Particle Counting Patents (Class 324/71.4)
  • Patent number: 11808686
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of microfluidic flow cytometry and more generally microfluidic techniques for analysis of particulate-containing fluids. It deals with the improvements to such technologies in order to identify subsets of particles or sub-populations of cells that differ in their properties, and, if necessary, separate the said identified sub-populations of cells, e.g. sex of semen cells, alive cells from the dead ones, cancerous cells from the healthy ones, subsets of viruses, bacteria or subsets of particles. This invention disclosure deals with the apparatus and the method for detection of cells or particles based on measurements of complex AC impedance between electrodes across the flow of fluid containing such cells or particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cellix Limited
    Inventors: Dmitry Kashanin, Igor Shvets
  • Patent number: 11402520
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a particle detector is disclosed. The particle detector includes a substrate, and detection regions provided on the substrate and insulated from the substrate. Each of the detection regions includes superconducting strips having a longitudinal direction and configured for detecting a particle, and the superconducting strips are arranged in arrangement directions differing between the detection regions. The numbers of particles detected by the respective detection regions are used to generate accumulated detection number profiles of particles in the arrangement directions of the superconducting strips of the respective detection regions, and each of the accumulated detection number profiles includes a profile obtained by accumulating the numbers of particles detected by the respective superconducting strips along the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamane
  • Patent number: 11268932
    Abstract: A method to effectively utilize an oil debris monitor to provide advanced warning to mechanical system failures in a high noise system by adapting detection and annunciation algorithms to the background noise in a system that includes collecting I and Q channel data from a sensor; processing the I and Q channel data to both calculate a noise based (RMS adjusted) detection threshold and to identify a ferrous and nonferrous signal; processing the ferrous and nonferrous signals to determine signal peaks above the RMS adjusted detection threshold; adjusting a detection threshold if more signal peaks observed than allowable particles in a given time window; transmitting the detection threshold previously determined to particle detection, rate limit adjustment, detectability algorithms, and estimated mass loss accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Thomas Rocco, Danbing Seto
  • Patent number: 11150216
    Abstract: A method of analyzing a molecule in a nanopore is disclosed. A voltage is applied across a nanopore that is inserted in a membrane by coupling the nanopore to a voltage source. The nanopore is decoupled from the voltage source. After the decoupling, a rate of decay of the voltage across the nanopore is determined. A molecule in the nanopore is distinguished from other possible molecules based on the determined rate of decay of the voltage across the nanopore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Sequencing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. A. Chen, Hui Tian, J. William Maney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11022536
    Abstract: A method for operating a sensor element for detecting particles of a measuring gas in a measuring gas chamber is provided. The sensor element includes a support and at least one measuring electrode that is connected to the support and that may be exposed to the measuring gas. The method includes the following steps: a) carrying out a first regeneration of the sensor element at a first regeneration temperature; b) carrying out a first diagnostic measurement at the measuring electrode; and c) carrying out at least one of the following steps based on a result of the first diagnostic measurement: c1) outputting an error message; c2) carrying out a measuring phase for detecting the particles of the measuring gas; or c3) carrying out a second regeneration of the sensor element at a second regeneration temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel Nolz
  • Patent number: 10976233
    Abstract: A particle detector for detecting nano-particles contained in fluid is provided. The particle detector includes a substrate and at least one pair of sensing electrodes disposed on the substrate. The substrate includes nano-pores, wherein the pore size of the nano-pores is greater than the particle size of the nano-particles, allowing the nano-particles contained in the fluid passing through the nano-pores. The at least one pair of sensing electrodes are positioned adjacent to at least one of the nano-pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: En-Tian Lin, Chwen Yu, Mei Lee, Shu-Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 10858621
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a cell dispersion measurement mechanism whereby it becomes possible to fully disperse cells regardless of the experiences of operators skilled in cell culture and it also becomes possible to determine the number or concentration of cells accurately; a cell culture apparatus equipped with the cell dispersion measurement mechanism; and a cell dispersion measurement method. The problem can be solved by circulating a cell suspension in a flow path to disperse cell masses contained in the cell suspension, and then determining over time the number or concentration of cells and/or the degree of dispersion of cells in the cell suspension that is flowing in the circulation flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Masako Kawarai, Akihiro Shimase, Sadamitsu Aso, Toshinari Sakurai, Eiichiro Takada, Kazumichi Imai
