Sensed Condition Is Operating Time And Control Is Operation Sequencer Patents (Class 422/116)
  • Patent number: 11732297
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Rothberg, Wolfgang Hinz, Kim Johnson, James Bustillo
  • Patent number: 11684685
    Abstract: A sanitizer including a base that is at least one of flexible or foldable, and an ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to emit UV light and coupled to the base. The base of the sanitizer may be configured to be removably placed over a window of a vehicle such that UV light emitted from the sanitizer sanitizes surfaces within the interior of the vehicle and items placed within the vehicle. A sanitizer having a base that is movable from a deployed position in which it covers a storage compartment of a vehicle to an access position. A UV light source coupled to the base is configured to emit UV light. The UV light source is configured to emit UV light into the storage compartment when the base is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: UVC SUNSHADE LLC
    Inventors: Cesar N. Gonzalez, Aaron J. Schlagel, John F. Cooney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11656238
    Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes a storage unit storing the reaction containers of cleaning target by day unit in such a manner that all the reaction containers mounted on a reaction disk are to be cleaning target within a plurality of days, and a control unit exerts a control in such a manner that during an operation state after the sample of analysis object is dispensed to the reaction containers, a sample of analysis object in each of the reaction containers is analyzed, and not the sample but a detergent is dispensed to the reaction containers of cleaning target of an appointed day, the reaction containers of cleaning target of the appointed day being stored in the storage unit, to soak and wash the reaction containers for a certain time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Nakasawa, Tetsuji Kawahara, Masaharu Nishida, Yoko Inoue, Kenichi Yagi, Osamu Matsumoto, Sayaka Asada
  • Patent number: 11602575
    Abstract: A decontamination system for a device, such as a lumen device, is provided. The decontamination system includes a terminal package defining a device receiving area. The terminal package includes a fluid inlet through which sterilant fluid can be delivered to the device receiving area. An accumulator apparatus is provided that is configured to switch between trapping sterilant fluid delivered into the device receiving area and delivering sterilant fluid to the device receiving area based on pressure changes in the device receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Medivators Inc.
    Inventors: Judson A. Herrig, Isaac Odim
  • Patent number: 11571677
    Abstract: A peptide synthesis instrument can be used for small scale peptide synthesis. The instrument can include several unique features, including a compression style reaction vessel permitting quick setup of the reaction vessel, a double reaction vessel system permitting efficient mixing without loss of solvent or solvent-to-resin contact, gravity-fed heated reservoirs establishing a fixed volume for delivery to the reaction vessel, fume-free solvent addition permitting solvent addition to fixed bottles, and an improved amino acid manifold assembly which reduces the number of components and increases the ease of use of the instrument. Each of these features improve upon the current state of the art in solid phase automated peptide synthesizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: CSBIO INSTRUMENTATION CO.
    Inventors: Dario Slavazza, Yoheng Chang, David Lippoth
  • Patent number: 11534511
    Abstract: An ultraviolet emitting device comprising a plurality of light sources; and a plurality of arms on which the plurality of light sources are mounted, wherein: each arm is expandable between a first position and a second position, each arm is fully collapsed in the first position and fully expanded in the second position, and when each arm is transitioning between the first position and the second position, a length of the arm maintains a fixed proportionality with respect to a spacing of the plurality of light sources on the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Leviant, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis F. Romo, Wladyslaw Kowalski, Audrey McNicholas, Arto Cinoglu, David Moses
  • Patent number: 11448627
    Abstract: Methods of catalytic process characterization using a reaction system having two or more reaction strands in a parallel arrangement, wherein each reaction strand has multiple series-connected reaction chambers or a single reaction chamber. Each reaction strand is supplied with a reactant stream subjected to process stages. Product streams discharged from the reaction strands are subjected to an analytical characterization, wherein the data achieved in the characterization are expressed in relative terms including the forming of a difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: HTE GMBH THE HIGH THROUGHPUT EXPERIMENTATION
    Inventor: Florian Huber
  • Patent number: 11298437
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilization of an article which has a first open end, a second open end and a lumen extending therebetween. The apparatus comprises a first chamber for receiving the article. The first chamber has an outlet fluidly connectable to a pump for adjusting an internal pressure in the first chamber; and an inlet fluidly connectable to a sterilant source for supplying sterilant to the first chamber. The apparatus includes a second chamber fluidly connectable to the first chamber by a chamber connector fluidly sealable to isolate the first and the second chamber; and an article connector for fluidly connecting the second open end of the article to the second chamber to form a fluid path from the first to the second chamber through the lumen. Also included is an article connector for connecting an open end of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: IDEATE MEDICAL
