Patents Issued in February 9, 2021
  • Patent number: 10914627
    Abstract: A photodiode current comparison circuit has a first current source coupled to a circuit node configurable to operate in a first mode, a second current source coupled to the circuit node configurable to operate in a second mode opposite the first mode, and a third current source switchable to route a current to the circuit node in response to a data signal using a transistor coupled between the circuit node and the third current source. A photodiode is coupled to the circuit node. In a first configuration, an anode of the photodiode is coupled to the circuit node and a cathode of the photodiode is coupled to a power supply terminal. In a second configuration, a cathode of the photodiode is coupled to the circuit node and an anode of the photodiode is coupled to a power supply terminal. An amplifier provides an error signal of the photodiode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Semtech Corporation
    Inventors: Jonah Edward Nuttgens, James Stephen Mason
  • Patent number: 10914628
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for spectral and intensity profile characterization comprising: a diffractive element; a beam block (3) attached to the diffractive element, the beam block (3) being positioned so as to block the passage of the direct incoming beam (1) which is not incident on the diffractive element; a device for translation of the beam block (3) and the diffractive element; reflective element (4); fixed detector (5) positioned on the axis of the incoming beam (1). The invention also concerns use and a method thereof. Such a compact system provides application in the field of spectrometry and diagnostics of the beam intensity profile, especially in the area of XUV and soft X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: FYZIKALNI USTAV AV CR, V. V. I.
    Inventor: Jaroslav Nejdl
  • Patent number: 10914629
    Abstract: An imaging system includes: an image sensor sensitive to ultraviolet light and visible light; a lens configured to focus light from a subject onto the image sensor; and an image processor configured to process image signals output from the image sensor. The image processor obtains the difference between image signals A1 and A2 output from the image sensor at times t1 and t2, respectively. If the differential signal A3 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the image processor determines that light from the subject contains the ultraviolet light, and generates an image signal CI based on the differential signal A3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Okino, Yutaka Hirose, Seiji Yamahira
  • Patent number: 10914630
    Abstract: A method (300) for determining contribution of light sources (103) at a first predetermined measurement point (121), the method comprising the steps of: positioning (310) a light sensor (129) of a sensor unit (117) comprising a matrix of light sub-sensors (130) at the first measurement point, and orienting the light sensor toward the light sources; setting (320) an exposure level or a gain level of the sensor unit at a level sufficient to form a digital image wherein each of the majority of light sources within a field of view of the light sensor are distinguishable; taking (320) a digital image (420) by the sensor unit of the light sources; identifying (330) each pixel or pixel group (P) of the digital image that represent each light source of the majority of light sources; and determining (340) pixel values of each pixel or group pixel group of the digital image that represent each light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Wei Pein Lee
  • Patent number: 10914631
    Abstract: An electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus is provided with: a plurality of detecting devices each of which is configured to detect an electromagnetic wave; a voltage applying device configured to apply bias voltage to each of the plurality of detecting devices; an obtaining device configured to obtain a detection signal outputted from each of the plurality of detecting devices; and a setting device configured to set acquisition timing of the detection signal for each of the plurality of detecting devices, on the basis of the bias voltage, which is applied to each of the plurality of detecting devices, and the detection signal of each of the plurality of detecting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10914632
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen
  • Patent number: 10914633
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for achieving ultrahigh spectral resolution and a photonic spectral processor, which is designed to carry out the method. The disclosed photonic spectral processor overcomes the current 0.8 GHz spectral resolution limitation. The new spectral processor uses a Fabry-Perot interferometer array located before the dispersive element of the system, thus significantly improving the spectral separation resolution, which is now limited by the full width at half maximum of the Fabry-Perot interferometer rather than the spectral resolution of the dispersive element spectral as is the current situation. A proof of concept experiment utilizing two Fabry-Perot interferometers and a diffractive optical grating with spectral resolution of 6.45 GHz achieving high spectral resolution of 577 MHz is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignees: Bar Ilan University, B. G. Negev Technologies and Applications Ltd., at Ben-Gurion University