  • Patent number: 10816583
    Abstract: A differential capacitive probe for measuring contact resistance, the differential capacitive probe including a frame, an end effector extending from the frame, a first capacitive pad coupled to the frame so as to at least partially circumscribe the end effector, and a second capacitive pad coupled to the frame so as to be radially spaced, relative to the end effector, from the first capacitive pad and to at least partially circumscribe the end effector, wherein a contact surface area of the first capacitive pad is substantially the same as another contact surface of the second capacitive pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Shahriar Khosravani
  • Patent number: 10656149
    Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a method of sample analysis, that comprises: (a) binding target analytes to capture agents that are attached to a surface of a plate, wherein the plate comprises (i) a sensing amplification layer comprises nanostructures that enhance signals and (ii) the capture agents are attached to said sensing amplification layer; (b) reading the plate with a reading device to produce an image of signals that represent individual binding events; and (c) identifying and counting individual binding events in an area of the image, thereby providing an estimate of the amount of one or more analytes in the sample. A system for performing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Stephen Y. Chou, Liang-Cheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 10605531
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for feeding feed material from a bin (10) for feed material into a furnace space of a smelting furnace. The method comprises a first providing step for providing a feed material feeding arrangement (9) for feeding feed material from the bin (10) for feed material into the furnace space of the smelting furnace (1), and a feeding step for feeding feed material from the bin (10) for feed material into the furnace space of the smelting furnace. The method comprises additionally a second providing step for providing at least one sensor (11) for measuring flow of feed material at a position between the bin (10) for feed material and the furnace space of the smelting furnace (1), and a measuring step for measuring flow of feed material by means of said at least one sensor (11) at said position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Outotec (Finland) Oy
    Inventors: Aki Laaninen, Elli Miettinen, Peter Björklund
  • Patent number: 10543992
    Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: CYTONOME/ST, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Bernard Bunner
  • Patent number: 10514359
    Abstract: A dual dielectropheretic article for monitoring cell migration includes: a membrane to selectively migrate a plurality of cells across the membrane, the membrane including: a first surface to receive the cells; a second surface opposed to the first surface; and a plurality of communication paths disposed in the membrane to provide the selective migration of the cells across the membrane from the first surface to the second surface; a first electrode disposed on the first surface to: provide an electric field for dielectrophoresis of the cells at the first surface; and provide a first potential for monitoring an impedance at the first surface; and a third electrode disposed on the second surface to: provide an electric field for dielectrophoresis of the cells at the second surface; and provide a third potential for monitoring an impedance at the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
    Inventors: Darwin R. Reyes-Hernandez, Brian Nablo
  • Patent number: 10502136
    Abstract: A filtration system and methods of assembly and operation are provided. The filtration system includes an array of perforated tubes in flow communication with a flow of intake air. Each perforated tube comprises a solids inlet and a solids outlet. The system also includes a solids feed system comprising a feed line coupled in flow communication with said solids inlet and configured to channel sorbent material through each perforated tube in said array. The filtration system also includes a monitoring arrangement for monitoring a parameter associated with the intake air, and varying the operation of the system based upon said parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: BHA Altair, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Warren Taylor, Stephen David Hiner, Paul Sherwood Bryant
  • Patent number: 10466313
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor of the present invention includes a first electrode including a magnetic material, a second electrode including a non-magnetic material, a common electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and connected to a ground terminal, a power supplier of which one end is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode and of which another end is connected to the common electrode to supply power of a frequency band required, a variable resistor configured to control at least one of a resistance value between the first electrode and the power supplier or a resistance value between the second electrode and the power supplier, and a differential amplifier connected to the first electrode through a positive terminal and connected to the second electrode through a negative terminal to output a difference value between a first capacitance generated by the first electrode and a second capacitance generated by the second electrode in response to external application
