Metal Or Metal Containing Patents (Class 436/73)
  • Patent number: 11506576
    Abstract: A trace analyte collection swab having a collection surface at least partially coated with a microscopically tacky substance to enhance pick-up efficiency is described. In embodiments, the truce analyte collection swab comprises a substrate including a surface having a trace analyte collection area and a coating disposed on the surface of the substrate in the trace analyte collection area. The coating is configured to be microscopically adhesive to collect particles of the trace analyte from a surface when the trace analyte collection area is placed against the surface. In one embodiment, the coating comprises Polyisobutylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Smiths Detection Montreal Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Christopher Peter Thomson, Atin J. Patel
  • Patent number: 11442049
    Abstract: A method using ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as part of a chemical test kit employing sodium rhodizonate as the coloring agent for producing a yellow-orange to purple color transition for detection of lead in various media eliminating the use of strong acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventors: Frederic G Dewalt, David C Cox
  • Patent number: 11402322
    Abstract: Processes, compositions, and sensors for sensing a variety of toxic chemicals based on colorimetric changes. Exemplary process for sensing a toxic chemical includes contacting a toxic chemical, or byproduct thereof, with a sorbent that includes a porous metal hydroxide or a porous mixed-metal oxide/hydroxide and a transition metal reactant suitable to react with a toxic chemical or byproduct thereof. The sorbent is contacted with the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof for a sampling time. A difference between a post-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent and a pre-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent is determined to thereby detect exposure to, or the presence of, the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jennifer R Soliz, Darren K Emge, Ian J Pardoe, Gregory W Peterson
  • Patent number: 11385169
    Abstract: Processes, compositions, and sensors for sensing a variety of toxic chemicals based on colorimetric changes. Exemplary process for sensing a toxic chemical includes contacting a toxic chemical, or byproduct thereof, with a sorbent that includes a porous metal hydroxide or a porous mixed-metal oxide/hydroxide and a transition metal reactant suitable to react with a toxic chemical or byproduct thereof. The sorbent is contacted with the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof for a sampling time. A difference between a post-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent and a pre-exposure colorimetric state of the sorbent is determined to thereby detect exposure to, or the presence of, the toxic chemical or byproduct thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jennifer R Soliz, Darren K Emge, Ian J Pardoe, Gregory W Peterson
  • Patent number: 11209343
    Abstract: A method for detecting material in a sample using an ICP instrument includes preparing the sample for analysis by the ICP instrument using hydrogen gas. For example, hydrogen gas can be generated by initiating a hydride generation reaction with the sample. Further, hydrogen gas can be introduced to a component part of the sample. For instance, hydrogen gas can be added to an injector gas in a spray chamber of the ICP instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Austin Schultz
  • Patent number: 11199497
    Abstract: A method may comprise: exposing a substituted chromone dissolved in a solvent to a sample; taking a fluorescence measurement of the sample after exposure to the substituted chromone; and determining a presence or absence of one or more ions in the sample, a concentration of the one or more ions in the sample, or both based on the fluorescence measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Ohio Northern University
    Inventor: Jake R. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11143593
    Abstract: A method of determining beryllium or a beryllium compound in a sample is disclosed by measuring fluorescence. This method discloses use of highly strong acids to extract beryllium from samples into the acidic medium, and then using these solutions in combination with highly alkaline fluorescent indicating dye solutions to determine the amount of beryllium in the samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: AJJER L.L.C.
