Patents Issued in November 24, 2020
  • Patent number: 10845287
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of characterizing particles in a sample. The method comprises illuminating the sample in a sample cell with a light beam, so as to produce scattered light by the interaction of the light beam with the sample; obtaining a time series of measurements of the scattered light from a single detector; determining, from the time series of measurements from the single detector, which measurements were taken at times when a large particle was contributing to the scattered light; determining a particle size distribution, including correcting for light scattered by the large particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Malvern Panalytical Limited
    Inventors: Jason Corbett, Alex Malm
  • Patent number: 10845288
    Abstract: A particle electrical mobility classifier is provided for the classification of particles (e.g., particles less than 1 ??? in size) based on their electrical mobility. The particle classification zone is curved. In an exemplary embodiment, two metal concentric cylinders, separated by an annular insulation spacer, establish a particle classification zone. A DC electrical field is supplied by the cylinders in the circular classification zone. An example classifier can be operated in different modes such as: (1) as a particle precipitator; (2) as a particle electrical mobility separator, and (3) as a differential mobility classifier. The curved classification zone results in a particle classifier having an extended particle sizing range as compared to their counterparts in classical configurations. The curve of the classification channel (in the flow direction) may be in any of several configurations (e.g., circular, wavy, spiral, or helical).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Daren Chen, Qiaoling Liu
  • Patent number: 10845289
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for static sedimentation tests comprising a plurality of sedimentation cylinders, which are subject to the same mixing conditions, said apparatus comprises: a. A variable number of transparent sedimentation cylinders, the most common being 12; b. Each sedimentation cylinder is located inside a non-intrusive emitter and receiving sensor housing where each housing has an electronic ID card, electronic circuit boards and connection to a control system; c. A support structure containing the sedimentation cylinders and sensor housings which rotates around an axis of rotation; d. Each sedimentation cylinder has a bottom stopper and top stopper; e. Where each bottom stopper of each sedimentation cylinder is mounted on a lateral bar parallel to the rotation axis, by a fixing to the supporting structure; f. Also the sedimentation cylinders are fixed in the supporting structure by a clamping system around the top stopper of each sedimentation cylinder g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: AVOCA ENGINEERS SPA
    Inventors: Jonathan Engels, Peter Amelunxen
  • Patent number: 10845290
    Abstract: A failure detection device has a PM filter, a PM detection sensor having a sensor element arranged at a downstream of the PM filter, an ECU and a PM detection sensor control part. The sensor element detects an amount of PM in exhaust gas, and generates a sensor signal corresponding to the detected PM amount. A load detection part in the ECU detects an engine load. A judgment execution determination part in the control part compares the detected engine load with a threshold value, and determines whether a PM filter failure detection should be performed based on the comparison result. A failure judgment part compares the sensor signal with a failure judgment threshold value when the determination part decides that it is necessary to perform the failure detection of the PM filter, and determines that the PM filter failure has occurred based on the latter comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kensuke Takizawa, Kazuhiko Koike, Go Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 10845291
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods suitable for (i) measuring lithological or petro-physical properties of reservoir core sample including shale rock; (ii) evaluating the degree of formation damage caused by foreign fluid into formation; (iii) conducting dynamic experiments, such as water flooding, chemical solution flooding, and supercritical CO2 injection to displacing oil tests; (iv) simulating physical radial flow experiments using reservoir core sample(s) at conditions of temperature up to 150° C. and pressure up to 6000 psi, are provided involving radial flow through the core sample(s) having at least partially hollow centers in an axial direction, up to annular axial cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Mazen Yousef Kanj, Xianmin Zhou
  • Patent number: 10845292
    Abstract: A method for correcting low permeability laboratory measurements for leaks. A pulse-decay permeability (PDP) experiment is performed on a core sample retrieved from a formation. The PDP experiment includes flowing fluid through the core sample in a sealed enclosure. In response to flowing the fluid through the core sample, a change in fluid pressure is measured over time. Based on the change in fluid pressure over time, a leakage of fluid from the sealed enclosure is determined. In response to determining the leakage of fluid from the sealed enclosure, an analytical model of the leakage is determined based on the change in fluid pressure over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Daniel T. Georgi, Huangye Chen, Hui-Hai Liu
