Gas Chromatography Patents (Class 73/23.35)
  • Patent number: 8313953
    Abstract: An apparatus or method for removing water and concentrating an analyte in solution, wherein the concentrated analyte sample is delivered directly to a vial, such as an autosampler vial that is capable of use in a gas chromatography autosampler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Horizon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Johnson, Stephen Scheufele
  • Patent number: 8303694
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Perkinelmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Tipler
  • Patent number: 8302459
    Abstract: The measurement sensitivity is improved by suppressing the surrounding temperature influence as much as possible, while realizing scale reduction, and by enlarging the detection signal, while reducing the production errors in enclosing a reference gas. Provided is a thermal conductivity sensor that detects thermal conductivity of a sample gas by using a Wheatstone Bridge circuit constructed in such a manner that measurement resistors that are brought into contact with the sample gas are disposed on a first side, and reference resistors that are brought into contact with a reference gas are disposed on a second side, and comparing the potential difference between connection points of the reference resistors and the measurement resistors. The measurement resistors disposed on the first side are assembled in one measurement space, and the reference resistors disposed on the second side are assembled in one reference space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: HORIBA, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Matsuhama, Tomoko Seko, Shuji Takada, Hiroshi Mizutani, Takuji Oida, Masahiko Endo, Takuya Ido
  • Publication number: 20120266654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting volatile substances characterized in that it comprises a containment box (20) having at least one inlet opening (30) for the introduction of a gas flow, preferably chromatographic degree air, one or more outlet openings (41, 42) of said gas flow, at least one analysis opening (71), one or more detection sensors (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) arranged within said containment box (20), and at least one probe (80), insertable within said containment box (20) through said at least one analysis opening (71), so that, when said probe (80) is treated beforehand by a sample of a substance to be examined and it is inserted within said containment box (20), said gas flow uniformly carries the volatile substances from said sample to said one or more sensors (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56). Present invention also concerns a detection apparatus and a detection method for volatile substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Luca Chiarugi, Gian Paolo Tonini, Tiziana Ruzzon
  • Publication number: 20120255341
    Abstract: There is provided a chromatograph. The chromatograph includes: at least two analysis modules. Each of the analysis modules includes: a column that separates components of a sample; and a detector that detects the components separated by the column. Each of the analysis modules analyzes the sample in an analysis cycle that is set for each of the analysis modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichi NOZAKA, Takashi MATSUURA
  • Patent number: 8277544
    Abstract: A thermal modulation device for a gas chromatography (GC) system a cold zone, a first hot zone and a second hot zone, which are located outside of a GC oven of the GC system, and a flexible capillary column. The cold zone includes a thermoelectric cooler assembly. The first hot zone is adjacent a first side of the cold zone, and has a corresponding first heat source. The second hot zone is adjacent a second side of the cold zone, and has a corresponding second heat source. The flexible capillary column includes a first segment, configured to move between the first hot zone and the cold zone in accordance with a modulation frequency, and a second segment, configured to move between the cold zone and the second hot zone in accordance with the modulation frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaosheng Guan, Qiang Xu
  • Publication number: 20120242489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing chromatograms obtained by a process gas chromatograph in a plurality of subsequent measurements of a process stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Aosheng WANG, Ray Dean Shepherd
  • Patent number: 8264326
    Abstract: A biometrics sensor includes a portion for sucking air, a molecular sieve portion for selectively passing or adsorbing specific gas contained in the air, a gas detecting section for detecting the concentration of gas passed through the molecular sieve or the remaining gas, and a data processing section for comparing the detection result with a prestored detection result, wherein the gas detecting section selectively detects predetermined gas, and the data processing section performs determination or probabilistic determination on an authentication object person by comparing the composition ratio of gas for each authentication object person with a prestored composition ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignees: Kyushu University, Use Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenshi Hayashi, Bunpei Yoshihiro
  • Publication number: 20120211468
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment discloses a process for cleaning semiconductor fabrication equipment parts with non-metallic surfaces. The process optionally includes providing a semiconductor fabrication part with a non-metallic surface to be cleaned and applying a dilute aqueous solution to remove contamination from the non-metallic surface. The aqueous solution optionally includes dilute amounts of hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The dilute amounts would optionally be in the ranges of 0.5-1.5% wt. hydrofluoric acid, 0.1-0.5% wt. nitric acid and 1-10% wt. hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Samantha Tan
  • Publication number: 20120198912
    Abstract: A system for remote detection of a chemical is disclosed. The system includes a sample collection module that collects a sample and produces a sample vapor at a first location; a sample delivery module that delivers the sample vapor from the first location to a second location; a sample storage and concentration module that collects the sample vapor at the second location; and a sample analysis module that analyzes the sample collected in the sample storage and concentration module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Ewing, Fred Whiton, JR., Paul G. Kahl, JR.
