Bench Scale Patents (Class 422/130)
  • Patent number: 12064771
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a device and method for rapidly changing temperatures of a sample. An example of the device include: a first plate; a second plate; and a heating/cooling layer disposed on either the first or second plate. The first plate and the second plate face each other and are configured to receive a fluid sample sandwiched therebetween. The method includes depositing the fluid sample on one or both of the two plates, pressing the plates to form a thin layer of the sample, and changing and/or maintaining the temperature of the sample. The device or method can be used in, for example, PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Essenlix Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Y. Chou, Wei Ding, Hua Tan
  • Patent number: 11982682
    Abstract: A hand-portable test apparatus includes an in-the-field test processing assembly, and a lab-on-a-chip test cartridge having a neutralising zone, a specific reagent mixing zone, and a testing chamber. It has a convective heating loop for thermal cycling. There are two passive self-actuating valves that allow the test chamber volume to fill with solution, but then close to meter and trap the solution. The apparatus has external illumination ports, and an optical sensing port. Each cartridge is uniquely identified. It has smooth surfaces that allow adhesive membranes to be used to permit the pre-loading of reagents, prevent evaporation, and permit preservation of results. The test apparatus includes a holder for the cartridge with a heater, illumination, and optical sensor units closely positioned relative to the holder. There is a wiring circuit board, a processor, and a power supply. All of the items are contained within a unitary housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: University of Prince Edward Island
    Inventor: Andrew Trivett
  • Patent number: 11921126
    Abstract: A device includes a plurality of first fluid channels connected to one or more first fluid inlets, a plurality of first valves, each of the first valves having a first control port which allows for blocking or un-blocking a flow through one of the first fluid channels based on a pressure applied to the first valve via the first control port, a plurality of first control channels, each of the first control channels being connected to at least one of the first control ports, and self-test equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Technische Universitat Munchen
    Inventors: Mengchu Li, Tsun-Ming Tseng, Ulf Schlichtmann
  • Patent number: 11921047
    Abstract: Raman analysis apparatus capable of real-time Raman analysis while performing an experiment under elevated temperature and pressure conditions in surface or material property analysis of a powder solid sample, a single-crystal sample, a high-concentration liquid sample, or the like may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Seungwoo Lee, Gwang Mok Kim, Jong Hwan Oh
  • Patent number: 11904289
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for generating radionuclides for use in production of radiopharmaceuticals; synthesizing the radionuclides generated and removing any unwanted products; measuring the quantity and activity level of the synthesized radionuclides; distributively delivering the radionuclides in appropriate quantities to modular cassette synthesis units in a modular cassette subsystem for contemporaneous/parallel production of radiopharmaceutical output and that allow reuse and/or quick, safe, and disposable replacement of portions of the subsystem; delivering non-radionuclide components to the modular cassette synthesis units as part of production of radiopharmaceutical output; measuring the quantity and activity level of each stream of radiopharmaceutical output; purifying the radiopharmaceutical output; dispensing individual doses in sterile vial(s); automatically producing labeling and dose related information; performing automated quality control on extracted samples of produced radiopharmaceuti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Cardinal Health 414, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Eshima, Mehmet Husnu, James Stone, Derrick Alcaide, Joseph E. Zambanini, Thomas A. Klausing, Chad E. Bouton, Henry Padgett, Brian C. Kelley, Scott N. Danhof, David A. Holley, Jeffrey T. Stroup, James B. Gleeson, Eric Hassenpflug, James A. Prescott, Herman Benecke, Daniel B. Garbark
  • Patent number: 11737979
    Abstract: A method of producing a lipid-encapsulated RNA nanoparticle, comprising the steps a) flowing an aqueous solution comprising an RNA through a 1st tube having an inner diameter (ID) of between about 0.1? and 0.132?; b) flowing an ethanol solution comprising lipids through a 2nd tube having an ID of between about 0.005? and 0.02? at one third the flow rate of the aqueous solution through the 1st tube, wherein the lipids comprise a cationic lipid; and c) mixing the ethanol solution with the aqueous solution by flowing the ethanol solution and the aqueous solution into a mixing module consisting of the 2nd tube perpendicularly joined to the 1st tube; wherein the mixing produces an output solution flowing in the 1st tube comprising a turbulent flow of the RNA and the lipids in between about 10% to 75% ethanol v/v, and wherein the lipid-encapsulated RNA nanoparticles have a bilayer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Priya Karmali, Padmanabh Chivukula, Joseph E. Payne, Yanjie Bao
  • Patent number: 11655467