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, Lori Adams, John P. Cronin
  • Patent number: 11022557
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention describes a test kit for detecting arsenic concentration in a sample. The test kit includes a stable bromide compound capable of being made into a solution comprising bromine, a dye, wherein the bromine to the dye ratio is in a range from about 4:1 to about 5:1, an acid, and a quantification system for detecting the concentration of arsenic in the sample. In another embodiment the present invention describes a test kit for detecting a concentration of up to 0.03 parts per million of arsenic in a sample. A method of using the test kit to detect concentration of arsenic in a sample is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventors: Ankush Kundan Dhawan, Jeffery William Seyler, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10940438
    Abstract: The present invention provides an omniphobic membrane and application thereof. The omniphobic membrane comprises a porous substrate which has a pore size between 0.4 and 2 ?m, a top coat, and an interface layer between the porous substrate and the top coat, and the omniphobic membrane has a carbon/silicon ratio between 40 and 60, and a hierarchical re-entrant structure. Furthermore, both of a process for fabricating the omniphobic membrane and a method for desalination of a liquid by membrane distillation are provided in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kuo-Lun Tung, Allen Huang, Liang-Hsun Chen, Yi-Rui Chen, Chien-Hua Chen, Che-Chen Hsu, Feng-Yu Tsai
  • Patent number: 10901145
    Abstract: The application relates to methods of analyzing luminescent species. A substrate is provided that has a plurality of zero mode waveguides having apertures that extend through an upper non-reflective layer that is disposed on a lower transparent layer of a substrate. The apertures have non-reflective oxide layers on the reflective side walls of the apertures, the side walls having a thickness of greater than 10 nm, and the oxide layer is formed by oxidizing the non-reflective layer. The volume within the oxide layer defines a solution volume, and the volume within the reflective walls defines a ZMW volume. Having such non-reflective layers on the walls of the ZMW usefully decouples the solution volume from the ZMW volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Gray, Lei Sun
  • Patent number: 10815248
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to novel fluorophore-labeled, bi- or multi-functional, chemically reactive and/or biologically active conjugates, and related compositions and methods thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventor: Yi Sun
  • Patent number: 10794883
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for measuring aluminum concentration in an aqueous sample, including: preparing a chromeazurol S indicator solution; placing the chromeazurol S indicator solution in a sample containing aluminum, wherein the placing causes the chromeazurol S to chelate aluminum within the sample creating a colored complex; and measuring, using colorimetric techniques, a concentration of aluminum within the sample, wherein the measuring comprises measuring an absorbance at a wavelength for the colored complex. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Melanie Ann Roth, Angella NIcholle Greenawalt
  • Patent number: 10557797
    Abstract: A method of determining beryllium or a beryllium compound thereof in a sample is disclosed by measuring fluorescence. This method discloses use of highly alkaline fluorescent indicating dye solutions with pH greater than 12.9. In a preferred embodiment the fluorescent indicating dye solutions do not contain a pH buffer. Further, the method also discloses measuring fluorescence under highly alkaline conditions, where the pH after mixing the highly alkaline fluorescent indicating dye solutions with the sample solution containing beryllium is at least 11, preferably 12. The use of highly alkaline solution provides superior detection limits for beryllium by using dilution ratios of 4× and lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: AJJER L.L.C.
    Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, Lori Adams, John P. Cronin
  • Patent number: 10175175
    Abstract: Novel Zr-based metal-organic framework (MOF) chemosensors useful for detection, recognition, removal, and separation of heavy metals are provided. Also provided are methods for preparation of the chemosensors and processes for detection, recognition, removal, and separation of heavy metals using the chemosensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO
    Inventors: Hassan Azzazy, Ahmed Shahat, Hassan M. A. Hassan
  • Patent number: 10155674
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a surface having a binding component applied thereto for the adsorption or capture of pathogens and organic molecules or materials. The surface may be a component of a porous or nonporous substrate. The binding component may also bind a photocatalyst to the surface for photocatalytic destruction of the captured pathogens and organic molecules or materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Austin Stewart, May D. Nyman
  • Patent number: 10132788
    Abstract: Various methods for separating a metal from its metal oxide for analysis are provided. For example, exemplary methods include approaches for providing a process for separating a metal from its water-soluble metal oxide in a pyrotechnic composition. Exemplary embodiments include a method of separation that allows for analysis of both metal and metal oxide using an elemental analysis technique, (e.g., inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)) and determination of the relative amount of elemental metal and its oxide known as speciation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Douglas M. Papenmeier, Steven M. Lovejoy, Henry Ye
