Apparatus Patents (Class 204/193)
  • Patent number: 10821197
    Abstract: A container includes a first wall and an opposing second wall that extend between a first end and an opposing second end, a first fluid flow path being bounded between the first wall and the second wall. An inlet is formed at the first end and communicates with the first fluid flow path. An outlet is formed at the second end and communicates with the first fluid flow path. The first wall includes a primary wall portion having a first opening extending therethrough in alignment with the first fluid flow path. A secondary wall portion extends over the first opening and is secured to the primary wall portion so as to seal the first opening closed, the secondary wall portion being comprised of a film having a thickness that is less than a thickness of the primary wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Bradley H. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 10507451
    Abstract: Process and respective reactor for urea or melamine synthesis, comprising sonication treatment of at least part of a reaction liquid mass or two-phase mixture contained inside said reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Casale SA
    Inventor: Enrico Rizzi
  • Patent number: 10330580
    Abstract: A microfluidic magnetic selector comprises a microfluidic channel comprising at least one bifurcation, forming a selection portion of the selector and splitting the microfluidic channel into a main channel and at least one selection channel; at least one magnetic flux concentrator for concentrating a magnetic flux at the level of the bifurcation, and means for generating a magnetic field within the magnetic flux concentrator, and a controller for controlling magnetic pulses through the magnetic flux concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: IMEC VZW
    Inventors: Richard Min, Liesbet Lagae, Chengxun Liu, Chengjun Huang
  • Patent number: 10166306
    Abstract: A container includes a first wall made of a polymeric material, a second wall made of a polymeric material, and a plurality of elongated baffles, spacers or seam lines formed between the first wall and the second wall to form a plurality of separate fluid flow paths. Each of the plurality of fluid flow paths are separated from the other fluid flow paths by at least one of the baffles, spacers or seam lines. Each of the plurality of fluid flow paths have a first end in fluid communication with an inlet and have a second end in fluid communication with an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Bradley H. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 10094824
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for measuring the concentration of analytes in liquid samples such as bodily samples. The device comprises an application zone, to which a sample can be applied, and which contains a specific molecule capable of specifically binding the analyte of interest, said specific molecule being conjugated to a reporter which can give rise to variations in impedance. The resulting complex migrates by capillarity and enters a detection zone, on which another molecule capable of specifically binding the analyte of interest is immobilized. The concentration of reporter molecules in the detection zone is proportional with the concentration of analyte in the sample, and variations in concentration of reporter molecules yield a measurable change in electrical properties such as a change in impedance and/or capacitance which can be correlated to the concentration of analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hasenkam ApS
    Inventors: Jesper Fleischer, Michael Hasenkam, Nils E. Magnusson, Hans Nygaard
  • Patent number: 10012645
    Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for detecting Zika virus. Specific embodiments provide an electrochemical immunosensing device and the methods of making and using the same for detecting Zika virus with exceptionally low detection limit. In some embodiments, the immunosensing device is capable of detecting picomolar (pM) level of Zika virus present in a sample by employing immunosensors functionalized with Zika virus binding ligands such as monoclonal Zika virus antibodies and Zika non-structural proteins. In an exemplary embodiment, the immunosensing device can be integrated with microelectronics to be adopted as point-of-care sensing systems. Advantageously, technologies provided herein offer rapid, on-site biosensing methods for the accurate detection of diseases caused by Zika virus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: THE FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
    Inventors: Ajeet Kaushik, Madhavan Nair
  • Patent number: 9939440