    Inventors: Dan Sadot, Zeev Zalevsky, Tomer Yeminy, Sagie Asraf
  • Patent number: 10914634
    Abstract: A high-resolution single-chip spectrometer is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention are analogous to Fourier-transform spectrometers; however, embodiments of the present invention have no moving parts. An illustrative embodiment is a spectrometer having a nested plurality of Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs), where all MZIs share at least one surface-waveguide section in each of its sample and reference arms. The light signals in the sample and reference arms are tapped at a series of discrete locations along their length via electro-optically-controlled directional couplers, which are separated by uniform-length waveguide portions in each arm, but where the uniform lengths are different in the sample and reference arms providing a different path-length difference for the arms of each MZI. The tapped light from the sample and reference arms is recombined at a low-loss beam combiner to generate a distribution of optical power as a function of time-delay difference in the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Academisch Medisch Centrum
    Inventor: Bakiye Imran Avci
  • Patent number: 10914635
    Abstract: An industrial process monitor for monitoring an industrial process includes a controller configured to control operation of the industrial process monitor. An ambient environment sensor is configured to sense an ambient environment of the industrial process proximate the device and responsively provide a sensor output signal. Output circuitry is configured to provide an output based upon the sensor output signal. The controller causes the ambient environment sensor to enter a high power mode upon detection of an anomaly and/or probable anomaly in the sensor output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT INC.
    Inventor: Theodore Henry Schnaare
  • Patent number: 10914636
    Abstract: We disclose herein a method for testing and/or calibrating a thermopile based device. The method comprising: applying an electrical bias of a first polarity to the thermopile based device and measuring a first value of an electrical parameter; and applying an electrical bias of a second polarity to the thermopile based device and measuring a second value of an electrical parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: AMS SENSORS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Syed Zeeshan Ali, Kaspars Ledins
  • Patent number: 10914637
    Abstract: A thermo-mechanical bolometer includes a substrate and a sensing component mounted on the substrate. The sensing element comprises (a) at least one thermal-actuation component mounted in parallel with the substrate and (b) a strain sensor mounted on the at least one layer of thermal-actuation component. The at least one thermal-actuation component alone or in combination (a) absorbs electromagnetic waves and converts energy from absorbed electromagnetic waves into a change in temperature and (b) converts the change in temperature into a deformation of the at least one layer. The strain sensor comprises a layer of fragments with a gap space between the fragments, wherein the strain sensor senses the deformation or mechanical movement and exhibits a change in electrical resistance in response to the sensed deformation or mechanical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yuxuan Lin, Xiang Ji, Tomas Palacios, Jing Kong
  • Patent number: 10914638
    Abstract: Provided is a pyroelectric sensor including: an Si substrate; a laminated portion in which a heat absorption layer formed of an inorganic material, a lower electrode, a piezoelectric film, and an upper electrode are laminated in this order from one surface side of the Si substrate on the one surface; and an optical filter that is provided at a position of the other surface of the Si substrate corresponding to the laminated portion and selectively transmits an infrared ray, in which an infrared ray incident to the laminated portion from the optical filter side through the Si substrate is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takamichi Fujii
  • Patent number: 10914639
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen
  • Patent number: 10914640
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for calibrating display devices, such as head-mounted augmented reality (AR) devices. One technique includes obtaining, for each of a set of primary color light sources disposed in a unit, measurement points including chromaticity and luminance values as a function of temperature of the unit and drive currents of the primary color light sources. The technique further includes converting the measurement points to an XYZ color space to produce XYZ values. The technique further includes, for each of a set of target luminances and a set of discrete temperatures, calculating primary luminances for each of the primary color light sources, and interpolating or extrapolating the drive currents and the XYZ values for each of the primary luminances to obtain calculated currents. The technique further includes storing the calculated currents indexed by the target luminances and the discrete temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall Charles Capps
  • Patent number: 10914641