    Abstract: A system and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids from a set of biological samples, comprising: a capture plate and a capture plate module configured to facilitate binding of nucleic acids within the set of biological samples to magnetic beads; a molecular diagnostic module configured to receive nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads, isolate nucleic acids, and analyze nucleic acids, comprising a cartridge receiving module, a heating/cooling subsystem and a magnet configured to facilitate isolation of nucleic acids, a valve actuation subsystem configured to control fluid flow through a microfluidic cartridge for processing nucleic acids, and an optical subsystem for analysis of nucleic acids; a fluid handling system configured to deliver samples and reagents to components of the system to facilitate molecular diagnostic protocols; and an assay strip configured to combine nucleic acid samples with molecular diagnostic reagents for analysis of nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: NeuMoDx Molecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Williams, Sundaresh Brahmasandra, Michael T. Kusner
  • Patent number: 11584907
    Abstract: A cell culture apparatus is provided, including a storage tank including one or a plurality of cell culture units, in which the cell culture unit includes a culture chamber having an inner surface-side space in which a culture solution is stored, a permeable membrane having a first surface to which cells are adherable and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface facing the inner surface-side space, a culture solution storage chamber that stores the culture solution, a culture solution introduction flow path that introduces the culture solution in the culture solution storage chamber to the inner surface-side space, and a culture solution discharge flow path that sends, to the culture solution storage chamber, the culture solution which permeates through the membrane from the inner surface-side space and flows into an outer surface-side space that the second surface of the membrane faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventors: Shinji Sugiura, Taku Satoh, Reiko Nagasaki, Toshiyuki Kanamori
  • Patent number: 11366046
    Abstract: The viscosity of a fluid may be determined using a flow rate determination. The flow rate may be determined based on fluid presence determinations within a capillary channel. Also, a temperature of an environment surrounding a capillary channel may be determined and signals may be transmitted to a thermal element responsive to the determined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: George H. Corrigan, Adam Higgins, Chantelle Domingue
  • Patent number: 11154855
    Abstract: A mixing system that employs a pump with a highly sensitive means of adding and controlling volumes of single or multiple reagents to a controllable volume of a sample, mixing said samples and reagents, providing the means of employing a specific measurement tool on some portion of the mixed sample, and finally reporting the results to a final control element automatically under industrial conditions and often essentially in situ to fluid flows such as fluid moving through a pipeline or industrial process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: CUSTOM SENSORS AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Richard Nordman, Mike Ponstingl
  • Patent number: 11135321
    Abstract: An automated radiopharmaceutical production and quality control system includes a particle accelerator, a radiopharmaceutical micro-synthesis subsystem, and quality control subsystem. The micro-accelerator of the improved biomarker generator is optimized for producing radioisotopes useful in synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals in quantities on the order of multiple unit doses, allowing for significant reductions in size, power requirements, and weight when compared to conventional radiopharmaceutical cyclotrons. The radiopharmaceutical micro-synthesis subsystem encompasses a small volume chemical synthesis system comprising a microreactor and/or a microfluidic chip and optimized for synthesizing the radiopharmaceutical in small quantities, allowing for significant reductions in processing time and in the quantity of radioisotope required. The automated quality control subsystem is used to test the composition and characteristics of the radiopharmaceutical to ensure that it is safe to inject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Best Medical International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Khachaturian, Doug Ferguson, Aaron McFarland, Atilio Anzellotti, Clive Brown-Proctor
  • Patent number: 11027273
    Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to a paper hybrid microfluidic microplate. In certain aspects, the hybrid microfluidic microplate is a low-cost, sensitive, and fast diagnostic apparatus for detecting pathogens, diagnosing disease and other bio-applications, especially for low-resource settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Xiujun Li, Sanjay Timilsina
  • Patent number: 10801004
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing cells—referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Rapid Micro Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Aviles, Devin T. Michaud, Douglas J. Browne
  • Patent number: 10782288
    Abstract: A multi-unit for performing a biochemical test and immunological response test and a test method using the same comprising an upper strip composed of a plurality of first strip wells including an indicator for the biochemical test; a lower strip composed of a plurality of second strip wells including DNA fragments or antibodies for the immunological response test; and plasma which reacts with the indicator, DNA fragments, or antibodies, and the strip enclosure composed of a plurality of third strip wells in which the upper strip and the lower strip are sequentially inserted and coupled. The bottom surface of the first strip well and the bottom surface of the second strip well are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: BIOBANK INC.
