Chemical Analysis Patents (Class 702/22)
  • Patent number: 8560251
    Abstract: Technologies for increasing sample throughput by predicting the end point response time of a sensor for the analysis of an analyte in a sample are disclosed. In one aspect, a system includes a sensor that generates data signals associated with the measurement of an analyte within the sample. A processor records appropriate data points corresponding to the signals, converts them to a logarithmic function of time scale, and plots the converted data points. The processor then determines a curve that fits the plotted data points and determines a curve fitting equation for the curve. Once the equation is determined, the processor extrapolates an end point response of the sensor using the equation. A value, such as analyte concentration, is then calculated using the extrapolated end point response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Instrumentation Laboratory Company
    Inventors: Sohrab Mansouri, Jose Maria Cervera
  • Patent number: 8560245
    Abstract: A blood pressure measurement system is configured to perform a calibration automatically when a calibration condition is satisfied. The calibration condition is based upon one or more parameters of pulse waves of a subject. The parameters may include pulse wave area; a time difference between systolic peak and reflected wave peak or dichrotic notch in the pulse wave and a shape of at least a portion of the pulse wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Ireland
    Inventors: Luya Li, Rakesh Kumar Sethi, Ming Sun, Alexander Yuk Sit, Yong Liu
  • Patent number: 8554372
    Abstract: A method of managing resources of a histological tissue processor, the tissue processor comprising at least one retort (12, 14) selectively connected for fluid communication to at least one of a plurality of reagent resources (26) by a valve mechanism (40), the method comprising the step of: nominating resources according to one of: group, where a group nomination corresponds to a resource's function; type, where a type nomination corresponds to one or more attributes of a resource within a group; station, where a station nomination corresponds to a point of supply of a resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Victor Camfield Windeyer, Michael Houston Drummond
  • Patent number: 8548668
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use with a machine having a work tool and operating at a work site. The control system may have a sensor associated with the work tool and configured to generate a signal indicative of a position of the work tool, an offboard worksite controller, and an onboard controller in communication with the sensor and the offboard worksite controller. The onboard controller may be configured to receive from an operator an input indicative of a current task being performed by the machine, and track movement of a portion of the work tool corresponding with the operator input. The onboard controller may also be configured to communicate the tracked movement to the offboard worksite controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Everett, Craig L. Koehrsen, Rodney R. Richards, Steven J. Cook
  • Patent number: 8548745
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the knowledge-based discovery and optimization of differences between cell types. In particular, the present invention provides visual servoing optical microscopy, as well as analysis methods. The present invention provides means for the close monitoring of hundreds of individual, living cells over time; quantification of dynamic physiological responses in multiple channels; real-time digital image segmentation and analysis; intelligent, repetitive computer-applied cell stress and cell stimulation; and the ability to return to the same field of cells for long-term studies and observation. The present invention further provides means to optimize culture conditions for specific subpopulations of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Daniel E. Callahan, Bahram Parvin
  • Patent number: 8548746
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for monitoring differential expression of a plurality of genes in a first filamentous fungal cell relative to expression of the same genes in one or more second filamentous fungal cells using microarrays containing Trichoderma reesei ESTs or SSH clones, or a combination thereof. The present invention also relates to computer readable media and substrates containing such array features for monitoring expression of a plurality of genes in filamentous fungal cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Novozymes, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Berka, Elena Bachkirova, Michael Rey
  • Patent number: 8548786
    Abstract: Method and system for determining a cognitive enhancement and/or anti-epileptic effect comprising: detecting synchronized neuronal activity in neuronal tissue (601), monitoring spreading of the synchronized neuronal activity (602), determining a parameter (604, 605) indicative of the closeness of the synchronized neuronal activity to the critical state and comparing (613) the parameter to a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health & Human Services
    Inventor: Dietmar Plenz
  • Publication number: 20130253691
    Abstract: Methods for determining a recovery state of a metal alloy are disclosed herein. In one example, a fluctuation in a crystallographic grain orientation of the metal alloy is determined by utilizing electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data of the metal alloy. A processor of an electron backscatter diffraction machine utilizes a local orientation deviation quantifier to correlate the fluctuation in the crystallographic grain orientation of the metal alloy with a plastic strain recovery of the metal alloy. Other examples of the method are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Rajesh Raghavan, Shashank Tiwari, Sushil Kumar Mishra
  • Patent number: 8543337