  • Patent number: 10845293
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter broadly involves a device and a method for determining characteristics of a rock sample. The rock sample can be provided in a sample receptacle. Length of the rock sample can be automatically determined when the rock sample is in the sample receptacle. A current can be provided through the rock sample, which, along with the determined length, can be used to determine one or more of resistance-, porosity-, and permeability-related characteristics of the rock sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Rakan Fadhel, Salaheldin Elkatatny
  • Patent number: 10845294
    Abstract: A method of operating a multi-angle, multi-wave array may comprise, emitting a first light at a blue wavelength, emitting a second light at an infrared wavelength, emitting a third light at an ultraviolet wavelength, and detecting a scattered light from each of the first light, the second light, and the third light at a plurality of light sensing devices wherein the detection of scattered light is determinative between categories of foreign object debris including solid objects and particulates including silicate sand, water vapor, dust, volcanic ash, sea-salt aerosol, and smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Wayde R. Schmidt, Michael J. Birnkrant, Xuemei Wang
  • Patent number: 10845295
    Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry apparatus and method which allows registering multiple locations across a cell, and/or across multiple flow channels, in parallel using radio-frequency-tagged emission (FIRE) coupled with a parallel optical detection scheme toward increasing analysis throughput. An optical source is modulated by multiple RF frequencies to produce an optical interrogation beam having a spatially distributed beat frequency. This beam is directed to one or more focused streams of cells whose responsive fluorescence, in different frequencies, is registered in parallel by an optical detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Bahram Jalali, Eric D. Diebold, Brandon Buckley
  • Patent number: 10845296
    Abstract: A particle detector is provided, including at least one channel configured to receive at least one fluid including particles; one optical inlet configured to receive at least one incident luminous radiation; one first plurality of reflecting surfaces arranged between the optical inlet and the channel; one matrix of photo detectors arranged facing the channel; and one second plurality of reflecting surfaces arranged between the channel and the matrix of photo detectors such that the channel is disposed between the first and the second pluralities of reflecting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Salim Boutami, Mathieu Dupoy, Jean-Marc Fedeli
  • Patent number: 10845297
    Abstract: A corrosion sensor system includes one or more corrosion sensors embedded in a coating material such as an anti-corrosion coating material. Each corrosion sensor may include a resonator disposed on a dielectric substrate, and has a resonant frequency in a radio frequency (RF) range or an infrared (IR) range, and is configured for interacting with an RF or IR excitation signal to produce an RF or IR measurement signal. The corrosion sensor system may be applied to an object for which corrosion is to be monitored. A corrosion detection system includes a data acquisition system that transmits the excitation signal to the corrosion sensor, and receives the measurement signal from the corrosion sensor for analysis to determine whether corrosion has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: MICROSS ADVANCED INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Goodwin, Mark Roberson, John Lewis, Dorota Temple
  • Patent number: 10845298
    Abstract: A method of measuring adhesive strength between an element body and a porous protection layer that are included in a sensor element includes (a) a step of holding a portion of the element body where the porous protection layer is absent with an elastic force exerted by a holding jig, and placing a peeling jig at a position between the porous protection layer and the holding jig in the longitudinal direction such that the element body is allowed to move in the longitudinal direction while the porous protection layer is prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction toward the holding jig; and (b) a step of moving, after the step (a), the peeling jig pushes the porous protection layer in the longitudinal direction, and measuring the adhesive strength of the porous protection layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Onishi, Yosuke Adachi, Takashi Hino
  • Patent number: 10845299