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: KOREA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND SCIENCE
    Inventors: Wan-Seop Kim, Po Gyu Park, Young Gyun Kim, Mun Seog Kim, Dan Bee Kim, Sung Jung Joo
  • Patent number: 10360699
    Abstract: Methods for correcting a count loss and PET systems are provided according to examples of the present disclosure. In one aspect, the PET system obtain scanning data of a subject to be detected for which random correction has been performed, obtain a first correction factor corresponding to the true coincidence count according to the single-photon count rates of the two Blocks corresponding to the true coincidence count, obtain a second correction factor corresponding to the true coincidence count according to the system single-photon count rate, and correct the true coincidence count according to the first correction factor and the second correction factor corresponding to the true coincidence count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Shenyang Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shaolian Liu, Jie Chang, Ming Li
  • Patent number: 10254211
    Abstract: A flow cell includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer includes a first flow path and a first electrode. The second layer includes a second flow path and a second electrode. The third layer is formed between the first layer and the second layer, and includes a first connection hole connecting the first flow path and the second flow path. The first electrode is disposed in the first flow path at a first side opposite to a second side where a sample is provided to the first flow path with respect to the first connection hole. The second electrode is disposed in the second flow path at a third side opposite to a fourth side where a fluid is discharged from the second flow path with respect to the first connection hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Niiyama, Maki Suezawa
  • Patent number: 10254209
    Abstract: A system for detecting particles, including: a first device to measure concentration of particles, including an electrometer measuring device coupled to a charger and/or to an optical particle counter; a second device to measure concentration of particles, including a condensation nuclei counter; a calculation unit configured to calculate a ratio and/or a difference between a first measurement of the particle concentration in an airflow, to be performed by the first measurement device, and a second measurement of the particle concentration in an airflow, to be performed by the second measurement device, and configured to provide a comparison between the ratio and/or the difference between the first and second measurements and a threshold value to determine presence of particles of interest other than ambient air particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Eric Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 10175210
    Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of liquid in a high performance liquid chromatography apparatus. The method includes operating a pump, measuring the liquid pressure downstream of the pump, measuring the liquid flow rate downstream of the pump, and controlling the operation of the pump. In the method, it is automatically determined whether the pump is controlled to achieve a desired pressure or controlled to achieve a desired flow rate. Fuzzy logic can be applied in the method to determine the switch between the control modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: PROXEON BIOSYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Ole Vorm
  • Patent number: 10067048
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the function of a sensor for detecting particles, in particular soot particles, the sensor including at least two measuring electrodes and a substrate on which the measuring electrodes are situated. The method includes the following: carrying out a first current-voltage measurement for ascertaining a first measured variable; carrying out a second current-voltage measurement for ascertaining a second measured variable, one measuring electrode of the measuring electrodes being applied to another electrical potential; carrying out a third current-voltage measurement for ascertaining a third measured variable; an configured forming a correction value for correcting the second measured variable with the aid of the first measured variable and the third measured variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Andy Tiefenbach, Benjamin Gaertner, Mathias Klenk
  • Patent number: 10006022
    Abstract: A system and method for sonication of multiple samples and continuous sonication of an input fluid stream in flow-through arrangements useful for economical breakdown of particulates and organisms present in large volumes with relatively low-power sonication devices such as production of oil from algae. The system includes an electrical wave generator oscillating in the ultrasound range, a vibrating element electrically connected to the electrical wave generator, and a sonication plate that vibrates in certain modes. The sonication plate contains features for mating with sample tubes, and the sample tubes also possess complimentary mating features to those on the sonication plate. A method for sonication of multiple samples includes utilizing mating features to attach tubes to the sonication plate and energizing the sonicator to vibrate the sonication plate. The invention also relates to arrangements for continuous flow-through useful for sonicating large sample volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Folim G. Halaka, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9989469
