By Means Of A Solid Body In Contact With A Fluid Patents (Class 436/151)
  • Patent number: 11959133
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the methods and compositions to efficiently analyze polymer characteristics using nanopore-based assays. Specifically disclosed is a method for generating reference signals for polymer analysis in a nanopore system, wherein the nanopore system has a multi-subunit output signal resolution. The method comprises translocating a reference sequence through a nanopore to generate a plurality of reference output signals, wherein each possible multi-subunit sequence that can determine an output signal appears only once in the reference sequence. The output signals are compiled into a reference map for nanopore analysis of an analyte polymer. Also provided are methods and compositions for calibrating the nanopore system for optimized polymer analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: University of Washington Through Its Center for Commercialization
    Inventors: Jens Gundlach, Ian M. Derrington, Andrew Laszlo, Elizabeth Manrao
  • Patent number: 11867562
    Abstract: An optical device is provided. The optical device includes a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor array, a photon conversion thin film, and a light source. The photon conversion thin film is disposed above the time-of-flight sensor array. The light source emits light with a first wavelength towards the photon conversion thin film to be converted into light with a second wavelength received by the time-of-flight sensor array. The second wavelength is longer than the first wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: VISERA TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Lai-Hung Lai, Chin-Chuan Hsieh, Chien-Ho Yu
  • Patent number: 11802863
    Abstract: An oil condition determination system includes a resistance value measurement unit and a determination unit. The resistance value measurement unit applies a measurement voltage between a pair of measurement electrodes in contact with oil to measure a resistance value of the oil. The determination unit determines, when a change tendency of the resistance value of the oil is reversed, that condition of the oil is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: NIPPON PILLAR PACKING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Sasaki, Yasuteru Asakawa, Tomomi Honda, Tatsunari Koyama, Akira Nakatsu
  • Patent number: 11624715
    Abstract: A NEMS readout system includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors including a resonator with frequency characteristics different from the resonator of each other sensor of the plurality of sensors. A readout signal indicative of a plurality of output signals is collected from the sensor array. Each output signal of the plurality of output signals corresponding to one of the plurality of sensors. An analysis of the plurality of output signals is performed to identify a plurality of resonant frequencies and to detect a frequency shift associated with at least one of the plurality of resonant frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael L. Roukes, Chung Wah Fon, Ewa Rej
  • Patent number: 11237098
    Abstract: A MEMS gas sensor includes a photoacoustic sensor including a thermal emitter and an acoustic transducer, the thermal emitter and the acoustic transducer being inside a mutual measurement cavity. The thermal emitter includes a semiconductor substrate and a heating structure supported by the semiconductor substrate. The heating structure includes a heating element. The MEMS gas sensor further includes a chemical sensor thermally coupled to the heating element, and the chemical sensor including a gas adsorbing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: David Tumpold
  • Patent number: 11009474
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gas sensor device that includes a plurality of gas sensors. Each of the gas sensors includes a semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) film, a heater, and a temperature sensor. Each of the SMO films is designed to be sensitive to a different gas concentration range. As a result, the gas sensor device is able to obtain accurate readings for a wide range of gas concentration levels. In addition, the gas sensors are selectively activated and deactivated based on a current gas concentration detected by the gas sensor device. Thus, the gas sensor device is able to conserve power as gas sensors are on when appropriate instead of being continuously on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS PTE LTD
    Inventors: Malek Brahem, Hatem Majeri, Olivier Le Neel, Ravi Shankar
  • Patent number: 10732097
    Abstract: A photothermal interferometry apparatus and method for detecting a molecule in a sample, in particular for detecting a trace gas species, comprising: a Fabry-Perot interferometer with a first mirror, a second mirror and a first cavity for containing the sample extending between the first and the second mirror, a probe laser for passing a probe laser beam through the first cavity of the Fabry-Perot interferometer, an excitation laser for passing an excitation laser beam through the first cavity of the Fabry-Perot interferometer for exciting the molecule in the sample, and a photodetector unit for detecting the transmitted probe laser beam passed through the first cavity of the Fabry-Perot interferometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT WIEN