    Inventor: Sung Sik Park
  • Patent number: 10768166
    Abstract: A point-of-care diagnostic system that includes a cartridge and a reader. The cartridge can contain a patient sample, such as a blood sample. The cartridge is inserted into the reader and the patient sample is analyzed. The reader contains various analysis systems, such as a magneto-optical system that measures a light transmission differential through the patient sample in varying magnetic fields. The reader can process data from the various patient sample analysis to provide interpretative results indicative of a disease, infection and/or condition of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Hemex Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Galen, David John Sayler, Joshua King Hoyt, Daniel E. Grupp, Brian T. Grimberg, Umut Atakan Gurkan
  • Patent number: 10723988
    Abstract: Systems, methods and kits are described for culturing one or more biological cells in a microfluidic device, including provision of nutrients and gaseous components configured to enhance cell growth, viability, portability, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, culturing a single cell may produce a clonal population in the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Berkeley Lights, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall D. Lowe, Jr., Kristin Beaumont, Aathavan Karunakaran, Natalie Marks, Jason M. McEwen, Mark P. White, J. Tanner Nevill, Gang F. Wang, Andrew W. McFarland, Daniele Malleo, Keith J. Breinlinger, Xiao Guan, Kevin T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 10507448
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a fluid catalytic reactor may be scaled-up by a method that includes one or more of constructing, operating, observing, or obtaining data related to a template fluid catalytic reactor comprising a template riser, a template lower reactor portion, and a template transition portion connecting the template riser and the template lower reactor portion. The method may further include one or more of constructing or operating a scaled-up fluid catalytic reactor based on the template fluid catalytic reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Matthew T. Pretz, Ben J. Freireich, Madhusudhan Kodam, Brien A. Stears
  • Patent number: 10369542
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multistage stirred reactor, comprising a multiplicity of mutually adjacent reaction chambers and stirring elements for mixing the contents of at least one of the reaction chambers, wherein, between adjacent reaction chambers, there is in each case provided at least one opening that can be closed by means of closure means, such that in the open state there is a fluidic connection between the adjacent reaction chambers and in the closed state the adjacent reaction chambers are separated from one another. At least one of the closure means (300, 310, 320) is connected to an actuation rod (500, 510, 520) that is guided out of the stirred reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: BAYER AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Sebastian Falß, Leslaw Mleczko, Karl-Robert Boos, Sigurd Buchholz
  • Patent number: 10309947
    Abstract: A system and method for performing radiochemical synthesis, analysis and/or dispensing of radiopharmaceuticals using specially designed disposable components: palettes and caddies, the palette being an assembly of containers not connected with each other for direct material transfer; the caddy being a disposable component used to transfer material between containers on the palettes and/or other locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Trace-Ability, Inc.