    Inventors: Philippe Conseil, Florencia Chicatun
  • Patent number: 11149344
    Abstract: A preparation device has a chamber, molten metal containers, a rotatable base in the chamber and having a deposition substrate, laser sets generating a dual-pulse laser, a base controller and a data collection control unit. The containers communicate with the chamber and each has a pulse pressurization apparatus pressing the molten metal into the chamber. The laser sets correspond to the containers such that beams of an emitted dual-pulse laser bombard the pulsed droplets, plasmas are generated and are sputtered and deposited on the substrate forming a multi-element alloy thin film. The unit collects base temperature and displacement information, and controls the pressurization frequency of the pulse pressurization apparatus, and the emission frequency and energy of the dual-pulse laser of the laser sets controlling the frequency and energy of the dual-pulse laser bombarding the corresponding pulsed droplets. The base controller controls the base temperature, rotation and movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: THE ACADEMY OF OPTO-ELECTRONICS, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Xiaobin Wu, Yan Luo, Yu Wang, Kuibo Wang, Wanlu Xie, Luosha Zhang, Lijia Zhang
  • Patent number: 11090400
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressurised-vapour autoclave characterised in that, in addition to sterilising instruments in a main chamber, it allows a second or third hermetic, exchangeable sterilising chamber to be housed inside the autoclave and connected, by means of a quick connection, to the main sterilising chamber, thus allowing access to the internal components of the autoclave such as compressors, water heaters, solenoid valves, etc., in order to sterilise sanitary waste without contaminating the main chamber with steam or ozone gas, thereby producing two or three completely autonomous and separate chambers. The present invention also relates to a method for operating the autoclave, wherein the autoclave reports the number of kilos treated by means of weight sensors on the feet of same, as well as all the internal parameters thereof by means of a GPRS-SIM circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Steriale Sociedad Anonima
    Inventor: Jose Carlos Garcia Lopez
  • Patent number: 10640812
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel processes for the production of oligonucleotides that are suitable for use in the production of chemically modified oligonucleotides, such as those for use in therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: GLAXOSMITHKLINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Andreas Crameri, Malcolm Leithhead Hill, David Graham Tew
  • Patent number: 10557835
    Abstract: A sample preparation and analysis system. The system includes a sample preparation system and a sample analysis system. The sample preparation system prepares samples in accordance with an assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays. The sample analysis system includes an analyzer that is dynamically reconfigurable based on the selected assay so as to analyze the prepared sample in accordance with that selected assay. A data communication link communicates data from the sample preparation system to the sample analysis system to reconfigure the analyzer in accordance with the selected assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC OY
    Inventors: Robert DeWitte, Juhani Siidorov, Vesa Nuotio, Raimo Salminen, Jarmo Vehkomaki, Jukka Saukkonen, Bill Ostman, Joseph M. Senteno, John Edward Brann, III, Joseph L. Herman, Jeffrey A. Zonderman, Terry N. Olney
  • Patent number: 10402309
    Abstract: A microcontroller may include a processor and at least one memory device storing (a) program code of a program defining a plurality of dominator arcs based on logical relationships among basic blocks (instructions) in the program code; and (b) a set of instrumentation points consisting of a subset of the program code basic blocks that correspond with the plurality of dominator arcs, each instrumentation point being located in a respective dominator arc. A code coverage implementation program (e.g., IDE or compiler) may be configured to instrument each instrumentation point in the program code with execution tracking instruction(s) to store or generate execution recording information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joseph Drzewiecki, James McInnes
  • Patent number: 10396372
    Abstract: An electrolytic solution circulation type battery includes a tank which stores an electrolyte to be circulated to a battery cell, and a pressure adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the pressure of a gas phase portion in the tank. The pressure adjustment mechanism includes a pressure adjustment bag which is provided outside the tank and expands or contracts in response to changes in pressure of the gas phase portion in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuo Ikeuchi, Takahiro Kumamoto
  • Patent number: 10379104
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus for carrying out in vitro experiments with biological test systems, which are perfused with an exposure medium, forming an exposure atmosphere, includes an exposure cap, which is dimensioned in such a manner that it can be set onto a standard multiwell plate and connected with the standard multiwell plate using suitable connecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forshcung e.V.
