By Vibration Patents (Class 73/61.79)
  • Patent number: 11828726
    Abstract: Disclose herein is a portable platform based on a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) is investigated for the orthogonal SAW sensor, integrating signal synthesis, gain control, phase/amplitude measurement, and data processing in a small, portable electronic system. The disclosed platform allows for simultaneous removal of non-specific binding proteins, and mixing, as well as improved incubation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: Venkat R. Bhethanabotla, Shuangming Li
  • Patent number: 11733209
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are described making use of a vibratory transducer and a reflector spaced from the vibratory transducer to form a cavity for receiving a fluid between the vibratory transducer and the reflector, wherein the vibratory transducer is vibrated to generate a wave in the cavity, which propagates through fluid in the cavity from a surface of the vibratory transducer and is being reflected by the reflector to generate a counter-propagating wave in the cavity. Based on the wave generated at the vibratory transducer and the counter-propagating wave generated at the reflector in combination, an indication of the energy returned to the vibratory transducer by the reflector is determined. One or more material properties of the fluid are determined based on the determined indication of the energy returned to the vibratory transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: HYDRAMOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: John Gallagher
  • Patent number: 11733240
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus capable of measuring an analyte with excellent sensitivity is provided. A sensor apparatus includes an element substrate; a detecting section disposed on an upper surface of the element substrate, the detecting element including a reaction section having an immobilization film to detect an analyte, a first IDT electrode configured to generate an acoustic wave which propagates toward the reaction section, and a second IDT electrode configured to receive the acoustic wave which has passed through the reaction section; and a protective film which covers the first IDT electrode and the second IDT electrode. The element substrate is configured so that a region where the reaction section is located is at a lower level than a region where the first IDT electrode is located and a region where the second IDT electrode is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kyohei Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11688587
    Abstract: A substrate support assembly includes a supporting table and one or more piezoelectric elements disposed between the supporting table and a focus ring. The supporting table has an upper surface, and the upper surface includes a first region on which a substrate is mounted and a second region on which the focus ring is disposed, the second region extending in a circumferential direction at an outer side of the first region. The one or more piezoelectric elements are disposed between the focus ring and the second region to be in direct or indirect contact with the focus ring and the second region. Changes in thicknesses of the one or more piezoelectric elements cause a change in a vertical position of the focus, and the thicknesses of the one or more piezoelectric elements are adjustable to suppress a generation of a gap between the focus ring and the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Masashi Ikegami, Yasuharu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11573205
    Abstract: Apparatus for performing multiple different measurements on a small specimen sample, enabling testing and diagnoses in real time at the point of care are described. The core of the apparatus includes an ultrasonic resonator cavity where acoustic resonances are used to determine the speed of sound and sound attenuation in a single droplet. Acoustic measurements are made in the reflection mode using electrical impedance of a small piezoelectric crystal transducer that operates in the thickness longitudinal mode. Combination of this technology with electromagnetic, electrical, and magnetic fields permits multiple types of measurements to be made using the same resonator cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: AWE Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dipen N. Sinha, Peter G. Espina
  • Patent number: 11486089
    Abstract: A method of pulping wastepaper includes providing a pulping vessel with a rotor and at least one flow sensor adapted to measure slurry flow within the pulping vessel. The pulping vessel is charged with wastepaper and water to form a slurry, the amounts of wastepaper and water being present such that the slurry has consistency in the range of from 10% to 30%. The wastepaper charge in the pulping vessel is pulped at a pre-selected power level while monitoring poloidal slurry flow in the pulping vessel; and from time-to-time, water may be added to the pulping vessel when the poloidal flow falls below a predetermined lower threshold flow value in order to reduce viscosity and thereby restore poloidal flow within the pulping vessel. Doppler velocimetry is a preferred method of monitoring pulp flow. In a particularly preferred construction the rotor has a variable power drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Lee
  • Patent number: 10641641
