With Indicating, Signalling, Recording, Sampling, Or Inspection Means Patents (Class 422/119)
-
Patent number: 12246297Abstract: Systems and methods taught herein enable simultaneous forward and side detection of light originating within a microfluidic channel disposed in a substrate. At least a portion of the microfluidic channel is located in the substrate relative to a first side surface of the substrate to enable simultaneous detection paths with respect to extinction (i.e., 0°) and side detection (i.e., 90°). The location of the microfluidic channel as taught herein enables a maximal half-angle for a ray of light passing from a center of the portion of the microfluidic channel through the first side surface to be in a range from 25 to 90 degrees in some embodiments. By placing at least the portion of the microfluidic channel proximate to the side surface of the substrate, a significantly greater proportion of light emitted or scattered from a particle within the microfluidic channel can be collected and imaged on a detector as compared to conventional particle processing chips.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: CYTONOME/ST, LLCInventors: Johnathan Charles Sharpe, Donald Francis Perrault, Jr.
-
Patent number: 12233177Abstract: A method of externally sterilizing a drug delivery device utilizing Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is provided, including placing the drug delivery device in a sterilization chamber, introducing into the chamber a dose of NO2 having a concentration of between about 2 and 20 milligrams per Liter by applying a vacuum level of between about 10 and 600 Torr and holding the vacuum level for a dwell time of between about 2 and 20 minutes, repeating the step of introducing into the chamber a dose of NO2 for a number of pulses between about 1 and 24, purging the sterilization chamber of at least substantially all of the NO2, and aerating the sterilization chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: AMGEN INC.Inventors: Wael Mismar, Jessica Hai Liu, Chia-Jung Wu, Shermeen A. Abbas, Shaun Devitt, Kenneth G. Schalhoub, Anthony Bitong, Mads Schjoth Due, Malak Guirguis, Rami Saifan
-
Patent number: 12171897Abstract: A sterilization and air purification control system and a mounting structure of a waste disposer include a bottom mounting housing and a disposer main machine and a sterilization module. The sterilization module includes an ozone generator driver, a negative oxygen ion generator and an exhaust mechanism. The bottom mounting housing is an accommodating housing and is detachably mounted at a bottom portion of the disposer main machine, an outer edge of the bottom mounting housing is provided with a light strip, the exhaust mechanism is fixedly connected to an inside of one side surface of the bottom mounting housing, and the exhaust mechanism communicates with inner and outer sides of the bottom mounting housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2021Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: Zhejiang Rosun Kitchen & Bath Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin Zhang, Yu Zhang
-
Patent number: 12115372Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for monitoring and regulating physiological states and functions are disclosed. Several embodiments include application of one or more microelectrode arrays to a dorsal root ganglion for measurement of sensory neuron activity, or stimulation of sensory reflex circuits. The methods and apparatuses can be used, for example, for monitoring or controlling bladder function in a patient.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2022Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Douglas Weber, Robert Gaunt, Timothy Bruns
-
Patent number: 12105014Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mechanical property detection device and a force detection system, and relates to the technical field of hydrate experiment equipment. The mechanical property detection device includes a reaction kettle, a thrust mechanism, and a force detection sensor; a reaction platform and a reaction frame provided on the reaction platform are provided in the reaction kettle, an end of the thrust mechanism extends into the reaction kettle, and can push the reaction frame to move relative to the reaction platform, and the force detection sensor is configured to detect magnitude of a thrust of the thrust mechanism when pushing the reaction frame, so as to solve the technical problems such as inconvenience in testing an adhesive force of gas hydrate in the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2022Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUMInventors: Chenwei Liu, Zhiyuan Wang, Yongfei Mi, Ci Yan
-
Patent number: 12076467Abstract: An air management system for a common indoor room or space that comprises a plurality of air outflow apertures or vents, a plurality of air curtains having at least a portion of the air curtains separated from one another, a plurality of separated air suction intakes, and an air sterilization and/or air cleaning mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2023Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Air-Clenz Systems, LLCInventors: Ronald Blum, Anita Broach, Russell French
-