  • Patent number: 8237116
    Abstract: GC-MS analysis apparatus has an interface section between GC and MS sections, which is located with respect to the direction of an analyte flow downstream of the GC section and upstream of the MS section. The interface section comprises at least one membrane with at least one orifice capable of establishing a molecular flow condition in the analyte passing between the GC and MS sections through the membrane. The membrane is subjected to a pressure differential such that the pressure pa in a region located upstream of the membrane is higher than the pressure pb in a region located downstream of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Raffaele Correale
  • Publication number: 20120192620
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel analysis and detection device, which includes a separation unit for separating a plurality of single-component gases from the mixed components of a gaseous sample; a detection unit for producing a sound signal in response to a corresponding one of the single-component gases; and a signal receiving unit for transferring the sound signal into an electronic signal. The device of the present invention uses gas chromatography principle to separate mixed components of a gaseous sample, a plurality of single-component gases are formed to be detected, a sound signal is formed in response to a corresponding one of the single-component gases, and the components and their amounts are determined according to occurrence time and frequency of the sound signal. The present invention is applicable to a rapid detection and a quantitation analysis of a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Cheng-Huang Lin, Chien-Hung Lin, Yi-Shiuan Li, Yi-San He
  • Publication number: 20120196935
    Abstract: Materials and methods for detecting the early onset of shock and multi-organ failure by production of tissue breakdown products in biological samples (e.g., expired air).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Geert W. Schmid-Schonbein, Frank Delano
  • Publication number: 20120180549
    Abstract: A positive electrode active material quality judgment method that can easily and accurately judge the quality of a positive electrode active material used in a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell without having to complete the positive electrode. The positive electrode active material quality judgment method includes: heating a positive electrode active material mainly made of a lithium nickel composite oxide to a temperature x (° C.) of 200° C. or higher and 1500° C. or lower; measuring the amount of carbon dioxide gas occurring from the heating; and the positive electrode active material as a suitable positive electrode active material when the positive electrode active material satisfies formulas 1 and 2: y<(0.27x?51)/1000000(200?x<400)??formula 1 y<57/1000000(400?x?1500)??formula 2 where x is the heating temperature x (° C.) and y is the amount of carbon dioxide gas (mole/g) occurring per 1 g of the positive electrode active material in the heating to the heating temperature x (° C.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Takeda, Yoshio Kato, Shingo Tode, Masanori Maekawa, Shigeki Matsuta
  • Publication number: 20120171772
    Abstract: At least one of these or other problems is reduced using a building material that is uniquely identifiable. A method of making an identifiable gypsum-based building product includes selecting a tagging material occurring naturally in a component of the building material and choosing a carrier substance having a high concentration of the tagging material. By selecting an amount of the carrier substance and adding it to the building material, a building product having a unique product characteristic is created. In a second embodiment of the invention, a second tagging material is combined with the first tagging material to create a unique product. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a supplemental amount of the tagging material is added to the gypsum-based composition in addition to the carrier substance. Some tagging materials are useful in a gypsum-based composition to produce a visual confirmation of the presence of the tagging material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Salvatore C. Immordino, JR., Brett R. Link, Charles J. Miller, Guy L. Rosenthal, Richard B. Stevens, Lee K. Yeung
  • Publication number: 20120167664
    Abstract: A system for detecting defects in a combustion duct of a combustion system of a combustion turbine engine while the combustion turbine engine operates, wherein the combustion duct comprises a hot side, which is exposed to combustion gases and, opposing the hot side, a cold side. The system may include: an indicator coating disposed on an outer surface of the combustion duct, the indicator coating comprising a detectable substance; and a gas sensor positioned downstream of the combustor, the gas sensor configured to take a measurement of the amount of the detectable substance in the combustion products of the combustion turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Pradeep Aadi Gopala Krishna, Dullal Ghosh, Saurav Dugar, Matthew Paul Berkebile, Anthony Wayne Krull
  • Publication number: 20120164744
    Abstract: A method of carrying out three-dimensional chromatography, wherein a mobile phase passes through a separation body, the flow of the mobile phase being controlled in terms of space and/or time by locally influencing the chemical and/or physical properties of the separation body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: DIONEX BENELUX B.V.