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrochemical detection of analyte in a sample makes use of a binding interaction and relies on the discovery that asymmetric distribution of a redox enzyme between two electrodes that occurs when a redox enzyme-containing reagent is immobilized at the surface of one electrode can be detected as a chemical potential gradient arising from an asymmetry in the distribution of oxidized or reduced redox substrate. This chemical potential gradient can be detected potentiometrically by observing the potential difference between the electrodes in an open circuit, or amperometrically by observing the current flow between the electrodes when the circuit is closed. In both cases, the observation of asymmetry can be done without the application of an external potential or current to the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: AgaMatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Harding, Sridhar Iyengar, Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 9793580
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a device for the in situ analysis of batteries by means of X-ray, synchrotron or another radiation. The device has a sample support, which is realized as a sample wheel rotatably mounted about the center axis. A plurality of sample holders, the center points of which are placed on a common circular line about the center point of the sample support, are arranged on the sample support, wherein each sample holder can be repeatedly opened and closed individually by an arrestable cover. Each sample holder has in its interior a cavity which receives the battery, which is to be examined, in a manner ideal in shape with regard to circumference, wherein the cover and the cavity have an opening for the passage of the beam. A spring, engaging in the edge region of the battery, presses the battery against the cover, wherein the spring and the edge region of the cover are embodied so as to be electrically conducting but insulated with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignees: Leibniz-Institut für Festkörper- und Werkstoffforschung Dresden e.V., Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
    Inventors: Markus Herklotz, Jonas Weiss, Lars Giebeler, Michael Knapp
  • Patent number: 9737840
    Abstract: An air cleaner of this disclosure includes a hollow case, a filter element, and an opening end member. The hollow case defines an expanded space; the filter element defines an upstream-side expanded space and a downstream-side expanded space in the expanded space; the case includes an intake port configured to bring an upstream-side duct into communication with the upstream-side expanded space; the opening end member is formed from a material having an air permeability in a range of 0.3 to 100 sec/300 cc, and is integrated on an inner side of the intake port so as to project into the upstream-side expanded space and so as to extend a duct wall of the intake port; and D representing a diameter of the opening end member and L representing a length thereof satisfy 0.25D?L?2.0D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TIGERS POLYMER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minoru Hasegawa, Akiwo Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 9737624
    Abstract: A system for sterilizing a fluid includes a sterilization container bounding a fluid flow path that can be coupled with a fluid source. The sterilization container is comprised of one or more polymeric walls. A beam generator is configured to direct a beam of electromagnetic radiation through at least a portion of the fluid flow path of the sterilization container, the beam of electromagnetic radiation being sufficient to sterilize a fluid within the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Nephi D. Jones, Bradley H. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 9678014
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a micro-fluidic device is presented, comprising: a micro-fluidic channel having an inner surface; a sensing region inside the micro-fluidic channel configured for adsorbing at least one analyte, the sensing region comprising a plurality of pillars positioned along the length of the inner surface of the micro-fluidic channel wherein the plurality of pillars are configured for creating an electromagnetic field localization thereby making the sensing region suitable for sensing plasmonic or surface enhanced Raman signals when irradiated; characterized in that: the plurality of pillars are further configured for creating a capillary action in the micro-fluidic channel when a fluid sample is present in the micro-fluidic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: IMEC VZW
    Inventors: Chengjun Huang, Liesbet Lagae
  • Patent number: 9404192
    Abstract: Electrolytic acid or alkaline water having a NMR half line width using 17O of from about 45 to less than 51 Hz, and an oxide reduction potential of from ?1000 to +200 mV, or from +600 to +1300 mV, topical compositions that contain such water, uses for such water to hydrate skin, deliver drugs and treat various skin and mucosal conditions, and methods and apparatus for manufacturing the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: APR NANOTECHNOLOGIES s.a.