    Abstract: A system for modeling, simulating and analyzing chemical and biochemical reactions includes a modeling environment for constructing a model of a chemical or biochemical system comprising a plurality of chemical reactions. The system also includes a simulation engine accepting as input said constructed model of the chemical or biochemical system and generating as output an expected result. The modeling environment includes a block diagram explorer for displaying a block diagram in a graphical user interface describing the system as a hierarchical network of interconnected blocks. Each block represents a species participating one of the chemical reactions or one of said chemical reactions in the system. The block diagram explorer allows for a user to manipulate and modify the graphical parameters of the block diagram representation to provide insight into the functionality and operation of the system being modeled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: The MathWorks, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo E. Paxson, Melissa J. Pike, Joseph F. Hicklin, Roy Lurie, Edward Whittington Gulley
  • Patent number: 8536519
    Abstract: The amplification of secondary-electron multipliers in mass spectrometers is automatically adjusted by generating mass spectra with single ion signals, determining the average value of the peak heights of these single ion signals, and setting the amplification so that the average peak height assumes a desired nominal value. The amplification may be set via the supply voltage of the secondary-electron multiplier and can be increased or decreased by a desired factor using the known characteristic of the secondary-electron multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bruker Daltonik GmbH
    Inventor: Armin Holle
  • Patent number: 8532938
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are described for receiving a test result of a state of a subject and indicating an amount of a nutraceutical partly based on the test result and partly based on a regimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8532930
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the genetic data for one or a small set of cells, or from fragmentary DNA, where a limited quantity of genetic data is available. Genetic data for the target individual is acquired and amplified using known methods, and poorly measured base pairs, missing alleles and missing regions are reconstructed using expected similarities between the target genome and the genome of genetically related subjects. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, incomplete genetic data from an embryonic cell is reconstructed using the more complete genetic data from a larger sample of diploid cells from one or both parents, with or without genetic data from haploid cells from one or both parents, and/or genetic data taken from other related individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, Milena Banjevic, Zachary Paul Demko, David Scott Johnson
  • Patent number: 8532933
    Abstract: Embodiments of a testing method for optimizing a therapy to a diabetic patient comprise collecting at least one sampling set of biomarker data, computing a probability distribution function, a hazard function, a risk function, and a risk value for the sampling set of biomarker data wherein, wherein the probability distribution function is calculated to approximate the probability distribution of the biomarker data, the hazard function is a function which yields higher hazard values for biomarker readings in the sampling set indicative of higher risk of complications, the risk function is the product of the probability distribution function and the hazard function, and the risk value is calculated by the integral of the risk function, minimizing the risk value by adjusting the diabetic patient's therapy, and exiting the testing method when the risk value for at least one sampling set is minimized to an optimal risk level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Duke, Matthew W Percival, Abhishek Soni, Steven Bousamra
  • Patent number: 8532934
    Abstract: An improved method for rapid identification of microorganisms is disclosed, along with sequences of PCR primers optimized for this purpose. The primers are designed based on information analysis of sequences from a large number of organism to amplify certain segments of genomic DNA whose sequences are unique among different organisms. The PCR products are compared with a DNA sequence database to obtain the identity of the microorganisms. This approach provides an accurate and fast identification and taxonomic assignment of microbial species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Peter K. Rogan
  • Patent number: 8527208
    Abstract: A method and system for optimizing post prandial blood glucose excursions for persons with diabetes via computation of time-varying optimal insulin profiles are disclosed. The method builds upon a mathematical model based on the physiologic description of the human glucoregulatory system. Model parameter values are specific for each patient and meal type, and are determined from measured data by minimizing differences between both measurements and model predictions, and which are used to provide the optimal insulin profiles that are useful to diabetics in managing their chronic disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Thierry Prud'homme, Catalin Cris
  • Patent number: 8527207
    Abstract: An improved method for specific identification of any organisms by DNA hybridization or amplification is disclosed. Oligonucleotides are designed based on information analysis of sequences from a large number of related species. Oligonucleotide sequences that have the maximal specificity to certain nucleic acids from a particular species (or set of species) or type strain are selected for hybridization or amplification using DNA from the target organism. The presence or absence of a PCR or hybridization product may be used to identify the target organism. The resulting PCR products may also be compared with a DNA sequence database to obtain the identity of the organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Peter K. Rogan
  • Patent number: 8527250
    Abstract: The quantitative evaluation of biomarker-probe activity is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the biomarker-probe activity may be quantified and analyzed using biodistributions generated using a model. In some embodiments, such biodistributions may be used to generate simulated images from which quantitative thresholds may be derived. In some embodiments, the quantitative thresholds may be used to analyze the biodistributions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Frederick Graf, Brion Daryl Sarachan, Mary Elizabeth Spilker
  • Patent number: 8515679