Patent number: 11917010Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and an Internet of Things (IoT) system for gas purification management in a storage and distribution station for smart gas. The method is implemented based on the IoT system for gas purification management in the storage and distribution station for smart gas. The IoT system includes a smart gas user platform, a smart gas service platform, a smart gas device management platform, a smart gas sensor network platform, and a smart gas object platform. The method is executed by the smart gas device management platform. The method includes: obtaining a gas quality condition parameter of a raw gas, and the gas quality condition parameter being obtained based on the storage and distribution station; determining, based on the gas quality condition parameter, an operation parameter in a purification process, the operation parameter being used for a purification operation of the raw gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: CHENGDU QINCHUAN IOT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Zehua Shao, Junyan Zhou, Guanghua Huang, Lei Zhang, Xiaojun Wei
-
Patent number: 11892357Abstract: A system for measuring temperature in a sterilization autoclave, including a temperature transducer positionable inside a sterilization chamber of the autoclave and a receiver positionable outside the sterilization chamber. The receiver includes a reception antenna and a receiving electronic circuit connectable with a process controller of the autoclave. The receiving electronic circuit is configured to receive a temperature signal through the reception antenna, provide a control signal as a function of the temperature signal, and transmit the control signal to the process controller. The temperature transducer includes a hermetically closable transducer housing, temperature probes, a transmission antenna, an electronic transduction circuit, and a primary battery. The reception antenna of the receiving device is configured to transmit signals at two or more different frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: FEDEGARI AUTOCLAVI S.P.A.Inventor: Paolo Fedegari
-
Patent number: 11826479Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing items and storing the sterilized items prior to use includes a container configured to receive items to be sterilized, a trap door coupled with the container, and a mechanism operatively coupled with the trap door and the container. The trap door is reconfigurable between an open configuration providing a fluid passage into the apparatus and a closed configuration in which the items are hermetically sealed within the apparatus. The mechanism is configured for selective reconfiguration of the trap door from the closed configuration to the open configuration and to automatically reconfigure the trap door from the open configuration to the closed configuration after completion of a sterilization cycle for items disposed within the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Zuno Medical, Inc.Inventors: Joffrey Sarphati, Christopher Feezor, Michael Olmes
-
Patent number: 11781079Abstract: A process for separating a component mixture comprising essentially hydrocarbons having two or two or more carbon atoms, methane and hydrogen using a distillation apparatus (10) is proposed. Fluid (a, c, e, g, i) from the component mixture is cooled stepwise to a first pressure level, with separation of first condensates (b, d, f, h, j) out of the fluid (a, c, e, g, i) in each case. Fluid (k) from the component mixture that remains in gaseous form thereafter is expanded to a second pressure level in an expander, giving a second condensate (l). Fluid from the first condensates (b, d, f, h, j) is expanded from the first pressure level to the second pressure level and fed together with the fluid from the second condensates into the distillation apparatus (10) which is being operated at the second pressure level. The present invention likewise provides a corresponding separation apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: LINDE GmbHInventors: Torben Höfel, Duc Tuat Pham
-
Patent number: 11766495Abstract: A biological indicator analyzer includes a plurality of wells, a plurality of organism detector features, and a user input feature such as a touch screen. Each well is configured to receive a respective biological indicator. Each organism detector feature is configured to detect whether a biological indicator disposed in a corresponding well of the plurality of wells contains a living organism. The touch screen is configured to receive user input and provide information to the user indicating a status of biological indicator analysis. The biological indicator analyzer may be used to analyze a biological indicator that was positioned in a sterilization chamber of a sterilizing cabinet along with at least one medical device that is to be sterilized. The analysis may indicate whether the sterilization cycle in the sterilization chamber as successful.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Inventors: Brian J. Thompson, Jacob S. Childs, Chunhui Xie, Marco A. Mangiaterra, Darius D. Eghbal, Margaret D. Shaffer, Jeremy M. Yarwood, Benjamin M. Fryer, Howell B. Schwartz, Philippe Kanh Dang, Yaeer Lev, Venkata Danam
-