    Inventors: Sebastiaan Eeltink, Peter J. Schoenmakers
  • Patent number: 8202730
    Abstract: A method for detecting contamination of a conventional petroleum-based fuel used in an internal combustion engine is provided. A sample of engine oil is separated into a polar component and a non-polar component by a polar solvent. The polar component is analyzed for one or more biodiesel chemical components selected from the group consisting of plant sterols, fatty acid methyl esters, cetane, and combinations thereof, which relate to a degree of engine oil contamination. The polar and non-polar component may be analyzed by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and optionally Flame Ionization Detection (FID) for the one or more biodiesel chemical components, which can provide a semi-quantitative level of such biodiesel chemical components. Fuel samples can also be analyzed for biodiesel contamination species via GC/MS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Jill M. Cummings
  • Patent number: 8198205
    Abstract: Provided is a decomposition method of an aromatic block copolymer, wherein the aromatic block copolymer comprises a segment 1 represented by the following general formula (1) and a segment 2 comprising a structural unit represented by the following general formula (2) and/or a structural unit represented by the following general formula (3), and the segment 2 is subjected to chemical decomposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takigawa, Tomohito Yoshii, Shino Matsumi
  • Publication number: 20120132798
    Abstract: An interchangeable preconcentrator assembly for delivering an analyte to an analysis instrument. The assembly includes a housing defining an inner chamber. An inlet is in fluid communication with the inner chamber, an outlet is in fluid communication with the inner chamber for delivering fluid to the inlet of the analysis instrument, and an exhaust outlet is in fluid communication with the inner chamber. A plurality of removable preconcentrator packages are disposed within the inner chamber. Each of the removable preconcentrator packages including a microscale preconcentrator. A fluid flow path is defined between the inlet and the inner chamber. A first fluid flow path is defined between the preconcentrators and the exhaust outlet, and a second fluid flow path is defined between the preconcentrators and the outlet. A selectably operable valve directs fluid flow from the inner chamber into either the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Cambron, Thomas J. Roussel, Robert S. Keynton
  • Publication number: 20120131986
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for measuring the concentration of volatile air treatment chemicals in the air. These methods can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of, and/or optimize, dispensers that dispenses a volatile air treatment chemical into a test area. One runs side by side sampling of air using both sorbent tube and solid phase micro extraction fiber collectors to develop a correlation curve between air treatment chemical concentration results from the sorbent tube sampling and amount readings from the SPME sampling. One then uses SPME collectors to measure in a passive manner the performance of the volatile dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Anne T. Maghasi, Kwamena Gyakye deGraft-Johnson, Yemi Susan Bullen
  • Publication number: 20120118041
    Abstract: A system and method for testing gas migration process in the coal and rock mass are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: selecting a cylindrical coal sample, applying an axial pressure and a radial pressure to the coal sample under a sealing state, and/or increasing temperature, to desorb gas absorbed by the coal sample; guiding the gas desorbed from the coal sample by a guiding passage, detecting gas flow rate and pressure, analyzing gas composition and content, and achieving a data statistics. The method provides a theory and data basis for researching the forming and occurring process of gas outburst accident in coal mine. The system is simple and easy to use, and is suitable for migration research of the gas absorbed in the deep coal-rock mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF MINING & TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING)
    Inventors: Manchao He, Chunguang Wang, Haijiang Zhang, Dejian Li
  • Publication number: 20120118040