    Abstract: The devices and systems disclosed herein provide multiple optical capabilities in a single device or system. Methods for using these devices and systems are provided. These devices and systems are configurable for operation in each of a spectroscopy mode, a fluorescence mode, and a luminescence mode, and are capable of performing spectroscopic, fluorescence, and luminescence observations, measurements, and analyses when operated in the corresponding spectroscopy mode, fluorescence mode, or luminescence mode. These devices and systems include mirror dispersion elements having multiple faces including an optical dispersion element on one face (e.g., a diffraction grating or a prism) and a reflective element on another face (e.g., a mirror). These multiple capabilities eliminate the need to move or load a sample in multiple devices when subjecting a sample to multiple analyses, and thus provide greater accuracy, precision, and speed while reducing complexity and cost of sample analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Labrador Diagnostics LLC
    Inventors: Karan Mohan, Samartha Anekal
  • Patent number: 10845300
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for improving the precision of a test result from an instrument with an optical system that detects a signal. The method comprises including in the instrument a normalization target disposed directly or indirectly in the optical path of the optical system. Also disclosed are instruments comprising a normalization target, and systems comprising such an instrument and a test device that receives a sample suspected of containing an analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Quidel Corporation
    Inventors: David Dickson Booker, Jhobe Steadman
  • Patent number: 10845301
    Abstract: A crop growth monitoring device based on multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle platform includes a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle, a payload and a ground receiver; the payload part includes a multispectral crop growth sensor module, a signal amplification module, a controller module, a wireless data transmission module, and a power module for power supply and a power supply control module, which are connected in sequence; further comprising a gimbal. The crop growth monitoring device based on the multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle platform overcomes the influence on measurement caused by the down-wash flow field of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and can transmit the measured data to the ground receiver in real time for online analysis and processing, realizing continuous, real-time, convenient and large-scope acquisition of crop growth information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: NANJING AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jun Ni, Lili Yao, Yan Zhu, Weixing Cao, Xia Yao, Yongchao Tian, Fang Liu, Fangrong Pang
  • Patent number: 10845302
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including a focal plane array (FPA) unit behind an optical window. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. One or more of the optical channels may be used in detecting objects on or near the optical window, to avoid false detections of said target species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Mallery, Ohad Israel Balila, Robert Timothy Kester
  • Patent number: 10845303
    Abstract: A sensing apparatus for detecting at least one target molecule in a gaseous medium is provided, comprising an optical fiber having a core with a tilted grating, and a coating assembly. The coating assembly has a composite film layer having an outer surface in direct contact with the gaseous medium, and contains at least two compositions mixed with one another therein, which include one or more surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-active compositions and one or more reacting compositions that are reversibly reactive to the at least one target molecule. Depending on different reacting compositions, the sensing apparatus can detect various target gas molecules such as hydrogen, ammonia, methane, and formaldehyde, etc. The sensing apparatus has relatively fast response time and high resistance to deactivation. A sensing system based on the sensing apparatus, a manufacturing method of the sensing apparatus, and a detection method using the sensing system, are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: JINAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tuan Guo, Christophe Caucheteur, Fu Liu, Xuejun Zhang, Shunshuo Cai
  • Patent number: 10845304
    Abstract: An acoustic scatterometer 502 has an acoustic source 520 operable to project acoustic radiation 526 onto a periodic structure 538 and 540 formed on a substrate 536. An acoustic detector 518 is operable to detect the ?1st acoustic diffraction order 528 diffracted by the periodic structure 538 and 540 while discriminating from specular reflection (0th order 532). Another acoustic detector 522 is operable to detect the +1st acoustic diffraction order 530 diffracted by the periodic structure, again while discriminating from the specular reflection (0th order 532). The acoustic source and acoustic detector may be piezo transducers. The angle of incidence of the projected acoustic radiation 526 and location of the detectors 518 and 522 are arranged with respect to the periodic structure 538 and 540 such that the detection of the ?1st and +1st acoustic diffraction orders 528 and 530 discriminates from the 0th order specular reflection 532.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Maxim Pisarenco, Nitesh Pandey, Alessandro Polo