Patent number: 11759537Abstract: A sterilizing method for sterilizing a sterilization object housed in a chamber (11) includes a first vapor injection step (S104) of injecting vapor produced from a first aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide to the inside of the chamber (11), an ozone injection step (S107) of injecting ozone gas to the inside of the chamber (11) after the first vapor injection step (S104), and a second vapor injection step (S109) of injecting vapor produced from pure water or vapor produced from a second aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide to the inside of the chamber (11) after the ozone injection step (S107).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: MIURA CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenichi Matsuo, Junji Yamamura, Yasuo Nakamura
-
Patent number: 11746547Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a smart tunnel having a tunnel structure having a quarantine section and a disinfection section, which is capable of regularly performing a quarantine function for determining whether an infectious disease is introduced and a disinfection function for preventing spread of an infectious disease.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2019Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING TECHNOLOGYInventors: Hyun-Bon Koo, Jung-Jun Park, Jong-Won Kwark, Im-Jong Kwahk, Seong-Jun Kim
-
Patent number: 11565278Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for using a specialized sensor for detecting activation of a fluid dispenser and for using gathered data therefrom for a variety of purposes, including determining when to refill the dispenser, tracking and analyzing operation thereof, matching operation to expected or anticipated operation, and identifying specific users and specific incidents of use associated therewith. Also provided are use of remote data repositories and/or processing devices that for processing and use of such data.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2019Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: VITALACY, INC.Inventors: Janel Nour-Omid, Tal Cohen, Don Jindra, Bahram Nour-Omid
-
Photocatalytic load reduction to extend reactive media filtration life in an air purification system
Patent number: 11524090Abstract: A process for using photocatalytic load reduction to extend reactive media filtration life is disclosed for an air purification system. The system consists of three methods of cleaning the air including a UV light, a photocatalyst, and an air purifier. Air first passes through a portion with the UV light and photocatalyst, and then through the purifier. Passing the air first through the UV light and photo catalyst before the purifier reduces the load on the purifier and thus allowing the purifier to operate and clean the air for an extended period of time as compared to the purifier alone.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Mainstream Engineering CorporationInventors: Andrew L. Wagner, Philip Cox -
Patent number: 11498065Abstract: Systems and methods for positive dispense verification are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system has a plurality of light emitters. The light from the emitters is directed toward a plurality of light detectors across a proximately horizontal plane. The liquid dispense device is positioned above the horizontal plane of light emission from the plurality of light emitters to the plurality of light detectors such that the dispensed liquid will travel through the horizontal plane defined by the emitted light and onto the container being inoculated. Each of the plurality of detectors is coupled to an amplifier. The amplifier generates a signal in response to an interrupt in the transmission of light from the light emitters to the light detectors when the light path is disrupted by the dispense of liquid confirming the liquid was dispensed onto the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: BECTON DICKINSON AND COMPANYInventors: Timothy Roy Hansen, Zhou Tong
-
Patent number: 11408779Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly includes a sheath defining an interior space, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor has first and second conductors extending within the interior space of the sheath and joined at a first junction point. The first conductor is constructed of a first material and the second conductor is constructed of a second material that is different than the second material. The second temperature sensor has third and fourth conductors extending within the interior space of the sheath and joined at a second junction point. The third conductor is constructed of a third material and the fourth conductor is constructed of a fourth material that is different than the fourth material. The first material is different than each of the third and fourth materials. The first junction point is adjacent to the second junction point.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: DAILY THERMETRICS CORPORATIONInventor: Raymond Litteaur
-
Patent number: 11369967Abstract: A cartridge comprises a housing; a sample mixing compartment disposed within the housing, the sample mixing compartment comprising: an activation pouch, and a sample collection region; and a gas transporter tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being disposed within the housing adjacent to the sample mixing compartment, wherein the sample mixing compartment is partially defined by a moveable door of the housing, the moveable door providing access to the sample mixing compartment when the door is in an open position and preventing access to the sample mixing compartment when the door is in a closed position; and wherein the door is configured to release contents of the activation pouch upon movement from the open position to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Purnendu Dasgupta, Aditya Das