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for increasing the fidelity of measured genetic data, for making allele calls, and for determining the state of aneuploidy, in one or a small set of cells, or from fragmentary DNA, where a limited quantity of genetic data is available. Genetic material from the target individual is acquired, amplified and the genetic data is measured using known methods. Poorly or incorrectly measured base pairs, missing alleles and missing regions are reconstructed using expected similarities between the target genome and the genome of genetically related individuals. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, incomplete genetic data from an embryonic cell are reconstructed at a plurality of loci using the more complete genetic data from a larger sample of diploid cells from one or both parents, with or without haploid genetic data from one or both parents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, Milena Banjevic, Zachary Demko, David Scott Johnson, Dusan Kijacic, Dimitri Petrov, Josh Sweetkind-Singer, Jing Xu
  • Patent number: 8515722
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system of modeling physical properties of biodiesel feedstock are presented. The invention method and system include (i) estimating values of a physical property of constituent fatty acid fragments of a mono-, di-, or triglyceride, and (ii) computing a value of the physical property of the mono-, di-, or triglyceride by expressing the value of the physical property of the mono-, di-, or triglyceride as a sum of the estimated values of the physical property of constituent fatty acid fragments thereof. The method and system further include repeating steps (i) and (ii) for different mono-, di-, and/or triglycerides, resulting in a plurality of computed values of the physical property of different mono-, di-, and triglycerides. The determined value of the subject physical property enables blending of the biodiesel feedstock in production of biodiesel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Aspen Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Li Zong, Sundaram Ramanathan, Chau-Chyun Chen
  • Patent number: 8510055
    Abstract: This invention provides methods for identifying genes associated with cognitive impairment and for identifying compounds useful in the treatment of cognitive impairment. The methods can in particular be used to identify genes associated with, and compounds useful in treating, cognitive impairment in aging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Michela Gallagher, Rebecca Haberman
  • Publication number: 20130204539
    Abstract: Provided are a target FP preparing step, a target FP peak assigning step, a target FP peak feature value preparing step, a target FP type-2 preparing step, a target FP area segmentation feature value preparing step, a target FP feature value integrating step, and an evaluating step, to prepare target FP integrated feature values by integrating target FP peak feature values and target FP area segmentation feature values, and to compare and evaluate the target FP integrated feature values and reference FP integrated feature values that correspond to the target FP integrated feature values and are based on a plurality of reference FPs of multicomponent materials as evaluation criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: TSUMURA & CO.
    Inventors: Shoichi Teshima, Yoshikazu Mori, Keiichi Noda
  • Patent number: 8504305
    Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventor: Thomas D. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 8504303
    Abstract: System for recommending an optimal treatment protocol for a specific individual are disclosed. The systems comprise generally a system model, a plurality of treatment protocols, a system model modifier, wherein said system model is modified by the system model modifier based on parameters specific to the individual; and a selector to select an optimal treatment protocol from said plurality of treatment protocols based on the modified system model. Systems embodying the above techniques but for a general patient are also disclosed. Systems for a general patient and an individual for various specific diseases are disclosed. Methods and computer program products embodying the above techniques are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Optimata, Ltd
    Inventors: Zvia Agur, Sarel Fleishmann, Kirill Skomorovski, Moshe Vardi
  • Patent number: 8504302
    Abstract: The computational drug discovery method disclosed herein permits a user to specify a three dimensional representation of a molecular fragment derived from a query molecule involved in a drug interaction that then serves as a template to which fragments derived from molecules in database libraries may be aligned. The likely activity of the substitution of the fragment from the database library for the fragment from the query molecule may then be predicted by appropriate shape characterization and CoMFA analysis. The spatial three dimensional representation of the query fragment may be developed from binding data, crystallographic data, modeling data, or any other biophysical or biochemical technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Richard D. Cramer
  • Publication number: 20130197813
    Abstract: Provided is a similarity evaluating device for collective data to evaluate similarity between collective data sets in which a plurality of pieces of data are collected. The device includes a patterning part patterning each data of collective data with a selected scale, a matching number extraction part comparing each patterned data in a round-robin to find numbers of matches, and a matching degree determination part finding a degree of matching on the basis of the found numbers of matches with the use of Tanimoto coefficient, thereby evaluating similarity of the collective data simply and quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: TSUMURA & CO.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Mori, Keiichi Noda
  • Patent number: 8498818
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, an emissions calculation system calculates the emissions resulting from transporting a shipment that includes an individual or group of packages. In certain embodiments, the calculated emissions are based on estimated amounts of fuel used in the transportation process based on historical fuel usage and shipment data. In addition, various embodiments of the system generate and display (or otherwise make available) one or more reports of the calculated emissions information. For example, the reports may provide a total amount of carbon dioxide emitted for a particular shipment or group of shipments. In addition, the report may provide a breakdown of the amount of emissions resulting from various operational activities in the transportation process (e.g., resulting from pickup, delivery, and/or transportation between carrier facilities, and resulting from stationary operational activities, such as sorting or movement within each carrier facility).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: James Anthony Jones, Jr., Mark Matulevicus, David T. Ridley, David Guernsey