    Inventors: Johannes Paul Waclawek, Bernhard Lendl
  • Patent number: 10330637
    Abstract: A system and method for chemical sensing of multiple gases or vapors with an array of chemical sensitive field effect transistor (CS-FET) devices that are highly sensitive, small in size and have low energy consumption. The sensor layer is an ultrathin film of transition metal oxide, rare earth metal oxide or metal nanoparticles that is formed between the source and drain electrodes on a silicon substrate. The work functions of the sensor layer can be manipulated by the adsorption of chemicals onto their surfaces. These changes cause a change in the surface potential of the underlying Si channel, leading to the current modulation of the devices. By selecting appropriate sensor layers, different chemicals will produce different output signals. External signal processing of these signals enables and sensor and array profile matching permits multi-gas detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Ali Javey, Hiroshi Shiraki, Hossain Fahad
  • Patent number: 10175221
    Abstract: A detection device for detecting a marker in a liquid, preferably a fuel, comprising: a reaction chamber 5, provided with a de-dopable conductive polymer 6 building a path between two conductive pads 10 connected to a resistivity measurement device, wherein the de-dopable conductive polymer 6 is able to be de-doped by a chemical reaction with the marker, changing its resistivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: SICPA HOLDING SA
    Inventor: Davide Ciampini
  • Patent number: 9775374
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for calculating a food additive. A first method includes identifying chemical compounds of an averse food ingredient, identifying chemical compounds of a flavorful food ingredient and calculating a set of chemical compounds for the food additive such that an olfactory perception of a mixture of the averse food ingredient, the flavorful food ingredient and the food additive is the same as an olfactory perception of only the flavorful food ingredient. A first device includes a database storing information identifying chemical compounds of an averse food ingredient and identifying chemical compounds of a flavorful food ingredient, and a processor for calculating a food additive such that an olfactory perception of flavors of a mixture of the averse food ingredient, the flavorful food ingredient and the food additive is the same as an olfactory perception of only the flavorful food ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kush R. Varshney, Lav R. Varshney
  • Patent number: 9470668
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for calculating a food additive. A first method includes identifying chemical compounds of an averse food ingredient, identifying chemical compounds of a flavorful food ingredient and calculating a set of chemical compounds for the food additive such that an olfactory perception of a mixture of the averse food ingredient, the flavorful food ingredient and the food additive is the same as an olfactory perception of only the flavorful food ingredient. A first device includes a database storing information identifying chemical compounds of an averse food ingredient and identifying chemical compounds of a flavorful food ingredient, and a processor for calculating a food additive such that an olfactory perception of flavors of a mixture of the averse food ingredient, the flavorful food ingredient and the food additive is the same as an olfactory perception of only the flavorful food ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kush R. Varshney, Lav R. Varshney
  • Patent number: 9459224
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a substrate, a heater, a dielectric layer, a sensing electrode, and a gas sensitive film. The substrate has a sensing region and a peripheral region surrounding the sensing region, and the substrate further has an opening disposed in the sensing region. The heater is disposed at least above the opening, and the heater has an electrical resistivity larger than about 6×10?8 ohm-m. The dielectric layer is disposed on the heater. The sensing electrode is disposed on the dielectric layer. The gas sensitive film is disposed on the sensing electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Wen Cheng, Chia-Hua Chu, Fei-Lung Lai, Shiang-Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 9353621
    Abstract: A gas extraction system for gas analysis is provided. The gas extraction system includes the use of a peristaltic pump for moving condensates to a liquid trap assembly. An improved fluid flow is thus provided, which includes delivering condensate from a condensate separator to a peristaltic pump and delivering the condensate from the peristaltic pump to a liquid trap assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Neil Patrick Schexnaider
  • Patent number: 9255920
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for detecting a target material. The sensor includes a ferromagnetic metal and a molecular recognition reagent coupled to the ferromagnetic metal. The molecular recognition reagent is operable to expand upon exposure to vapor or liquid from the target material such that the molecular recognition reagent changes a tensile stress upon the ferromagnetic metal. The target material is detected based on changes in the magnetic switching characteristics of the ferromagnetic metal caused by the changes in the tensile stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: Vincent E. Lamberti, Layton N. Howell, Jr., David K. Mee, Michael J. Sepaniak