-
Patent number: 11324392Abstract: A vacuum storage system (40) for storing an article, comprises a sealable outer chamber (30) and a sealable inner chamber (20). The sealable outer chamber (30) has an evacuation valve (21) for connection to a suction device (48) for evacuation of said outer chamber (30). The sealable inner chamber (20) is adapted to receive said article and has a one-way valve (13) in communication with the outer chamber (30). The one-way valve (13) is adapted to open upon the application of suction to the outer chamber (30), thereby to enable evacuation of said inner chamber (20), but to close upon discontinuation of said suction.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Cantel (UK) LimitedInventor: George Christopher Parker
-
Patent number: 11326140Abstract: A method and apparatus of aseptic processing and production of cells in a non-sterile enclosure apparatus without chemical biocides is disclosed, by controlling the level of humidity throughout the enclosure to 25% relative humidity (RH) or less, and preferably 20% or 15% or less RH. In addition, the temperature is controlled to 37° C., and consistent gas flow is maintained the enclosure. Colony forming units from microbial contamination detected by environmental monitoring within the enclosure are significantly reduced in this method.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Biospherix Ltd.Inventor: Randy Yerden
-
Patent number: 11263746Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for determining a liquid front position of a liquid on a surface of an assay test strip placing a liquid on the surface of the test strip; and acquiring one or more signals from the surface of the test strip at one or more times, comparing the one or more acquired signals to a threshold, wherein the liquid front position is a position on the surface of the test strip where a signal is greater than or less than a threshold (e.g., fixed or dynamic threshold). Such methods may be used to determine the liquid front velocity of a liquid on a surface of an assay test strip and the transit time of a liquid sample to traverse the one or more positions on the surface of the assay test strip.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Alverix, Inc.Inventor: Scott Dylewski
-
Patent number: 11218606Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus of an embodiment includes a conveyance path along which a sheet can be conveyed, and a plurality of conveyance rollers configured to move a sheet along the conveyance path. A wireless tag reader/writer is configured to read information from, and write information to, a wireless tag of a sheet on the conveyance path. A phase change detector is configured to detect a phase change in response waves received by the wireless tag reader/writer from a wireless tag. A tag specifying unit is configured to identify whether a wireless tag is moving along the conveyance path based on the detected phase change in response waves from the wireless tag. A controller controls the wireless tag reader/writer to write information to the wireless tag identified as moving along the conveyance path.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Sadatoshi Oishi
-
Patent number: 10890532Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions for use in assays, the compositions comprising at least one latent fluorophore including at least one enzyme-reactive quenching group and a conjugative group; and a support connectable to the latent fluorophore by the conjugative group. The disclosure further relates to methods of measuring the presence and/or concentration of an analyte, as well as methods of measuring the relative activity of at least two enzymes.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Michael I. Recht, Peter Kiesel, Joerg Martini, Francisco E. Torres
-
Patent number: 10823032Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes an exhaust aftertreatment system. The exhaust aftertreatment system includes a mixer, a doser that injects a reducing agent into the mixer, and a selective catalytic reduction unit. The exhaust aftertreatment system mixes exhaust gases and the reducing agent for treatment prior to the exhaust gases being discharged into the atmosphere. Some components of the exhaust aftertreatment system are positioned proximate to an associated combustion engine to minimize thermal energy loss from the exhaust gases prior to interaction with the exhaust aftertreatment system.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies, USA, LLCInventors: Robin H. Willats, Adam Mathews, John Rohde, Alfred N. Tucker
-
Patent number: 10780191Abstract: A sterilizer comprises a sterilization chamber (1) with a test device (2) for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process. The test device (2), in turn, comprises a test element (3) with a sensor (4) for measuring at least one parameter, and cooling mechanism (5) for cooling the test element (3). The test device (2), as a whole, is completely accommodated within the interior (8) of the sterilization chamber (1).Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: BELIMED AGInventors: Hans Stadler, Daniel Düring