    Abstract: A device for sampling fluid from an earth formation is disclosed. The device includes: an inlet port disposable in fluid communication with the fluid in a borehole; an injector including an injection chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port, the injector configured to receive a portion of the fluid and direct the fluid toward an analysis unit for analyzing constituent materials in the fluid; and a high pressure valve configured to admit the portion of the fluid at a borehole pressure and release the portion of the fluid into the injector, the portion having a volume that is less than or equal to about one microliter. A system and method for analyzing constituents of fluid in a borehole in an earth formation is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Paul Allan Bergren
  • Publication number: 20120122981
    Abstract: Biomarkers relating to glucose disposal rate, insulin resistance, and/or insulin resistance-related disorders are provided. Methods based on the same biomarkers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Yun Fu Hu, Costel Chirila, Danny Alexander, Michael Milburn, Matthew W. Mitchell, Walter Gall, Kay A. Lawton
  • Publication number: 20120111093
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to gas sensors comprising organized assemblies of carbon and non-carbon compounds. The invention also relates to devices containing such gas sensors and analysis units. In preferred embodiments, the organized assemblies of the instant invention take the form of nanorods or their aggregate forms. More preferably, a nanorod is made up of a carbon nanotube filled, coated, or both filled and coated by a non-carbon material. The invention further relates to a method for detecting or quantitating an analyte gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Sean Imtiaz Brahim, Leonid Grigorian, Steven G. Colbern, Robert L. Gump, Fikret Nuri Kirkbir
  • Publication number: 20120103061
    Abstract: The present invention is a transportable portal for screening a target, which may be a person, standing or placed inside the portal. It employs two walls with air ducts in the walls, usually two ducts per wall running from the bottom to the top of each wall, and having a number of air intakes spaced along the height of the wall. A blower module blows air downward on the target to dislodge particles and vapor, which are drawn in the air ducts and analyzed by a detection module. Each detection module may have a pre-concentrator with a nano-platinum surface for collecting and pyrolyzing samples, and chemical, optical and radiation detectors for detecting illicit materials. The portal may be disassembled or reassembled by two people using hand tools in less than one hour and then placed in a space of less than one cubic metre for transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Sabatino Nacson
  • Patent number: 8166794
    Abstract: A positive electrode active material quality judgment method that can easily and accurately judge the quality of a positive electrode active material used in a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell without having to complete the positive electrode. The positive electrode active material quality judgment method includes: heating a positive electrode active material mainly made of a lithium nickel composite oxide to a temperature x (° C.) of 200° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower; measuring the amount of carbon dioxide gas generated from the heating; and the positive electrode active material as a suitable positive electrode active material when the positive electrode active material satisfies formulas 3 and 4: y<(1.31x?258)/1000000(200?x<300)??formula 3 y<1.20x?225/1000000(300?x?400)??formula 4 where x is the heating temperature x (° C.) and y is the amount of carbon dioxide gas (mole/g) generated per 1 g of the positive electrode active material in the heating to the heating temperature x (° C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Takeda, Yoshio Kato, Shingo Tode, Masanori Maekawa, Shigeki Matsuta
  • Publication number: 20120077770
    Abstract: Methods of using a 15-oxysterol, e.g., 15-ketocholestene (15-KE), 15-ketocholestane (15-KA), and/or 15-hydroxy-cholestene (15-HC), as a biomarker to monitor disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS), and methods of treating secondary progressive MS (SPMS) using inhibitors of poly(ADP ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: THE BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL, INC.