    Abstract: A smart part comprising: a body, manufactured by a three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing (AM) process, having high-stress and low-stress sections, wherein when the smart part is in operational use the high-stress section is subjected to higher stress than the low-stress section; and wherein the body comprises a void having a predefined geometry intentionally created within the high-stress section of the body during the AM process, such that the void is completely embedded within the body and is configured to provide quality assurance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Stephen Charles Cox
  • Patent number: 10914642
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device for temperature detection, including a delay unit including an odd number of inverters coupled end to end, a switching transistor having a control electrode coupled to an output end of the delay unit, a first electrode coupled to an operating voltage node of the device, and a second electrode coupled to an input end of the delay unit, a first capacitor having a first end coupled to the input end of the delay unit, and a second end coupled to the first electrode of the switching transistor or a ground node of the device, and a temperature sensitive transistor having a control electrode coupled to a bias voltage end of the device, a first electrode coupled to the input end of the delay unit, and a second electrode coupled to the ground node of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lijun Zhao, Haisheng Wang, Yingming Liu, Rui Xu, Changfeng Li, Yanan Jia, Pengpeng Wang, Chih Jen Cheng
  • Patent number: 10914643
    Abstract: A method and system for generating a crystal model for a test product including a crystal oscillator are herein disclosed. The method includes measuring a first temperature of the test product and measuring a first frequency error of the crystal oscillator at a first calibration point during a product testing process, measuring a second temperature of the test product and measuring a second frequency error of the crystal oscillator at a second calibration point during the product testing process, estimating two parameters from the first temperature, first frequency error, second temperature, and second frequency error, and determining a 3rd order polynomial for the crystal model based on the two parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Daniel Babitch, Kuangmin Li
  • Patent number: 10914644
    Abstract: A sensor comprises: an electrically comprises a switchable polymeric element. The polymeric element has at least a first electrical state and a second electrical state and is switchable between the first and second electrical states as a function of predefined mechanical strain changes. The sensor comprises a strain sensitive polymeric matrix and a plurality of conductive particles embedded in the polymeric matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Grant Edward Striemer
  • Patent number: 10914645
    Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker
  • Patent number: 10914646
    Abstract: An optical-based system for sensing parameters of a structure or machine for monitoring the health of the structure or machine. The optical-based system includes a set of optical fibers, each optical fiber including a set of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for sensing a set of parameters of the object; a set of interrogators configured to generate a set of incident optical signals for transmission via the set of optical fibers, respectively, receive a set of reflected optical signals from each of the optical fibers of the set, and generate a set of data related to sensed parameters of the object based on the set of reflected optical signals; and a controller configured to control the set of interrogators. Via a user interface or a remote computer on a cloud, sensing instructions may be provided to the controller, and sensed data and other information may be received from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Optilab, LLC
    Inventors: Henry Hung, Leijun Yun, Andre Brewer
  • Patent number: 10914647
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor for monitoring stresses acting in a construction structure and having a multi-layer structure provided with an upper conductive layer defining an upper outer surface of the sensor. A lower conductive layer defines a lower outer surface. At least a first structural layer of insulating material is in contact with the upper conductive layer and at least a second structural layer of insulating material is in contact with the lower conductive layer. At least a first plate layer of conductive material and at least a second plate layer, of conductive material, and at least one dielectric layer is interposed between the first plate layer and the second plate layer to define at least one detection capacitor inside the multi-layer structure of the sensor. The upper and lower conductive layers jointly defining an electromagnetic screen for screening the detection capacitor against electromagnetic interference originating from outside the capacitive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Francesco Pappalardo, Agatino Pennisi, Elio Guidetti, Angelo Doriani
  • Patent number: 10914648
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of a fluid medium in a measuring chamber and a method for manufacturing the pressure sensor are provided. The pressure sensor includes a pressure connector, with the aid of which the pressure sensor is attachable to or in the measuring chamber, and a sensor element for detecting the pressure of the fluid medium. A feed channel is formed in the pressure connector. The sensor element is situated on a substrate. The feed channel is sealed off by the substrate and is designed to feed the fluid medium to the sensor element. The pressure connector and the substrate are designed as one piece and the sensor element is printed onto the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel Etter