  • Patent number: 10845305
    Abstract: An analyte-sensitive substance is provided that has an optical property related to the concentration of an analyte. The analyte-sensitive substance includes an ionophore or other substance configured to provide a local pH, within the analyte-sensitive substance, that is related to the concentration of the analyte proximate the analyte-sensitive substance. The analyte-sensitive substance further includes a pH-sensitive fluorophore that increases or decreases its intrinsic fluorescence intensity with the local pH across a specified range of pH values. The analyte-sensitive substance further includes a pH-sensitive quencher configured to increase the slope of the change of fluorescence intensity of the pH-sensitive fluorophore across the specified range of pH values. The analyte-sensitive substance may further include an ionic additive configured to adjust the local pH such that the specified range of pH values corresponds to a range of analyte concentration values of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Tordella Ruckh, Zhan Wang
  • Patent number: 10845306
    Abstract: A single-wavelength light source is configured to generate an excitation light source. A sample holder that defines an inner cavity is capable of holding a sample and includes a surface transparent to the excitation light source. One or more mounts are attached to at least one of the light source or the sample holder. The mounts are configured to change an incident angle of the excitation light source on the surface. One or more optical components are positioned in a path of a fluorescence emission emitted from the surface and guide the fluorescence emission to a detector. A detector detects an intensity of the fluorescence emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ezzat Hegazi, Vincent Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10845307
    Abstract: A single-wavelength light source is configured to generate an excitation light source. A sample holder that defines an inner cavity is capable of holding a sample and includes a surface transparent to the excitation light source. One or more mounts are attached to at least one of the light source or the sample holder. The mounts are configured to change an incident angle of the excitation light source on the surface. One or more optical components are positioned in a path of a fluorescence emission emitted from the surface and guide the fluorescence emission to a detector. A detector detects an intensity of the fluorescence emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ezzat Hegazi, Vincent Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10845308
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a photodetection region configured to receive incident photons. The photodetection region is configured to produce a plurality of charge carriers in response to the incident photons. The integrated circuit includes at least one charge carrier storage region. The integrated circuit also includes a charge carrier segregation structure configured to selectively direct charge carriers of the plurality of charge carriers directly into the at least one charge carrier storage region based upon times at which the charge carriers are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Quantum-Si Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Keith G. Fife, David Boisvert
  • Patent number: 10845309
    Abstract: An optical component may be optically blackened so that the surface of the component is not reflective when light impinges upon the surface. In some examples, a method of blackening involves exposing a surface of the optical component that defines an optical pathway to an optical blackening composition for a period of time effective to optically blacken the surface. The optical blackening composition may be configured so that the resulting optically blackened optical pathway is non-fluorescing when exposed to ultraviolet light. In some examples, the optical blackening composition comprises selenous acid and is devoid of organic molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Elina A. Vitol
  • Patent number: 10845310
    Abstract: A sensor device for quantifying luminescent targets configured in an at least one dimensional pattern. The sensor device comprises a detector for obtaining an at least one dimensional pattern of measured signals, wherein the detector is adapted for detecting the luminescence of the luminescent targets, resulting in a measured pattern. The sensor device moreover comprises a processor configured to correlate the measured pattern with at least one reference pattern, so as to generate a measurement signal representative for the quantification of luminescent targets. The at least one reference pattern is a recorded pattern or an expected pattern. A recorded pattern is a pattern which is obtained by the detector before the measured pattern is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: IMEC VZW
    Inventors: Peter Peumans, Liesbet Lagae, Willem Van Roy, Tim Stakenborg, Pol Van Dorpe
