Gas Analysis Patents (Class 73/23.2)
  • Publication number: 20090038374
    Abstract: A non-invasive and non-destructive apparatus and testing method for analytes in sealed containers are provided, which are especially useful for identifying bottles of wine that are contaminated with 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) without destroying the value of uncontaminated wine by opening the bottles or marring the containers or labeling. The apparatus and method are applicable to non-destructively testing any “stream-of-commerce” containers such as shampoo bottles, aerosol containers, toothpaste tubes, and soft drink cans, and other such containers for the presence of contaminants, explosives, poisons, drugs, and other dangerous or illegal materials. The method provided is orders of magnitude more sensitive than other methods, and can detect the presence of diffused substances at the nanogram per liter (parts-per-billion) level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Wine Scanner, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Broz
  • Patent number: 7487662
    Abstract: Generally, this invention relates to the development of field monitoring methodology for new substances and sensing chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and terrorist substances. It also relates to a portable test kit which may be utilized to measure concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the field. Specifically it relates to systems for reliably field sensing the potential presence of such items while also distinguishing them from other elements potentially present. It also relates to overall systems and processes for sensing, reacting, and responding to an indicated presence of such substance, including modifications of existing halogenated sensors and arrayed sensing systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Wyoming Research Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Schabron, Joseph F. Rovani, Jr., Theresa M. Bomstad, Susan S. Sorini-Wong
  • Publication number: 20090031787
    Abstract: A system and method for gathering diagnostic information relating to an operating condition of a gas stream or processing path of a coal gasification system is disclosed. The information is gathered by deploying one or more specially constructed modules or seeds that proceed through the gas stream of the coal gasification system as part of the mass flow of the gas stream. The seed may be physically recoverable in which an outer material of the seed ablates when exposed to a predetermined temperature of the gas stream. The seed may be physically non-recoverable in which electronic circuitry transmits a signal to a receiver relating to the temperature of the gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony Mark Thompson, James Scott Vartuli, Kenneth Brakeley Welles, Emad Andarawis Andarawis, Wayne Charles Hasz, John Erik Hershey, Ertugrul Berkcan, Jeffrey Michael Ashe
  • Patent number: 7481237
    Abstract: The gas monitoring system may include a gas line, an oxygen sensor, a filter, a pump, a indicator, and a controller. The gas line is configured to convey gas from a space configured to receive inert gas to a location remote from the space. The oxygen sensor is fluidly coupled to the gas line at the location. The oxygen sensor is configured to determine a partial pressure of oxygen present in the gas. The filter is fluidly coupled to the gas line between the space and the location. The filter is configured to remove combustible contaminants from the gas before it reaches the oxygen sensor. The controller is electrically coupled to the oxygen sensor and to the indicator. The controller is configured to activate the indicator when the partial pressure of oxygen exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Philip E. Jones, Michael J. O'Hara, Brian P. Greenawalt
  • Patent number: 7476852
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to detector structures for use in a micro gas analyzer, preferably in a differential setup. The detector structures may comprise one or more detector types, such as photo-ionization (PID), electron capture (ECD), ion mobility (IMS), differential mobility (DMS), ion-trap mass spectrometer (ITMS), in which all are provided with ions and electrons from one vacuum ultra violet (VUV) source. This source may also provide ions for ion-based gas pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich Bonne, Teresa M. Marta, Karen M. Newstrom-Peitso
  • Patent number: 7476851
    Abstract: Guidelines for designing lenses or systems for aerodynamic focusing of nanoparticle or cluster beams. The design process may involve obtaining a relationship between particle size, operating pressure and aperture size, and selecting the operating pressure to provide continuum flow of an aerosol beam through the aerodynamic lens. Particles having diameters less than 30 nanometer may be focused. Simulation techniques for evaluating designed lenses are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Xiaoliang Wang, Peter H. McMurry, Einar Kruis
  • Patent number: 7475588
    Abstract: A gas detector and process for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. The detector in a preferred structural arrangement employs a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based device structure and/or a free-standing metal element that functions as a sensing component and optionally as a heat source when elevated temperature sensing is required. The free-standing metal element can be fabricated directly onto a standard chip carrier/device package so that the package becomes a platform of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Dimeo, Jr., Philip S. H. Chen, Jeffrey W. Neuner, James Welch, Michele Stawacz, Thomas H. Baum, Mackenzie E. King, Ing-Shin Chen, Jeffrey F. Roeder