-
Patent number: 10748410Abstract: A system and method for detecting hand hygiene compliance is disclosed. Hand hygiene is important in various contexts, including hospital settings, home settings, work settings, and school settings. For example, a healthcare provider may wear a wristband, which may interact with a stationary controller that is integrated with or proximate to a hand cleaning agent dispenser. The interaction may be used to determine whether the healthcare provider has complied with hand hygiene protocols. Further, the wristband may be used to train healthcare providers or others (such as children) in proper hand hygiene. Further, the wristband may be used in other contexts, such as integrating hand hygiene monitoring and access control. Also, monitoring people when performing tasks, such as hygiene tasks, cooking, and moving about, may be beneficial to those with cognitive difficulties, such as dementia.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Microsensor Labs, LLCInventors: Peng Liu, Yang Liu, Jiapeng Huang
-
Patent number: 10738271Abstract: A method is provided for vaporized hydrogen peroxide cleaning of a chamber. The method includes altering a temperature of air in the chamber from an initial temperature to a sterilization temperature over a first time period. The method also includes injecting vaporized hydrogen peroxide into air in the chamber to alter a relative humidity of hydrogen peroxide vapor in the chamber to a sterilization level over the first time period. The method also includes maintaining the temperature at the sterilization temperature and the relative humidity at the sterilization level over a second time period. The method also includes reducing the relative humidity from the sterilization level to a safe level over a third time period. In one embodiment, the method is provided for vaporized hydrogen peroxide cleaning of an interior chamber of an incubation container. In other embodiments, the incubation chamber featured in the method is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Inventors: Milton Ford Baker, Jr., Dale C Barnett, Robert W Dotterer, David N Figel, Stephen Charles Keiser
-
Patent number: 10690664Abstract: This invention relates generally to devices and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays and, more particularly, to test devices, e.g., cartridges, methods and systems, wherein the test devices have an entry port configured to receive a test sample into a holding chamber; a first conduit having at least one lateral flow test strip; and a displacement device, such as a pneumatic pump, configured to move a portion of said test sample from said holding chamber into said first conduit. The present invention is particularly useful for performing immunoassays and/or electrochemical assays at the point-of-care.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.Inventors: Pierre Emeric, Graham Davis, Thomas Ewart, Sergey Gershtein
-
Patent number: 10526669Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for recovering carbonate from steel slag, in which it is possible to extract carbonate from steel slag and reuse the extracted carbonate, and to recycle steel slag and make use of CO2 gas without emission to the atmosphere. Since unreacted metal ions and an acidic solvent are reused in the method and system, it is possible to increase carbonate extraction efficiency and reduce an amount of waste.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Doosan Heavy Industries Construction Co., LtdInventors: Jang Yong You, Ja Hyung Koo, Kwang Hee Shin, You Seok Kim
-
Patent number: 9988316Abstract: A material contains open pores in which the channels and pores that are internally coated with at least one layer of phosphorus-containing alumina. Such material is formed by infiltrating a porous material one or more times with a non-colloidal, low-viscosity liquid coating precursor, drying, and curing the coating precursor to form a phosphorus-containing alumina layer within pores of the material.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Applied Thin Films, Inc.Inventors: Sankar Sambasivan, Vikram Sharad Kaul, Francis Richard Chapman
-
Patent number: 9968884Abstract: A system for removing contaminants from emissions including a reverse venturi shaped fluidized bed device featuring a method for tilting and/or agitation. The system includes numerous component devices such as, but not limited to, an influent source, a fluidized bed device, a post filter device, and an effluent discharge, each of which are able to be isolated, integrated, bypassed, and/or reconfigured for application specific emissions requirements. The filter media is a mass of reactive material disposed within the fluidized bed which is in intimate contact with the emissions as they pass through the fluidized bed. The mass of reactive material contains an amalgam forming metal which chemically binds with the emissions that are passing through the system. Methods for removing contaminants from gaseous and non-gaseous emissions are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Chemical and Metal Technologies LLCInventors: Hal Stuhler, Lori Stuhler, Van T. Walworth, Scott Drummond
-