  • Patent number: 10914649
    Abstract: An ionization gauge includes an anode having a rod shape, and a cathode including a cathode plate having a through hole through which the anode extends. A shape of the through hole on a section along an axial direction of the anode includes a concave portion sandwiched between two convex portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: CANON ANELVA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yohsuke Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 10914650
    Abstract: A method of calibrating an offset of a pressure sensor, by which an offset of a sensing value of a pressure sensor, which detects a pressure of hydrogen in a fuel cell system, is accurately calibrated. The method includes receiving, by a controller, a sensing value of a pressure sensor which detects a hydrogen pressure in a state where a hydrogen supply starts after a start of a fuel cell system; counting, by the controller, a time for which the sensing value of the pressure sensor increases from a first pressure P1 to a second pressure P2; calculating, by the controller, an offset value corresponding to the counted time by use of stored setting data; and calibrating, by the controller, a subsequent sensing value of the pressure sensor by the calculated offset value in real time when the offset value is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seon Hak Kim, Soon Il Jeon
  • Patent number: 10914651
    Abstract: A shaft balancing device having first and second supports, which are rotatable about an axis, a motor drivingly coupled to the first support, an electromagnet, which has a plurality of coil units that are disposed circumferentially about the axis, and a control module. The control module is configured to separately control operation of each of the coil units to generate a predetermined composite magnetic field that is an aggregate of a plurality of magnetic fields produced by the plurality of coil units. The predetermined composite magnetic field is fixed relative to a datum that is rotatable about the axis with the first support. The control module is further configured to rotate the predetermined composite magnetic field about the axis at a rotational velocity of the first support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt D. Gilmore, Holly A. Giangrande
  • Patent number: 10914652
    Abstract: A method for detecting a leak in a heat exchanger plate includes positioning the heat exchanger plate between a first fixture and a second fixture to create both a first sealed space between the heat exchanger plate and the first fixture and a second sealed space between the heat exchanger plate and the second fixture. The first sealed space is on one side of the heat exchanger plate and the second sealed space is on the other side of the heat exchanger plate. The method includes supplying an inert gas to the second sealed space, drawing a vacuum in the first sealed space, and detecting whether the first sealed space includes the inert gas. The presence of inert gas indicates the plate is not leak-tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: WCR, INC.
    Inventor: Mattias Olsson
  • Patent number: 10914653
    Abstract: A system for detecting an oil leak can include: at least one infrared imaging sensor; and an imaging analysis computer operably coupled with the at least one infrared imaging sensor. The imaging analysis computer can be configured to control any infrared imaging sensor and acquire infrared images therefrom at any rate and in any duration. The imaging analysis computer can be configured to analyze the infrared images in order to detect an oil leak. The imaging analysis computer can be configured to detect oil on a surface (e.g., solid surface or water surface) where oil should not be (or is not present in a baseline) in order to determine that there is an oil leak in the vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: QUANTUM IR TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Israelsen
  • Patent number: 10914654
    Abstract: An observation system includes an information acquiring section configured to acquire sensor information from a sensor section set in a structure and configured to detect vibration of the structure and a processing section configured to calculate information concerning a peak vibration frequency of the vibration on the basis of the sensor information and determine a surface state of the structure on the basis of the information concerning the peak vibration frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Takeda
  • Patent number: 10914655
    Abstract: In some examples, an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) device may include a laser source to emit a laser beam into a device under test (DUT), and a connection port to connect the OTDR device to a first end of the DUT, where the OTDR device may be designated a first OTDR device. A sensor display generator may determine a length of the DUT, receive, from a second OTDR device connectable to a second opposite end of the DUT, and over the DUT, OTDR information acquired by the second OTDR device in a direction from the second OTDR device towards the first OTDR device, and ascertain, based on acquisition by the first OTDR device, further OTDR information in a direction from the first OTDR device towards the second OTDR device. The sensor display generator may generate a bi-directional combined schematic display that includes relevant optical events with respect to the DUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Charlène Roux, Olivier Receveur