  • Patent number: 9097677
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetic gas sensor includes a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, and a gas-sensitive metallic interlayer positioned between the first and second ferromagnetic layers, wherein at least one physical property of the metallic interlayer changes in the presence of a gas that is to be detected, wherein a magnetic coupling between the first and second ferromagnetic layers, and a magnetic state of the sensor, can change depending upon the state of the physical property of the metallic interlayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Casey William Miller
  • Publication number: 20150140560
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a label-free viscosity-based analyte detection system using paramagnetic beads as an asynchronous magnetic bead rotation (AMBR) microviscometer. It is disclosed herein that the bead rotation period is linearly proportional to the viscosity of a solution comprising analytes surrounding the paramagnetic bead. Optical measurement of asynchronous microbead motion determines solution viscosity precisely in microscale volumes, thus allowing an estimate of analyte concentration. The results demonstrate the feasibility of viscosity-based analyte detection using AMBR in microscale aqueous volumes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Raoul Kopelman, Mark A. Burns, Yunzi Li
  • Publication number: 20150017735
    Abstract: A biosensor includes a detection element having an analyte detecting portion which is monotonically increased in mass in response to detection of an analyte; a reference element having a reference measuring portion which exhibits no reactivity to the analyte; a mixer which mixes a detection signal responsive to mass variations in the analyte detecting portion from the detection element and a reference signal from the reference element; a measurement which calculates two candidate phase-change values of a positive value and a negative value, from a signal mixed by the mixer in accordance with a heterodyne system, and determines a phase-change value from the two candidate phase change value by judging whether the phase is positive or negative based on temporal changes in signal strength; and a detection amount calculation portion which calculates a detection amount of the analyte based on the phase change value determined by the measurement portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Hiroshi Katta
  • Patent number: 8932871
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a first ozone sensor that generates a first sensor signal indicating a first amount of ozone in air flowing into a radiator. A second ozone sensor generates a second sensor signal indicating a second amount of ozone in air flowing out of the radiator. A control module receives the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and determines an ozone conversion rate based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Chang H. Kim, Brian T. Heil
  • Patent number: 8912005
    Abstract: An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith G. Fife, Jungwook Yang
  • Patent number: 8912006
    Abstract: This application provides devices for modeling ischemic stroke conditions. The devices can be used to culture neurons and to subject a first population of the neurons to low-oxygen conditions and a second population of neurons to normoxic conditions. The neurons are cultured on a porous barrier, and on the other side of the barrier run one or more fluid-filled channels. By flowing fluid with different oxygen levels through the channels, one can deliver desired oxygen concentrations to the cells nearest those channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignees: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., The University of South Florida
    Inventors: Anilkumar Harapanahalli Achyuta, Javier Cuevas, Shivshankar Sundaram, Chris Katnik
  • Patent number: 8906695
    Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Samir Y. Garzon
  • Publication number: 20140342463
    Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
    Inventor: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
  • Patent number: 8877510
    Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
    Inventors: Andreas Calatzis, Ben Krüger, Marc Wittwer
  • Patent number: 8871523
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for detecting explosive devices. The sensor includes a ferromagnetic metal and a molecular recognition reagent coupled to the ferromagnetic metal. The molecular recognition reagent is operable to expand upon absorption of vapor from an explosive material such that the molecular recognition reagent changes a tensile stress upon the ferromagnetic metal. The explosive device is detected based on changes in the magnetic switching characteristics of the ferromagnetic metal caused by the tensile stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent E. Lamberti, Layton N. Howell, Jr., David K. Mee, Michael J. Sepaniak
  • Patent number: 8859293
    Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Roche Operations Ltd.
    Inventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, James Maxwell
  • Patent number: 8852950
    Abstract: A method for determining an NOx concentration in a measurement gas is provided, where a measurement value for the NOx concentration is determined from the sensor signal of a gas sensor and a measurement value for the concentration of a second component in the measurement gas is determined. A corrected value for the NOx in the measurement gas is determined from the measurement values, and the measurement value and the corrected measurement value for the NOx concentration are displayed and/or output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Testo AG
    Inventors: Knut Hoyer, Andreas Kaufmann, Reinhold Munch, Thomas Springmann
  • Publication number: 20140273259
    Abstract: A method of making a low-dimensional material chemical vapor sensor comprising exfoliating MoS2, applying the monolayer flakes of MoS2 onto a SiO2/Si wafer, applying a methylmethacrylate (MMA)/polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) film, defining trenches for the deposition of metal contacts, and depositing one of Ti/Au, Au, and Pt in the trench and resulting in a MoS2 sensor. A low-dimensional material chemical vapor sensor comprising monolayer flakes of MoS2, trenches in the SiO2/Si wafer, metal contacts in the trenches, and thereby resulting in a MoS2 sensor. A full spectrum sensing suite comprising similarly fabricated parallel sensors made from a variety of low-dimensional materials including graphene, carbon nanotubes, MoS2, BN, and the family of transition metal dichalcogenides. The sensing suites are small, robust, sensitive, low-power, inexpensive, and fast in their response to chemical vapor analytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Adam L. Friedman, F. Keith Perkins, Enrique Cobas, Paul M. Campbell, Glenn G. Jernigan, Berend T. Jonker
  • Patent number: 8815178
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for non-invasive detection of an analyte in a fluid sample. In one embodiment, the device comprises: a collection chamber containing an absorbent hydrogel material; a fluidic channel connected to the collection chamber; a sensing chamber connected to the fluidic channel, wherein the device is comprised of a compressible housing that allows transfer of fluid collected by the collection chamber to be transferred to be extracted and withdrawn to the sensing chamber upon compression of the device, wherein the sensing chamber contains a material that specifically detects the analyte and wherein the sensing chamber is operably linked to a processor containing a potentiostat that allows detection of the analyte using electrochemical sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Daniel Bishop, Jeffrey La Belle
  • Patent number: 8796036
    Abstract: An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Fife, Jungwook Yang
  • Publication number: 20140199774
    Abstract: A wireless chemical sensor includes an electrical conductor and a material separated therefrom by an electric insulator. The electrical conductor is an unconnected open-circuit shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the first electrical conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. The material is positioned at a location lying within at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses so-generated. The material changes in electrical conductivity in the presence of a chemical-of-interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Stanley E. Woodard, Donald M. Oglesby, Bryant D. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140193924
    Abstract: Probes for monitoring electrostatic phenomena in challenging environments, such as fluidized bed reactors. These probes include a coated or uncoated static probe for measuring electric field and or particle charge state, an oscillatory electric field probe for measuring electric field, a chopped electric field probe for measuring electric field, and a radio-frequency antenna probe for detecting electrostatic discharges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: William Anthony Lamberti, Joseph Andres Moebus, Harry William Deckman, Charles R. Buhler, Judson S. Clements
  • Patent number: 8753894
    Abstract: An integrated microelectronic sensor is provided in a disposable flow membrane sensing device. The integrated sensors detect electromagnetic effect labels in flow detection zones above the sensor in the membrane. The labels are small particles that give off a detectable electromagnetic signal. They are commonly used for isolating and quantifying biochemical targets of interest. The sensors are fabricated using planar integrated circuit technologies. Sensors can detect labels of several types including magnetic, electric, and photonic. These types all have in common the fact that the sensor detects the label at a distance. Magnetoresistive sensors for detecting magnetic labels, and photodiodes for detecting photonic labels are described. A system for using the sensors is described. There are disposable cartridges with a backing that supports the sensors and membrane is described. The integrated sensor in the cartridge is designed to be discarded after use. Also, label excitation sources are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Diagnostic Biosensors, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Christopher Tondra
  • Patent number: 8734723
    Abstract: A gas sensor cell using a liquid crystal composite material is provided. The gas sensor cell has recovery capability and can be reused. Upon gas adsorption, the liquid crystal composite material has visually detectable color changes and changes in electrical properties to facilitate the measurement of gas concentration from low to high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chin-Kai Chang, Hui-Lung Kuo
  • Patent number: 8703501