    Inventors: Yongge Chen, Roberto De Noni
  • Patent number: 9399588
    Abstract: The electrolysis water-making apparatus (A) which is an apparatus for making electrolysis water (W5) by electrolyzing a raw material solution (W1, W3) including a chlorine ion includes: an electrolytic cell (2); a raw material solution feed pump (3) used to supply the raw material solution (W1, W3) to the electrolytic cell (2); and a pipe (32, 36) connecting an outlet (3b) of the raw material solution feed pump (3) allowing the raw material solution (W1, W3) to be discharged therefrom and an inlet (26) allowing the raw material solution (W1, W3) to flow into the electrolytic cell (2). In addition, the raw material solution feed pump (3) is provided so that the outlet (3b) is disposed on a lower side of the inlet (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayasu Shirato, Koki Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 9039974
    Abstract: A biological sample measuring device including a mounting portion to which a biological sample measuring sensor is mounted, a voltage application section that applies voltage to a counter electrode of the biological sample measuring sensor mounted to the mounting portion, amplifiers that are selectively connected to a working electrode of the biological sample measuring sensor, and a determination section that is connected to these amplifiers. The determination section has a threshold determination section that determines a voltage value obtained by voltage conversion of the current value of the working electrode, a same determination section that selectively connects the amplifiers to the working electrode depending on the determination of the threshold determination section, and identifies the sample deposited on the biological sample measuring sensor from the output of the selected amplifier, and an output section that outputs a measurement value corresponding to the identified sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shouko Hironaka, Teppei Shinno, Eriko Yoshioka, Takashi Miki
  • Patent number: 9017526
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for removing material from a substrate. In various implementations, conductive material is removed from a sidewall of a previously etched feature such as a trench, hole or pillar on a semiconductor substrate. In practicing the techniques herein, a substrate is provided in a reaction chamber that is divided into an upper plasma generation chamber and a lower processing chamber by a corrugated ion extractor plate with apertures therethrough. The extractor plate is corrugated such that the plasma sheath follows the shape of the extractor plate, such that ions enter the lower processing chamber at an angle relative to the substrate. As such, during processing, ions are able to penetrate into previously etched features and strike the substrate on the sidewalls of such features. Through this mechanism, the material on the sidewalls of the features may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Harmeet Singh, Alex Paterson
  • Patent number: 8986518
    Abstract: The present aspects of an embodiment make more efficient use of hydrogen on-demand (hereinafter “HoD”) systems, thereby improving fossil-fuel-powered systems on the market. One main aspect uses a disposable cartridge in which the electrolytic process takes place to separate gas molecules from a solution that uses a substantially dry-cell design. Generally, the aspects include a replaceable and reusable cartridge for the flow of electrolyte solution using a pump, which may include a variety of safety features. A HoD cartridge generator has a plurality of staggered conductive material members that require electrolyte solution to flow between them, from one or more inlets to one or more outlets, using one or more specified paths. A conventional or specially-formulated electrolyte solution may be used. One or more sensors allow the generator to have a steady flow of solution in and a steady flow of liquid-gas mixture out of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cleanworld Fuels, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Daniel Moncion
  • Patent number: 8961773
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing aluminum in an electrolysis cell, which includes setting up a succession of control periods of duration T, identifying perturbative tending operations on the cell that can introduce superfluous alumina in the electrolytic bath, noting the performance of the perturbative tending operations, determining a regulation feed rate B(k?) for each control period k? and setting a specified feed rate SR(k?) equal to M(k?)×B(k?), where M(k?) is a predetermined modulation factor that modulates the regulation feed rate B(k?) so as to take into account a reduction of the needs of the cell induced by the superfluous alumina. The method of the invention makes it possible to significantly reduce the rate of occurrence of anode effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Sylvain Fardeau, Benoît Sulmont
  • Patent number: 8961749