Patent number: 9962650Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminants from emissions is provided with a reverse venturi shaped fluidized bed device integrated into the system. The system includes numerous component devices such as, but not limited to, an influent source, a fluidized bed device, a post filter device, and an effluent discharge. The system may also include one or more application specific pre-filter and/or post filter devices. The fluidized bed is constructed with a specific length to diameter ratio for optimum restrictive flow through a specialized filter media. The filter media is a mass of reactive material disposed within the fluidized bed which is in intimate contact with the emissions, as the emissions pass through the fluidized bed. The mass of reactive material contains an amalgam forming metal which chemically binds with the emissions that are passing through the system. Methods for removing contaminants from gaseous and non-gaseous emissions are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Chemical and Metal Technologies LLCInventors: Hal Stuhler, Lori Stuhler, Van T. Walworth, Scott Drummond
-
Patent number: 9861718Abstract: A method and system for determining steam sterilant quality of a steam sterilizer where the steam sterilant comprises non-condensable gas(es).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Knut Schumacher, Robbert-Jan Hermsen
-
Patent number: 9863925Abstract: A filtration system for a soil analysis device and methods of pressure filtration and automated cleaning are disclosed for generating filtrate used in measuring characteristics of a soil sample and preparing the filtration system for repeated measurements. A mixing chamber combines a soil sample and an extractant into a liquid mixture. The filtration system receives and pressure filters the liquid mixture to quickly generate filtrate used to measure characteristics of the sample. The filtrate is passed to a measurement cell for analysis. Once the analysis is complete, the filtration system performs a cleaning process in preparation to receive a subsequent liquid mixture from another soil sample.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: WINFIELD SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Bevan Gerber-Siff, Justin White, Stephen Prouty, Robert Tirrell, Michael Preiner, Nicholas Koshnick
-
Patent number: 9804004Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided for detecting a concentration of a fluid. The sensor assembly includes a sensing unit and a cover assembly. The sensing unit includes a transmitter configured to transmit a signal into a sensing volume and a receiver configured to receive the signal after the signal passes through a portion of the sensing volume. The cover assembly at least partially encloses the sensing volume and is substantially impermeable to a gas portion of the fluid. The cover assembly includes apertures defined therein which are permeable to the gas portion of the fluid. A first plurality of apertures are defined along a top surface of the cover assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Ryan J. Kruse, Michael F. Flanagan, Jonathan R. Copeland, Francis J. Lahey
-
Patent number: 9775503Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a medicinal solution storage portion configured to store a medicinal solution; a sampling tube including a first end portion opened inside the medicinal solution storage portion, and a second end portion opened outside the medicinal solution storage portion; a first chamber, inside which the second end portion of the sampling tube is opened; a second chamber where an opening portion and a communication port communicated with the first chamber are formed; a constricted portion configured to connect the first chamber and the communication port; a first advancing/retreating portion configured to advance and retreat between a first position to block the constricted portion and a second position to open the constricted portion inside the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Ryo Inoue, Atsushi Kinoshima
-
Patent number: 9737848Abstract: A carbon dioxide capture system includes: a washing unit which uses cleaning water to clean absorption unit exhaust gas or stripping unit exhaust gas; and a gas-liquid separation device which allows condensed water generated by cooling washing unit exhaust gas to be separated from the washing unit exhaust gas. The condensed water is mixed into the cleaning water by a condensed water line. If the amount of the cleaning water becomes more than a predetermined amount, the cleaning water is mixed into an absorbing liquid by a cleaning water line. A controller controls a condensed water valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Mitsuru Udatsu, Masatoshi Hodotsuka, Hideo Kitamura, Kiyohiko Iwasa, Keita Nagano, Noriko Chiba, Yusuke Handa, Satoshi Saito
-
Patent number: 9715673Abstract: A system and a method for managing replacement of consumables, the system including an installed base of equipment assemblies, an installed base of consumables, the consumables including recyclable gas purifiers having a limited lifetime and being used in combination with a said equipment assembly. The system includes a server for registering the consumables and having a module for calculating a replacement advice with respect to the consumable that has been registered in the server. A web portal provides a provider or an end user access to the server via the internet. Various data relating to the end user, its equipment assemblies and its consumables may be inputted via the web portal and the replacement advice that is associated with the registered consumables may be outputted via the web portal.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: SCIENTIFIC GLASS TECHNOLOGY SINGAPORE PTE LTD.Inventors: Adriaan Frans van der Maas, Martinus van der Maas, Marinus Frans van der Maas