  • Patent number: 8498821
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and kits that allow for classification of malignant melanoma cells according to genomic profiles, and methods of diagnosing, predicting clinical outcomes, and stratifying patient populations for clinical testing and treatment using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: AbbVie Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitri Semizarov, Xin Lu, Ke Zhang, Rick R. Lesniewski
  • Patent number: 8498822
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and kits that allow for classification of colorectal cancer cells according to genomic profiles, and methods of diagnosing, predicting clinical outcomes, and stratifying patient populations for clinical testing and treatment using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: AbbVie Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitri Semizarov, Xin Lu, Ke Zhang, Rick R. Lesniewski
  • Patent number: 8498820
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and kits that allow for classification of non-small cell lung carcinoma tumors and cell lines according to genomic profiles, and methods of diagnosing, predicting clinical outcomes, and stratifying patient populations for clinical testing and treatment using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: AbbVie Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitri Semizarov, Xin Lu, Ke Zhang, Rick R. Lesniewski
  • Patent number: 8486705
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Sasisekharan Raguram
  • Patent number: 8489240
    Abstract: A control system for industrial water systems that utilizes multiple measurements of information and models to decide optimal control actions to maximize corrosion/scaling/fouling inhibition and particulate dispersancy performance and minimize cost of water and treatment chemicals. This system is capable of automatic operation for a wide range of process conditions, ensures multiple performance objectives, achieves robust operation under a variety or un-measurable disturbances and achieves the least costly solution delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhaoyang Wan, Gary E. Geiger, Yong Zhang, Yu Zhang
  • Patent number: 8480110
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for LC/IMS/MS analysis involve obtaining noisy raw data from a sample, convolving the data with an artifact-reducing filter, and locating, in retention-time, ion mobility, and mass-to-charge-ratio dimensions, one or more ion peaks of the convolved data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Marc V. Gorenstein, Guo-Zhong Li
  • Patent number: 8484000
    Abstract: Incoming data from, for example, an array of detectors, may be received. A dynamical system may be initialized corresponding to a modality of the incoming data so that a measurement probe based on the initialized dynamical system may be generated. Such a measurement probe may be injected into a quantum mechanical system so that it may be determined whether the injection of the measurement probe into the quantum mechanical system results in a collapse of the quantum mechanical system. Thereafter, it may be determined that a signal is present within the incoming data if the quantum mechanical system collapses. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer-program products are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: ViaLogy LLC
    Inventor: Sandeep Gulati
  • Patent number: 8478536
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining concentration of blood glucose by using the change in the rising time. The chemical reaction between the blood glucose and enzyme within the test strip to generate the analog source that used to determine the concentration of the blood glucose in the measuring meter. Thus, the rising curve can be obtained after the analog source is treated, such that the concentration of the blood glucose can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Transpacific Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kuo-Jeng Wang, Jian-Tsz Chen
  • Publication number: 20130166222
    Abstract: A method of determining the electroosmotic transport coefficient of a proton exchange membrane, the method including creating a stream of hydrated hydrogen on either side of the membrane which is permanently controlled so that the relative humidity is almost identical on each side of the membrane at any point, thereby making it possible to minimize any back diffusion into the membrane. Furthermore, the method includes estimating the back diffusion flux into the membrane from the rate of return to equilibrium of the relative humidity starting from the moment when the current is cut off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Commissariat à l' énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Zhe Peng, Arnaud Morin
  • Patent number: 8470248
    Abstract: A detector detects the color of a medium after a gas to be identified and a reagent have chemically reacted with each other on the medium. A controller identifies color information, which is most similar to the color detected by the detector, from color information stored in a spectral database, and reads gas identifying information related to the identified color information, as gas identifying information representing the gas to be identified, from the spectral database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Oda
  • Patent number: 8472023
    Abstract: The nitrate-nitrogen concentration in soil is estimated based on the nitrate-nitrogen 200 nm absorption peak. In one embodiment, a device measures the attenuation spectrum of a soil-extractant mixture over a wavelength range that includes wavelengths in the vicinity of the 200 nm absorption peak (the spectral operating range) and then determines the nitrate-nitrogen concentration based on the attenuation spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Solum, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Preiner, Nicholas Carleton Koshnick, Justin Stewart White, John Paul Strachan