  • Patent number: 10845311
    Abstract: A fluorescence lifetime measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an illumination light generation unit configured to generate illumination light, a fluorescence photon detection unit configured to collect a fluorescence signal of fluorescence photons generated by illuminating at least one or more samples including fluorescent molecules with the illumination light; and a measurement unit configured to compute a fluorescence lifetime by applying a least square method to a simulation function and a function of the fluorescence signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignees: YONSEI UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION (YONSEI UIF), INTEKPLUS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dug Young Kim, Won Sang Hwang, Dong Eun Kim, Min Gu Kang
  • Patent number: 10845312
    Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to systems and methods using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. More specifically, the present invention describes a system and method of use for SERS detection of sialic (N-acetylneuraminic acid) using citrate-reduced silver nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Ekaterina Vinogradova, Hugo Navarro-Contreras, Miguel Jose-Yacaman
  • Patent number: 10845313
    Abstract: A real-time, on-line method and analytical system for determining halohydrocarbons in water which operate by (1) extracting on-line samples; (2) purging volatile halohydrocarbons from the water (e.g., with air or nitrogen); (3) carrying the purge gas containing the analytes of interest over a porous surface where the analytes are adsorbed; (4) recovering the analytes from the porous surface with heat (thermal desorption) or solvent (solvent elution) to drive the analytes into an organic chemical mixture; (5) generating an optical change (e.g., color change) in dependence upon a reaction involving the analytes and a pyridine derivative; and (6) measuring optical characteristics associated with the reaction to quantify the volatile halogenated hydrocarbon concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: AMS Trace Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Harmesh K. Saini, Michael J. West, Qin Wang, James Garvey, Paul Rand, Mark Angelo, David Johnston, Robert Ormond, Ye Han
  • Patent number: 10845314
    Abstract: A gas sensing element includes a gas detection layer including a chemochromic pigment, with modifications towards enhancing shelf-life performance and false detection performance before use. The gas detection layer has an adhesion of greater than or equal to 0.2 N/25 mm. Also described are methods of making the aforedescribed element to attain enhanced shelf-life performance and false detection performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Nakamura, Nahid Mohajeri, Yu-chu Chen, Kujtim Bizati, Shinji Inokuchi
  • Patent number: 10845315
    Abstract: A machine-vision device including a camera system, with a camera and an integrated origin light source that is integrated into the camera system, and a lighting device with: control interface including: a plurality of light sensors each for capturing a respective origin light signal, and emitting a respective sensor signal, and an electronic unit for processing the sensor signal configured so as to transmit a respective control signal to a respective output of the processing electronic unit. The lighting device with one or more automatically controlled light sources that are external to the camera system, each connected to one respective output of the processing electronic unit by respective connection, so as to be controlled with the control signal delivered to the output. At least one light sensor is placed so as to directly capture the light emitted by one origin light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: TPL VISION UK LTD
    Inventor: Guillaume Mazeaud
  • Patent number: 10845316
    Abstract: An installation (2) for optically inspecting containers (3) includes a support table (7) for containers, which table has a slide plate (8) on which the bottom of a container stands. The slide plate (8) includes a portion (18) that is movable under the action of an actuator (19) to move the movable portion (18) between a transfer position in which the movable portion is flush with the table, and an inspection position in which the movable portion (18) is set back relative to the slide plate (8). A light source (14) and a light sensor (15) are positioned so that, in the inspection position of the movable portion, the sensor can receive a light beam propagating in an inspection volume (V) in which there is situated at least a portion of the bottom (4) of the container spaced apart from the slide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: TIAMA
    Inventor: Antonio Pinto
  • Patent number: 10845317