    Abstract: The electrical connection device connecting the cells in series comprises: a first conductor (16) connected to the cathode assembly of cell (N?1) and to the anode frame of cell (N), having a portion (19) located between said pots (N?1) and (N) in which the current (I) flows in the direction of the alignment axis (x) of the pots; a second conductor (24) connected to the cathode assembly of cell (N) and to the anode frame of cell (N+1), having a portion (23) located between said pots (N?1) and (N) in which the current flows away from the axis. short-circuiting wedges (20, 21) housed between said portions (19, 23) of said conductors (16, 24); a third conductor (27) to balance the current flowing through the wedges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Serge Despinasse, Yves Rochet, Sandra Berthe
  • Patent number: 8945343
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for selectively etching an encapsulant forming a package of resinous material around an electronic device includes an electronic device package mountable on the etch head; a conductive electrode in electrical contact with package leads of the electronic device package to apply a first voltage to the package leads of the electronic device; a first pump configured to pump a first quantity of the etchant solution from the source into the etch head where the etchant solution is electrically biased to a second voltage different from the first voltage. An etch cavity is formed on an exterior surface of the electronic device package. When the etchant solution has etched through an exterior surface of the electronic device package, the conductive bond wires of the electronic device is prevented from being etched by the applied first voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Nisene Technology Group
    Inventor: Alan M. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8900399
    Abstract: An anodic etching system for simultaneously etching a multiplicity of substrates comprises: an etching tank for containing therein an etchant solution; a power supply connected between a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being immersible in the etchant solution and positioned at opposite ends of the tank; and a plurality of support plates serially arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode and sealed to walls of the tank, wherein each of the plurality of support plates is configured to support at least one of the multiplicity of substrates, and wherein any consecutive pair of the plurality of support plates defines an isolated volume of the tank for containing a portion of the etchant solution. The plurality of support plates may be susceptors configured for holding the multiplicity of substrates in a chemical vapor deposition tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Crystal Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Tirunelveli S. Ravi, Ananda H. Kumar, Ashish Asthana, Kyle Ross Tantiwong, Visweswaren Sivaramakrishnan
  • Patent number: 8852408
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell apparatus is disclosed where the cell has a chamber for containing an electrolyte. The chamber is situated between a bottom and a top substrate. One or more bottom windows are in the bottom substrate and one or more top windows are in the top substrate. Each window has a window cover facing the chamber. The top window and bottom window each have a portion in alignment so that an electron beam passes through both respective portions. A spacer is deposited between the top and bottom substrate and forming walls surrounding the chamber. Two or more electrodes, each having an interior portion that is within the chamber and electrically continuous with an exterior portion external to the chamber, are located on the chamber side of the bottom substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: S. Jay Chey, Mark den Heijer, Aparna Prabhakar, Frances M. Ross, Ranjani Sirdeshmukh
  • Patent number: 8784657
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for cleaning a filter surface using a plasma discharge self-cleaning filtration system. The method involves utilizing plasma discharges to induce short electric pulses of nanoseconds duration at high voltages. These electrical pulses generate strong Shockwaves that disintegrate and dislodge particulate matter located on the surface of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Young I. Cho, Alexander Fridman, Alexander F. Gutsol, Yong Yang
  • Patent number: 8758578
    Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (100) includes: a semiconductor electrode (120) including a substrate (121), a first n-type semiconductor layer (122) disposed on the substrate (121), and a second n-type semiconductor layer (123) and a conductor (124) disposed apart from each other on the first n-type semiconductor layer (122); a counter electrode (130) connected electrically to the conductor (124); an electrolyte (140) in contact with surfaces of the second n-type semiconductor layer (123) and the counter electrode (130); and a container (110) accommodating the semiconductor electrode (120), the counter electrode (130) and the electrolyte (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Suzuki, Nobuhiro Miyata, Kazuhito Hato
