Miscellaneous Patents (Class 436/183)
  • Patent number: 10514385
    Abstract: An analyzer for measuring a sample includes a display, measurement hardware configured to perform a quality control measurement on a vial containing a quality control (QC) sample, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the display and the measurement hardware and is configured to communicate, via the display, instructions to implement a QC measurement on a first vial containing a first QC sample. If a result of the QC measurement is within a pre-determined range the first vial passes the QC measurement. If the result of the QC measurement is not within the pre-determined range the first vial fails the QC measurement. If the first vial fails the QC measurement and if a number of times the first vial fails the QC measurement is less than a predetermined number, the controller is configured to communicate, via the display, instructions to repeat the QC measurement on the first vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Ausdenmoore, Peter Osella, Ralph Taylor
  • Patent number: 10332621
    Abstract: Discussed herein are methods and apparatuses to produce profiles for scientific measurement equipment, and to use those profiles for various purposes in using, designing, calibrating and managing such equipment, such as to carry out critical laboratory testing. In this approach, either the analyzers' quality control data or serial patient data are numerically reduced to generate graphical precision profiles. Precision profiles for serial patient data show increased (im)precision vs time implying increased patient variation over increased time. Precision profiles for quality control data, according to one implementation, can demonstrate three different zones: 1) increased imprecision for quality control determinations that are close spaced (implies the discovery of an error condition and rapid reanalysis, 2) the usual imprecision and 3) a zone of increased imprecision which indicates either a need for a quality control analysis or re-calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: CCQCC CORP.
    Inventor: George S. Cembrowski
  • Patent number: 9726665
    Abstract: The invention provides a chemical detection system for detecting at least one target chemical species, including a self-sensed cantilevered probe array having a plurality of self-sensed cantilevered probes, at least one chemical-sensitive coating material applied to at least one cantilevered probe in the cantilevered probe array, and an interface circuit that is coupled to the cantilevered probe array. At least one cantilevered probe in the cantilevered probe array exhibits a shifted cantilevered probe response when the cantilevered probe array is exposed to the target chemical species and the interface circuit actuates the cantilevered probe. A handheld chemical detection system and a method of operation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: Jesse D. Adams
  • Patent number: 9671793
    Abstract: A multi-phase flow meter includes a flow conduit leading from an inlet to an outlet and including a variable inlet restriction, a variable outlet restriction, a pressure sensor and a volumetric flow meter, located between the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction. The flow meter further includes a controller adapted to receive data from the pressure sensor and the volumetric flow meter, and to adjust the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction in accordance with at least one program. The program causes the controller to adjust one of the variable inlet restriction and the variable outlet restriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Senico Limited
    Inventor: Eric Atherton
  • Patent number: 9332782
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article for oxygen absorption that is a container containing a water-soluble on source, a water activated oxygen scavenger, and a rupturable canister of hydrated polymer. The hydrated polymer comprises a superabsorbent polymer. The water-soluble on source comprises a salt. The invention in another embodiment relates to a method for providing timed oxygen absorption using the article as above with rupturing of the canister to release the water carrying superabsorbent such that it will contact the oxygen scavenger and on source thereby leading to activating the oxygen scavenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. McKedy, Chieh-Chun Chau, Stanislav E. Solovyov
  • Patent number: 9297819
    Abstract: An analyzing system includes an analyzer and a server computer in communication with the analyzer via a network. The analyzer includes a first controller that is configured to communicate, via a display, instructions to an operator of the analyzer when a predetermined event occurs in the analyzer. The instructions request confirmation that the operator received training. The first controller is also configured to receive an indication of whether the operator has completed the training, and, when the indication indicates that the operator has completed the training, request, from the server, a confirmation that the operator has completed the training. The server computer is configured to receive the confirmation request from the analyzer, determine a training status of the operator, and communicate the training status to the analyzer. The first controller prevents measurement of a sample if the operator has not completed the training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Ausdenmoore, Peter Osella, Ralph Taylor
  • Patent number: 8802443
