • Patent number: 9863922
    Abstract: An aftertreatment system utilizes chemical reactions to treat an exhaust gas flow. A system for aftertreatment of the exhaust gas flow includes a NOx sensor configured to monitor within the exhaust gas flow one of a lambda value and a NOx concentration value and a computerized processor device configured to calibrate the monitored value for presence of one of NH3, H2, and hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the system further includes a pair of NOx sensors, each monitoring both a lambda value and a NOx concentration value. In another embodiment, the system controls the aftertreatment based upon the calibrated values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gongshin Qi, Kevin L. Perry
  • Patent number: 9863923
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting a targeted analyte, such as volatile organic compound (VOCs), are disclosed. Specifically, a cholesteric liquid crystal composition comprising a nematic liquid crystal and a chiral dopant transitions to a liquid crystal blue phase or undergoes other optical changes when in contact with a sample containing the analyte. The phase transition can be readily detected with the naked eye. The disclosed methods and compositions may be used in, for example, dosimeters for detecting analyte (e.g., VOC) exposure. Methods and compositions for producing arrays of liquid crystal thin films are also disclosed. The surface between the microwells in a microwell array is coated with a liquid-crystal-phobic material, such as a fluorinated polymer or a fluorinated silane, creating isolated microwell domains that are preferentially wetted by liquid crystal. Liquid crystal can be added to the microwell domains by simple techniques such as spin coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Nicholas L. Abbott, Marco Antonio Bedolla Pantoja, Xiaoguang Wang
  • Patent number: 9863924
    Abstract: A hand-held microfluidic testing device is provided that includes a housing having a cartridge receiving port and a cartridge for input to the cartridge receiving port. An optical detection system in the housing is capable of providing an illuminated electric field useful for Raman spectroscopy. The cartridge may have a sample well. The sample well is loaded with a mixture of water containing the analyte, Raman-scattering nanoparticles and a calibration solution. The calibration solution contains an analog of the analyte differing in its Raman response, for example an isotope of the analyte. Optionally, a chemical compound capable of increasing interaction between the analyte and the nanoparticles may be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: OndaVia, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Charles Peterman, Merwan Benhabib, Carlos Atico Ariza, Samuel Louis Kleinman
  • Patent number: 9863925
    Abstract: A filtration system for a soil analysis device and methods of pressure filtration and automated cleaning are disclosed for generating filtrate used in measuring characteristics of a soil sample and preparing the filtration system for repeated measurements. A mixing chamber combines a soil sample and an extractant into a liquid mixture. The filtration system receives and pressure filters the liquid mixture to quickly generate filtrate used to measure characteristics of the sample. The filtrate is passed to a measurement cell for analysis. Once the analysis is complete, the filtration system performs a cleaning process in preparation to receive a subsequent liquid mixture from another soil sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: WINFIELD SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Bevan Gerber-Siff, Justin White, Stephen Prouty, Robert Tirrell, Michael Preiner, Nicholas Koshnick
  • Patent number: 9863926
    Abstract: Analyzing a hydrocarbon-containing fluid includes providing a hydrocarbon-containing fluid to a separation system including a cyclone separator, and separating the hydrocarbon-containing fluid into a gas phase sample and a liquid phase sample. The liquid phase sample is separated into an aqueous sample and a non-aqueous sample. The volume of the gas phase sample and of the non-aqueous sample are assessed, and the ratio of the volume of the non-aqueous sample to the volume of the gas phase sample yields the condensate-gas ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SGS North America Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Kriel, Jerry W. Swearingen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9863927
    Abstract: A method of inspecting and forming sapphire structures. The method of inspecting a sapphire structure may include providing an annealed sapphire structure, and measuring a profile of at least a portion of the annealed sapphire structure. The profile of at least the portion of the annealed sapphire structure may be measured using a non-x-ray based measuring device. Additionally, the method of inspecting may include identifying a defect within at least a portion of the measured profile of the annealed sapphire structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Dale N. Memering, Matthew S. Rogers, Scott A. Myers
  • Patent number: 9863928
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a road condition detection system for identifying and monitoring road conditions, and for communicating information regarding road conditions to various users. The road condition detection system is provided for capturing data indicative of road conditions and analyzing the captured data to locate and identify various road conditions (e.g., road hazards, such as potholes, or weather conditions, such as ice). In various embodiments, the road condition detection system includes a road condition sensor array configured for being attached to a vehicle and for capturing road condition data. The captured data may be transmitted and assessed by a server configured for identifying potential road hazards or other road conditions based on the road condition data captured by the sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Peterson, Nagesh Kadaba, Christopher T Schenken
  • Patent number: 9863929
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and device for evaluating a wooden board with an elongated direction. Data indicating fiber orientation over the surface of the board is acquired and for a number of board sub-portions a nominal local modulus of elasticity, MOE, is determined based on the fiber orientation data and a nominal material parameter. A nominal global MOE in the elongated direction for the wooden board as a whole is generated and compared with a secondary global MOE. Based on the fiber orientation data and this comparison an estimated local modulus of elasticity, MOE, in said elongated direction is generated for a number of board sub-portions. This data may be used e.g. for reliable strength grading of wooden boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: WOODEYE AB
    Inventors: Anders Olsson, Erik Serrano, Jan Oscarsson, Bertil Enquist, Marie Johansson, Bo Källsner