  • Patent number: 8753490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyzer for producing sodium hypochlorite by electrolyzing brine such as salt water or seawater and the like, and more specifically to a horizontal non-membrane type electrolyzer of a new structure which can maintain a constant interval among electrode plates without using a welding means or an adhering means on the inside of a housing by including a separator for dividing an inner space of a hollow type housing into a plurality of electrode chambers; the electrode plates which are arranged in parallel to each other in the constant interval within a rectangular space part of the separator; and a fixing bar for fixing the separator to an inner wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Unitech Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ki-Ha Shin, Il-Kyung Seo, Yoon-Seok Shin
  • Patent number: 8734625
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation device (100) of the present invention includes: a transparent substrate (1); a photocatalytic electrode (4) formed of a transparent conductive layer (2) and a photocatalytic layer (3) disposed on the transparent substrate (1); a counter electrode (8) connected electrically to the transparent conductive layer (2); a water-containing electrolyte solution layer provided between the photocatalytic electrode (3) and the counter electrode (8); a separator (6) that separates the electrolyte solution layer into a first electrolyte solution layer (5) in contact with the photocatalytic electrode (4) and a second electrolyte solution layer (7) in contact with the counter electrode (8); a first gas outlet (14) for discharging a gas generated in the first electrolyte solution layer (5); and a second gas outlet (15) for discharging a gas generated in the second electrolyte solution layer (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Suzuki, Takaiki Nomura, Kazuhito Hatoh, Noboru Taniguchi, Tomohiro Kuroha, Kenichi Tokuhiro
  • Patent number: 8702914
    Abstract: An oxygen generator having a honeycomb body composed of an oxygen ion conducting material is disclosed. The honeycomb body includes one or more air channels, each of which is composed of a plurality of the first channels and the first connecting holes therebetween to form a tortuous air flow path for lengthening the detention time of air, and oxygen collection channels, each of which is composed of a plurality of the second channels and the second connecting holes therebetween for oxygen passage. The first and second channels, which extend laterally through across the body and parallel to each other, are all sealed with glass members at both the front face and back face of the body. The source gas is provided and exhausted from one side face of the body to the other side face via a plurality of air inlets and air outlets, respectively, which laterally intersect the first channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: National Taipei University of Technology
    Inventors: Sea-Fue Wang, Anthony Lee
  • Patent number: 8695355
    Abstract: A heating/cooling device for a microfluidic apparatus having a thermal insulating substrate. The device includes heating/cooling chamber for heating and/or cooling a sample disposed in the chamber; a waste heat channel for carrying away waste heat and/or waste cooling; and at least one Peltier junction having first and second opposing faces, the first face thereof facing towards said heating/cooling chamber and being in thermal communication therewith for providing either heat or cooling to the chamber in response to a flow of electrical current through the at least one Peltier junction, the second face thereof facing towards said waste heat channel and being in thermal communication therewith for either receiving heat from or dumping heat to the channel in response to a flow of electrical current through the Peltier junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, Matthew Johnston, Axel Scherer
  • Patent number: 8697979
    Abstract: A system includes a microstructure layer, a photovoltaic layer disposed over the microstructure layer comprising a positive P-type layer and a negative N-type layer, a hydrogen collection micro-chamber formed through the microstructure layer and the negative layer, and an oxygen collection micro-chamber formed through the microstructure layer and the photovoltaic layer. A cathode may be disposed within the hydrogen collection micro-chamber and an anode may be disposed within the oxygen collection micro-chamber. The micro-chambers may be spaced between about 1 and 10 micrometers apart. An insulating layer may be disposed between the microstructure layer and the photovoltaic layer. A supplemental storage layer may be disposed over the photovoltaic layer such that a storage portion is in alignment with the hydrogen collection micro-chamber. MEMS actuators may be located at the ends of the hydrogen collection micro-chamber to facilitate hydrogen storage and release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Russel E. Clement, Ayax D. Ramirez, Jacob E. Clement
  • Patent number: 8691407
    Abstract: A battery pack includes at least one bare cell, a protection circuit module (PCM) external to the at least one bare cell, and at least one conductive tab connecting the bare cell to the PCM, the conductive tabs including a non-magnetic portion and a magnetic portion on a region of the non-magnetic portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Ho Hong
  • Patent number: 8691060