  • Patent number: 10067114
    Abstract: In a method of resolving a contribution ratio to soil contamination by a plurality of polluters through a sequential extraction scheme and a stable isotope analysis scheme, Pb stable isotopes are eluted at 5 types of “cation exchange fraction”, “carbonate fraction”, “iron-oxide and manganese hydroxide-fraction”, “organic matters and sulfide fraction”, and “residual fraction” existing at other types and separated from each other in each step. The Pb stable isotopes obtained in each step are analyzed. The contribution ratio to soil contamination by the polluters is resolved through a predetermined resolving equation using the content of a Pb stable isotope in each step based on the content ratio of the Pb stable isotopes. The Pb stable isotopes are 206Pb and 207Pb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCE
    Inventor: Pyeong-Koo Lee
  • Patent number: 9951085
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to novel fluorophore-labeled, bi- or multi-functional, chemically reactive and/or biologically active conjugates, and related compositions and methods thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Yi Sun
  • Patent number: 9891237
    Abstract: Hydroxyphenylbenzazole compounds that are useful for the selective detection of zinc, aluminum, chromium, and iron cations in vitro and in vivo. The Hydroxyphenylbenzazole compounds include a 2-hydroxyphenyl group bound to a single benzazole group; a first ligand group that is a Schiff base moiety; and a second ligand group selected from a Schiff base moiety and a hydroxyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
    Inventors: Yi Pang, Junfeng Wang
  • Patent number: 9828567
    Abstract: A lubricating oil composition for refrigerating machines contains a base oil and an additive in a form of a naphthalimide compound. A refrigerant used in a refrigerating machine in which the composition is used is unsaturated hydrofluorocarbon (unsaturated HFC) having a GWP of 1000 or less. When the present lubricating oil composition for refrigerating machines is used in refrigerating equipment such as an open-type automobile air-conditioner, an electric automobile air-conditioner, a gas heat pump, other air-conditioning equipment, a refrigerating machine, a vending machine, a showcase, a water-heating system and a refrigerating/heating system, it is possible to detect the leakage of a refrigerant with a long-lasting stability. Therefore, when an unsaturated fron refrigerant with a poor stability is used in the above-listed equipment, the present lubricating oil composition for refrigerating machines is significantly advantageous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: IDEMITSU KOSAN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomoya Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9719975
    Abstract: A method of detecting Hg2+ in an aqueous solution. The method includes contacting the aqueous solution with a composition containing a plant extract and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. The composition has an average particle size of 30-50 nm. A color change following the contacting indicates the presence of Hg2+ in the aqueous solution. The composition is preferably synthesized by reduction of a silver salt with an extract of Ocimum basilicum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Chanbasha Basheer, Salawu Omobayo Adio
  • Patent number: 9678047
    Abstract: Dye compositions comprising rhodizonate dye particles encapsulated within a shearable hydrophobic organic encapsulant composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: John E. Gozum
  • Patent number: 9404907
    Abstract: Lipsticks are tested by a lead indicator solution. A lipstick is swiped across a sheet of wax paper, forming a lipstick sample. The test solution is applied, in droplet form, to the sample of lipstick, and allowed to sit for a period of time so a chemical change can occur in the solution, if there is lead present in the lipstick. A cotton swab is used to absorb the solution, and the tip of the swab picks up a bit of the lipstick sample. A color change is observed in the solution on the swab if lead is present in the lipstick. The amount of lead is determined by what color the solution changes to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Katherine DuRussel
  • Patent number: 9213022
    Abstract: The present development is a kit and a method for easily determining the presence of lead on a surface. The kit provides a rhodizonate salt and an aqueous acid mixed together in a container that can deliver a liquid product as a fine particle spray. In a preferred embodiment, the rhodizonate salt is sodium rhodizonate and the aqueous acid is aqueous acetic acid. The method includes mixing sodium rhodizonate and aqueous acetic acid and then delivering it to a surface as a fine particle spray, and monitoring any change of color on the treated surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: John Cullen
  • Patent number: 9096652
    Abstract: Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
    Inventors: Jennifer Ann Stowell Laurence, Anthony Andrew Vartia, Mary Elizabeth Krause
  • Patent number: 9034651
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for determination of ion concentrations, particularly in downhole water from hydrocarbon wells, aquifers etc. It is useful in a wide range of applications, including predicting the formation of scale and fingerprinting waters from different sources. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of ligands whose electronic configuration is altered by the binding of the scaling ions within a water sample. These alterations are detected electrochemically by applying varying potential to electrodes and measuring current flow as potential is varied, from which is derived the concentration of scaling ions in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Li Jiang, Timothy Gareth John Jones, Andrew Meredith, Markus Pagels, Amilra Prasanna De Silva