    Abstract: A system for processing a substrate is provided. The system includes a process chamber including one or more sidewalls enclosing a processing region; and a substrate support. The system further includes a passageway connected to the process chamber; and a first particle detector disposed at a first location along the passageway. The first particle detector includes an energy source configured to emit a first beam; one or more optical devices configured to direct the first beam along one or more paths, where the one or more paths extend through at least a portion of the passageway. The first particle detector further includes a first energy detector disposed at a location other than on the one or more paths. The system further includes a controller configured to communicate with the first particle detector, wherein the controller is configured to identify a fault based on signals received from the first particle detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Egan, Mehdi Vaez-Iravani, Samer Banna, Kyle Tantiwong, Gregory Kirk, Abraham Ravid, Yaoming Shen
  • Patent number: 10845318
    Abstract: A cosmogenic neutron sensor includes a hydrogen-sensitive neutron detector orientable above a measurement surface. A neutron shield is positionable on the hydrogen-sensitive neutron detector. The neutron shield is positioned to interact with at least a portion of cosmogenic neutrons propagating in a direction of the hydrogen-sensitive neutron detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: QUAESTA INSTRUMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Marek Zreda, Steven Hamann, Martin Schrön, Markus Köhli
  • Patent number: 10845319
    Abstract: A system and method for foreign object detection in meat processing is provided. The system and method combine microfocus X-ray sources with dual energy X-rays to detect foreign objects in meat products. A dual energy image processing algorithm analyzes the dual energy X-rays passed through the meat product to identify the foreign object present therein. An alarm or other notification is then generated in response to the detection of a foreign object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Richard J. Davis, III
  • Patent number: 10845320
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a scanning method and apparatus suitable for scanning a pipeline or process vessel in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the vessel to be detected by an array of detectors which are each collimated to detect radiation over a narrow angle relative to the width of the emitted radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Christopher Bowdon, Paul Featonby, James Stephen Howstan, Peter Jackson, Kenneth James, Emanuele Ronchi
  • Patent number: 10845321
    Abstract: A system includes a focusing system, a radiation detector, and a controller. The focusing system is configured to receive an incident radiation beam from a radiation source and focus the incident radiation beam on a portion of a component of a high temperature mechanical system. The incident radiation beam scatters from the portion of the component as a diffracted radiation beam. The focusing system is further configured to focus the diffracted radiation beam from the portion of the component on the radiation detector. The radiation detector is configured to detect a diffraction pattern of the diffracted radiation beam from the portion of the component. The controller is configured to determine a temperature of the portion of the component based on the diffraction pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Michael George Glavicic
  • Patent number: 10845322
    Abstract: A coreflood method that treats a consolidated porous medium, e.g., as a bundle of capillaries of various sizes as a surfactant alternating gas (SAG) method of foam injection. An electrical resistivity tool is used to monitor and measure in-situ changes in water and gas saturation while a high-resolution pressure transducer measures the pressure drop across the sample. A consolidated rock sample pre-saturated with a surfactant solution is injected with a small slug of gas and then a surfactant solution is injected until a steady state flow is observed. Graphical analysis of the saturation and pressure profile in each cycle allows the estimation of water saturation, saturation of the mobile and trapped fractions, and a corresponding pressure drop. Similarly, graphical analysis of the saturation and pressure profile in multiple SAG cycles generates a data set as a function of pore size, water saturation, and capillary pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Abdulrauf Rasheed Adebayo
  • Patent number: 10845323
    Abstract: An electronic component includes a field effect transistor that functions as a working electrode of an ion sensor and a driving circuit that causes a potential difference between a source electrode and a drain electrode of the field effect transistor. A reference electrode potential of the field effect transistor is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignees: WASEDA UNIVERSITY, YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawarada, Masafumi Inaba, Mohd Sukri Shaili Falina Binti, Takuro Naramura, Keisuke Igarashi, Yukihiro Shintani, Kotaro Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10845324