    Abstract: A water electrolysis apparatus includes an anode separator having a water flow field held in fluid communication with a water supply passage and a discharge passage. The water flow field includes a plurality of water channels, an arcuate inlet buffer, and an arcuate outlet buffer. The water channels have respective ends connected to the arcuate inlet buffer through respective inlet joint channels. The inlet joint channels are oriented at an angle of 90 degrees or greater with respect to respective tangential lines at the ends of the inlet joint channels which are connected to the arcuate inlet buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Haryu, Koji Nakazawa, Masanori Okabe, Kenji Taruya
  • Patent number: 8663436
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a high-pressure water electrolysis apparatus and a gas-liquid separation device. The gas-liquid separation device includes a block member which includes a gas-liquid separation opening and a water-level detection opening. The gas-liquid separation opening and the water-level detection opening extend substantially vertically and includes respective bottom portions which integrally communicate with a discharge pipe. The discharge pipe is disposed at a lower side portion of the block member. The water-level detection opening includes a top portion and a top water-level detection section. The block member further includes an inlet hole in which the hydrogen is introduced from the high-pressure water electrolysis device. The inlet hole is disposed at an upper side portion of the block member. The inlet hole is positioned above the top water-level detection section of the water-level detection opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Taruya, Koji Nakazawa, Hisashi Nagaoka, Daisuke Kurashina
  • Patent number: 8641874
    Abstract: This is an electrolytic apparatus and process for the production of Hypochlorous Acid (HClO) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) in a closed-loop arrangement. A brine solution in an electrolyzer cell is subjected to an electric current, causing HClO and/or NaOH to be produced in water circulated through the cell. The produced solution is recirculated through the cell as its chemical properties are monitored by a sensor, connected by a controller which controls a recirculating pump and the electric current, until the sensor indicates that the concentration of the solution has reached a desired value, and the controller stops the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rayne Guest
    Inventor: John Kuiphoff
  • Patent number: 8636881
    Abstract: A process for electrolyzing a material to change at least a portion of the material from a first chemical state to a second chemical state includes placing a known quantity of a first substance into either a mixing chamber or an electrolysis chamber of an integrated electrochemical reactor, placing a known quantity of a second substance into the other chamber free of the first substance; sealing an opening to isolate an internal volume within the reactor; rotating the reactor to form a mixture, rotating the reactor again such that the mixture is transferred to the electrolysis chamber; electrolyzing the mixture in the electrolysis chamber to change at least a portion of the mixture from the first chemical state to the second chemical state; and analyzing the first substance, or analyzing the second substance, or analyzing the first chemical state, or analyzing the second chemical state, or any analytical combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Michael A. May
  • Patent number: 8591817
    Abstract: The assay system includes at least one thermally responsive medium positioned so as to transfer thermal energy to a solution constrained in a solution constraining region. The assay system further includes a beam distribution system configured to distribute an energy beam to a thermally responsive medium. The thermally responsive medium interacts with the energy beam so as to elevate the temperature of the thermally responsive medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GeneFluidics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jen-Jr Gau
  • Patent number: 8545771
    Abstract: The invention provides fluidic devices having incorporated electrodes. One device comprises a card and first and second caddy segments. The first caddy segment comprises first and second electrodes. The second caddy segment comprises first and second reservoirs disposed on a first surface of the second segment, a channel disposed on a second surface of the second segment, and first and second vias extending between the first and second surfaces. The first caddy segment is attached to the first surface of the second caddy segment. The card is attached to the second surface of the second caddy segment such that the card provides a closed surface for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin B. Kennedy, Josh Molho, Alexander V. Dukhovny
  • Patent number: 8540935
    Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry A. Beaty, David W. Burke, Michael J. Celentano
  • Patent number: 8535542
    Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber, and wherein the heating is by radio frequency irradiation of the filter cake in the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel J. Simpson, Ferdinand Kogler
  • Patent number: 8529759