    Inventors: Detlef Ritter, Jan Knebel
  • Patent number: 9833535
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a disinfecting radiation base for working in conjunction with a storage case for an ophthalmic lens. The disinfecting radiation base provides disinfecting radiation for disinfecting a surface of the storage case. The disinfecting radiation base may also include a processor and digital memory for automated functions associated with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Edward R. Kernick, William C. Neeley, Dwight Abouhalkah, Leslie A. Voss, Karson S. Putt, James D. Riall
  • Patent number: 9807949
    Abstract: Apparatus system and method of maintaining differential atmospheric control with respect to CO2 and O2 gases in a first, stem/leaf zone, Z-1, of a plant from a second, root zone, Z-2, of the plant. The atmosphere in a stem/leaf zone is controlled to be high in CO2 while the root zone Z-2 is isolated and provided with ambient or higher O2, at a pressure to prevent infiltration of CO2 from zone Z-1. The differential atmosphere in each zone can be selectively monitored and adjusted to provide improved growing conditions. The inventive plant environment control system and method is particularly useful in the field of hydroponic and aeroponic growing enclosures, wherein nutrients are periodically provided to the roots, and a high CO2 atmosphere, plus heat and light of appropriate growth-enhancing wavelengths, are provided to the leaves for forced, high-yield growth of selected plants indoors, regardless of the season.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: John W. Hamlin
  • Patent number: 9777325
    Abstract: A fluidic system that includes a reagent manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured for fluid communication between a reagent cartridge and an inlet of a flow cell; a plurality of reagent sippers extending downward from ports in the manifold, each of the reagent sippers configured to be placed into a reagent reservoir in a reagent cartridge so that liquid reagent can be drawn from the reagent reservoir into the sipper; at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the inlet of the flow cell. The reagent manifold can also include cache reservoirs for reagent re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stone, Drew Verkade
  • Publication number: 20150050188
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling retention time in a reactor, such as an autoclave, having a plurality of compartments separated by dividers with underflow openings. A retention time of the reaction mixture is calculated and compared with an optimal retention time, and the volumes of the reaction mixture in the compartments are adjusted while maintaining the flow rate of the reaction mixture, so as to change the retention time to a value which is closer to the optimal retention time. The reactor may include a level sensor in the last compartment for generating volume data; a control valve for controlling the liquid level in the last compartment; and a controller which receives volume data from the level sensor and controls operation of the control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Fraser, Murray S. Pearson, William E. McCombe
  • Patent number: 8951480
    Abstract: A modular chemical production system includes multiple modules for performing a chemical reaction, particularly of radiochemical compounds, from a remote location. One embodiment comprises a reaction vessel including a moveable heat source with the position thereof relative to the reaction vessel being controllable from a remote position. Alternatively the heat source may be fixed in location and the reaction vial is moveable into and out of the heat source. The reaction vessel has one or more sealing plugs, the positioning of which in relationship to the reaction vessel is controllable from a remote position. Also the one or more reaction vessel sealing plugs can include one or more conduits there through for delivery of reactants, gases at atmospheric or an elevated pressure, inert gases, drawing a vacuum and removal of reaction end products to and from the reaction vial, the reaction vial with sealing plug in position being operable at elevated pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Nagichettiar Satyamurthy, Jorge R. Barrio, Bernard Amarasekera, R. Michael Van Dam, Sebastian Olma, Dirk Williams, Mark A. Eddings, Clifton Kwang-Fu Shen
  • Publication number: 20150031764
    Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site generation of peracid chemistry, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions, are disclosed. In particular, an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system is designed for on-site generation of peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions from sugar esters. Methods of using the in situ generated peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Katherine M. Sanville, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Publication number: 20150017085