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sample analyzer comprising: a sample measuring section including a detecting section for detecting a component contained in a sample and a flow path for feeding the sample to the detecting section; and a control section. The control section is programmed to automatically control the sample measuring section to flow a sample blank free of particles to the detecting section and detect a component contained in the sample blank to check a background of the detection after the sample measuring section performs washing of the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masakazu Fukuda, Masamichi Tanaka, Rumi Takata
  • Patent number: 9970855
    Abstract: A miniature electrical-mobility aerosol spectrometer comprising a 3D-printed body comprising: (i) a single inlet section configured to receive particles to be evaluated by the spectrometer; (ii) an electrostatic precipitator section coupled to the electrostatic precipitator section; (iii) a classifier section, wherein the electrostatic precipitator section is coupled to the classifier section; and (iv) an outlet, wherein the classifier section is coupled to the outlet; a high voltage classifier plate positioned within the classifier section; and a classifier component positioned within the classifier section opposite the high voltage classifier plate, wherein the classifier component comprises sensing circuitry configured to detect particles in the classifier section, and wherein the classifier section comprises a two-sided printed circuit board, wherein the two-sided printed circuit board comprises the sensing circuitry, and wherein a first side of the two-sided printed circuit board comprises a plurality of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Clarkson University
    Inventors: Suresh Dhaniyala, Ishara Jayasuriya
  • Patent number: 9880233
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine a parameter of a metal-containing film are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of determining a parameter of a metal-containing film may include generating a first magnetic field by flowing an alternating current through a coil disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from the metal-containing film, wherein the first magnetic field induces a second magnetic field proximate the metal-containing film; heating the metal-containing film from a first temperature to a second temperature; measuring a response of the first magnetic field to the second magnetic field as the metal-containing film is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature; and correlating the response with a rate of temperature change of the metal-containing film as the metal-containing film is heated from the first temperature to the second temperature to determine a parameter of the metal-containing film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Abraham Ravid
  • Patent number: 9851288
    Abstract: A particle occurrence sensing circuit for microfluidic particle sensing includes a set of particle event indicators, each of which includes: a Coulter counter having a sensing electrode exposable to a fluid within a microfluidic channel and configured for providing a particle sensing signal; an input stage configured for providing an extracted particle sensing signal; and a particle event detector configured for providing a set of particle event occurrence signals. Each of the set of particle event occurrence signals indicates a sensed occurrence of a particle greater than or equal to a given reference particle size during fluid flow through the microfluidic channel to which the sensing electrode is exposed. The particle event detector includes a successive approximation (SA) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured for generating a plurality of reference particle size threshold values and successively comparing the extracted particle sensing signal amplitude with reference particle size threshold values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
    Inventor: Seong-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 9823173
    Abstract: A blood measuring apparatus includes: a liquid supply source storing a sheath liquid and applying a pressure to supply the sheath liquid to first and second chambers, pressures of the sheath liquids to be supplied to the first and second chambers different from each other; a sheath flow generator sending a blood sample supplied to the first chamber, to the aperture while causing the blood sample to be converged by a sheath flow due to the sheath liquid supplied from the liquid supply source; and a swirling flow generator causing the blood sample in the second chamber, to be converged by a swirling flow due to the sheath liquid supplied from the liquid supply source, thereby allowing the blood sample to flow in a direction separating from the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Niiyama, Satoshi Suzuki, Koji Masuda
  • Patent number: 9816909