-
Patent number: 9687754Abstract: A system for extracting oil from oil-bearing plant parts has an extraction vessel supported by an upright stand, a separator vessel mounted below the extraction vessel, and an expansion filter vessel mounted downstream from the separator vessel. A source of hydrocarbon solvent supplies liquid gas to the top of the extraction vessel, while a recycling pump connected to the separator vessel facilitates transport of the solvent through the plant material in the extraction vessel. The solvent is recovered and re-circulated, while extracted oil is removed from the separator. A computer-based temperature control assembly having a cooling device and a jacketed injection coil regulates temperature of the solvent delivered to the extraction assembly. A thermal jacket is mounted on each of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel, with the thermal jackets supplying heat and cold to the interior of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel and helping evaporate and condense the solvent.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Inventor: Matthew Ellis
-
Patent number: 9686096Abstract: A method for separating a second fluid or a particulate from a host fluid is disclosed. The method includes flowing the mixture through an acoustophoretic device comprising an acoustic chamber, an ultrasonic transducer, and a reflector. The transducer includes a piezoelectric material driven by a voltage signal to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber. A voltage signal is sent to drive the ultrasonic transducer in a displacement profile that is a superposition of a combination of different mode shapes that are the same order of magnitude to create the multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber such that the second fluid or particulate is continuously trapped in the standing wave, and then agglomerates, aggregates, clumps, or coalesces together, and subsequently rises or settles out of the host fluid due to buoyancy or gravity forces, and exits the acoustic chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: FLODESIGN SONICS, INC.Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Benjamin Ross-Johnsrud, Evgenia Zabolotskaya, Yurii Ilinskii
-
Patent number: 9651530Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for measuring nitric oxide in a fluid includes a sample injection port; a pump and reservoir; a valve; a measurement chamber; an electromagnetic radiation source; controls and user interface; and a cartridge. The cartridge includes a sample chamber a mix chamber; a sample degassing chamber; and a planar reaction chamber. The cartridge preferably is single-use and disposable. Furthermore, additional inventive aspects and features are disclosed related to measuring nitric oxide in a fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: LifeHealth, LLCInventors: Scott Everett Blomberg, Mark Louis Peterson, Amanda Marie Franey, Jonathan S. Stamler
-
Patent number: 9630163Abstract: An apparatus for producing metal organic frameworks, comprising: a tubular flow reactor comprising a tubular body into which, in use, precursor compounds which form the metal organic framework are fed and flow, said tubular body including at least one annular loop.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationInventors: Marta Rubio Martinez, Matthew Roland Hill, Michael Batten, Kok Seng Lim, Anastasios Polyzos, Timothy Raymond Barton, Trevor Deon Hadley, Andreas Alexander Monch
-
Patent number: 9550134Abstract: A method for separating a second fluid or a particulate from a host fluid is disclosed. The method includes flowing the mixture through an acoustophoretic device comprising an acoustic chamber, an ultrasonic transducer, and a reflector. The transducer includes a piezoelectric material driven by a voltage signal to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber. A voltage signal is sent to drive the ultrasonic transducer in a displacement profile that is a superposition of a combination of different mode shapes that are the same order of magnitude to create the multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber such that the second fluid or particulate is continuously trapped in the standing wave, and then agglomerates, aggregates, clumps, or coalesces together, and subsequently rises or settles out of the host fluid due to buoyancy or gravity forces, and exits the acoustic chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Benjamin Ross-Johnsrud, Evgenia Zabolotskaya, Yuril Ilinskii
-