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for precipitating dissolved materials from a solution involve reduction of fines. In an embodiment, the method comprises: introducing a solution into a reactor, causing the dissolved materials in the solution to precipitate into crystals under a first reaction condition, adjusting the reaction condition from the first reaction condition to a second reaction condition, maintaining the reaction condition in the second reaction condition to cause a sub-population of the crystals to dissolve, and adjusting the reaction condition from the second reaction condition to the first reaction condition. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a reaction tank, a recycling path and at least an acid injector which is configured for dosing an acid into solution flow in the recycling path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Ahren Thomas Britton, Donald R. Clark, Ram Prasad Melahalli Sathyanarayana
  • Patent number: 8926720
    Abstract: The mass flow rate of a first reactant stream supplied to a fuel processor is controlled based on a combined feed-forward and feedback control regime. The method is particularly applicable for actively controlling the fuel supply to a fuel processor in a system comprising a combustion engine, in which the fuel processor is fluidly connected to receive at least a portion of an engine exhaust stream from the engine. In embodiments of the system and method, the supply of fuel is controlled based on three mass flow factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventor: Xuantian Li
  • Publication number: 20150004061
    Abstract: A device for sanitizing objects using ozone is disclosed having a container defining an enclosed space and a selectively closeable opening for enclosing the space, an ozone generator, an ozone converter, a controller, and a timer working together to generate a predetermined concentration of ozone within the enclosed space and maintain approximately the same concentration for a predetermined period of time. Also disclosed are assemblies and methods detecting and warning of entrapment within the enclosure and halting ozone production when it occurs. Further disclosed are devices and methods for coupling a maintenance device to the sanitizing system to perform various maintenance operations such as adjusting operational control parameters, and observing conditions within the enclosed chamber in real-time such as temperature, humidity, and ozone concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Rikki F. Kain, Michael A. Engle, Donald Ray Fraser
  • Publication number: 20140377130
    Abstract: A scent release system includes scent cartridges containing temperature activated scent media. The scent cartridges may bear machine-readable identification that specifies which scent media are carried by the cartridge. The scent release system can be controlled by a timer to initiate a phase change of the scent media to selectively release one or more scents, followed by a reverse phase change to selectively stop release of the respective scents. A scent release system in conjunction with a mobile electronic device, such as a smart phone, allows sending and receiving scent messages. The scent release system can be built into a case for the mobile electronic device, eliminating the need for a separate unit. A private scent delivery device in the form of a headset can be worn by users of a scent release system or by scent message recipients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: David A. Edwards, Rachel Diane Field, Amy Michelle Yin, Eyal Shahar
  • Publication number: 20140370606
    Abstract: In a method for operating an exhaust gas purifying device, with at least one catalyst for filtering exhaust gas and at least one lambda sensor arranged in the exhaust gas, an end of a time period assigned to a maximum or minimum of a delayed signal value supplied by the lambda sensor is determined in that a variable value tracks the signal value and, if the signal value falls short of or exceeds the variable value by a specific difference value, the end of the time period is determined. The end of a time period is corrected on the basis of the time constant of the delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Bodo Odendall
  • Patent number: 8871153
    Abstract: Mechanically fluidized systems and processes allow for efficient, cost-effective production of silicon. Particulate may be provided to a heated tray or pan, which is oscillated or vibrated to provide a reaction surface. The particulate migrates downward in the tray or pan and the reactant product migrates upward in the tray or pan as the reactant product reaches a desired state. Exhausted gases may be recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Rokstar Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Dassel, David A. Bressler
  • Patent number: 8771599
    Abstract: An air blower including a motor 2 having output shafts 21, 21 on both sides in the axial direction and two impellers 3, 3 mounted on the respective output shafts 21, 21, and two ducts 5, 5 that individually allow passage of the air blown out by rotation of each of the impellers 3, 3 in the same direction and discharge the air to the outside are included. At a part or the whole of each of the ducts 5, 5, a laminar flow section that makes the flowing air laminar flow. An ion generating section is arranged at each laminar flow section so that ions generated by the ion generating section can effectively be included in the air, increasing the ion concentration of ions discharged in a room together with the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumimasa Funabiki, Tomohisa Itoh, Yoshihiro Uramoto, Takahiro Hanai, Yoshiroh Tanoue