  • Patent number: 10914656
    Abstract: Condition monitoring of equipment, machines, and parts with rotational or linear movement that constantly changes speed, starts and stops at different positions, that does not make complete rotations is done according to the invention by binning vibrational data according to position and thereafter performing a Fourier transformation for analysis. Among other things this avoids smearing in the frequency domain due to speed changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Allan Thomson, Verena Slawik
  • Patent number: 10914657
    Abstract: The formulations, systems, and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of specimens (e.g., biological specimens) for examination. The disclosed formulations, systems, and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation phases for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining specimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lapen, Kerri Horton
  • Patent number: 10914658
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method for distinguishing tissue from an embedding medium, such as paraffin in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sample. The method involves the use of fluorescence of naturally-occurring species in tissue to determine the location of the tissue in the embedded sample. An embedded sample is generally excited by light of a selected wavelength, and the fluorescence emission at an emitted wavelength is used to locate the boundary or location of the tissue in the embedded sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Schleifer, Kristin Briana Bernick, Adrienne Mccampbell, Nicholas M. Sampas, Victor Lim
  • Patent number: 10914659
    Abstract: Guanidine-functionalized particles and methods of making and using such particles are provided, such as guanidine-functionalized metal silicate particles. A nonwoven article is also provided including a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix and guanidine-functionalized metal silicate particles enmeshed within the porous fibrous nonwoven matrix. The nonwoven article may be used, for instance, for removing microorganisms from an aqueous sample by contacting a fluid sample with the nonwoven article such that at least a portion of the microorganisms are removed from the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Manjiri T. Kshirsagar, George W. Griesgraber
  • Patent number: 10914660
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for selectively and rapidly applying heat to a nanoscale environment in a controlled manner. The technology utilizes laser irradiation of a solid state material to heat a nanoscale point of interest by an optothermal effect. The technology can be used to the tip of an atomic force microscope, a spot on a flat surface, or a nanopore, or molecules in their vicinity. The apparatus and method are capable of rapidly scanning the temperature of a nanoscale object such as a molecule or biomolecular complex and to interrogate properties of the object at high throughput. The methods can be used in nanofabrication processes or to drive single molecule chemistry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Meni Wanunu, Hirohito Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 10914661
    Abstract: A hardness tester includes an indenter, an arm and a driver which loads a test force onto the indenter and press the indenter against a sample, a spring displacement amount sensor detecting a value for the test force loaded onto the indenter, and a controller. In a state where a predetermined test force (total test force) is loaded onto the indenter by the driver, when the value of the test force detected by the spring displacement amount sensor exceeds a predefined allowable margin relative to the predetermined test force, the controller executes predetermined processes, including an interrupt process interrupting the test currently being executed and a notification process notifying a user that the value of the test force exceeded the allowable margin during execution of the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryunosuke Yano, Masanobu Kataoka
  • Patent number: 10914662
    Abstract: A method for analyzing material wear in a hydrocarbon production environment is disclosed. The method includes the steps of preparing a sample of material to be disposed proximate the hydrocarbon production environment; selecting a placement location for the sample of material, wherein the placement location is in fluid communication with a fluid flow for which the impact of the fluid flow on the sample of material is to be tested; disposing the sample of material in the placement location for a pre-determined amount of time; allowing the sample of material to be exposed to the fluid flow; retrieving the sample of material from the placement location after the pre-determined amount of time has passed; and analyzing the sample of material for wear caused by the hydrocarbon production environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Hydril USA Distribution LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Cheaney Gustafson
  • Patent number: 10914663