    Inventors: Howard Weiner, Francisco J. Quintana, Mauricio Farez
  • Patent number: 8134122
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for the multi-modal detection of particles are described herein. An embodiment of the present invention is a particle detector that includes a first chamber wherein analyte particles are subjected to a first particle detection mechanism, and a second chamber coupled to the first chamber, wherein the analyte particles are subjected to a second particle detection mechanism, and wherein the detection characteristics of second particle detection mechanism are orthogonal to detection characteristics of the first particle detection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: The Mitre Corporation
    Inventor: Samar K. Guharay
  • Publication number: 20120053838
    Abstract: A method for downhole fluid analysis is disclosed. The method includes positioning a downhole fluid sampling tool at first and second locations; extracting and compositionally analyzing samples of reservoir fluid while positioned at the first and second locations; comparing analysis results; and repositioning the tool to a third location depending on the results of the comparison. The compositional analysis can be performed using downhole gas chromatography and mass spectrometry systems and preferably can identify subtle non-homogeneities such as biomarkers. The fluid extraction can be performed using a focuses dual-flowline type sampling probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: A. Ballard Andrews, Oleg Zhdaneev, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 8124414
    Abstract: A taggant comprising at least one perfluorocarbon compound surrounded by a polyphosphazene compound. The polyphosphazene compound has the chemical structure: wherein G1 and G2 are pendant groups having different polarities, m is an integer greater than or equal to 100, and each of A and B is independently selected from hydrogen, an alkyl, an alkene, an alkoxide, a polyether, a polythioether, a siloxane, and —X(CH2)nY1(CH2)p1Y2(CH2)p2 . . . Yi(CH2)piCH3, where n ranges from 1 to 6, X and Y are independently selected from oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and polonium, and p1 through pi range from 1 to 6. Cyclic polyphosphazene compounds lacking the A and B groups are also disclosed, as are methods of forming the taggant and of detecting an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Mason K. Harrup, Frederick F. Stewart, Mark L. Stone
  • Patent number: 8124422
    Abstract: An apparatus or method for removing water and concentrating an analyte in solution, wherein the concentrated analyte sample is delivered directly to a vial, such as an autosampler vial that is capable of use in a gas chromatography autosampler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Horizon Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Johnson, Stephen Scheufele
  • Publication number: 20120042712
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal conductivity detector capable of realizing high detection performance even with the use of a miniaturized heating element, and expanding an effective applicable temperature range of a heating element, and to provide a gas chromatograph using the same. The thermal conductivity detector comprises a flow-path through which a measurement gas is caused to flow, a heating element disposed inside the flow-path, the heating element being formed on the substrate, for detecting thermal conductivity of the measurement gas according to magnitude of an amount of heat taken away from the heating element by the measurement gas, wherein said heating element is provided with a beam including a part where the beam is folded at a predetermined angle, the part being formed at the central part of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoki Kishi, Hitoshi Hara, Tetsuya Watanabe, Kentaro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8117895
    Abstract: A multicapillary bundle for use in a gas chromatograph. Each of the capillaries in the bundle is formed using a coating solution containing a stationary phase and a solvent. The capillaries are coated with the stationary phase by reducing pressure at a vacuum end of the capillary and creating a moving interface between the coating solution and a film of the stationary phase deposited on each of the capillaries. The reducing pressure at the vacuum end of the capillary and the temperature of the capillary are controlled to maintain motion of the moving interface away from the vacuum end of the capillary. Maintained movement of the interface prevents recoating of the stationary phase. A heating wire and capillaries are embedded in a thermally conductive polymer to create a highly responsive method of heating the multicapillary column. An electronic control device controls the feedback temperature of the multicapillary column using the heating wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ron W. Currie, David Christiansen
  • Patent number: 8114200
    Abstract: A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: VPI Enigineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheena Alm, James Bentley, John Blankevoort, Mark Kaspersen, Collin Lewis, Derek Maxwell, Ken Wunner
  • Publication number: 20120011918
    Abstract: The invention application presents a fast, efficient, reproductive alternative of a non-invasive method for diagnosing the severity of heart failure based on a specific biomarker. An additional object of the present invention is a collector device for the biomarker from exhaled breath that is portable, simple, low cost and does not need to run on electric power. This invention advantageously permits the replacement of invasive diagnosis methods, favoring the patient's comfort in addition to the agility and speed of medical attention at hospitals, and may become a standard method for all suspected cases of circulatory disease and heart failure and, more specifically, decompensated heart failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Fernando Bacal, Fabiana Goulart Marcondes Braga, Ivano Gebhardt Rolf Gutz, Guilherme Lopes Batista