    Abstract: A method for identifying gambiered Guangdong silk includes the steps of: detecting the surface state of fiber by microscope; detecting the pyrolysis fragments of fabrics by pyrolysis gas chromatography; determining the crude protein content in the fiber by Kjeldahl determination; and detecting the dye component of the fabrics by high performance liquid chromatography. The method of the present invention can accurately identify the true and fake, good and bad of the gambiered Guangdong silk, and then make an accurate evaluation on the gambiered Guangdong silk; and the present invention is simple, useful, environmental and has low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Liangzi Fashion Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhihua Huang, Xueming Liu, Hongying Zhou, Yingying Wu
  • Patent number: 8713711
    Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventors: Jesse D. Adams, Todd A. Sulchek, Stuart C. Feigin
  • Patent number: 8673647
    Abstract: According to the method of evaluating stress of the present invention, amino acid concentration data on the concentration value of amino acid in blood collected from a subject to be evaluated is measured, and a stress state including at least depressive illness and major depressive illness in the subject is evaluated based on the concentration value of at least one of Lys, His, ABA, Asn, Phe, Leu, Ile, Val, Trp, Tyr and Met contained in the measured amino acid concentration data of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Takayuki Tanaka, Yukio Nihei, Toshihiko Ando, Minoru Yamakado, Keita Takamatsu, Eiko Takahashi, Norio Sasamori
  • Patent number: 8574510
    Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Igor Gofman, Robert S. Sams
  • Patent number: 8577490
    Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Mariniello, Edith D. Akins-Lewenthal, Benjamin Warren, Ryan T. Grace
  • Patent number: 8577491
    Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods Food Ingredients Company, Inc
    Inventors: Robert Mariniello, Edith D. Akins-Lewenthal, Benjamin Warren, Ryan T. Grace
  • Patent number: 8577492
    Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Mariniello, Edith D. Akins-Lewenthal, Benjamin Warren, Ryan T. Grace
  • Patent number: 8569070
    Abstract: A fitting assembly having a nut, a ferrule, and a ferrule tip that may be assembled by an operator. The fitting assembly includes a nut with first and second ends, with the second end adapted to receive the first end of a ferrule, and a ferrule tip with a first end having an externally tapered portion adapted to abut the second end of the ferrule and a second end adapted to be received in a component or fitting of a liquid chromatography system. The nut, ferrule and ferrule tip of the fitting assembly have passageways therethrough for receiving and removably holding tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLC
    Inventors: Scott J. Ellis, Eric Beemer, Nathaniel Nienhuis, Craig W. Graham, Troy N. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8518704
    Abstract: A monitoring system is presented. The monitoring system may include a first chemical vessel containing a first chemical mixture and a second chemical vessel containing a second chemical mixture. The monitoring system may further include a sensor configured to selectively receive a first sample flow of the first chemical mixture from the first chemical vessel and a second sample flow of the second chemical mixture from the second chemical vessel. The sensor may be configured to measure a first sample attribute value of the first sample flow and a second sample attribute value of the second sample flow. By multiplexing multiple sample flows through a sensor, the monitoring system may monitor attributes of multiple chemical mixtures without requiring separate sensors for each chemical mixture monitored by the system. In an embodiment, the monitoring system is preferably configured to control an attribute of a chemical mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Campbell, Phuong-Anh Tang, Gary R Anderson
  • Patent number: 8492153
    Abstract: A method for calculating the volume of various predetermined organic end-members in samples of rock at various depths in oil reservoir rock is utilized to produce one or more graphic displays that are use to interpret the data to identify, e.g., tar mats, in order to improve the efficient production of hydrocarbons from the well. Data is collected from the samples by known pyrolysis and compositional modeling methods; additional data is obtained by elemental analysis to determine weight percentages of C, H, N, S and O in the selected end-members and characterization of physical properties of representative samples of the reservoir rock, e.g., from core samples; the data is then processed in accordance with the method to provide a series of data points used to produce the graphic displays for visual interpretation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Jones, Henry I. Halpern
  • Patent number: 8434160
    Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventors: Jesse D. Adams, Todd A. Sulchek, Stuart C. Feigin
  • Patent number: 8434161
    Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventors: Jesse D. Adams, Todd A. Sulchek, Stuart C. Feigin
  • Patent number: 8409505
    Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack contains sensors and performs a test using one of the sensors. The instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor. The sensor release activates a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin. The sensor release aid arm contacts the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Bruce A. Flora, John P. Creaven, Russell J. Micinski
  • Patent number: 8367426