  • Patent number: 7467538
    Abstract: A gas sensor and method of producing the same, the gas sensor including a sensor element extending along a longitudinal axis of the gas sensor; a metal shell surrounding the sensor element; and a protector fixed on a front portion of the metal shell and covering a front portion of the sensor element which projects from the front end of the metal shell, wherein an oil agent is present on one or both of an inner gas-receiving surface of the metal shell and an inner peripheral surface of the protector in a total amount of less than 0.7 mg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Furuichi, Makoto Fukagai, Akio Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7465425
    Abstract: A fluid sensor is constructed to has a pair of electrodes whereas between electrodes there are not additional materials designated to adsorb analytes if their concentrations are high, or there are absorbents if the analyte concentrations are low. An alternating current voltage of varying frequencies is applied to the electrodes of the sensor by an alternative current device. In return, it detects electrical properties such as impedance and its components, reactance, resistance, and phase angles of the sensor with analytes whereas the analytes reside in or pass through the electrode at each frequency. Thus a spectrum of electrical property of the analyte can be established at various applied frequencies. The electrical properties are analyzed by a pattern recognition process, and compared with those of the known fluid. Therefore, the fluid can be detected and identified. A reference sensor is provided with the same configuration of the fluid sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Yizhong Sun
  • Publication number: 20080297362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel retention monitoring system for a pressurized hydrogen storage tank on a vehicle. The vehicle includes a hydrogen dispensing system having a plurality of conduits for carrying a hydrogen gas. the conduits have at least one connection linking them together. The monitoring system includes a vapor concentrator for the hydrogen gas, shrouding a first one of the connections. The first connection has a parting line where the conduits forming the connection meet. The vapor concentrator may be positioned above the parting line of the first connection and may include a periphery and a top defining a headspace cavity. The monitoring system further includes a hydrogen gas sensor locatable adjacent to the headspace cavity and capable of providing a signal correlated to a hydrogen gas concentration in the headspace cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Jon Veenstra
  • Publication number: 20080295580
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method of determining the components of a fluoroolefin composition, a method of recharging a fluid system in which the composition is used, and sensors used therefor. In particular, the composition may be a fluoroolefin refrigerant composition used within a vapor compression system, where the refrigerant composition is useful in cooling systems as replacements for existing refrigerants with higher global warming potential. Such fluoroolefin refrigerant compositions have double bond structures which make them particularly well suited with sensing technologies, including: infrared sensors, UV/vis sensors, NIR sensors, ion mobility or plasma chromatographs, gas chromatography, refractometry, mass spectroscopy, high temperature thick film sensors, thin film field effect sensors, pellistor sensors, Taguchi sensors and quartz microbalance sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: BARBARA HAVILAND MINOR, Nandini C. Mouli, Daniel Bruce Laubacher, John Carl Steichen
  • Publication number: 20080276685
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a transport pod interface including a sampling probe intended to be connected to a gas analyzer and an actuator that can couple with an access door on the transport pod in the coupling position, and that can move said door towards the base of the interface in an retracted position in which the volume of gas to be analyzed contained within the transport pod can be accessed by the sampling probe, characterized in that it includes at least one sealing joint configured so as to ensure that at least when the interface is in the retracted position, the space between the actuator and said base is sealed in such a way as to isolate the volume of gas to be analyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Erwan GODOT
  • Publication number: 20080275355
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining an infection condition in an organism by measuring the level of nitrous oxide present in a gas sample taken from the organism. In one embodiment the nitrous oxide content of a gas sample is measured to diagnose systemic inflammatory response in a living organism. In an alternative embodiment, the nitrous oxide level of a gas sample taken from a living organism may be compared the with an expected nitrous oxide level for a healthy organism or with a prior measured nitrous oxide level of the living organism to diagnose the presence or absence of an infection in the living organism. A method and apparatus for determining response to a course of therapy is provided. The method and apparatus compares the nitrous oxide levels of a living organism before and after the administration of a therapy to the living organism to determine a response to the therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Ekips Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Khosrow Namjou-Khaless, Gina Lynn McMillen, Chad Barrett Roller