  • Patent number: 8753568
    Abstract: A microprocessor preprogrammable autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment by disposing environmental sensors in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the fluid of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by dissolving a biocide salt in the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Vincent M. Kelly, Louis Anthony Codispoti, Steven Edward Suttles
  • Publication number: 20140151603
    Abstract: An integrated drying gasification system comprises a gasifier for gasifying carbonaceous fuel to produce hot product gas and an entrained flow dryer which receives the hot product gas to dry the carbonaceous fuel prior to gasification. At least one inlet to the gasifier communicates one or more additional gases from the system, such as recycled syngas, steam and/or recycled carbon dioxide, to the gasifier to generate an increased hot product gas mass flow rate from the gasifier. The system may comprise a plurality of lock hopper systems coupled to the entrained flow dryer. At least one intermediate storage vessel may be provided in one or more feed legs to the gasifier maintain a constant supply of carbonaceous fuel to the gasifier for a temporary period independently of carbonaceous fuel supplied to the entrained flow dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: HRL TREASURY (IDGCC) PTY LTD
    Inventors: Bernard Anderson, Alex Blatchford, Tom Stephanou
  • Patent number: 8716025
    Abstract: A control device for a sample separation apparatus, the sample separation apparatus including a first separation unit and a second separation unit downstream of the first separation unit and supplied with the fluidic sample after treatment by the first separation unit. A control device is configured for controlling the first separation unit to execute a primary separation sequence within a time interval for separating the fluidic sample into fractions, and for controlling the second separation unit to execute secondary separation sequences within the time interval for further separating the separated fractions into sub-fractions, wherein the secondary separation sequences form part of a common sample separation method defined by a common specification of the sample separation involving a set of parameters, and adjusting, over a progress of the primary separation sequence, at least one parameter according to which at least one of the plurality of secondary separation sequences is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus Witt
  • Publication number: 20140072888
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation device of the present invention comprises a first path (31) used to supply a raw material to a reformer (1) through at least a first desulfurization unit (2); a second path (32) used to supply the raw material to the reformer (1) through only the second desulfurization unit (3); a switch unit (6); a flow control unit (8) which selectively enables or inhibits a flow of the hydrogen-containing gas generated in the reformer 1 toward the second desulfurization unit (3); and a controller (12) configured to execute processing in such a manner that in at least either a time point before generation of the hydrogen-containing gas is stopped, or start-up, the switch unit 6 performs switching to select the first path (31), and the flow control unit (8) enables the flow of the hydrogen-containing gas, while the reformer 1 is generating the hydrogen-containing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chie Harada, Hidenobu Wakita, Seiji Fujihara, Tomoyuki Nakajima, Kunihiro Ukai
  • Patent number: 8615325
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an advanced control system for steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces, especially steam methane reformer furnaces. As described herein, the advanced control system may improve the control quality and efficiency of adjusting steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces operating coefficients. As a result, the steam hydrocarbon reformer furnace operations become more stable, resulting in energy savings and improved furnace yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Tong Li, Justin Jian Wang
  • Publication number: 20130230430
    Abstract: A system for gas sterilization includes a sterilization chamber, a source of sterilant gas, and a sterilant gas remediation mechanism. Embodiments relate to systems and methods for delivering humidified air to a sterilization chamber, systems and methods for removing gaseous NO2 from an exhaust gas stream of a sterilization chamber, systems and methods for removing and replacing a source of sterilant gas, an exhaust gas scrubber and/or supplies for a humidification system. Some embodiments relate to hardware and software for user interface in a sterilizing device and hardware and software for control of a sterilization cycle. Some embodiments relate to chamber, chassis and door configurations of a sterilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: NOXILIZER, INC.