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting a chemical species with an oscillating cantilevered probe. A cantilevered beam is driven into oscillation with a drive mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A free end of the oscillating cantilevered beam is tapped against a mechanical stop coupled to a base end of the cantilevered beam. An amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured with a sense mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A treated portion of the cantilevered beam is exposed to the chemical species, wherein the cantilevered beam bends when exposed to the chemical species. A second amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured, and the chemical species is determined based on the measured amplitudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, On Behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: Jesse D. Adams
  • Patent number: 8220067
    Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Jesse D. Adams, Todd A. Sulchek, Stuart C. Feigin
  • Patent number: 8101126
    Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument (10) adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor-dispensing instrument includes an outer housing (12) and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor-dispensing instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release (66) that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor the sensor release additionally activating a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin that connects the sensor release aid arm to the mounting block, wherein the sensor release aid arm is adapted to contact the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Bruce A. Flora, John P. Creaven, Russell J. Micinski
  • Patent number: 8080429
    Abstract: A method for evaluating chemical solution includes determining number of particles in liquid for each size of the particles by measurement, expressing a relationship between size of the particles and number of particles corresponding to the size by a function based on the number of particles for each size of the particles determined by the measurement, and evaluating influence of particles having size less than or equal to a measurement limit in the liquid based on the function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shinichi Ito, Eishi Shiobara
  • Patent number: 8043860
    Abstract: This application relates to vaprochromic coordination polymers useful for analyte detection. The vapochromism may be observed by visible color changes, changes in luminescence, and/or spectroscopic changes in the infrared (IR) signature. One or more of the above chromatic changes may be relied upon to identify a specific analyte, such as a volatile organic compound or a gas. The chromatic changes may be reversible to allow for successive analysis of different analytes using the same polymer. The polymer has the general formula MW[M?X(Z)Y]N wherein M and M? are the same or different metals capable of forming a coordinate complex with the Z moiety; Z is selected from the group consisting of halides, pseudohalides, thiolates, alkoxides and amides; W is between 1-6; X and Y are between 1-9; and N is between 1-5. Optionally, an organic ligand may be bound to M. In alternative embodiments of the invention M may be a transition metal, such as Cu and Zn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Julie Lefebvre, Michael Iacov Katz, Daniel B. Leznoff
  • Patent number: 8029745
    Abstract: Systems for filling sample array by droplet dragging are provided. One aspect of the invention provides an array filling system for filling a platen having a platen surface and an array of receptacles, the receptacles having an internal surface and the receptacles separated by the platen surface, the system comprising: a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid; and a controller configured to position the liquid transfer device in proximity to the platen surface and to move the liquid transfer device across the surface and over the receptacles to be filled so as to cause sequential communication of liquid in the liquid transfer device with the interior surface of each receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ian Hunter, Colin J. H. Brenan, Tanya S. Kanigan
  • Patent number: 8008090
    Abstract: This application relates to vaprochromic coordination polymers useful for analyte detection. The vapochromism may be observed by visible color changes, changes in luminescence, and/or spectroscopic changes in the infrared (IR) signature. One or more of the above chromatic changes may be relied upon to identify a specific analyte, such as a volatile organic compound or a gas. The chromatic changes may be reversible to allow for successive analysis of different analytes using the same polymer. The polymer has the general formula MW[M?X(Z)Y]N wherein M and M? are the same or different metals capable of forming a coordinate complex with the Z moiety; Z is selected from the group consisting of halides, pseudohalides, thiolates, alkoxides and amides; W is between 1-6; X and Y are between 1-9; and N is between 1-5. Optionally, an organic ligand may be bound to M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Julie Lefebvre, Michael Iacov Katz, Daniel B. Leznoff
  • Patent number: 7989214
    Abstract: A microreactor includes a shell structure (2, 3), having a bottom wall (2) and a peripheral wall (3); a layer (5), accommodated in the shell structure (2, 3) and having cavities (9, 10) formed therein, the cavities being accessible form outside the shell structure (2, 3); reagents (17), arranged between the bottom wall (2) and the layer (5), at locations corresponding to the cavities (9, 10). The layer (5) is made of a meltable material that is solid at room temperature, has a melting point (TMP) lower than a maximum operative temperature (TMAX) required by reactions performable through the microreactor (1) and is not miscible with water. The melting point (TMP) may be between 50° C. and 70° C. In one embodiment, the melting point (TMP) is lower than a minimum operative temperature (TMIN) required by reactions performable through the microreactor (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Angelo Bianchessi, Alessandro Cocci