  • Patent number: 9017953
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for detecting pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, the present invention encompasses methods and compositions for catalyzing the dismutation of superoxide radicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Henderson, Chia Hung, Kaveri Chaturvedi
  • Publication number: 20150104877
    Abstract: A reusable coating for a nanopore structure is disclosed herein. A nanopore structure includes a substrate comprising a nanochannel and a monolayer of a chemical compound disposed onto at least a portion of a surface of the nanochannel. The chemical compound forms a reversible bond with at least one analyte binding compound introduced into the nanochannel. Methods for making and using the reusable coating are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Natalie Gunn, Jose M. Lobez Comeras, Priscilla Rogers, John Wagner
  • Publication number: 20150104792
    Abstract: A fluorimetric system, apparatus and method are disclosed to measure an analyte concentration in a sample. A sensor reagent housing is also disclosed which comprises a channel and a porous medium having an analysis chemistry reagent, such as a nucleic acid analysis chemistry reagent. The apparatus and system are portable for field use, with an apparatus housing having a size adapted to fit into a user's hand. An apparatus also includes a sensing chamber and cover, a user interface, a light source; a photomultiplier tube, an amplifier, an A/D converter, a memory, and a processor. In various embodiments, the processor performs a data fitting, determines a sample reaction rate parameter, and determines the analyte concentration from a comparison of the sample reaction rate parameter with stored calibration data. The processor may also generate the calibration data and site-specific offset factors, and modify the calibration data using an offset factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Debapriya Mazumdar, David G. Kellner
  • Patent number: 9005983
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor having a solid electrically conductive substrate and a compound immobilized thereon which has binding affinity for an analyte species to be detected and also displays electrochemical behavior which is modified upon binding of that analyte species, so that binding of an analyte species can be detected by measuring electrochemical properties, such as by voltammetry. Desirably the immobilized compound contains both a first moiety with binding affinity for the analyte and a separate second moiety which is a redox system whose electrochemical oxidation/reduction properties become modified when the first moiety binds the analyte. The analyte binding moiety may be a diol or polyol and preferably is a sugar. The electrochemical sensor finds use in methods of analyzing reservoir and process fluids, particularly at a subterranean location. The electrochemical sensor may be a component of a downhole tool, adapted for deployment downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kay McGuinness, Nathan Lawrence, Andrew Meredith
  • Publication number: 20150079686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of resolving a heavy metal contamination source based on a sequential extraction scheme and an isotope analysis scheme. Pb isotopes are eluted at 5 types of “cation exchange fraction”, “carbonate fraction”, “iron-oxide and manganese hydroxide-fraction”, “organic matters and sulfide fraction”, and “residual fraction” existing at other types and separated from each other in each step. The Pb isotopes are analyzed and the origins of the Pb isotopes are specified in each step. The contamination source of the Pb isotope including 204Pb, 206Pb, and 207Pb is specified from a correlation between a ratio of 206Pb/204Pb obtained from a content of 206Pb and a content of 204Pb and a ratio of 206Pb/207Pb obtained from a content of 206Pb and a content of 207Pb in the Pb isotope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventor: Pyeong-Koo LEE
  • Patent number: 8980639
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of discriminating between, in a surface of a transition metal alloy, transition metals in different oxidation states using surface sensor molecules adapted to associate selectively with one of the transition metals. In particular, the present invention provides a method of identifying degradation in aircraft components such as turbine blades, engine casings and aerofoils. In embodiments, a surface sensor molecule comprising an oxidation state discriminating group, such as an imidazole, and a fluorescein probe is applied in aqueous solution to the surface of a service-run Ni alloy aircraft component. The sensor molecule selectively associates with transition metals in oxidation states greater than zero such that fluorescence imaging can be used to identify areas of degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Daniel Clark, Justin Burrows
  • Patent number: 8975082
    Abstract: Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: University of Kansas
    Inventors: Jennifer Ann Stowell Laurence, Anthony Andrew Vartia, Mary Elizabeth Krause
  • Publication number: 20150056709