  • Publication number: 20130158887
    Abstract: A sensor-selectable environment/experiment monitoring device including at least one selectable environment/experiment monitoring sensor operative to collect environment/experimental data and a sensor selector cover operable to provide access to at least a first one of the at least one selectable environment/experiment monitoring sensor and to simultaneously prevent access to at least a second one of the at least one selectable environment/experiment monitoring sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: GLOBISENS LTD.
    Inventor: Dov BRUKER
  • Patent number: 8468004
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of modeling interactions with keratinous tissue may comprise the steps of providing a nonwoven mimic and performing an act on the mimic as may be performed on keratinous tissue. The nonwoven mimic has a surface energy representative of keratinous tissue. In another embodiment, a method of modeling interactions with keratinous tissue may comprise the steps of: providing a mimic comprising from about 60% or greater rayon, from about 40% or less polyester, and a surface energy representative of keratinous tissue; and performing an act on the mimic as may be performed on keratinous tissue. The mimic is preferably a nonwoven mimic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Tina Marie Battaglia, Sandra Lou Murawski, Louis Fay Wong
  • Patent number: 8465727
    Abstract: Methods for determining the onset of ALS in a subject are provided. One method includes analyzing a sample obtained from the subject for the presence or amount of one or more biomarkers indicative of ALS. In a preferred embodiment, the biomarkers are one or more of the following: C-reactive protein (CRP), cystatin c, plasminogen, complement C3, CysGly-transthyretin, and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH). The sample is typically cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The levels or concentrations of the biomarkers can be used to determine the onset of ALS, monitor the progression of ALS, or monitor the progression of a treatment for ALS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Robert P. Bowser
  • Patent number: 8467975
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns methods and compositions relating to mixed-library parallel gene trait mapping. In particular embodiments, the methods concern quantitative microarray hybridization techniques for genome-wide identification of trait conferring genes. In other embodiments, the compositions concern genetic elements that confer or are associated with a trait. In an exemplary embodiment, the trait is enhanced growth rate. In another exemplary embodiment, genetic elements that confer enhanced bacterial growth rate comprise part or all of the sequences of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:5. In other embodiments, the genetic elements that confer enhanced bacterial growth rate correspond to the YliF, adrA, yeaP, yddV or ydeH genes of E. coli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a Body Corporate
    Inventors: Gill Ryan T., Michael D. Lynch, Tanya E. W. Lipscomb
  • Patent number: 8467977
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide (CO2) purity sensor package includes a fiber core, a periodic refractive index modulated fiber grating structure within the fiber core and a fiber cladding. A thermally conductive sensing layer is positioned about a portion of the fiber cladding surrounding the periodic refractive index modulated fiber grating structure. A gas chamber encloses the fiber cladding with the thermally conductive sensing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hua Xia, Anthony James George, Renato Guida, James Daniel Antalek, James Thomas Clark, Jeffrey James Andritz, Michael James Palleschi, Dennis Anthony Pasquarella, Aniceto Domingo Bantug, IV
  • Patent number: 8467972
    Abstract: Methods and devices to generate a tool for testing, simulating and/or modifying a closed loop control algorithm are provided. Embodiments include receiving glucose data for a predetermined time period, determining a variation in the glucose level based on the received glucose data, filtering a received glucose data based on the determined variation, substituting a negative change in the glucose data value with a predetermined value to generate a sequence of modified glucose values, and integrating the sequence of modified glucose values to determine an uncontrolled blood glucose excursion condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Rush
  • Patent number: 8463556
    Abstract: A system and method are providing for analyzing radiation signature data (i.e., spectral data) produced by a detector device against stored data representing the computed interaction of known radioisotopic spectra with a representative cross section for each of a small number of material groups. Each material group comprises materials expected to be in a detection path of the detector and which exhibit similar cross sections. Comparative analysis is made of the spectral data received from the detector for threat materials to determine whether the spectral data indicates presence of a threat material in the interrogated space. The system and method is not limited to any particular detector type, and may be used with any detector that produces spectral data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Exelis Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony B. Kaye
  • Patent number: 8457901
    Abstract: A system for optimizing a patient's insulin dosage regimen over time, comprising at least a first memory for storing data inputs corresponding at least to one or more components in a patient's present insulin dosage regimen, and data inputs corresponding at least to the patient's blood-glucose-level measurements determined at a plurality of times, and a processor operatively connected to the at least first memory. The processor is programmed at least to determine from the data inputs corresponding to the patient's blood-glucose-level measurements determined at a plurality of times whether and by how much to vary at least one of the one or more components in the patient's present insulin dosage regimen in order to maintain the patient's future blood-glucose-level measurements within a predefined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hygieia, Inc.