  • Patent number: 7951611
    Abstract: A card or insert having a plurality of recesses for a sample preparation device, the card containing cast-in-place composite and/or non-filled structures which are useful as sorptive or reactive media or for size-based separations. Any particular card size or configuration can be used, and the inclusion of a large amount of adsorptive particles in polymer is achieved while still maintaining the membrane three dimensional structure. In a first preferred embodiment, the composite structures comprise particles entrapped within a porous polymeric substrate, and are cast in-place into a plurality of recesses in an insert for a multi-well sample preparation device, thereby providing an effective platform for high throughput micromass handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: William Kopaciewicz, Cheryl Brucato
  • Patent number: 7932096
    Abstract: A method of making a nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising the steps of providing nanoclusters, combining said nanoclusters with thiolated DNA, incubating said nanoclusters and thiolated DNA mixture, combining said mixture with a solution comprising ethanol and dichloromethane; separating said mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase, mixing said aqueous phase with a solution comprising dicholormethane and NaCl, and separating the mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase; wherein said organic phase comprises said nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand. Further, provided is a nanocluster functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising a nanocluster, said nanocluster being functionalized with a single DNA strand, said DNA strand having a length of about 10 to about 50 bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sulay Jhaveri, Mario Ancona, Edward E Foos, Eddie L Chang
  • Patent number: 7931866
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed herein concern nanoparticle layers uniformly distributed on a surface or substrate. In certain embodiments of the invention, the nanoparticle layers are of use for Raman spectroscopy. In certain embodiments of the invention, a micelle-metal ion complex is formed and deposited on a surface. The polymer component of the micelle-metal ion complex may be removed resulting in formation of nanoparticles of a uniform size and distribution. The polymers may contain one or more ligands. The number and type of ligands in a micelle will determine the type and amount of metal ion bound to the micelle, in turn determining the metal composition and size of the nanoparticles. The distribution micelle-metal ion complexes on a surface may determine the distribution and periodicity of the nanoparticle layer. In other embodiments, rod or columnar-shaped nanoparticles may be generated. Other embodiments concern the generation of uniform alloy nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Lei Sun
  • Patent number: 7897410
    Abstract: Reducing chemical contaminants is increasingly important for maintaining competitive production costs during fabrication of electronic devices. There is currently no production floor capability for mapping chemical contaminants across an electronic device substrate on a routine basis. A scanning surface chemical analyzer for mapping the distributions of a variety of chemicals on substrates is disclosed. The analyzer includes an array of sensors, each of which detects a single chemical or narrow range of chemicals, a scanning mechanism to provide a mapping capability, an electrical signal analyzer to collect and analyze signals from the array of sensors and generate reports of chemical distributions, and an optical desorption mechanism to amplify detection. A preferred embodiment includes an array of miniature quadrupole mass spectrometers in the sensor array. Scanning modes include whole substrate mapping, region sampling, and spot sampling of known defect sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Sean M. Collins, Jeffrey W. Ritchison, Richard L. Guldi, Kelly J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7871821
    Abstract: An artificial test soil comprises particulate, hair, and fiber components, wherein said particulate component consists of mineral, food, and plant materials, so chosen and proportioned as to correlate to a typical soil found in the home. The test soil may be used to test cleaning products by application of a known amount thereof to a surface, cleaning of said surface, and determination of the amount of said soil removed from said surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark M. Gipp, John R. Wietfeldt
  • Patent number: 7846395
    Abstract: A closure for a container includes: (a) an inner cylindrical wall having first and second ends and defining a space; (b) an outer cylindrical wall opposite the inner cylindrical wall and having the first and second ends to form an outer surface of the closure; (c) a first end wall extending across said first end, wherein the first end wall comprises a recess extending a least partially into the space, and a first set of threads disposed on the recess. An apparatus usable on a diagnostic analyzer container and includes: a threaded rotatable spindle adapted for threading into a closure having a threaded depression and for applying a rotational force to remove the closure; and a clutch having an element adapted to engage the closure and apply a rotational to the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20100267164