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for directed assembly of a conducting polymer. A method of the invention comprises providing a template such as an insulated template and electrophorectically assembling a conducting polymer thereon. Preferably, the template comprises a patterned electrode on which the conducting polymer is assembled. Moreover, the invention provides a method for transferring an assembled conducting polymer. For example, a method of the invention comprises providing a substrate such as a polymeric substrate and contacting a surface thereof with an assembled conducting polymer. The assembled conducting polymer can be disposed on a patterned electrode of a template, hi one embodiment, a method comprises removing the substrate. By removing the substrate, the assembled conducting polymer is transferred from the patterned electrode of the template to the substrate. The invention also provides a device with a template or substrate comprising an assembled conducting polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Joey L. Mead, Carol M. F. Barry, Ahmed Busnaina, Ming Wei, Zhenghong Tao
  • Patent number: 8703500
    Abstract: A chemical sensor can include a nanofiber mass of p-type nanofibers having a HOMO level greater than ?5.0 eV. Additionally, the chemical sensor can include oxygen in contact with the p-type nanofibers. Further, the chemical sensor can include a pair of electrodes in electrical contact across the nanofiber mass, where the p-type nanofibers conduct an electric current that decreases upon contact with an amine compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ling Zang, Yanke Che
  • Patent number: 8691152
    Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Roche Operations Ltd., Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Burke, Lance S. Kuhn, Terry A. Beaty, Vladimir Svetnik
  • Patent number: 8673649
    Abstract: A wireless chemical sensor includes an electrical conductor and a material separated therefrom by an electric insulator. The electrical conductor is an unconnected open-circuit shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the first electrical conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. The material is positioned at a location lying within at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses so-generated. The material changes in electrical conductivity in the presence of a chemical-of-interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stanley E. Woodard, Donald M. Oglesby, Bryant Douglas Taylor
  • Patent number: 8647490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a micro wire, a sensor including the micro wire, and a method for manufacturing the sensor, having improved production efficiency. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a micro wire includes applying a three-dimensional electric field to a solution for forming a micro wire. The method for manufacturing the micro wire may further include providing an electrode assembly comprising a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the substrate, and providing the solution to a space. The first electrode and the second electrode may form the space therebetween, and the space may have a first width and a second width that is smaller than the first width. The three-dimensional electric field is applied to the solution by applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Postech Academy-Industry Foundation
    Inventors: WooSeok Choi, Guenbae Lim, Tae-Chang An
  • Publication number: 20140004618
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of chemical and/or biological agents are disclosed. An additive, which may comprise a reactant and/or a catalyst selected for its capacity to react with, or to force a reaction involving a target chemical and/or biological agent, may be introduced into a sample of an ambient environment to be monitored. The additive may then react with the target agent, or, as a catalyst, may drive a reaction with the target agent, resulting in a reaction product that may be detected by one or more sensors or sensor arrays. The method and system may incorporate a plurality of sensor types in order to enhance the specificity of the method and system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Poliang Chien, Dheeraj Jain, Kelley Lowery, Ryan Hur
  • Patent number: 8617468
    Abstract: An assembly for testing platelet aggregation including an electrode subassembly that is mounted in a cuvette subassembly for use with relatively small samples containing platelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Chrono-Log Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Roth, Nicholas J. Veriabo
  • Patent number: 8591816
    Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
    Inventors: Andreas Calatzis, Ben Krüger, Marc Wittwer
  • Patent number: 8586373
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various methods for measuring the amount of an analyte present in a biological fluid using an electrochemical testing process. Various embodiments are disclosed, including the use of AC test signals and the performance of tests having a Total Test Time within about 3.0 seconds or less, and/or having a clinically low Total System Error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Diebold, Terry A. Beaty, Harvey B. Buck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8529799
    Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of a metal oxide semiconductor material for gas sensors by which an oxide precursor and noble metal colloid particles will not readily cohere in the manufacturing process. The manufacturing process implements a precursor solution synthesis step 1 of synthesizing an oxide precursor solution in which an oxide precursor is dispersed, a pH adjustment step 3 of adjusting the pH of the oxide precursor solution, a precursor-colloid dispersion preparation step 5 of preparing an oxide precursor-noble metal colloid dispersion in which the oxide precursor and the noble metal colloid are dispersed substantially uniformly, a purifying step 7 of purifying the oxide precursor-noble metal colloid dispersion to obtain a purified oxide precursor noble metal colloid dispersion, and a freeze-drying step 11 of freeze-drying an precipitate of the purified oxide precursor-noble metal colloid dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuji Imamura, Daisuke Kuwahara, Takayuki Nakano, Takahiro Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8518708