    Abstract: An electric deionized water production apparatus in which a direct current field is applied to a deionizing chamber packed with an ion-exchange material such that ions to be discharged are allowed to migrate in the direction identical or opposite to the direction of the water flow in the ion-exchange material, whereby ionic impurities adsorbed in the ion-exchange material are discharged from the system, the ion-exchange material being a mixture of a monolith-shaped organic porous ion-exchange material and ion-exchange resin particles. The electric deionized water production apparatus has a simple structure that can reduce material cost, process cost, and assembly cost, capable of accelerating migration of the adsorbed ionic impurities to facilitate discharge of the adsorbed ions and free from a deflected flow due to swelling or shrinkage accompanying an ion-exchanging reaction, and from poor contact with an ion-exchange membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Organo Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Tajima, Koji Yamanaka, Hiroshi Inoue, Akira Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8444560
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hayter, Geoffrey V. McGarraugh
  • Patent number: 8415261
    Abstract: Methods of forming a capping layer on conductive lines in a semiconductor device may be characterized by the following operations: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a dielectric layer having (i) exposed conductive lines (e.g., copper lines) disposed therein, and (ii) an exposed barrier layer disposed thereon; and (b) depositing a capping layer material on at least the exposed conductive lines of the semiconductor substrate. In certain embodiments, the method may also involve removing at least a portion of a conductive layer (e.g., overburden) disposed over the barrier layer and conductive lines to expose the barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Reid, Eric G. Webb, Edmund B. Minshall, Avishai Kepten, R. Marshall Stowell, Steven T. Mayer
  • Patent number: 8415645
    Abstract: It is aimed to prevent electrical charging inside a resin material as well as a surface of a resin vessel at a time of sterilizing the resin vessel by being irradiated with electron beam. A bottle support unit is mounted to a lower end portion of a cylindrical rotating shaft rotatably supported by a rotating wheel. The bottle support unit includes a pair of griper members by which a mouth portion of a bottle is gripped. The bottle rotated and conveyed in a state supported by the bottle support unit is irradiated with the electron beam from an electron beam irradiator to thereby sterilize the bottle. A ground electrode is disposed to be capable of being inserted into the interior of the resin vessel through a mouth portion thereof, and the interior of the resin vessel is irradiated with the electron beam in a state of the ground electrode being inserted into the resin vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiya Kobayashi, Mitsuomi Narita, Tomohiko Sugimori, Tsunehiko Yokoi, Yukinobu Nishino, Masami Hayashi, Hideki Nishikawa, Yukihiro Yamamoto, Tokuo Nishi
  • Patent number: 8337783
    Abstract: A magnetic connector assembly for microfluidic devices comprises a first magnetic connector with at least one orifice extending therethrough and a second magnetic connector. The first and second connectors are configured to magnetically attract each other. In one aspect, the first magnetic connector is configured to sealingly engage a surface of a microfluidic chip with the second magnetic connector disposed on an opposite side of the microfluidic chip. The first magnetic connector is configured to seal with the microfluidic chip about a channel opening in the microfluidic chip and provide flow communication between the channel opening and the orifice in the first magnetic connector. In at least one other aspect, the first magnetic connector and second magnetic connector each have at least one orifice and are configured to change a flow communication therebetween upon a rotation of the first or second magnetic connector with respect to the other magnetic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, The National Institute of Standards and Technology
    Inventors: Laurie E. Locascio, Francisco Javier Atencia-Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8327460
    Abstract: The present invention allows simple and sensitive detection of microimpurities, microdefects, and corrosion starting points which may be present in a material. A probe microscope has a function to sense ions diffused from a specimen in a liquid. A probe is caused to scan over a predetermined range on a specimen. Then, the probe is fixed to a particular position in a liquid so as to set the distance between the specimen and the probe to a given value at which the microstructure of the specimen surface cannot be observed. Thereafter, one of the current between the probe and a counter electrode and the potential between the probe and a reference electrode is controlled, and the other of the current and potential which varies in accordance with the control is measured. Thus, ions diffused from the specimen are sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoko Honbo, Katsumi Mabuchi, Motoko Harada
  • Patent number: 8317986