  • Patent number: 7447597
    Abstract: This invention is a data processing/visualization method which includes the software development and operation to apply to any multi-dimensional separation. The GC-MS analysis of diesel is an example to demonstrate this software development and operation. The steps of this method includes (1) displaying the total ion chromatogram obtained from a GC-MS experiment, (2) displaying each mass spectrum versus retention time, (3) selecting a normal paraffin family as the reference compound family for relative polarity display, (4) transforming every mass slice to line-up normal paraffin compound family in the same relative retention time (position), (5) rotating the axis to best display the two (multi) dimensional data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Frank C. Wang, Kuangnan Qian
  • Patent number: 7434447
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) includes a thermocouple, a first nozzle configured to direct heat from combustion of a first gas, liquid, or combination thereof to the thermocouple, a second nozzle configured to direct heat from combustion of a second gas, liquid, or combination thereof to the thermocouple, and a first igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 7430904
    Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a protective layer and a humidity sensitive section including a pair of comb electrodes and a humidity sensitive layer having a dielectric constant, which changes in accordance with humidity. The comb electrodes are disposed on one surface of the semiconductor substrate through the protective layer to face each other with a predetermined gap. An interface between the protective layer and the humidity sensitive layer is planarized so that the sensor prevents a hysteresis in a variation of capacitance. For example, a surface of the protective layer can be made flat by polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiki Isogai, Toshikazu Itakura
  • Patent number: 7430893
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for sampling a gas flow to measure one or more contaminants within a semiconductor processing tool. The system includes a portable unit containing one or more dry traps, Tenax traps and, if desired, wet impingers. The unit is coupled to a gas flow in a clean room and the dry traps. Tenax traps and wet impingers measure contaminants contained in the gas supply for a determined sampling interval. When the sampling interval is done, the unit is sent to an analysis facility for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Grayfer, Jürgen Michael Lobert, William Goodwin, Frank Vincent Belanger, John E. Sergi, Mark C. Phelps
  • Publication number: 20080236245
    Abstract: A method of inspecting a cargo container for chemical or biological materials, comprising: providing a vapor collection unit in the container, allowing vapors to be collected from the container into the collection unit, removing vapors collected in the vapor collection unit from the container through a port of the container, not primarily used for loading or removing cargo from the container, and analyzing the vapors collected by the vapor collection unit for traces of one or more particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: TraceGuard Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Landon Roach, Gil Perlberg, Roy Ornath
  • Patent number: 7429358
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (herein referred to as a “gas sorption/desorption analyzer”) for measuring the gas sorption properties of substances (for example hydrogen sorption by metal alloys). Measurements include: Pressure Composition Temperature isotherm (PCT), Kinetic, Cycle-life, and density. Measurements are made by sorption of aliquots of gas to or from a sample of the substance. The amount of gas in each aliquot is determined from the gas pressure and temperature in calibrated reservoir volumes. The apparatus comprises components rated for operation up to 200 atm, a plurality of sensors covering a broad pressure range, and minimized volumes to enable accurate measurements of small samples. Aliquot pressures are controlled using a feed-back controlled pressure regulator that can also be used for constant pressure sorption measurements. The gas temperature is regulated using a temperature controlled enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hy-Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Karl J. Gross
  • Patent number: 7426851
    Abstract: A gas sensor unit includes a conductive polymer and an absorbent for absorbing gas molecules. The conductive polymer is polyaniline (PAN) and the absorbent is polyurethane (PU). The content of the conductive polymer is 25-55 wt % and the content of the absorbent is 45-75 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bar-Long Denq, Chien-Chun Wu
  • Patent number: 7426848