    Abstract: The invention provides a liquid cell for an atomic force microscope. The liquid cell includes a liquid cell housing with an internal cavity to contain a fluid, a plurality of conductive feedthroughs traversing the liquid cell housing between the internal cavity and a dry side of the liquid cell, a cantilevered probe coupled to the liquid cell housing, and a piezoelectric drive element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The cantilevered probe is actuated when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive element through at least one of the conductive feedthroughs. A method of imaging an object in a liquid medium and a method of sensing a target species with the liquid cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Jesse D. Adams, Benjamin S. Rogers, Todd A. Sulchek
  • Publication number: 20100227381
    Abstract: A method for in-situ reduction of contaminants in soil that uses chemical oxidation and biodegradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: VERUTEK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: George E. Hoag, John Collins
  • Publication number: 20100210028
    Abstract: In a biosensor for measuring the concentration of an object to be analyzed by optical signal detection, when a liquid sample is supplied to a supply part (12), the liquid sample is developed in a development part (13), and color development takes place in a reaction part (14) depending upon the concentration of the object to be analyzed. The absorbance of the reaction part (14) is read. In this case, the amount of the liquid sample supplied into the supply part (12) can be measured by reading the development speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Miyoshi, Masahiro Aga, Takahiko Tanida, Ryosuke Yamada, Hideyuki Kurokawa, Yoko Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7772010
    Abstract: A method for mixing and dispensing compounds, at least one reactant in a carrier fluid in laminar flow, and a cell for implementing the method. The cell includes a reaction chamber having a reaction surface where the reactant can be fixed, directly or indirectly, at least three fluid inlets/outlets, a fixed volume reservoir in communication with the reaction chamber and outside the reaction chamber via injection orifice (27), a fluid loop including a feeding port, an extraction port and a variable volume reservoir adapted to communicate independently with the reaction chamber via each of its inlets/outlets; device for circulating fluids in the reaction chamber and the fluid loop. The method and cell can be used to prepare homogeneous surface films, or to carry out “target-probe” identification reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Biotray SAS
    Inventors: Vincent Dugas, Jérôme Broutin, Eliane Souteyrand
  • Patent number: 7736864
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of inflammations, in particular of inflammatory processes in the tissue of mammary glands in humans or animals, in particular in cattle and a test-kit for carrying out said method. The method is particularly suitable for the specific detection of inflammations in mammary glands, for example during testing of milk, whereby the enzyme implicated in inflammatory processes prostaglandin D synthase (PGDS) is qualitatively or quantitatively determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Schebo Biotech Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bert Schlatterer, Regine Baeker, Ursula Scheefers-Borchel, Hans Scheefers
  • Patent number: 7736906
    Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are delivered through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Winkler, Stephen P. A. Fodor, Christopher J. Buchko, Debra A. Ross, Lois Aldwin, Douglas N. Modlin
  • Patent number: 7732218
    Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing an analytical standard used for microbeam X-ray fluorescence analysis which includes: a mixing step in which an element is added to a base material, and the base material and the element are mixed by stirring to obtain a mixed solution; a deaeration step in which the mixed solution is deaerated; a freeze step in which the mixed solution is slowly frozen; and a cutting step in which a thin section is cut out from the frozen mixed solution. In order to surely remove bubbles from the mixed solution, the deaeration step may contain a stationary step in which the mixed solution is allowed to stand still at room temperature; or the stationary step includes a removal step in which gas contained in the mixed solution which is allowed to stand still is removed with a suction apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: National Institute of Radiological Sciences
    Inventors: Shino Takeda, Masae Yukawa, Yoshikazu Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7694346
    Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education on behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventors: Jesse D. Adams, Todd A. Sulchek, Stuart C. Feigin
  • Patent number: 7691638
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for determining electron transfer rates in systems involving metalloproteins. Metalloprotein/substrate electron transfer rates as well as metalloprotein self exchange rates may be modeled. Such electron transfer rates are useful in smart drug design and enzyme engineering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Johna Leddy, Shelley D. Minteer
  • Patent number: 7687279
    Abstract: A method for evaluating chemical solution includes determining number of particles in liquid for each size of the particles by measurement, expressing a relationship between size of the particles and number of particles corresponding to the size by a function based on the number of particles for each size of the particles determined by the measurement, and evaluating influence of particles having size less than or equal to a measurement limit in the liquid based on the function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shinichi Ito, Eishi Shiobara