    Inventors: Arkadij Elizarov, Artem Lebedev
  • Patent number: 10300156
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radiopharmaceuticals for in vivo imaging, in particular to radiotracer compositions which comprises 18F-labelled c-Met binding peptides. The invention provides said compositions, as well as associated automated methods of preparation and cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Torgrim Engell, Gareth Simon Getvoldsen, Andreas Richard Meijer, Imtiaz Ahmed Khan, Robert James Nairne, Graeme McRobbie
  • Patent number: 10281481
    Abstract: A sample processing system includes a sample carrier support configured to concurrently support multiple sample carriers in series, each sample carries carrying a respective sample to be processed. The apparatus also includes a plurality of processing stations located at different positions along the sample carry support, each processing station configured to perform a different processing act of a plurality of processing acts to be performed on each sample. The apparatus further includes a support mover that moves the sample support and hence the sample carriers sequentially from processing station to processing station for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Abenaim
  • Patent number: 10261073
    Abstract: An integrated microfluidic biochip is provided that includes a microfluidic device, where the microfluidic device includes hollow structures, where at least one the hollow structure includes an output at a bottom surface of the microfluidic device, and a sensor plate, where the sensor plate comprises a plurality of independent surface sensors, where the microfluidic device is sealably attachable to the sensor plate, where the hollow structure output abuts the surface sensor when the microfluidic device is attached to the sensor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Daniel Jacob Benjamin Bechstein, Shan X. Wang
  • Patent number: 10215234
    Abstract: A rolling-element bearing cage or rolling-element bearing cage segment is formed from aluminum alloy AA6082 and/or AA7020 and may have a tensile strength of at least 350 MPa and/or a yield strength of at least 310 MPa and/or a hardness of at least 100 HBW. Also a method of forming a rolling-element bearing cage or rolling-element bearing cage segment from aluminum alloy AA6082 and/or AA 7020.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Anselme Loemba, Joanna Dzwonczyk, Alfred Weidinger
  • Patent number: 10150717
    Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the simulated moving bed separation of xylenes, in which the operating conditions are optimized by means of a specific relationship between the cycle time and the flow rate of the desorbant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Alexandre Vonner, Damien Leinekugel Le Cocq, Catherine Laroche, Pascal Etienne
  • Patent number: 10040753
    Abstract: Methods for the preparation of diisocyanates by the reaction of the corresponding primary diamines with phosgene in the gas phase are described, wherein the pressure in the diamine evaporation chamber during the transfer of the diamine into the gas phase is less than the pressure in the reaction chamber during the reaction to the diisocyanates, and wherein the pressure difference between the diamine evaporation chamber and the reaction chamber prior to the mixing of diamine and phosgene is overcome by a pressure-increasing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: COVESTRO DEUTSCHLAND AG
    Inventors: Peter Lehner, Rainer Bruns, Wolfgang Lorenz
  • Patent number: 9863968
    Abstract: Vials (samples) as analysis targets to be set in a batch table for serial analyses are allowed to be designated simply and highly flexibly. On a batch table setting screen 100, a sample region designation method selecting button 120, an analysis direction selecting button 121, a plate image display area 125 and other components are arranged. A sample region designation method and an analysis direction are selected simply by clicking the buttons. The start position and the end position of analyses are designated by a drag-and-drop operation using a mouse on a plate image displayed in the plate image display area 125. The vials selected during a process of the drag-and-drop operation are displayed in a color discriminable from other vials. Accordingly, a simple, graphical operation can create a batch table in which the multiple vials mounted on the sample plate are set as analysis targets in a desired order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kengo Aoki
  • Patent number: 9403142
    Abstract: The present invention includes a removable microchannel unit including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice in fluid communication with a plurality of microchannels distributed throughout the removable microchannel unit, and a pressurized vessel adapted have the removable microchannel unit mounted thereto, the pressurized vessel adapted to contain a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon at least a portion of the exterior of the removable microchannel unit. The invention also includes a microchannel unit assembly comprising a microchannel unit operation carried out within a pressurized vessel, where pressurized vessel includes a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon an exterior of the microchannel unit operation, and where the microchannel unit operation includes an outlet orifice in fluid communication with an interior of the pressurized vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventors: William Allen Rogers, Jr., Paul William Neagle, Michael Alan Marchiando, Christopher Paul Weil, Robert Dwayne Litt, Ronald Chester Pasadyn, G. Bradley Smith, Charles Robert Miele, Thomas Peter Forte, Jimmy Glen Pelham
  • Patent number: 9366606
    Abstract: The present description provides, in some embodiments, an apparatus for mixing a fluid in a circuit having an inlet channel defining a flow path for a fluid including particulate matter, a first reagent channel in fluid communication with the inlet channel and defining a first reagent flow path for a first reagent, the inlet channel and first reagent channel configured to shear the fluid entering the first reagent channel from the inlet channel at a first junction, a shearing channel in fluid communication with the inlet channel and first reagent channel at the first junction, and a diffusion channel in fluid communication with the shearing channel at a second junction, the sheared fluid collectable into the diffusion channel such that the fluid is compressed at least in part by the first reagent to have a thickness close to a diameter of the particulate matter in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Ativa Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel R. McPeak, Ka Man Lee
  • Patent number: 9364830
    Abstract: It is described a microfluidic device, for use in the field of analytical fluorescence based assays and, in particular, in FISH assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Tethis S.R.L.