    Abstract: Electrochemical sensors for the detection of select analytes are provided. The electrochemical sensors include a barrier layer having a substantially uniformed thickness disposed between a sensing layer and an ion exchange membrane. The barrier layer includes a two-dimensional nanomaterial. The barrier layer has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 nm. The sensing layer has a thickness of less than or equal to about 10 nm. The sensing layer generates ions in response to select analytes. The barrier layer allows the generation ions to pass therethrough and travel into the ion exchange membrane. The barrier layer acts as a physical barrier to contaminants and larger molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Girish Kulkarni, Xudong Fan, Zhaohui Zhong, Ayush Pandey, Wenzhe Zang
  • Patent number: 10845325
    Abstract: A solid-state, low power microheater sensor platform that is configurable with selected metal oxide films for particular gas sensing applications is described. The sensor platform is configured by selecting a chemiresistive or catalytic material that is suitable for detecting a desired gas and then forming a porous nanostructured film on the designated surfaces of the microheater platform. Also described are methods for creating a highly porous, nanostructured metal oxide film in a controlled location from a liquid precursor using a localized heat source. By fast annealing deposited liquid precursors with the microheater, a highly porous, nanocrystalline metal oxide film can be generated in-situ and locally on the sensor platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Roya Maboudian, Hu Long, Anna Harley-Trochimczyk, William Mickelson, Carlo Carraro
  • Patent number: 10845326
    Abstract: The inequality Voff<Va<Vb is satisfied, assuming that Va is a first voltage applied to a preliminary oxygen concentration control unit at a time of a first operation thereof, Vb is a second voltage applied to the preliminary oxygen concentration control unit at a time of a second operation thereof, and Voff is a voltage applied thereto at a time when the preliminary oxygen concentration control unit is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Taku Okamoto, Nobukazu Ikoma
  • Patent number: 10845327
    Abstract: A sensor element includes: a sensing cell including a sensing electrode and a reference electrode; an oxygen pump cell configured to pump out oxygen in an internal space when a predetermined voltage is applied between an inner side pump electrode formed facing to the internal space and an outer side pump electrode formed on an outer surface of the sensor element; and a heater capable of heating the sensing cell and the oxygen pump cell. The concentration of a target gas component in measurement gas is specified based on a sensor output generated at the sensing cell and a pump current at the oxygen pump cell while the heater heats the sensing cell to a temperature of 400° C. to 600° C. and heats the oxygen pump cell to a temperature of 580° C. to 850° C. determined in accordance with a diffusion resistance provided to the measurement gas by a gas introduction part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Nakayama, Noriko Hirata, Taku Okamoto, Kosuke Monna
  • Patent number: 10845328
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a nanoporous thin film device comprising depositing a template on a substrate to form a nanoporous insulating layer, the template comprising one or more polymers capable of forming pores when polymerized and at least one cross-linking agent, and depositing a second layer (e.g. organic semiconductor, semiconductor, insulator) on the nonporous insulating layer to form a thin film having a plurality of isolated nanopores on the surface. Nanoporous semiconductor thin films made by these methods is provided. Sensors and devices comprising the nanoporous thin film is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Ying Diao, Fengjiao Zhang
  • Patent number: 10845329
    Abstract: An ion concentration distribution measurement device includes a unit detection element for outputting charges of an amount according to an ion concentration, and an integration circuit for outputting a signal value according to the amount of charges which are output from the unit detection element. The unit detection element includes a MOS transistor, an ion sensitive portion, a first capacitive portion, and a transfer switch. The integration circuit includes an amplifier, a second capacitive portion, and a reset switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignees: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION TOYOHASHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Sawada, Hiroo Yamamoto, Seiichiro Mizuno, Toshiki Wakamori
  • Patent number: 10845330
    Abstract: A physiological characteristic sensor, a method for forming a physiological characteristic sensor, and a method for forming a platinum deposit having a rough surface are presented here. The method for forming a physiological characteristic sensor includes immersing a sensor electrode in a platinum electrolytic bath. Further, the method includes performing an electrodeposition process by sequentially applying a pulsed signal to the sensor electrode, wherein the pulsed signal includes a repeated cycle of a first current and a second current different from the first current, and applying a non-pulsed continuous signal to the sensor electrode, wherein the non-pulsed continuous signal includes a non-repeated application of a third current, to form a platinum deposit on the sensor electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Jacks, Raghavendhar Gautham, Bradley C. Liang, Megan E. Little, Daniel E. Pesantez, Rajiv Shah