Patent number: 9504859Abstract: A sensor device is disclosed for providing end of service life indication for an air purification filter. The sensor device has a cylindrical housing for insertion into a sorbent bed of a filter, and can be removed from the bed and reused at the end of the filter service. One or more sensors inside the housing are configured to sense physical/chemical characteristics of air passing through the sorbent bed, and to provide associated data to a sensor conditioning board within the housing. The sensor conditioning board processes the received data and conditions the data as desired. The housing is receivable in a cavity formed in the filter bed. A receiving structure receives the housing therein. Data from the one or more sensors can be used to calculate predicted end of service life of the filter. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Frank Ding, Amy E Quiring, Michael Parham
-
Patent number: 9475029Abstract: A reactor and process for the production of bio-diesel. The reactor includes one or more coiled reaction lines. The lines are positioned within a tank containing a heat transfer media such as molten salt, maintained at about 750° F. A pump circulates the media within the tank. An emulsion of alcohol; refined feed stock, including glycerides and/or fatty acids; and preferably water is pumped through the reaction lines at temperatures and pressures sufficient to maintain the alcohol in a super-critical state. The curvature of the coils, pump pulsing, and the flow rate of the emulsion keep the emulsion in a turbulent state while in the reactor, ensuring thorough mixing of the alcohol and feed stock. The alcohol reacts with the glycerides and fatty acids to form bio-diesel. The reaction is fast, efficient with regard to energy input and waste generation, and requires minimal alcohol.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Louisiana Eco Green, L.L.C.Inventors: Kemper J. McSpadden, Gerard M. Thomassie
-
Patent number: 9308709Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for heat bonding or welding a thermoplastic component to a sealing member such as a film or foil having a thermoplastic portion. The apparatus preferably includes a 3-axis arrangement for accurate and repeatable positioning of the component and foil during bonding and for variation of bonding parameters, such as material, pressure, temperature and/or time.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventor: James Madsen
-
Patent number: 9227167Abstract: An embodiment can be a process for catalytically cracking a hydrocarbon feed. The process can include providing the hydrocarbon feed including an effective amount of one or more C4-C6 olefins for producing at least one light olefin to a riser. Typically, at least about 99%, by mole, of the hydrocarbon feed is a gas.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Paolo Palmas, Robert L. Mehlberg, Keith A. Couch, Paul S. Nishimura
-
Patent number: 9046502Abstract: A deterioration checking device (2) includes a sight glass (3) through which deterioration of a biofuel stored in a fuel tank is observable as a change in the color of the biofuel, and first and second benchmark sections (4a, 4b) each of which three color samples (11a, 11b, 11c) corresponding to different degrees of deterioration of the biofuel are arranged along the sight glass (3). Deterioration is determined by observing the color samples (11a, 11b, 11c) through the biofuel in the sight glass (3). The arrangement of the color samples (11a, 11b, 11c) of the first benchmark section (4a) and that of the color samples (11a, 11b and 11c) of the second benchmark section (4b) are reversed to each other, so as to cope with the lowering of the liquid level of the biofuel and the rising of the liquid level of a water layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventor: Takashi Chikamune
-
Publication number: 20150147255Abstract: A system for abating waste methane includes a catalytic combustor device configured to catalytically combust waste-associated methane emissions generated by waste in a waste container, where the catalytic combustion is based on a reaction of the methane emissions and a catalyst of the catalytic combustor device in the presence of heat. The system further includes a combustion sensor configured to generate combustion data based on the catalytic combustion, a transmitter, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to control operation of the catalytic combustor device, determine an amount of methane abated by the catalytic combustor device, where the amount of methane abated is based on the combustion data, and report, via the transmitter, the amount of methane abated by the catalytic combustor device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood,, JR.
-
Patent number: 9039968Abstract: A smart home system having a controller which controls an ozone generator, gas supply outlets connected to gas supply outlets of the ozone generator via a pipe, and solenoid valves which control opening and closing of the gas supply outlets. The controller is connected with each of the solenoid valves and controls opening and closing of each of the solenoid valves. An operation method for the system discloses driving the ozone generator by the controller to generate ozone, controlling opening of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives an external signal for opening the solenoid valves, reducing opening level of the solenoid valves when a gas flow sensor detects that the ozone flow rate passing through the gas inlet is greater than the flow rate threshold, and controlling closing of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives a signal for closing the solenoid valves.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Inventor: Hong Jiang