    Abstract: A method and system for estimating one, two or more unknown components in a gas. A first array of spaced apart carbon nanotubes (“CNTs”) is connected to a variable pulse voltage source at a first end of at least one of the CNTs. A second end of the at least one CNT is provided with a relatively sharp tip and is located at a distance within a selected range of a constant voltage plate. A sequence of voltage pulses {V(tn)}n at times t=tn (n=1, . . . , N1; N1?3) is applied to the at least one CNT, and a pulse discharge breakdown threshold voltage is estimated for one or more gas components, from an analysis of a curve I(tn) for current or a curve e(tn) for electric charge transported from the at least one CNT to the constant voltage plate. Each estimated pulse discharge breakdown threshold voltage is compared with known threshold voltages for candidate gas components to estimate whether at least one candidate gas component is present in the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jing Li, Meyya Meyyappan
  • Patent number: 7426849
    Abstract: A gas sensor (1) has a pressure-tight sensor housing (4). The sensor housing (4) has a metal plate (5) at its lower end and the metal plate (5) has breakthroughs (6, 7, 8). Metal pins (9, 10, 11) electrically contact the sensor elements (2, 3) and these metal pins are brought to the outside via glass inserts (15, 16, 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Björn Lange, Mladen Schlichte
  • Publication number: 20080223109
    Abstract: In a wave number region of measurement of a gas to be measured, an absorbance of the gas is found to calculate a concentration thereof, and the concentration is compared with a threshold value (FIG. 3; S8). When the concentration exceeds the threshold value, an absorbance of an interference-component gas is found to calculate a concentration thereof in a wave number region of measurement of the interference-component gas (S9). The concentration of the interference-component gas is compared with a threshold value of the concentration of the interference-component gas (S10) to generate information indicating that the concentration of the gas to be measured is high when the concentration of the interference-component gas is within the threshold value (S11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Satoshi NITTA, Yoshihiro Osawa
  • Publication number: 20080223110
    Abstract: A sensor is provided, in particular a gas sensor for determining the concentration of a gas component in a measuring gas, which has a sensor element that projects from a housing by a measuring-gas-side end section exposed to the measuring gas, and a sheath tube having gas passageways, which is placed over the measuring-gas-side end section and affixed on the housing. To prevent condensation of water vapor contained in the measuring gas in the measuring space enclosed by the housing and the sheath tube, and thus the production of water droplets that reach the hot sensor element, sheath tube and/or sensor element are/is thermally decoupled from the housing. The thermal decoupling is produced using, for instance, a flange sleeve made of a material having poor thermal conductivity, which separates the sheath tube from the housing by a flange and, via a sleeve section, is inserted in the space between the housing and the measuring-gas-side end section of the sensor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Helmut Weyl, Helmut Denz, Matthias Entenmann
  • Publication number: 20080209982
    Abstract: Described herein is a composite exhibiting a change in electrical resistance proportional to the concentration of a reducing gas present in a gas mixture, detector and sensor devices comprising the composite, a method for making the composite and for making devices comprising the composite, and a process for detecting and measuring a reducing gas in an atmosphere. In particular, the reducing gas may be carbon monoxide and the composite may comprise rutile-phase TiO2 particles and platinum nanoclusters. The composite, upon exposure to a gas mixture containing CO in concentrations of up to 10,000 ppm, exhibits an electrical resistance proportional to the concentration of the CO present. The composite is useful for making sensitive, low drift, fast recovering detectors and sensors, and for measuring CO concentrations in a gas mixture present at levels from sub-ppm up to 10,000 ppm. The composites, and devices made from the composites, are stable and operable in a temperature range of from about 450° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Prabir K. Dutta, Ramamoorthy Ramasamy, Xiaogan Li, Sheikh A. Akbar
  • Publication number: 20080206106
    Abstract: A fast alternative for detecting dangerous or illegal substances is taught that improves upon the relatively slow conventional batch method of collecting and concentrating particles in filters. The new method concentrates the particles on-line and almost instantaneously, taking advantage of their inertia. Particles are thus concentrated on the fly from a large gas sample flow rate into a small gas flow rate, where they are rapidly volatilized and their vapors sensed in an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer or an ion mobility spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Juan Fernandez de la Mora
  • Patent number: 7416902
    Abstract: An apparatus for airborne particle sorting is provided comprising a charging system adapted for applying an electrostatic charge to the particles, such that particles of at least a first group are deflected to a greater extent than particles of a second group are deflected. A focusing system is adapted for electrostatically focusing substantially at least the particles of the first group into a focused stream that is narrower than the input air stream. A deposition system is adapted for substantially depositing the particles of the first group from the focused stream upon a target surface, where the target surface may be transported to an analysis system capable of analyzing the particles deposited thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Allen Pletcher, Peter James Coyle, Joseph Thomas McGinn, David Keller