    Abstract: A plastometer has: a main frame, a driving unit, an electromagnet, a loading dock, a lower mold, an upper mold and a measuring unit the driving unit drives the lifting platform, so the lifting platform makes a stable elevating displacement along the two supporting columns. Then, the electromagnet attracts and controls the loading dock, so the pressure amount to be provided by the loading dock for each test object 80 can be simply obtained, and the measurement operation is actually performed by the measuring unit which can get accurate test results to improve the measurement efficiency of the relevant industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: EKTRON TEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yau Dong Chang
  • Patent number: 10914664
    Abstract: A method for dynamically evaluating sag of a fluid by providing a test volume of the fluid into an angled sample chamber, wherein the angled sample chamber has a central axis, and wherein the central axis of the angled sample chamber is angled relative to horizontal, rotating the sample chamber about the central axis for a test period, and determining a sag density, wherein the sag density is a density of a fluid sample taken at a sample location within a stratum of the test volume of the fluid present in the angled sample chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Miller, Dale E. Jamison
  • Patent number: 10914665
    Abstract: Provided is a sample property detecting apparatus including: a wave source configured to irradiate a wave towards a sample; a detector configured to detect a laser speckle that is generated when the wave is multiple-scattered by the sample, at every time point that is set in advance; and a controller configured to obtain a temporal correlation that is a variation in the detected laser speckle according to time, and to detect properties of the sample in real-time based on the temporal correlation, wherein the detector detects the laser speckle between the sample and the detector or from a region in the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignees: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, The Wave Talk, Inc.
    Inventors: YongKeun Park, JongHee Yoon, Kyeoreh Lee, Young Dug Kim, Nam Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 10914666
    Abstract: A system comprising a parts-per-million (PPM) analyzer configured to analyze a multiphase fluid, the fluid comprising water. The analyzer includes a mesh comprising first adsorbent materials that adsorb specific substances from the multiphase fluid. The system includes a mass meter configured to measure a mass of multiphase fluid passing through the PPM analyzer; a molecular sieve dryer comprising second adsorbent material configured to adsorb the water from the multiphase fluid; and a plurality of valves configured to couple the mass meter and the molecular sieve dryer to the PPM analyzer. During routine operation, the valves direct the multiphase fluid through the PPM analyzer. During a validation operation, the valves divert the multiphase fluid through the molecular sieve dryer prior to entering the PPM analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Phase Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bentley N. Scott
  • Patent number: 10914667
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and systems for reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into multiple wicks used for transporting separate portions of an aerosol sample flow, with the wicks extending from a wick stand on a first end to a flow joiner on a second end, combining particles from the separate portions of the aerosol sample flow into a single aerosol stream within the flow joiner prior to transporting the combined aerosol sample stream into a particle detection chamber within the CPC, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water in a collection reservoir, and after receiving a signal corresponding to the excess volume of water, draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: TSI Incorporated
    Inventors: Sreenath Avula, Richard Remiarz, George John Chancellor, Tyler Anderson, Daniel C. Bjorkquist, Robert Caldow, Sean Morell, Frederick R. Quant, Susanne V. Hering, Gregory S. Lewis
  • Patent number: 10914668
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting particles, in particular soot particles. The sensor comprises at least two measuring electrodes which are situated on a first layer made of an electrically insulating or conductive material, and at least two supply lines for the measuring electrodes. The supply lines are connected to the measuring electrodes respectively in a connection region. The supply lines are covered by at least one second layer made of an electrically insulating material such that the connection region is not covered by the second layer made of an electrically insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Sabine Roesch
  • Patent number: 10914669
    Abstract: Provided herein are coded fluid paths. Also provided herein are devices and systems containing one or more of the coded fluid paths. Also provided herein are methods of using the coded fluid paths, devices, and systems provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventor: Ali Faith Sarioglu
  • Patent number: 10914670