    Abstract: A leak detection system for a flowing electrolyte battery comprising a containment member associated with at least one of a stack of a flowing electrolyte battery and an electrolyte reservoir of a flowing electrolyte battery and a sensing member for sensing a fluid leak within the containment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Premium Power Corporation
    Inventor: Rick Winter
  • Patent number: 8521445
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to measuring corrosion rate. Flowing corrosive fluid contacts a metal coupon or object and results in an effluent stream. The effluent stream contains metal from the object due to reaction of constituents in the fluid with the metal. Analysis of the effluent stream measures concentration of the metal therein. Since the concentration of the metal in the effluent stream is indicative of mass loss from the object, calculations provide the corrosion rate utilizing weight of the metal that is eluted, surface area of the object and exposure time of the object with the corrosive fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Ricky Eugene Snelling, Donald Ray Engelbert, Omar Jesus Yepez
  • Patent number: 8513024
    Abstract: Provided is a detection method for a target substance capable of enhancing detection sensitivity and quantitative property of a magnetic biosensor, while keeping monodispersity and dispersion stability of magnetic markers, including the steps of: reacting the target substance in a sample solution with a first target substance trapping member immobilized on a sensing element and with a second target substance trapping member immobilized on a gel particle to hold the gel particle on the sensing element; adjusting a magnetic marker precursor including the gel particle and a magnetic material precursor existing in the gel particle by bringing the magnetic material precursor into contact with the gel particle; synthesizing a magnetic material from the magnetic material precursor held on the gel particle, thereby adjusting the magnetic markers; and detecting the magnetic markers with the sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazumichi Nakahama
  • Patent number: 8507288
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of carbon nanomaterials as a filtration material pervious to nitrogen dioxide and impervious to ozone. The invention also relates to the use of carbon nanomaterials having a specific surface, measured by the BET method, of 15 to 40 m2/g inclusive and a form factor, equal to the ratio (highest dimension/lowest dimension) of the nanomaterial, of 5 to 250 inclusive, as material for filtering a gas mixture containing nitrogen dioxide and ozone, being pervious to the nitrogen dioxide and impervious to the ozone. The invention can be used in the field of air pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Universite Blaise Pascal—Clermont—Ferrand II
    Inventors: Alain Pauly, Marc Dubois, Katia Guerin, André Hamwi, Jérôme Brunet, Christelle Varenne, Bernard Lauron
  • Patent number: 8487790
    Abstract: The described embodiments may provide a chemical detection circuit. The chemical detection circuit may comprise a pixel array, a pair of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit blocks, a pair of input/output (I/O) circuit blocks coupled to the pair of ADC circuit blocks respectively, and a plurality of serial link terminals coupled to the pair of IO circuit blocks. The pixel array may comprise a plurality of chemically-sensitive pixels formed in columns and rows. Each chemically-sensitive pixel may comprise: a chemically-sensitive transistor, and a row selection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Fife, Jungwook Yang
  • Patent number: 8465978
    Abstract: Methods and devices for conducting platelet aggregation analysis. A method for conducting platelet aggregation analysis by a cartridge device, including providing a blood sample in the cartridge device, stirring the blood sample within the cartridge device, measuring the electrical impedance between electrodes to obtain measured electrical impedance values, comparing measured electrical impedance values, discarding and repeating the measurements of the electrical impedance in case a variation of the measurements is outside a predetermined threshold range, or reporting the measured electrical impedance values in case the variation of the measurements is within the predetermined threshold range. Reported measured electrical impedance values indicate platelet aggregation in a blood sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: F. Hoffmann-la Roche AG
    Inventors: Andreas Calatzis, Ben Krüger, Marc Wittwer
  • Patent number: 8449824
    Abstract: A sensor instrument system for detecting and identifying analytes in fluids of a region contains a local sensor instrument and remote central station. The instrument includes a core technology employing a single sensor having two electrodes operated by an electrical frequency sweeping to generate two sets of patterned electrical information from a single measurement, a data transmission module and a GPS receiver module. The central station connects to a network means connected to a plurality of local receiving sites equipped with including the respective transceivers, so that the local analyte electrical information and geographic position information transmitted by the instrument can be wirelessly and remotely received and processed by the central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Yizhong Sun