  • Patent number: 7416703
    Abstract: A device for measuring and detecting the organophosphonis compounds, such as a pesticides or a nerve agents is provided. The devices function by selectively binding an organophosphorous compound to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthamide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been templated for the chemical functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: George M. Murray, O. Manuel Uy, Amanda L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7416702
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is disclosed a hydrogen sensor comprising a substrate, a rare earth metal film formed on the substrate, and a protective film formed on the rare earth metal film, wherein the protective film comprises a ceramic material and hydrogen-permeable metal particles dispersed in the ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Yamaguchi, Katsuhiko Fukui
  • Publication number: 20080200825
    Abstract: A sidestream sampling system includes a sidestream gas measurement assembly and a sample cell configured to be assembled therewith. The sidestream gas measurement assembly includes a receptacle for removably receiving at least a portion of the sample cell. The sample cell is coupled to a sampling tube that is configured to communicate with an airway of an individual. When the sample cell is assembled with the sidestream gas measurement assembly, a window of the sample cell is oriented toward a corresponding source and/or detector of the sidestream gas measurement assembly to facilitate monitoring of an amount of at least one gas or vaporized material in an individual's respiration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Rich, Anthony T. Pierry, Brian M. Fudge, John L. Sandor, John A. Triunfo
  • Publication number: 20080198381
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method to measure the concentration of a constituent element in a gas sample contained in an analyzer. A sample cell has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is to receive a predetermined mass of a gas sample and the outlet is to couple to a valve. The sample cell is to receive the predetermined mass of the gas sample over a predetermined pressurization period until substantially the entire mass of the gas sample contained in the analyzer is contained within the sample cell. The gas sample is pressurized to a predetermined pressure over the pressurization period. A detector cell is located adjacent to the sample cell. The detector cell is to determine a concentration of a constituent of the pressurized gas sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Eric T. Heggs, Edward K. Price, Stephen R. Proffitt
  • Patent number: 7412871
    Abstract: There is provided an oxidizing gas sensor that includes an insulating substrate, a gas sensing layer laminated on the insulating substrate and substantially made of tin oxide so as to make resistance changes in response to concentration variations in oxidizing gas and a plurality of catalyst grains applied to a surface of the gas sensing layer and substantially made of gold, wherein 20% or more of the catalyst grains have an aspect ratio of 2.0 or greater when viewed at from the surface of the gas sensing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakano, Masahito Kida, Shinichi Nakagawa, Takio Kojima
  • Publication number: 20080190172
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus for determining oxygen concentration within a sealed package comprises a sensor capable of measuring oxygen concentration; and an inductive power receiver, wherein said sensor is powered by said inductive power receiver and communicates data representing said oxygen concentration wirelessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: GLAXO GROUP LIMITED
    Inventor: Anthony Patrick Jones
  • Publication number: 20080190171
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid containment structure for a micro analyzer comprising one or more shelled thermal structures in contact with a thermally isolated component of the analyzer and wherein the shelled thermal structure comprises a conformal film and also comprises three walls of a channel and the thermally isolated component forms the fourth wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Higashi
  • Patent number: 7408473
    Abstract: A gas detector and method of operating the gas detector that includes a carbon monoxide sensor and a processor. The carbon monoxide sensor senses an environmental concentration of carbon monoxide and provides the sensed value to the processor. Upon receiving the value of the carbon monoxide level (COppm), the processor determines an alarm threshold level based upon the COppm level. Once the alarm threshold level is determined, the processor calculates the COHb percentage for the current COppm reading based upon a derived, fixed point equation. The processor activates an audible/visual indicator when the sensed COHb percentage exceeds the alarm threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Maple Chase Company
    Inventors: Charles D. Adkins, John G. Chapman, Timothy D. Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20080182056