    Inventors: Roberta Carbone, Emanuele Barborini, Dario Bandiera
  • Patent number: 9284520
    Abstract: Methods and devices for biological sample preparation and analysis are disclosed. A device may have a linear or circular arrangement of containers, with a connecting structure such as a bar or disk. Fluidics channels between containers allow the performance of different techniques for sample preparation, such as lysing, washing and elution. Different functional elements, such as grinders or mixers, may be attached to the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Imran R. Malik, Erika F. Garcia, Xiomara Linnette Madero, Axel Scherer
  • Patent number: 9287094
    Abstract: A plasma treatment device for treating a surface with a dielectrically impeded plasma field which is generated between an electrode (16), to which a high voltage is supplied, and the surface, wherein the electrode (16) forms, with a dielectric (17) surrounding the electrode (16), a roller (6) mounted rotatably in a grip housing (1), which roller can be rolled on the surface, has an extended treatment field and enables defined and controlled plasma treatment of the surface by virtue of the fact that the roller (6) is designed such that it can be matched flexibly to irregularities on the surface and has a rolling area with elevations (19, 19?), between which interspaces (20) forming the plasma field are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: CYNOGY GmbH
    Inventors: Leonhard Trutwig, Karl-Otto Storck, Dirk Wandke, Matthias Kopp, Georg Daeschlein
  • Patent number: 9075048
    Abstract: In an assay apparatus for performing an assay related to a specimen received from the outside thereof based on a reaction between the specimen and a reagent by using a reaction container that holds the reagent, the apparatus includes a detection means that detects a state in which an assay has ended before completion, and a mark providing means that provides a predetermined mark for the reaction container when the state in which the assay has ended before completion is detected by the detection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuya Inana
  • Patent number: 9069358
    Abstract: A instrument for performing synthesis of small molecules such as Oligos and Peptides when using solid phase synthesis techniques to synthesize small molecules. The system and methods include a mechanism for controlling the pressure differential across the reaction vessels that contain the solid support used in solid phase synthesis. Reaction vessels are held in a holder that provides a sealable chamber at the outlet ends of the reaction vessels. The rotor containing the reaction vessels is placed within a sealable chamber. The sealable chamber is fitted with a means for engaging the rotor and draining the reaction vessels to waste. The sealable chamber is also fitted with a means for engaging the rotor to drain the reaction vessels at a slower, variable rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Biolytic Lab Performance, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Demmitt
  • Patent number: 9011781
    Abstract: The invention describes catalysts, methods of making catalysts, methods of making a microchannel reactor, and methods of conducting chemical reactions. It has been discovered that superior performance can be obtained from a catalyst formed by directly depositing a catalytic material onto a (low surface area) thermally-grown alumina layer. Improved methods of conducting oxidative dehydrogenations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Long, Junko M. Watson, Francis P. Daly, Terry Mazanec, Barry L. Yang
  • Patent number: 9006505
    Abstract: A method for processing plastic waste, in particular polyolefins, and a device for processing plastic waste, in particular polyolefins, are used especially in the industrial utilization of plastic waste. The method consists in that a primarily refined charge after being fed into a reactor (6) is fluidized and cracked during forced progressive-rotational movement coinciding with heating. A gas-steam fraction obtained during a utilization process is continuously guided out to a cooling system whereas impurities are periodically guided out from the reactor (6) to a waste tank (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Przedsiebiorstwo EKONAKS Sp. z o. o.