    Inventors: Eran Beshan, Israel Hodish
  • Patent number: 8457900
    Abstract: Protein samples are processed to create a mixture of modified and unmodified or overlapping peptides which are analyzed using mass spectrometry. Correlations between the MS/MS spectra of peptide pairs allow the noise in individual MS/MS spectra to be greatly reduced. A small number of peptide reconstructions can be generated that are likely to contain the correct one. This allows for the de novo reconstruction of protein sequences and peptide and modification identification through a database search using extremely fast pattern matching, rather than time-consuming matching of spectra against databases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Pavel A. Pevzner, Nuno F. C. Bandeira, Dekel Tsur
  • Patent number: 8452541
    Abstract: Systems and methodologies for efficient vaccine design are disclosed herein. A methodology for efficient vaccine design in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein may be operable to receive a graph having vertices corresponding to epitope sequences present in the pathogen population, weights for respective vertices corresponding to respective frequencies with which corresponding epitope sequences appear in the pathogen population, and directed edges that connect vertices that correspond to overlapping epitope sequences. Such a methodology may also be operable to determine a candidate vaccine sequence of overlapping epitope sequences by identifying a path though the graph corresponding to a series of connected vertices and directed edges that maximizes the total weight of the vertices in the path for a desired vaccine sequence length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Darko Kirovski, David E. Heckerman, Nebojsa Jojic
  • Patent number: 8452545
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that enables a less error-prone and preferably automatic assignment of pre-prandial and post-prandial blood glucose values associated with a meal to improve determining the difference between pre-prandial and post-prandial blood glucose measurements as follows. Blood glucose measurements are read and provided with a relative or absolute time mark and labeled as pre-prandial and reading out post-prandial blood glucose measurements provided with a relative or absolute time mark from the memory of a blood glucose measuring instrument. The chronological sequence of the blood glucose measurements labeled as pre-prandial are determined. The post-prandial blood glucose measurements that correspond to each of the pre-prandial blood glucose measurements are determined by applying a time selection criterion. The difference between corresponding pre-prandial and post-prandial blood glucose measurements is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Blasberg, Alfred Kloos, Matthias Koehler
  • Patent number: 8444850
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for removing organonitrogen species from hydrocarbon mixtures such as refinery process feedstreams. More particularly, this invention relates to a new operating and catalyst loading strategies based on organonitrogen concentration, composition, and structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Teh C. Ho, Stuart L. Soled, Kuangnan Qian, Stephen J. McCarthy, Andrew C. Moreland
  • Patent number: 8447526
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and computer programs for detecting variations in measurements of a biological variable, e.g., variations in cell viability, under different conditions, e.g., with or without treatment of a drug, under the treatments of different drugs, or under different environmental conditions. The methods and programs of the invention determine a metric of difference between measurements under different condition, and make use of predetermined errors of the measurements, e.g., errors determined from an error model, to estimate the errors in the metric of difference. Such an approach provides a more accurate estimate of the errors of measurements, which, in turn, provides a more accurate estimate of the error of the difference metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Weng, Hongyue Dai, Steven R. Bartz