    Abstract: A contact angle measurement apparatus includes a liquid reservoir arrangement, a drop dosing device in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir arrangement and adapted for applying a liquid drop onto a sample surface, an illuminating device for illuminating each drop applied by the drop dosing device and disposed on the surface from a first side, and an image recording device for recording an image of each applied drop disposed on the surface. A liquid pressurizing system is adapted to pressurize liquid from the liquid reservoir arrangement, and a controller connected to the valve of each drop dosing device and to the liquid pressurizing system, which controls the operation of the liquid pressurizing system and, for each drop dosing device, opening and closing of the respective valve to apply a drop of the respective liquid from the respective liquid line to the surface in a jet of pressurized liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KRUESS GMBH, WISSENSCHAFTLICHE LABORGERAETE
    Inventors: Bernd Friedrich, Florian Weser, Carsten Scheithauer
  • Patent number: 9797855
    Abstract: A method for the determination of pollen viability and/or maturation grade of a pollen population, comprising mechanically removing pollen grains from flowers; re-suspending pollen grains in an electrically conductive buffer for keeping the plant cells to remain viable; passing the pollen suspension through an appropriate filter with a pore size suitable for a microfluidic device being adapted to perform impedance flow cytometry (IFC); An advantage of the present invention is that a plant cell does not have to be stained for viability analysis, the method is non-invasive and a high number of cells can be analyzed in a short time frame in real-time and on-site. It is possible to follow developmental processes of plant cells, and that it is applicable to all plant species. In particular, the method allows a standardized measurement independent of the location and all over the world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Amphasys AG
    Inventors: Iris Heidmann, Marco Di Berardino, Kim Kok, Grit Schade-Kampmann
  • Patent number: 9714910
    Abstract: An apparatus to detect and measure suspended particles in a molten metal where the suspended particles have an associated noise frequency range has in addition to the electrically non-conductive barrier for immersion in the molten-metal, a device to move the molten metal through an orifice in the barrier and electrodes, a time varying excitation source that generates an AC current at a predetermined range of excitation frequency that is out of the predominant noise frequency range to generate an AC signal that is representative of the measure of the suspended particles. A detector detects and quantifies from the measurement AC signal the suspended particles. The detector can be a synchronous detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventors: Réal Ouellet, Jacques Marcotte, Patrick Couture, Sylvio Laplante, Bruno Simard
  • Patent number: 9714916
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a particle analyzer and a particle test control method and device thereof. The method comprises: after acquiring a diluted sample, preserving a part of the diluted sample, and monitoring whether a pore blocking event occurs during a counting process; when the pore blocking event occurs, suspending the test of the sample, and performing an unblocking operation; and after the unblocking operation is completed, controlling a liquid addition system to again acquire the preserved part of the sample from a reaction cell or a tube of the liquid addition system and inject it into a counting cell, and then re-counting the sample in the counting cell by an impedance method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Shen, Huilin Shi, Jin Teng, Wenheng Guo
  • Patent number: 9658206
    Abstract: A method for multiplex characterization of individual particles by their size, shape, mechanical properties (deformability), and chemical affinity to recognition agents. The analysis can be performed from concentrated solutions. The method detects transient sticking of particles in the pore and points to its location along a pore axis. If a pore is decorated with a recognition agent for an analyte present in a solution, it is possible to distinguish specific binding at the place of the recognition agent, and non-specific adsorption of the analyte. The method confirms whether any individual particle or hydrogel completely translocates the pore and allows unambiguous detection and characterization of multiple particles or hydrogels in the pore, which would previously corrupt the results, so that higher analyte concentrations can be used for faster analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Zuzanna S. Siwy, Kenneth J. Shea, Ken Healy, Laura Michele Innes, Matthew Schiel, Matthew Pevarnik
  • Patent number: 9587236
    Abstract: A system and method for sonication of multiple samples and continuous sonication of an input fluid stream in flow-through arrangements useful for economical breakdown of particulates and organisms present in large volumes with relatively low-power sonication devices such as production of oil from algae. The system includes an electrical wave generator oscillating in the ultrasound range, a vibrating element electrically connected to the electrical wave generator, and a sonication plate that vibrates in certain modes. The sonication plate contains features for mating with sample tubes, and the sample tubes also possess complimentary mating features to those on the sonication plate. A method for sonication of multiple samples includes utilizing mating features to attach tubes to the sonication plate and energizing the sonicator to vibrate the sonication plate. The invention also relates to arrangements for continuous flow-through useful for sonicating large sample volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Folim G. Halaka