    Inventors: Phil Carbone, Karen Benedek, Michael Ruffo, Wade Luongo
  • Patent number: 8512642
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for producing hard polyurethane foam by a froth process having a foaming agent supply means that quantitatively supplies the inert gas as a foaming agent and a foaming means that discharges a hard polyurethane foam obtained by forming a foaming polyol composition, in which the foaming agent supply means has a pressure-reducing valve that reduces and adjusts the pressure of the inert gas and a needle valve that adjusts the flow rate of the inert gas, the foaming means has a compression cylinder for compressing and supplying the polyol composition, a regulation means that regulates the supply of the inert gas to the foaming means is provided between the foaming means and the foaming agent supply means, and a control means that controls the regulation means by sensing the operation of the compression cylinder is connected to the regulation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Fujio
  • Patent number: 8460557
    Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of process streams. A catalyst mediates a wet oxidation process at elevated temperatures and pressures for treating at least one undesirable constituent in an aqueous mixture. A catalyst may be selected for its solubility at a detected pH level of the aqueous mixture. Alternatively, a pH level of the aqueous mixture may be adjusted to solubilize a selected catalyst and/or maintain the selected catalyst in a soluble form. A controller in communication with a pH sensor may be configured to generate a control signal to adjust the pH level of the aqueous mixture in response to the pH sensor registering a pH level outside a predetermined pH solubility range for a selected catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad L. Felch, Todd Wingers, Timothy Schleusner, Bryan Kumfer, Clayton Maugans
  • Publication number: 20130094995
    Abstract: There is provided a mechanism of preventing a cartridge in which a sterilizing agent is remaining from being taken out from a sterilization apparatus in order to prevent a user from touching the sterilizing agent. There is provided a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing an object by extracting a sterilizing agent from a cartridge containing the sterilizing agent. The apparatus includes locking means for locking the cartridge containing the sterilizing agent and mounted on the sterilization apparatus and extracting means for extracting the sterilizing agent from the cartridge, wherein the locking means is configured to maintain the lock on the cartridge until sterilizing agent has been extracted from the cartridge by the extracting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicants: CANON MARKETING JAPAN KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA ELQUEST, ELK CORPORATION
    Inventors: CANON MARKETING JAPAN KABUSHIKI KAISH, ELK CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA ELQUEST
  • Patent number: 8372207
    Abstract: A one handed hand washer/scrubber is provided enclosed in a self contained, counter placeable housing having an entry orifice at one side for insertion of a user's hand. A sensor monitors the entry orifice for detection of a user's hand accessing a washing cavity within the housing. Two scrubbing web assemblies are housed within the washing cavity, each having a proximal stepper motor placed near the entry orifice, opposite a second stepper motor spaced distally therefrom. Each stepper motor attaches to and supports a sanitizer, disinfectant, soap or cleanser soaked web draped between, and are used to dispense a new section of web for each subsequent use and to reciprocate a working section of web front to back (or back and forth) during use. A series of foam rollers align the rear of the working section of web. The rollers are spring urged to allow for intimate contact of the web against the variable contours of a users hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Julie Shields
  • Patent number: 8367005
    Abstract: A gas processing apparatus for processing a gas using plasma is highly versatile and capable of rapidly processing a large quantity of gas that includes particularly an aromatic compound or other component that is difficult to process. The gas processing apparatus comprises a plasma equipment series comprising a plurality of gas processing units arranged in series on a gas flow channel; and a control section for controlling the operation of each unit of plasma equipment of the plasma equipment series. Each of the units of plasma equipment comprises a cavity composed of an electrical conductor and communicated with the gas flow channel; a plasma generator for generating plasma within the cavity; and microwave radiator for radiating microwaves to the plasma generated by the plasma starting section. The control section selects the number of units of plasma equipment to operate according to a component of the introduced gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Imagineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Ikeda, Shinobu Makita
  • Patent number: 8361396
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to automated-polymer-synthesis systems that include discrete reagent-solution-addition, wait-time, and reagent-solution-draining sub-systems which together significantly increase throughput and decrease sub-system idle time. The automated-polymer-synthesis systems that represent embodiments of the present invention additionally include switches at points in which carriers can be received from multiple input paths or output to multiple different output paths. The automated-polymer-synthesis systems that represent embodiments of the present invention generally include an input spur and output spur in addition to a main loop, allowing carriers containing only completed polymers to be removed and new carriers input, so that carriers traverse the automated-polymer-synthesis systems independently from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Oligoco, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsing-Yeh Parker, John C. Tabone, John Mulligan
  • Publication number: 20130018491