  • Patent number: 7655474
    Abstract: A method of making a nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising the steps of providing nanoclusters, combining said nanoclusters with thiolated DNA, incubating said nanoclusters and thiolated DNA mixture, combining said mixture with a solution comprising ethanol and dichloromethane; separating said mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase, mixing said aqueous phase with a solution comprising dicholormethane and NaCl, and separating the mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase; wherein said organic phase comprises said nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand. Further, provided is a nanocluster functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising a nanocluster, said nanocluster being functionalized with a single DNA strand, said DNA strand having a length of about 10 to about 50 bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sulay Jhaveri, Mario Ancona, Edward E Foos, Eddie L Chang
  • Publication number: 20090325300
    Abstract: A method of rapidly detecting trace materials including biohazards, toxins, radioactive materials, and narcotics in situ is disclosed. A corresponding apparatus is disclosed. A trace of the material is collected on a pad of the card component, collected by swiping the pad on suspected surface or exposure to the suspected air volume. A novel card component is disclosed that when inserted in a chemical detection unit (CDU), releases reaction chemicals from flexible walled capsules in desired sequence. The exposed pad containing trace material and chemicals are heated in the chemical detection unit to produce a spectral pattern that is analyzed by the optical electronics in the CDU and results are displayed, stored and/or transmitted over a communications network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Vaughan L. Clift, Kristin L. Harriman, Richard L. Pettys, David M. Headley, Tiffany M. Conerly
  • Publication number: 20090311797
    Abstract: An analysis method includes the steps of causing a moist sample to react with a reagent and measuring concentration of a particular component contained in the sample based on the state after the reaction of the sample with the reagent. The reaction step and the measurement step are performed while the amount of moisture contained in the air in a space accommodating the sample and the reagent is directly or indirectly measured. The method further includes the step of correcting the measurement result of the concentration of the particular component based on the amount of moisture contained in the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideki Tanji
  • Publication number: 20090280574
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the presence of a controlled substance is disclosed for use in medical facilities licensed to administer controlled medications to patients. The apparatus contains an indicator element selected to experience a color changing chemical reaction when mixed with a specific type of medication. A medical professional can inject a portion of any unused medication into the apparatus prior to final disposal to prove that the disposed of medication is not some other compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Wendi Bryant
  • Patent number: 7611740
    Abstract: A method for measuring a growth rate of a carbon nanotube includes the following steps: (a) providing a substrate (12); (b) forming a catalyst layer on the substrate; (c) heating the substrate to a predetermined temperature; (d) intermittently introducing/providing and then interrupting a reaction gas proximate the substrate to grow a patterned carbon nanotube array, each carbon nanotube having at least one line mark formed thereon as a result of the patterned growth; and (e) calculating the growth rate which is equal to a length between a pair of line marks divided by a time interval between said two line marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Li Jiang, Kai Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 7560285
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed herein concern nanoparticle layers uniformly distributed on a surface or substrate. In certain embodiments of the invention, the nanoparticle layers are of use for Raman spectroscopy. In certain embodiments of the invention, a micelle-metal ion complex is formed and deposited on a surface. The polymer component of the micelle-metal ion complex may be removed resulting in formation of nanoparticles of a uniform size and distribution. The polymers may contain one or more ligands. The number and type of ligands in a micelle will determine the type and amount of metal ion bound to the micelle, in turn determining the metal composition and size of the nanoparticles. The distribution micelle-metal ion complexes on a surface may determine the distribution and periodicity of the nanoparticle layer. In other embodiments, rod or columnar-shaped nanoparticles may be generated. Other embodiments concern the generation of uniform alloy nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Lei Sun
  • Patent number: 7547556
    Abstract: A method and an array filling system for loading a plurality of disparate sample containers, the sample containers comprising an integral structure. Each receptacle is characterized by a hydrophilic surface, and the receptacles are separated by a hydrophobic surface. The system has a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid and adapted for motion to cause sequential communication of liquid held in the liquid transfer device with successive receptacles of the array by dragging the liquid across the hydrophobic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ian Hunter, Colin J. H. Brenan, Tanya S. Kanigan