  • Patent number: 9529007
    Abstract: An analyzing apparatus comprising a processor of a controller and a memory that stores programs executable by the processor to: receive a test result on a test item from a measurement unit; analyze the test result to determine whether the test result indicates an abnormality on the test item; if the test result is determined to indicate an abnormality on the test item, update a history database in which a history of abnormality determinations made on the test item is recorded; review the history database to determine whether a frequency of abnormality determinations made on the test item exceeds a predetermined frequency for the test item; and if the frequency of abnormality is determined to exceed the predetermined frequency for the test item, alert a user on a possible problem is disclosed. An analyzing method and a non-transitory storage medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Mizumoto, Hiroo Tatsutani
  • Patent number: 9423336
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sensing and characterizing small particles, and in particular blood cells suspended in a liquid medium. Exemplary systems include a volumeter conduit having a central region of higher electrical resistivity disposed between a first and second distal region of lower electrical resistivity, and a current source and sensing circuit module in electrical connectivity with the first and second distal regions. The module provides an electrical excitation current to the first and second distal regions to establish a particle-sensitive zone within the conduit, and detects current changes occasioned by particles of the biological sample passing through the particle-sensitive zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall Donnie Graham
  • Patent number: 9335834
    Abstract: The invention relates to providing detection of an exposure to a physical or chemical phenomenon and revealing information as a response to the exposure. A microfluidic device (20) comprises a microchannel (22) filled at least partly with at least one substance and a conductor (29) providing an intersection area (23a-23d) with the microchannel (22). As a result of exposure to the physical or chemical phenomenon directed to the microchannel (22) or to the substance in the microchannel (22) the microfluidic device (20) is arranged to control electromagnetic characteristic of the conductor (29) in the intersection area (23a-23d). An indicator device (45) comprises the microfluidic device (20) that is connected to means for indicating (40) to indicate the exposure to the phenomenon by giving a visual, sound, scent and/or electhcomagnetic indication. Further a method for detecting exposure to a physical or chemical phenomenon and indicating the exposure is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY
    Inventors: Markku Känsäkoski, Antti Kemppainen
  • Patent number: 9170138
    Abstract: Techniques for enhanced microfluidic impedance spectroscopy include causing a core fluid to flow into a channel between two sheath flows of one or more sheath fluids different from the core fluid. Flow in the channel is laminar. A dielectric constant of a fluid constituting either sheath flow is much less than a dielectric constant of the core fluid. Electrical impedance is measured in the channel between at least a first pair of electrodes. In some embodiments, enhanced optical measurements include causing a core fluid to flow into a channel between two sheath flows of one or more sheath fluids different from the core fluid. An optical index of refraction of a fluid constituting either sheath flow is much less than an optical index of refraction of the core fluid. An optical property is measured in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Laurent Giovangrandi, Antonio J. Ricco, Gregory Kovacs
  • Patent number: 9140661
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing electromagnetic noise pick up in a Liquid Metal Cleanliness Analyzer (LiMCA), used to detect and measure particles in molten metal. A first electrode inserted in the molten metal is electrically insulated from second and third electrodes, also inserted in the molten metal. Molten metal and particles pass between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes through a passage in the electrical insulation. The second and third electrodes have a configuration with respect to the first electrode sufficient to establish symmetrical current loops between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes when a current is supplied to the second and third electrodes. The current is supplied from an ultra-capacitor. Electromagnetic noise in the symmetrical current loops is detected and is added in opposition to reduce the amplitude of the electromagnetic noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Jacques Marcotte, Yuhil Slusarenko
  • Patent number: 9035661
    Abstract: A flow-through conductivity sensor assembly comprises a housing (4) having a flow passage with an inlet end and an outlet end. The cross section of at least a section of the flow passage extension between the inlet and outlet ends is divided into a conductivity measuring channel (2) and a parallel by-pass channel (3) of larger cross-sectional area than the measuring channel (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Lars Andersson, Stefan D'Argy, Patric Fricking, Joachim Tollstoy