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel monodispersed hollow microsphere particles having a general shell-core structure with a monodispersity of from about 0.1% to about 50%, a diameter in the range of from about 3 ?m to about 30 ?m and a shell thickness of from about 0.1 ?m to about 5 ?m. The particles generally have a hydrophobic exterior shell matrix and a hydrophilic interior core, wherein the interior core may further comprise a number of materials or a cargo. Also disclosed are micro sensors comprising the hollow microsphere particles, methods for forming the sensors, as well as methods for using the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Eric Bakker, Katarzyna Wygladacz, Nan Ye, Chao Xu
  • Publication number: 20080173065
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a gas sensor that generates an output related to the concentration of a sensed gas, the method comprising: i) obtaining the value of said output or a related value at each of a set of known values of a first variable and at each of a set of known values of a second variable, one of the variables being gas concentration; ii) for each value of said second variable, determining a first best fit function relating said output or related value to the first variable, each best fit function utilizing at least one coefficient whose value is determined; iii) for the, or the corresponding, coefficient values from each of the first best fit functions, determining a second best fit function relating said coefficient to the second variable, and replacing the coefficient values in the first best fit functions by the second best fit function, and, iv) repeating step iii) for each further coefficient, if any, in the first best fit functions so as to generate a final function relating said output or
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: LIFE SAFETY DISTRIBUTION AG
    Inventors: Malcolm WOODFORD, John DARBY
  • Patent number: 7395692
    Abstract: A portable, preferably explosion-proof gas meter is improved in respect to shock loads and has a cylindrical measuring cell (5) and an evaluating circuit on a printed circuit board (6). The measuring cell (5) is connected to the printed circuit board (6) and is mounted in the housing in a shock-absorbing manner in the radial and longitudinal directions and is in gas flow connection with the environment through openings (40) in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Markus Wansing
  • Patent number: 7395693
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever at least partially embedded within a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate of the state of Arizona acting for Northern Arizona University
    Inventors: Timothy L. Porter, Michael P. Eastman
  • Publication number: 20080156074
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate a gas sensor system comprising a gas generating device adapted to generate a test gas, a target gas sensor positioned near the gas generating device, a test gas sensor positioned near the gas generating device and in communication with the target gas sensor and wherein the test gas sensor is sensitive to the test gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Tobias
  • Publication number: 20080156071
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a gas sensor system comprising a gas sensor, a fluid reservoir enclosing a fluid and in proximity to the gas sensor and a membrane positioned between the gas sensor and fluid reservoir, wherein the membrane allows a sufficient amount of a test gas generated from the fluid to contact the gas sensor for testing. Embodiments also relate to a method of testing a gas sensor, the method comprises contacting reagents within a fluid reservoir, generating a test gas and contacting a gas sensor with the test gas sufficient to test the gas sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Tobias
  • Publication number: 20080156070
    Abstract: Gas resistance of an image is evaluated by placing the image in a mixed gas atmosphere containing at least ozone and nitrogen dioxide. The mixed gas atmosphere is controlled such that the concentrations of ozone and nitrogen dioxide are not less than 75 ppb and not less than 150 ppb, respectively, and the mixed gas is continuously supplied to the surface of a sample bearing the image at a flow rate not less than 0.2 m/s and not more than 3.0 m/s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yojiro Kojima, Hiroyuki Ogino, Takayuki Ishikawa, Takao Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7390465
    Abstract: A system and a method to detect biological and chemical agents in a sealed contained at, for example, a mail-processing center. The system includes filtration and vacuum subsystems cooperatively working to draw an air sample from the interior of the particulate containment system for evaluation by a biosensor or chemical analyzer to detect the presence of a contaminant. The vacuum subsystem includes a vacuum generator, flow meters, and pressure regulators to accommodate the varying volume within the particulate containment system. The filtration system includes an inlet filter and a high efficiency particle air filter (HEPA) filter. The inlet filter removes coarse impurities, such as dust and dirt, from the incoming air to improve sensor efficiency. The HEPA removes contaminants from the air sample prior to being released to the surrounding environment, thereby eliminating the possibility of spreading the contamination outside the particulate containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: John T. Swider
  • Patent number: 7389671
    Abstract: A device and method of making same. The device or hydrogen detector has a non-conducting substrate with a metal film capable of absorbing hydrogen to form a stable metal hydride. The metal film is on the threshold of percolation and is connected to mechanism for sensing a change in electrical resistance in response to the presence of hydrogen in contact with the metal film which causes an increase in conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Tao Xu, Michael P. Zach, Zhili Xiao