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the redox condition of cementitious materials. The methods are leaching methods that utilize a redox active transition metal indicator that is present in the cementitious material and exhibits variable solubility depending upon the oxidation state of the indicator. When the leaching process is carried out under anaerobic conditions, the presence or absence of the indicator in the leachate can be utilized to determine the redox condition of and location of the oxidation front in the material that has been subjected to the leaching process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Philip M. Almond, Christine A. Langton, David B. Stefanko
  • Patent number: 8956875
    Abstract: Provided are automated methods for measuring soluble magnesium concentration in water using fluorescence. The methods employ the use of a pH-buffered liquid and a magnesium coordinating fluorescing reagent. In certain embodiments, the methods may further employ measuring total hardness concentration of the water by displacing any soluble calcium with soluble magnesium and then re-measuring the soluble magnesium concentration. Optionally, the soluble calcium concentration can be determined by subtracting the measured soluble magnesium concentration from the measured total hardness concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Kahaian, Alexandra Knoth, Hui Li, Rodney H. Banks, Joe L. Schwartz, Sascha J. Welz
  • Publication number: 20150037897
    Abstract: A method of removing material from a sapphire article is described. In particular, the method comprises the step of providing an initial sapphire layer and reducing the thickness of the layer while not significantly increasing the surface roughness of the layer, Cover plates for electronic device and methods of preparing them are also disclosed, along with a method of analyzing a sapphire article produced by the present method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Gopal Prabhu, Venkatesan Murali, Daniel Squiller
  • Publication number: 20150031137
    Abstract: A process of monitoring a waste stream for metal levels and metal precipitating agent levels is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory Scott BOWERS, JR.
  • Patent number: 8940542
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting and/or quantifying the amount of analyte in a sample, the sensor including: a sensing region; and a barrier layer including a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-quenching, analyte-permeable membrane having an ROS-quenching agent adsorbed to the membrane; wherein the sensor is adapted so that the sample enters the sensing region of the sensor through the barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Lighthouse Medical Limited
    Inventors: William Paterson, Nick Barwell, Bruce Culbert, Barry Colin Crane
  • Patent number: 8933210
    Abstract: A general methodology to design label-free fluorescent functional nucleic acid sensors using a vacant site approach and an abasic site approach is described. In one example, a method for designing label-free fluorescent functional nucleic acid sensors (e.g., those that include a DNAzyme, aptamer or aptazyme) that have a tunable dynamic range through the introduction of an abasic site (e.g., dSpacer) or a vacant site into the functional nucleic acids. Also provided is a general method for designing label-free fluorescent aptamer sensors based on the regulation of malachite green (MG) fluorescence. A general method for designing label-free fluorescent catalytic and molecular beacons (CAMBs) is also provided. The methods demonstrated here can be used to design many other label-free fluorescent sensors to detect a wide range of analytes. Sensors and methods of using the disclosed sensors are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Yi Lu, Yu Xiang
  • Patent number: 8928325
    Abstract: An apparatus and process is provided for detecting elemental mercury in soil. A sacrificial electrode of aluminum is inserted below ground to a desired location using direct-push/cone-penetrometer based equipment. The insertion process removes any oxides or previously found mercury from the electrode surface. Any mercury present adjacent the electrode can be detected using a voltmeter which indicates the presence or absence of mercury. Upon repositioning the electrode within the soil, a fresh surface of the aluminum electrode is created allowing additional new measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis G. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8927293
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are chromogenic response polymers and methods and devices that utilize the disclosed polymers which are suitable for use in detecting the presence of and identity of biogenic amines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: John J. Lavigne, Toby Nelson, Marc Maynor
  • Patent number: 8884766
    Abstract: An analysis system includes: a creatinine information acquiring section to input creatinine measurement data that indicate a measurement quantity of creatinine in a urine sample; a material ingredient information acquiring section to input material ingredient data that indicate a measured quantity of a material ingredient in the urine sample; and a correcting section to correct the measured quantity of the material ingredient indicated as the material ingredient data, by use of the measured quantity of creatinine indicated as the creatinine measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventor: Shinya Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20140329235
    Abstract: A sensor comprises a sensor housing, having a channel; a porous substrate, in the channel; an analysis chemistry reagent, on the porous substrate; and a nozzle, in fluid connection with the channel. The porous substrate fills a cross section of the channel, and the cross-sectional area of the channel at the porous substrate is greater than the cross-sectional area at the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Debapriya Mazumdar, David G. Kellner