  • Patent number: 9018964
    Abstract: A powder sensor includes a piezoelectric element, an oscillator circuit, a first square wave signal generator, a second square wave signal generator, and a phase judgment circuit. The oscillator circuit applies to the piezoelectric element an output signal having a frequency equal to or near a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element. The first square wave signal generator generates a first square wave signal by converting a terminal voltage of the piezoelectric element. The second square wave signal generator generates a second square wave signal that transits from an initial level to a detection level when the first square wave signal rises or falls in a detection period and that does not transit outside of the detection period. The detection period is a part of each cycle of the output signal of the oscillator circuit. The phase judgment circuit determines phase of the second square wave signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8994360
    Abstract: A microorganism number-measuring apparatus includes: a container holder for holding container having an opening in the upper surface of the container, with the opening being positioned upward; and a rotary driver for rotating a liquid accommodated in container held by the holder, about the rotary axis in the up-and-down direction. Moreover, the apparatus includes: an electrode inserting part for inserting measurement chip to a position from above container held by the holder, via the opening, with the position being closer to the container's inner surface than to the container's center axis and being away from the container's inner surface with a predetermined distance; and a measurement unit for measuring microorganisms using measurement electrode of measurement chip inserted into container by the electrode inserting part. The electrode inserting part holds measurement chip, in a state of measurement electrode facing the container's inner-surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Takeshita
  • Patent number: 8994384
    Abstract: A powder sensor includes a piezoelectric element, an oscillator circuit, a phase determination circuit, and a powder presence/absence determination circuit. The oscillator circuit applies to the piezoelectric element an output signal having a frequency equal to or near a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element. The phase determination circuit determines phase of a terminal voltage of the piezoelectric element relative to phase of the output signal from the oscillator circuit. The powder presence/absence determination circuit determines that powder is absent if the phase determination circuit determines, n consecutive times (where “n” is an arbitrary integer satisfying n?2), that the phase of the terminal voltage of the piezoelectric element, relative to the phase of the output signal from the oscillator circuit, satisfies a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8928306
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing electromagnetic noise pick up in a Liquid Metal Cleanliness Analyzer (LiMCA), used to detect and measure particles in molten metal. An first electrode inserted in the molten metal is electrically insulated from second and third electrodes, also inserted in the molten metal. Molten metal and particles pass between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes through a passage in the electrical insulation. The second and third electrodes have a configuration with respect to the first electrode sufficient to establish symmetrical current loops between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes when a current is supplied to the second and third electrodes. The current is supplied from an ultra-capacitor. Electromagnetic noise in the symmetrical current loops is detected and is added in opposition to reduce the amplitude of the electromagnetic noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Jacques Marcotte, Yuhil Slusarenko
  • Patent number: 8917100
    Abstract: A detecting/counting device for pharmaceutical/parapharmaceutical articles has a sliding support groove (15) having a first lateral wall (15A) and a second lateral wall (15B) and a bottom. A first capacitive sensor (C1) has a first armature (C1A) parallel to the first lateral wall (15A) and a second armature (C1B) parallel to the second lateral wall and connected to a first reference potential Vref1 by a first circuit (O1). A second capacitive sensor (C2) has a first armature (C2A) parallel to the first lateral wall and a second armature (C2B) parallel to the second lateral wall and connected to a second reference potential Vref2 by a second circuit (O2). A data processing unit (E) receives signals from the first circuit and the second circuit during transit of an article, indicating the shape of the articles, and compares them with reference ranges to determine whether the article is whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 8901914
    Abstract: The present invention reports a novel microfluidic analyzer for the high-throughput, label-free measurement of particles suspended in a fluid. The present invention employs the resistive pulse technique (RPT) which affords very high electrical bandwidth for the device, which surpasses that of currently available systems and devices. Further, devices in accordance with the present invention are fabricated with very simple microfabrication technologies, making the present invention more cost efficient and easier to manufacture than currently available devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Fraikin, Andrew N. Cleland