    Abstract: An electrolyser for generating hydrogen including a plurality of elementary electrolysis cells including a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte provided between the cathode and the anode. An interconnection plate is interposed between the anode of an elementary cell and a cathode of a following elementary cell, in electric contact with the anode and the cathode, and includes a cathodic compartment, an anodic compartment for circulation of fluid to the cathode and the anode respectively, and a chamber for collecting a gas generated at the cathode, separated from the cathodic compartment and the anodic compartment by first and second walls respectively, the first wall at least having a thickness allowing diffusion of the gas through the first wall from the cathodic compartment to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Patrick Le Gallo
  • Patent number: 8308918
    Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator including: an electrolytic bath having an inner space of a predetermined size; a cover hermetically covering an open top of the electrolytic bath and having at least one hydrogen outlet; a flexible pocket disposed in the electrolytic bath and filled with an electrolyte of a predetermined amount; an electrode part fixed to the cover, and immersed in the electrolyte filled in the flexible pocket to electrolyze the electrolyte upon application of power; and a power supply supplying current to the electrode part. In the hydrogen generator, the electrode part and the electrolyte maintains a substantially constant contact area there between, thereby allowing hydrogen to be generated constantly and stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hyoung Gil, Chang Ryul Jung, Jae Hyuk Jang
  • Patent number: 8273254
    Abstract: A method of sanitizing water contained in a spa is provided which comprises installing a chlorine generating cell including a diamond electrode in a filter compartment of the spa, employing a resin-filled calcium remover bag to reduce the hardness of the water, adding salt to the water; and operating the chlorine generating cell to generate chlorine and other sanitizing agents for sanitizing the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Michael McCague
  • Patent number: 8239138
    Abstract: A scaling factor for scaling an output of a first electrochemical cell, is determined in order to compensate for the effect on the output caused by an variation in value of a property of a working electrode of the first cell from a reference value of that property. A measured value for the property is obtained from a portion of material formed so as to have substantially the same value of the property as does the working electrode and the measured value is processed to generate the scaling factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Oxford Biosensors Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Hyland, Lindy Murphy, Kevin Lorimer
  • Patent number: 8231786
    Abstract: Water treatment method and apparatus according to which supply water containing dissolved matter is delivered to at least one treatment surface. An electric field is created in the vicinity of the treatment surface to cause a hydration layer to be established due to the bipolar nature of the water molecules. Water is then extracted from the hydration layer. Such extraction may be effected by osmosis or by removal of the element (s) from the supply water with the hydration layer water thereon, dehydration layer water subsequently being extracted from the element (s). The method has been devised to reduce energy consumption for the purpose of providing potable water from seawater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: HydroPath Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Stefanini
  • Patent number: 8168129
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are for disinfection and purification of a liquid, gaseous or solid phase, or a mixture thereof. The apparatus includes: a central electrode, a dielectric layer adjacent to the electrode, a first area adjacent to the dielectric layer, and is configured to introduce a first medium into the first area, a second area adjacent to the first area. The apparatus is also configured to introduce a second medium into the second area, and for creating a plasma in the first medium, while the first medium is present in the first area, by applying a voltage between the first electrode and a second electrode. An injector injects the plasma into the second area, in order to be mixed with the second medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Vlaamse Instelling Voor Technologisch Onderzoek (Vito)
    Inventors: Dirk Vangeneugden, Robby Jozef Martin Rego, Danny Havermans, Herman Blok
  • Patent number: 8137617
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin film heater (2) including a thin film heat-producing resistor, and a first and a second thin film electrodes (22, 24) electrically connected to the thin film heat-producing resistor to apply voltage to the thin film heat-producing resistor. In the thin film heater (2), at least part of the thin film heat-producing resistor is light transmissive. Preferably, the first thin film electrode (22), the thin film heat-producing resistor and the second thin film electrode (24) are laminated in the film thickness direction in the mentioned order. The present invention further provides an analytical instrument (X) provided with the thin film heater (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Matsumoto