  • Publication number: 20120011919
    Abstract: Processing a reservoir fluid sample includes separating the reservoir fluid sample into a vapor phase stream and a liquid phase stream, assessing a composition of the vapor phase stream, sampling a property of the liquid phase steam, and assessing a volume of a components of the liquid phase stream based at least in part on the sampled property of the liquid phase stream. A system for processing a reservoir fluid sample includes a volumetric receptacle adapted to accept the reservoir fluid sample, a phase separator configured to receive the reservoir fluid sample from the volumetric receptacle and to separate the reservoir fluid sample into a vapor phase stream and a liquid phase stream, a gas chromatograph arranged to receive the vapor phase stream from the phase separator, and a liquid flow meter configured to detect an interface including at least one component of the liquid phase stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SGS NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Kriel, Shuzong Cai, Francisco J. Azcarate
  • Publication number: 20120004776
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control the additives to a chemical composition for use in the oil field services industry. Specifically, a method and apparatus to determine fluid parameters for a fluid, including introducing an inert tracer in a component; forming a fluid comprising the component; observing the concentration of the tracer in the fluid; calculating the concentration of the component in the fluid; and introducing the fluid into a subterranean formation. An apparatus and method to control fluid parameters of interest for an oilfield formulation fluid such as chemical composition including introducing an inert tracer in a component; forming a fluid comprising the component; observing the concentration of the tracer in the fluid; calculating the concentration of the component in the fluid; adjusting a flow rate when forming the fluid in response to the calculating; and introducing the fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Carlos Abad
  • Publication number: 20110308298
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method and a gas chromatographic instrument in which a gas feeding low pressure condition, for instance from a cylinder, is monitored by controlling an electric parameter operating on a proportional solenoid valve placed along the gas line, and wherein an alarm to the operator is foreseen when said parameter reaches a pre-set value, so to allow a cylinder substitution before the pressure falling to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Magni, Paolo Magni
  • Patent number: 8080426
    Abstract: This unique process is a feed forward control of hydroprocessing by on-line sulfur speciation. An on-line gas analyzer such as (GC) with a sulfur specific detector (AED) would be installed to analyze the feed to a hydrotreating unit. The analyzer would be calibrated to quantify the individual sulfur compounds or classes of sulfur compounds present in the feed. The output from the analyzer would be linked to the unit's distributed control system to automatically change temperatures and feed rates to change hydrotreating severity. This invention could bring economical benefits by increasing the life of the hydrotreating catalyst, reducing operating cost, and decreasing the potential amount of offspec product. In one embodiment, the hydrotreating is a hydrodesulphurization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Marathon Petroleum Company LP
    Inventors: Howard F. Moore, Sonia S. Bain, Maureen A. Chaffin
  • Publication number: 20110302994
    Abstract: Components suitable for use in devices such as an evaporative light scattering detector are disclosed. Methods of making and using components suitable for use in devices such as an evaporative light scattering detector are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: James M. Anderson, JR., Josef P. Bystron, Washington J. Mendoza, Raaidah Saari-Nordhaus
  • Patent number: 8078323
    Abstract: Method for controlling the process of separating mixtures containing several substances having close boiling points and with a known concentration, in a distillation column, wherein the concentration of at least one component is measured at a midpoint of the column, and said measurement, together with other parameters, is used to control the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Bayer AG
    Inventors: Frank Meeuwssen, Franz Ferdinand Rhiel, Torsten Hauschild, Martin Gerlach
  • Patent number: 8070482
    Abstract: A system of detection and analysis of gas or fuel oil flames using optical devices, consisting of a sensor that targets the flame's reaction zone through an optical access, a processing and control module, and an actuator, responsible for controlling the damper. The system optimizes combustion equipment operation by controlling the damper, obtaining better performance and reducing polluting emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Universidad de Concepción, Universidad de la Frontera, ANWO S.A
    Inventors: Oscar Francisco Farias Fuentes, Daniel Gerónimo Sbarbaro Hofer, Robinson Eugenio Betancourt Astete
  • Patent number: 8062516
    Abstract: A connector for fastening a gas chromatography capillary column to chromatography equipment includes a securing nut and ferrule on a first portion of the connector for releasably holding the capillary column in a position relative to a second portion of the connector. The first portion rotates relative to the first portion and translates a limited amount relative to the first portion. A pin on the first portion extending into an annular groove around a circumference of the first portion may allow this rotation and limited translation. The second portion has a threaded end adapted to screw into the chromatography equipment with the first portion remaining relatively rotation free as the second portion is screwed into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Phenomenex, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Silva, Jim Archer, Sky Countryman, Kory Kelly