  • Publication number: 20080145273
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring the presence of an analyte in a closed vial wherein a sample contained within the closed vial is conveyed to an analyzer. The analyzer determines a value of an ultrasound velocity dependent on analyte concentration at a position within a headspace formed above the sample within the vial. An indicator is used to compare the measured value of the ultrasound velocity with a predetermined limit criteria to determine the presence or absence of the analyte. Vials wherein the presence of the analyte is denominated are indicated as product vials whereas vials wherein the absence of the analyte is denominated are indicated as rejected vials. The rejected vials are conveyed by a transferrer to a rejected vial station. A first portion of the product vials are conveyed by a sampler to a sample collection station. A second portion of the product vials are conveyed to a labeler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: IMARX THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Varadarajan Ramaswami
  • Patent number: 7387010
    Abstract: A chemical sensing system has: an interrogation unit operable to wirelessly transmit an interrogation signal and wirelessly receive a response; an environmentally sealed container for holding a chemical analyte; a sensor array unit in fluid communication with the analyte disposed within the container, where the sensor array unit is operable to generate a response in the presence of a chemical stimulus; and a passive responder unit connected with the sensor array unit, the responder unit being powered from the interrogation signal, where the responder unit is operable to wirelessly receive the interrogation signal and wirelessly transmit the response to the interrogation signal to the interrogation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Smiths Detection Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Sunshine
  • Publication number: 20080134751
    Abstract: A gas specimen mixture analysis system includes at least one sensor for measuring the concentrations of inert components in the gas specimen mixture, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas specimen mixture, and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the gas specimen mixture. A subsystem measures the speed of sound in the gas specimen mixture, and a processing subsystem, responsive to the at least one inert component sensor, the pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, and the subsystem for measuring the speed of sound, is configured to generate a number of sample gas mixtures with varying percentages of hydrocarbon gases, each including the measured inert component concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Yufeng HUANG
  • Publication number: 20080134753
    Abstract: Provided are a micro gas sensor for measuring a gas concentration configured to achieve a high heating and cooling rate of a gas sensitive layer, achieve temperature uniformity, and achieve durability against thermal impact and mechanical impact; and a method for manufacturing the micro gas sensor. The micro gas sensor includes: a vacuum cavity disposed in a substrate; a support layer covering the vacuum cavity; a sealing layer sealing the support layer and the vacuum cavity; a micro heater disposed on the sealing layer; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the micro heater, insulated from the micro heater; and a gas sensitive layer covering the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Chi-Hoon JUN, Sang-Choon KO, Hyeon-Bong PYO, Seon-Hee PARK
  • Publication number: 20080134752
    Abstract: An oxygen analyzer system includes first and second internally calibrated sensors each for detecting oxygen levels, and a processing subsystem responsive to the sensors. The processor is configured to calibrate the first sensor while the second sensor detects oxygen levels, and to calibrate the second sensor while the first sensor detects oxygen levels. The processor is further configured to compare the oxygen level detected by the first internally calibrated oxygen sensor and the oxygen level detected by the second internally calibrated oxygen sensor, to output an error signal if the oxygen levels detected by the first internally calibrated sensor differ from the oxygen level detected by the second internally calibrated oxygen sensor by a predetermined amount, and to output the oxygen level detected by either the first or second internally calibrated oxygen sensor if the oxygen levels detected thereby do not differ by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Theodore J. Krellner
  • Publication number: 20080128636
    Abstract: A gas analyzing system is disclosed, the system including a gas analyzer and a reduced pressure chamber in which interior the gas analyzer is arranged, the reduced pressure chamber having an inlet configuration for a gas mixture inflow and an outlet configuration for a gas mixture outflow, wherein the outlet configuration during operation is connected to a pump system to facilitate the gas mixture outflow, the outlet configuration having a channel section and a flow section, the flow section having a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the channel section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Norbertus Benedictus Koster, Richard Versluis, Bart Dinand Paarhuis