    Abstract: A microprocessor preprogrammable autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment by disposing environmental sensors in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the fluid of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by dissolving a biocide salt in the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Vincent M. Kelly, Louis Anthony Codispoti, Steven Edward Suttles
  • Patent number: 8303766
    Abstract: A method and device for evaporating a predeterminable volume of fluid includes successive addition of partial volumes of the predeterminable volume to a supply line at different adding rates, at least partially evaporating the partial volumes forming vapor film between them and a supply line wall, conveying the partial volumes through the supply line to an evaporator surface, and applying the partial volumes to an evaporator surface region varying as a function of mass and/or volume adding rate of the partial volume, permitting effective evaporation of fluid, particularly urea/water solution. Utilization of the highest possible proportion of evaporator surfaces is achieved by mass and/or volume addition rate-dependent distribution of impingement surfaces on the evaporator surface. This heating strategy in the supply line region ensures the Leidenfrost effect when individual partial volumes are added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: EMITEC Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Peter Hirth, Rolf Brück
  • Patent number: 8277741
    Abstract: The present invention relates an apparatus that reduces and/or eliminates germs and/or bacteria from the soles of a person's footwear, and an associated method of use. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a person can step onto and stand on the exemplary apparatus to have germs and/or bacteria reduced and/or eliminated from the soles of his or her footwear through the use of anti-germicidal and/or antimicrobial radiation and/or light. An exemplary apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured so that when a person stands on a top portion, the person's footwear sinks to a bottom portion that is substantially transparent, displacing substantially opaque gel so that at least one of the soles of the person's footwear is exposed to the anti-germicidal and/or antimicrobial radiation and/or light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Colin Adam McCabe
  • Patent number: 8263003
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials (10), comprising a closed enclosure (8) and a system (12, 16) for securing said closed enclosure, said system comprising catalytic means (12) for recombining hydrogen and oxygen into water, placed in said closed enclosure. According to the invention, the system for securing said closed enclosure further comprises a device (16) for the controlled release of oxygen in said closed enclosure (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: TN International
    Inventors: Pascale Abadie, Paul Abadie, legal representative, Françoise Abadie, legal representative, Hervé Issard, Valentin Rohr
  • Patent number: 8197762
    Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile material comprises the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element. The method further includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a randomly determined period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a randomly determined duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Gasper
  • Patent number: 8114297
    Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of soot containing an insoluble metal. The soot is formed into a soot slurry and a characteristic of the soot slurry is maintained to solubilize at least a portion of the metal to act as a catalyst. The soot slurry with the soluble metal is wet oxidized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad L. Felch, Bruce Brandenburg, Philip Rettger, Bryan Kumfer, Curtis Cooley, Timothy Schleusner, Mark Clark
  • Publication number: 20110293484
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sanitizing air and equipment within a compartment includes an air moving device for drawing contaminated air from the compartment into a sanitizing unit in which the air is sanitized by generating ozone. The generated ozone is then removed with a catalyst which when irradiated by UV light creates oxidizers that react with the ozone and any remaining airborne contaminants providing additional air sanitization as well as ozone removal. The sanitized air is then returned into the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Eric Stausgaard, Blake Drager
  • Patent number: 8043556
    Abstract: An ablutionary installation including a mixing valve having respective inlets for hot and cold water and an outlet for temperature controlled water, a temperature sensor for monitoring outlet water temperature and providing a signal representative of the outlet water temperature to an electronic controller, a user interface permitting selection of outlet water temperature up to a pre-determined temperature, the electronic controller being operable to compare the selected and sensed outlet water temperatures for controlling the mixing valve to adjust the ratio of hot and cold water delivered to the outlet according to the selected outlet water temperature, and apparatus for initiating a disinfection cycle to deliver water to the outlet at a temperature higher than the pre-determined temperature, wherein the initiating apparatus includes an operating sequence with at least two inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Peel, Timothy James Shepherd, Geoffrey Hawke Whale, Paul Vigars, Nicholas John Beck
  • Publication number: 20110256028
    Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: RE48993
    Abstract: A fluidic system that includes a reagent manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured for fluid communication between a reagent cartridge and an inlet of a flow cell; a plurality of reagent sippers extending downward from ports in the manifold, each of the reagent sippers configured to be placed into a reagent reservoir in a reagent cartridge so that liquid reagent can be drawn from the reagent reservoir into the sipper; at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the inlet of the flow cell. The reagent manifold can also include cache reservoirs for reagent re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Stone, Drew Verkade