  • Patent number: 8854048
    Abstract: In a particle beam therapy system which scans a particle beam and irradiates the particle beam to an irradiation position of an irradiation subject and has a dose monitoring device for measuring a dose of the particle beam and an ionization chamber smaller than the dose monitoring device, the ionization chamber measuring a dose of a particle beam passing through the dose monitoring device, the dose of the particle beam irradiated by the dose monitoring device is measured; the dose of the particle beam passing through the dose monitoring device is measured by the small ionization chamber; and a correction coefficient of the dose measured by the dose monitoring device corresponding to the irradiation position is found based on the dose of the particle beam measured by the small ionization chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Otani, Hisashi Harada, Masahiro Ikeda, Kazushi Hanakawa, Taizo Honda
  • Publication number: 20140218006
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methodologies for sensing anode rod depletion. Consumers generally are not concerned with monitoring consumption of protective anode rods incorporated within water heaters. The present subject matter provides automatic monitoring of anode rod depletion and provides the consumer with notification of rod depletion beyond a predetermined amount. The principles of Faraday's Law are used to calculate anode weight loss by conversion of measured and accumulated current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michelle Diana Gross, Jonathan D. Nelson, Brett Alan Farris, William A. Baker
  • Patent number: 8791426
    Abstract: A system for analyzing an electron beam including a circular electron beam diagnostic sensor adapted to receive the electron beam, the circular electron beam diagnostic sensor having a central axis; an annular sensor structure operatively connected to the circular electron beam diagnostic sensor, wherein the sensor structure receives the electron beam; a system for sweeping the electron beam radially outward from the central axis of the circular electron beam diagnostic sensor to the annular sensor structure wherein the electron beam is intercepted by the annular sensor structure; and a device for measuring the electron beam that is intercepted by the annular sensor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.
    Inventors: John W. Elmer, Alan T. Teruya
  • Patent number: 8771484
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for detecting blood cells and a microscopic hole sensor assembly thereof. The device includes a microscopic hole sensor assembly positioned between a front pool and a back pool. The microscopic hole sensor assembly further includes a microscopic hole plate with a microscopic hole positioned thereon for communicating the front pool and the back pool. The end surface of the inlet is a flow-guiding surface gradually narrowing from the front pool to the back pool. The end surface of the outlet is a downstream surface gradually distending and extending towards the back pool. A straight effective orifice area is formed connecting the ends of the flow-guiding surface and the downstream surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tianfeng Zhao, An Li, Huaming Xu
  • Patent number: 8759800
    Abstract: A high-voltage supply unit is provided for a particle beam device. The high-voltage supply unit includes at least one high-voltage cable for feeding a high voltage, and at least one measuring device for measuring the high voltage. The measuring device has at least one first capacitor, and the first capacitor is formed by at least one first section of the high-voltage cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Fober, Martin Hugelmann
  • Patent number: 8686709
    Abstract: Apparatus and associate method including a substrate having a first surface; a lid having a second surface; at least one spacer element interposed between the substrate and the lid so as to maintain the first and second surface spaced apart; a partition with a plurality of nanometric size through-openings interposed between the spacer element and the lid defining a first chamber a second chamber fluidically connected together through at least one of the openings; the substrate has at least one first electrode on the first surface and the lid has a second electrode, the first electrode being configured to detect an electric signal associated to the passage of one of said particles through one of the through-openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Biosystems S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Tartagni, Michele Rossi, Nicolò Manaresi
  • Publication number: 20130345989
    Abstract: For a blood cell measuring part replaceably formed as a cartridge, a threshold value for determining particles is adjusted utilizing a specific parameter that observably varies according to the cross-sectional area of the aperture for use. In a first embodiment, the volume of the smallest frequency in the obtained volume-frequency distribution is used as a threshold value K1 specific to the cartridge for use. In second to fifth embodiments, the threshold values of pulse voltage height or pulse voltage width is adjusted based on the ratio of the voltage between electrodes specific to the cartridge or the ratio of the flow velocity of the sample liquid, every time the cartridge for use is replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Miyamura