  • Patent number: 8062905
    Abstract: A purge and trap concentrator system that includes a sparge vessel, and includes a variable gas flow valve for controlling the gas pressure in an analytic trap or the sparge vessel; a sensor that detects both a foaming sample state and a high liquid level in the sparge vessel, using one optical sensor; a control scheme that re-directs the purge gases to a second inlet of the sparge vessel during a foaming condition; a control scheme that uses a split flow to enhance the quantity of sample gases passed from an analytic trap; an electrically powered thermal energy source with a fan raising the sparge vessel temperature via thermal convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: EST Analytical, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Meece
  • Publication number: 20110259080
    Abstract: A method of detection of a volatile compound in a gaseous atmosphere comprises irradiating a semiconducting metal oxide material with ultraviolet light, exposing the irradiated material to the gaseous atmosphere and determining the presence of any volatile compound in the atmosphere by monitoring a change in electrical conductivity of the material. The method can detect non-polar organic compounds as well as polar compounds. Zinc oxide particles in the nanometre size range are preferred. The method may be used for medical diagnosis or for environment monitoring purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: University of the West of England, Bristol
    Inventors: Norman Mark Ratcliffe, Ben De Lacy Costello, Mary Winifred Richards
  • Patent number: 8043565
    Abstract: Gas chromatography apparatuses are provided that can include a housing configured to substantially envelop the column within the compartment. Analytical instruments are provided that can include at least one chromatography column compartment having a volume of the less than 100 mL. Analytical methods are provided that can include increasing the temperature of a chromatography column at a rate of about 60° C./minute using less than about 40 W. Methods are also provided that include providing at least one gas chromatography column compartment configured to substantially envelop a gas chromatography column and performing analysis with the one compartment in the first operable position and/or transitioning portions to the second operable position to allow access to the one compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Griffin Analytical Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Garth E. Patterson, Mark Gregory
  • Patent number: 8028562
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for high pressure chromatographic analysis. The described system includes a flowpath adapted to flow a mobile phase and the sample at high pressures, an injector adapted to inject the fluid sample into a flowpath, a separation column adapted to operate at high pressures for separating various components, a detector and a processor that calculates the amount of at least one component of the fluid sample. The system can operate a pressures above 20 atm or even 100 atm, and temperatures above about 100 degrees Celsius. The system can deployed in a wellbore in a subterranean rock formation, and include fluid collection system for obtaining the fluid sample downhole. The system can also be located close to a wellhead and includes a tap in fluid communication with a surface flowline carrying produced fluids and the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jagdish Shah, Neil William Bostrom, Oleg Zhdaneev, Bhavani Raghuraman, Kristofer Gunnar Paso
  • Publication number: 20110229983
    Abstract: A first fuel and a second fuel are marked with a marker that can be detected quantitatively in a predetermined concentration range. The second fuel is marked with a binary marker. Decreased concentration of the quantitative marker, presence of a binary marker, or both may be indicative of a fuel that is altered (e.g., mixed, laundered, diluted, or adulterated). Testing a fuel includes testing the fuel for a presence of a first marker in the fuel in a predetermined concentration range, and testing the fuel for a presence of a second marker. The presence of the first marker in the predetermined concentration range and an absence of the second marker may be indicative that the fuel is unaltered. The presence of the first marker in the fuel in a concentration less than the predetermined concentration range or the presence of the second marker may be indicative that the fuel is altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: AUTHENTIX, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Wilkinson, Erwin Dorland
  • Patent number: 8017081
    Abstract: A system and method of measuring the effective temperature inside a sealed container having a headspace is provided. A liquid solvent is added to the container, and a solid compound is added to the liquid solvent to create a saturated solution. Vapor of the saturated solution is allowed to equilibrate in the headspace of the sealed container, and a volume thereof is transferred to a chromatographic column, where chromatographic readings of the equilibrated vapor are taken. A temperature within the sealed container is then calculated based upon the chromatographic readings of the equilibrated vapor, wherein the temperature calculation is based upon the concentrations of the liquid solvent and the solid compound in the equilibrated vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Tipler