  • Patent number: 10845331
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings herein may include a method for operating an internal combustion engine having probe measuring a gas concentration of a gas mixture, said probe comprising a pump electrode, comprising: controlling a first pump current at the pump electrode to provide a resulting first pump voltage; controlling a second pump current at the pump electrode to provide a resulting second pump voltage, wherein the second pump voltage is greater than the first pump voltage; calculating an aging factor for the probe on the basis of the first pump current and the second pump current; and adapting operation of the internal combustion engine based on a characteristic of the probe corresponding to the calculated aging factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventor: Hong Zhang
  • Patent number: 10845332
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a NOx sensor (10) having an oxygen-ion-conducting solid electrolyte and having at least one cavity (12), wherein at least one cavity (12) of the NOx sensor is flooded with a defined oxygen concentration during a self-diagnosis of the NOx sensor. The gradient of a pump current resulting therefrom is evaluated and, in the case of a deviation in comparison with reference values, possibly impaired dynamics of the NOx sensor are inferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Eckehard Knoefler, Torsten Handler
  • Patent number: 10845333
    Abstract: An object is to make a bridge of DNA expanding between a pair of electrodes, and to characterize the bridge of DNA, to thereby detect DNA easily and surely without employing any marker or labeling substances, such as fluorescent reagents. A method of detecting DNA using a detection device with at least a couple of electrodes, the method comprising immobilizing a primer on the electrodes; making a bridge of the DNA expanded between the electrodes, by immersing the electrodes in a solution including circular templates of single stranded DNA, annealing the circular templates, and generating single stranded DNA product utilizing RCA (Rolling Circle Amplification), with impressing a designated voltage between the electrodes; and characterizing the bridge of DNA which includes multiple single stranded DNA molecules between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignees: The Foundation for the Promotion of Industrial Science, Neuroindx, Inc., Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujita, Stanislav L. Karsten, Dominique Collard, Momoko Kumemura
  • Patent number: 10845334
    Abstract: A cell extraction method includes providing a mixed-cell sample having both target cells and non-target cells slurried in a trailing-electrolyte solution. A leading electrolyte solution is provided to contact the trailing electrolyte solution via a capillary and a pressure control device. Focusing of the target cells at an interface between the leading- and trailing-electrolyte solutions occurs by applying pressure to the capillary and concurrently applying an electric potential via electrodes. The target cells are extracted into the capillary by applying a negative pressure and transferred to a receptacle. A cell extraction system for use with a gradient elution isotachophoresis method includes a trailing electrolyte solution adapted to migrate slower than the target cells and a leading electrolyte solution adapted to migrate faster than the target cells. A mixed-cell sample containing the target and non-target cells is slurried in the trailing electrolyte solution prior to cell extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Alyssa C. Henry, Vanessa M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 10845335
    Abstract: An electrochemical tongue can be used for detection of metal ions. The reference electrode of the electrochemical tongue can be coated with a polymer. More than one reference electrode can be used, and the electrochemical tongue can be inserted into a cone penetrometer for portable, in situ analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Pradeep Kurup, Ramaswamy Nagarajan, Timothy Ponrathnam, Weeradech Kiratitanavit
  • Patent number: 10845336
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing COVID-19 infection of a person. The method includes acquiring a sputum sample of a person, measuring a level of ROS in the sputum sample, and detecting a COVID-19 infection status of the person based on the measured level of ROS. Measuring the level of ROS in the sputum sample includes recording a cyclic voltammetry (CV) pattern from the sputum sample and measuring a current peak of the recorded CV pattern. Detecting the COVID-19 infection status of the person includes detecting COVID-19 infection of the person responsive to the measured current peak being in a first range of more than 230 ?A and detecting COVID-19 non-infection of the person responsive to the measured current peak being in a second range of less than 190 ?A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventors: Mohammad Abdolahad, Zohreh Sadat Miripour, Hassan Sanati koloukhi, Fatemeh Zahra Shojaeian Zanjani