    Inventor: Wojciech Najman
  • Patent number: 8980184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the preparation of radiochemical compounds. It is provided that the device comprises at least a reaction module, a dosing module, and a storage module, wherein; the reaction module has at least one reaction vessel having a closable opening through which substances needed for the preparation of a predetermined radiochemical compound can be introduced into the reaction vessel of the reaction module and through which the prepared radiochemical compound can be removed from the reaction vessel of the reaction module; the dosing module has at least one pipetting head which can be moved relative to the storage module and the reaction module and in x, y, and z directions and also has at least one dosing unit; and at least one reservoir for one of the substances needed for the preparation of the respective radiochemical compound is formed in the storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: ABX Advanced Biochemical Compounds GmbH, Gesim—Gesellschaft fuer Silizium-Mikrosysteme mbH
    Inventors: Marco Mueller, Steffen Howitz
  • Patent number: 8956572
    Abstract: What is described is a process of forming lipid-nucleic acid nanoparticles simply and reproducibly under aseptic conditions comprising single use components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Knopov, Richard P. Witte, Priya Karmali, Robin Lee, David Webb
  • Patent number: 8802014
    Abstract: The invention is related a novel structure for Ga-68 radionuclide generator. It allows two washing solutions to pass through two Ge-68 absorbents to wash out different chemical forms of Ga-68 nuclide. The invention comprises the first method that will withdraw hydrochloric acid solution from the washing bottle and pass it through inorganic resin absorbing column to produce the radioisotope solution of Ga-68 gallium chloride, and the second method that will allow the radioisotope solution of Ga-68 gallium citrate to pass the organic resin absorbing column and then the silica-gel cartridge, and be washed by the hydrochloric acid solution to obtain the radioisotope solution of Ga-68 gallium chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Ming-Hsin Li, Jin-Jenn Lin, Ther-Jen Ting, I-Lea Dai
  • Patent number: 8802039
    Abstract: Novel designs for microchannel apparatus are described in which microchannels are shaped to reduce the amount of material needed to build an apparatus. In these designs, some microchannels are shaped, in cross-section, to provide relatively more structural material in areas of greatest stress, while leaving greater area for unit operations in areas of the apparatus that are subjected to relatively less stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Neagle, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Soumitra Deshmukh, Ravi Arora
  • Patent number: 8696780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air cleaner for removing air pollutants from an air stream, for instance such as the cleaning exhaust/intake gas of an amusement machine, said air cleaner comprising a filter device including at least one filter layer (4a, 4b) held by a filter holder (5) in said airflow substantially perpendicular to a main flow direction thereof and including a plurality of preferably stick-shaped filter elements (6) neighboring each other. In accordance with the present invention, the filter device has no closed surrounding along the circumference of the filter layers, but provides for an open side along at least a portion of the periphery of the filter layer. At least one circumferential side section (7, 8) of the filter layer parallel to or tangential to the longitudinal axis of an outermost filter element is formed as an open side free of flow control elements surrounding the filter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignees: Nonomatic AG, Dexwent USA LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Bichl, Heinz Winkler, Alois Homer, Erich Petein, Maximilian Vojta
  • Patent number: 8685365
    Abstract: Provided is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation is enabled. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Annalee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt, Sean P. Fitzgerald, David J. Hesse, Thomas D. Yuschak, Bin Yang
  • Patent number: 8679418
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating bodies (e.g., porous bodies) are described. Various aspects provide for reactors and the fabrication of reactors. Some reactors include surfaces that provide for heterogeneous reactions involving a fluid (and/or components thereof). A fluid may be a gas and/or a liquid. A contaminant in the fluid (e.g., a dissolved or suspended substance) may react in a reaction. A contaminant may be filtered from a fluid. Some reactors provide for independent control of heat transfer (between the fluid, the reactor, and the environment) with respect to mass transfer (e.g., fluid flow through the reactor).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Errcive, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan
  • Patent number: 8673224
    Abstract: An apparatus for synthesis and assaying of materials is provided that significantly improves throughput efficiency by allowing for material synthesis and assaying in the same assembly while possessing the ability to reach higher pressures and higher temperatures than existing designs capable of synthesis and assaying in the same assembly. In addition, the apparatus provides for gas flow over the material sample, allowing for a number of materials to be synthesized within the apparatus by gas synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Wildcat Discovery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin James Dutton, Kenneth J. Micklash, II, Steven Kaye, Mark Bailey
  • Patent number: 8603404
    Abstract: A Low Temperature Conversion apparatus composed of tri-tubes which simultaneously carries out the functions of vessel and heat exchanger is provided. The apparatus is capable of thermally decomposing any kind of organic material to obtain coal, oil, water and non-condensable gases, and also decontaminating soils and residues contaminated with organochlorides and dioxins and comprises: an outer box (2) with a hermetic lid (19); a thermal insulation layer (5) disposed throughout the inner surface of the outer box (2) and lid; and at least a structure with three concentric tubes disposed internally, positioned substantially vertically and with a wall width suitable for heating by means of gases from an inner side and outer side of said structure. An associated process for thermal decomposition using the apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: RM Materials Refratarios Ltda.