    Abstract: A method for detecting bacteria and determining the concentration thereof in a liquid sample includes the steps of taking an optical section through a container holding a volume of the liquid sample at a predetermined field of view and at a predetermined focal plane depth or angle and after a period of time has elapsed to allow non-bacteria in the sample to settle to the bottom of the container. Since bacteria auto arranges in the liquid sample, forming a lattice-like grid pattern, an optical section through the volume of auto-arranged bacteria may be used to measure the quantity of bacteria residing in that section. A container for holding the liquid sample has particular structure which aids in separating the non-bacteria from the bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Hammond, James Russell
  • Patent number: 10914671
    Abstract: Flow cytometers having an enclosed particle sorting module are provided. Aspects of the flow cytometers include, in addition to the enclosed particle sorting modules, a sample input module fluidically coupled to an inlet of the enclosed particle sorting module, a waste reservoir fluidically coupled to first outlet of the enclosed particle sorting module and a first sorted particle collection system fluidically coupled to a second outlet of the enclosed particle sorting module. Flow cytometers as described herein are configured to control aerosol content in the enclosed particle sorting modules, including the sort chambers of such modules. Also provided are methods of using the flow cytometers, as well as kits that include one or more components of the flow cytometers are consumables for use therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Pierce Norton, Kyle Dembski, Henry Lankila
  • Patent number: 10914672
    Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing single cells, including: a substrate having a broad surface; a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels, defined by the wall, that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well in the set of wells; and fluid delivery module defining an inlet and comprising a plate, removably coupled to the substrate, the plate defining a recessed region fluidly connected to the inlet and facing the broad surface of the substrate, the fluid delivery module comprising a cell capture mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalyan Handique, Austin Payne, Vishal Sharma, Kyle Gleason, Priyadarshini Gogoi, Karthik Ganesan, Brian Boniface, Will Chow
  • Patent number: 10914673
    Abstract: A device for torque measurement of friction includes a cylindrical core and a cap with a central cavity for receiving the cylindrical core. The cap includes at least one protrusion or indent on an inner surface, and the cylindrical core includes at least one protrusion or indent on an exterior surface. The device includes at least one protrusion to provide a pulsed interference contact with a second protrusion or indent on the cylindrical core or cap as the protrusion moves into and out of contact with the at least one second protrusion or indent when the cap is rotated about the cylindrical core. The device may be connected to a test apparatus configured to measure rotational torque between the cap and cylindrical core as they rotate with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Covestro LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Yeager
  • Patent number: 10914674
    Abstract: A monitoring and control system includes a stationary body with a sensor, a moving body with a sensor, and at least one computing device. The stationary body is positioned along a path of movement. The moving body moves along the path and physically interacts with the stationary body. The at least one computing device receives signals from the sensor on the stationary body and from the sensor on the moving body. The at least one computing device determines a performance value of the stationary or moving body based on the physical interaction between the moving and stationary bodies. The performance value is dependent on both of the signals received from the sensor associated with the stationary body and received from the sensor associated with the moving body as the moving body interacts with the stationary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Percev LLC
    Inventors: Andrew T. Zimmerman, Jerome Lynch, Mohammed M. Ettouney, Sharada Alampalli
  • Patent number: 10914675
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus having a sensor unit. The sensor unit including pixel assemblages on a substrate upper side of a substrate located on a lower side of the sensor unit; a cap, on the substrate upper side, which covers the pixel assemblages, a cavity being formed between the substrate upper side and the cap; a plurality of filters that are transparent to wavelength regions that differ from one another, exactly one pixel assemblage being associated with each filter; and the filters being on the cap so that the infrared radiation propagated through an absorption gap of the sensor apparatus and the upper side of the sensor unit is detectable, through the respective filter, by the pixel assemblage associated with the respective filter; and a coating made of a light-absorbing and/or light-reflecting material being configured at least locally on a part of the cap which is not covered by the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mike Schwarz, Thomas Friedrich, Timon Brueckner
  • Patent number: 10914676
    Abstract: An observation apparatus in this embodiment includes a light source configured to irradiate an observation target with light, and a processing unit configured to generate an image based on Rayleigh scattered light derived from ?(3) included in light obtained from the observation target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoki Fukutake