  • Patent number: 8865471
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a metal material includes electrolyzing a metal sample in an electrolytic solution, immersing a remaining portion of the metal sample taken out of the electrolytic solution in a dispersible solution to separate at least one substance selected from the group consisting of precipitates and inclusions attached to the remaining portion of the metal sample, filtering the dispersible solution containing the at least one separated substance through filters having straight pores and a porosity of 4% or more to obtain residues trapped on the filters and filtrates, and analyzing at least one of the residues and the filtrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Kinoshiro, Tomoharu Ishida
  • Patent number: 8852944
    Abstract: A detection method and indicator are disclosed that includes quantum dots that fluoresce under illumination of a first light having a first wavelength to indicate the presence of a predetermined condition, and in particular, a corrosion condition. The quantum dots are surrounded by a shell material that under normal conditions reflect the first light and reacts in the presence of the predetermined condition to permit the first light to illuminate the quantum dot to excite the quantum dot to emit a second light having a second wavelength, which when detected, indicates the presence of the predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith J. Davis, Nicole L. DeHuff, Morteza Safai
  • Patent number: 8841077
    Abstract: The present invention provides various biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The present invention also provides various methods of using the biomarkers, including methods for diagnosis of ALS, methods of determining predisposition to ALS, methods of monitoring progression/regression of ALS, methods of assessing efficacy of compositions for treating ALS, methods of screening compositions for activity in modulating biomarkers of ALS, methods of treating ALS, as well as other methods based on biomarkers of ALS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignees: Massachusetts General Hospital, Metabolon, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa A. Paige, Matthew W. Mitchell, Anne Evans, Don Harvan, Kay A. Lawton, Robert Brown, Merit Cudkowicz
  • Patent number: 8765480
    Abstract: A method for recovering a metal, capable of recovering a metal easily without requiring the use of an organic medium, is provided. A first complex between a first chelating agent and a metal present in a sample is formed in a first mixture prepared by mixing the first chelating agent and the sample. Then, the first complex is recovered from the first mixture, and a second complex between the metal derived from the first complex and a second chelating agent is formed in a second mixture prepared by mixing the first complex and an aqueous solution of the second chelating agent. The aqueous solution is under the pH conditions where the first chelating agent can be insoluble in the aqueous solution. Then, a liquid fraction containing the second complex is recovered from the second mixture. Thus, the metal can be recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuka Shimomura
  • Patent number: 8759108
    Abstract: In order to provide a reagent kit for detecting LA which can clearly separate a lupus anticoagulant (LA)-positive specimen group from an LA-negative specimen group, it is configured that the reagent kit for detecting LA contains a first clotting time-measuring reagent and a second clotting time-measuring reagent and at least one of the first clotting time-measuring reagent and the second clotting time-measuring reagent contains alkali metal salt. The presence or absence of LA can be determined using the kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Okuda, Kazuyo Yoshida, Osamu Kumano
  • Publication number: 20140134744
    Abstract: A detection device for molten metal is provided. The detection device includes a sample cup having a cavity configured to receive a sample of molten metal and a blob arranged in the cavity. The blob includes a carbide stabilizing element and a hydrogen releasing material including a hydroxide of an alkaline earth metal. The blob is provided for use in detecting phase change temperatures during solidification of a sample of molten cast iron. The blob is also resistant to moisture gain and moisture loss during transport and storage. A method of detecting phase change temperatures of the molten iron or molten cast iron sample using the blob and a method of manufacturing the blob are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: HERAEUS ELECTRO-NITE INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventor: Jason BLACK
  • Patent number: 8722415
    Abstract: This invention provides methods of using modified magnetic microspheres to extract target ions from a sample in order to detect their presence in a microfluidic environment. In one or more embodiments, the microspheres are modified with molecules on the surface that allow the target ions in the sample to form complexes with specific ligand molecules on the microsphere surface. In one or more embodiments, the microspheres are modified with molecules that sequester the target ions from the sample, but specific ligand molecules in solution subsequently re-extract the target ions from the microspheres into the solution, where the complexes form independent of the microsphere surface. Once the complexes form, they are exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the target ion to emit a luminescent signal pattern. Detection of the luminescent signal pattern allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Ilya A. Shkrob, Michael D. Kaminski