    Inventors: Daltro Garcia Pinatti, Isaías Oliveira, Álvaro Guedes Soares, Érica Leonor Romão, João Carlos Ferreira
  • Patent number: 8591841
    Abstract: In relation to a microreactor, and also a microreactor system applying the same therein, not producing any dead volume therein, and thereby achieving a high level of mixing properties even at a low solution flow rate and having a simple structure thereof, disclosed herein are a microreactor and microreactor system, comprising a channel for mixing up at least two (2) types of fluids, and thereby conducting mixing/reacting of fluids by conducting the mixing/reacting of the fluids at least one (1) time, i.e., being suitable for so-called a multi-step reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukako Asano, Tetsuro Miyamoto, Shigenori Togashi, Yoshishige Endo, Hidekazu Tsudome, Hajime Kato
  • Patent number: 8580201
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include processing steps and subsystems, within automated-biopolymer-synthesis systems and within other automated systems for organic-chemistry-based processing, for removing reagent solutions and solvents from reaction chambers following various synthetic reaction steps and washing steps undertaken during biopolymer synthesis. Embodiments of the present invention employ any of various different types of liquid-absorbing materials to wick, or remove by capillary action, liquids from reaction chambers. Wicking-based methods and subcomponents of the present invention remove significantly greater fractions of solutions from reaction chambers than conventional methods and subsystems and, in addition, are mechanically simpler and produce fewer deleterious side effects than currently used methods and subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: OligoCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsing-Yeh Parker, John C. Tabone, John Mulligan
  • Patent number: 8574500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a component comprising a plurality of plates stacked on each other, at least one of said plates being made of a ceramic material and in which a channel area is formed of fluid flow guide channels by means of webs, said channels having a flow connection to inlet and outlet openings, wherein the stack of plates is connected by force fit by means of a clamping device, and wherein a flat seal is disposed between each of the individual plates of the stack, wherein the flat seal is made of an elastic and/or compressible material and covers both the channel area and the areas encompassing the inlet and outlet openings, and at least partially covers the top sides of the webs forming the channels. The components according to the invention are pressure-tight, resistant to thermal shock, and can be dismantled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ESK Ceramics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Meschke, Andreas Lemke, Stefanie Wildhack, Paul Salansky
  • Patent number: 8567487
    Abstract: A heat exchanger plate includes one or more heat exchanger sections, each of which has an inlet and outlet. The heat exchanger sections flow one or more heat exchanger fluids therein in a first direction from the inlet to the outlet. The heat exchanger plate includes one or more process flow channels, each of which has a channel inlet point and a channel outlet point defining a line oriented in a second direction. The second direction is at an angle of ninety degrees relative to the first direction. The process flow channel is configured to flow a process fluid therein or thereon and has a serpentine configuration. The heat exchanger plate includes a temperature sensor. The heat exchanger plate includes a regulating valve positioned in each heat exchanger outlet and is configured to regulate flow of the heat exchanger fluid in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Rolf Christensen, Tommy Norén
  • Patent number: 8557186
    Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for free flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Robert S. Wegeng, Yong Wang, David Vanderwiel, Jennifer L. Marco
  • Patent number: 8557187
    Abstract: A method and a series of devices for dry cleaning, activating, modifying, coating, and biologically decontaminating (degerming, disinfecting, sterilizing) surfaces by means of an atmospheric pressure plasma generated using a surface barrier discharge are provided. The invention is used for dry cleaning, activating, coating, modifying, and biologically contaminating surfaces by means of an atmospheric pressure plasma generated in a defined, flowing gas atmosphere by a surface barrier discharge, comprising a high-voltage electrode that is covered with a dielectric or ferroelectric material, an electrically conducting grounded contact electrode, a high-voltage supply, a gas supply, and a gas nozzle (encompassing a gas outlet); said gas nozzle is located in the direct vicinity of the grounded contact electrode, is integrated into the contact electrode, or acts as the grounded contact electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Neoplas GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Ehlbeck, Ruediger Foest, Eckhard Kindel, Norbert Lembke, Manfred Stieber, Klaus-Dieter Weltmann