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining a characteristic variable for evaluating a measuring arrangement comprising a clamp-on, ultrasonic, flow measuring device and a pipe, on which the clamp-on, ultrasonic, flow measuring device is secured, and/or for evaluating measurement operation of such a measuring arrangement, characterized by the method steps as follows: A) providing characteristic values relative to an exciter signal produced by the clamp-on, ultrasonic, flow measuring device; B) providing sensor-specific data as regards acoustic properties of one or more ultrasonic transducers of the clamp-on, ultrasonic, flow measuring device C) inputting data relative to the pipe material and the pipe wall thickness, especially inputting such data by a user, and D) ascertaining the characteristic variable from the parameters and data of steps A-C based on a mathematical model, as well as a computer program product and a clamp-on, ultrasonic, flow measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: ENDRESS + HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
    Inventors: Peter Ploss, Stefan J. Rupitsch, Michal Bezdek, Thomas Frohlich, Beat Kissling
  • Patent number: 10294779
    Abstract: An acoustic well telemetry system has an acoustic telemetry transducer affixed to an in-well type component and a damper between the transducer and the in-well type component. The damper damps transmission from the in-well type component to the transducer of a specified frequency range. A method includes damping a specified frequency range from transmission from an in-well type component to an acoustic telemetry transducer in a well, and receiving another frequency range outside of the specified frequency range with the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Kyle, Michael Linley Fripp, Neal Gregory Skinner
  • Patent number: 10168302
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a signal processing system and method in particular for determining the location of a feature within a hollow body using deconvolution of measured acoustic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: The University of Manchester
    Inventors: Barry Lennox, Keir Groves
  • Patent number: 9916970
    Abstract: A method of ionizing a sample is provided, comprising providing a fluid sample, wherein the fluid sample contains an analyte, applying one or more pulses of acoustic energy to the fluid sample to cause a spray of the fluid sample to eject from the surface of the fluid sample, and applying an AC, RF or alternating voltage to the fluid sample using an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: MICROMASS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Raymond Morris, Steven Derek Pringle, Richard Ellson, Richard Stearns, Lars Majlof, Ian Sinclair
  • Patent number: 9404781
    Abstract: Ultrasound tomography arrays and vortex shedding devices are provided which measure average flow velocity through Doppler shift of the fluid as well as cross sectional multiphase fluid composition in pipe or tubing conduits. Multiple tomographic arrays in conjunction with correlation of sensed flow patterns in time provided determination of flow velocity as well as cross sectional multiphase fluid composition. The tomographic arrays may be arranged in a skewed or slanted plane to measure velocity fluctuations downstream of a vortex shedding device where the period and amplitude of the fluctuations is correlated with the mass flow of the fluid. Additionally, the tomographic arrays provide the relative composition of the multiphase fluid. The multiple arrays together with correlation to determine velocity fluctuations downstream of a vortex shedding device where the period and amplitude of the fluctuations is correlated with the mass flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Michael John Black, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi, Talha Jamal Ahmad
  • Patent number: 9032782
    Abstract: Biosensor apparatus and associated method for detecting a target material using a vibrating resonator having a surface that operably interacts with the target material. A detector is in electrical communication with a sensor, the sensor comprising a first paddle assembly connected to a second paddle assembly, the first paddle assembly having at least one microbalance sensing resonator proximate a proximal end and at least one sensing electrical contact proximate a distal end in electrical communication with the sensing resonator. The at least one sensing resonator has a target coating for operably interacting with the target material, and the second paddle assembly has a microbalance reference resonator proximate the proximal end and at least one reference electrical contact proximate the distal end in electrical communication with the reference resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Rapid Diagnostek, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Van Deusen, Ian R. Harmon
  • Patent number: 8907731
    Abstract: A digitally-controlled oscillator circuit receives a digital value and generates a driving signal for driving an oscillator at a frequency according to the received digital value. A time-to-digital converter circuit receives a detection signal of oscillation of the oscillator, receives the driving signal, and detects a phase difference between the detection signal and the driving signal. A control circuit receives the detected phase difference and controls the frequency of the driving signal generated by the digitally-controlled oscillator circuit, such that the detected phase difference coincides with a predetermined resonant phase difference to resonate the oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shigenori Yamauchi, Takamoto Watanabe, Tomohito Terazawa
  • Patent number: 8905624
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mixing system at a peak energy efficiency point, maximum response point or reduced sound generation point based on displacement, velocity, acceleration or jerk operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Harold W. Howe, Peter A. Lucon, Jeffrey D. Thornton, Brian Jay Seaholm
  • Patent number: 8857245
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring and/or monitoring concentrations of a dispersed phase in a fluid. A wettable surface may be used that is configured to be selectively wettable by the dispersed phase in the fluid being tested/monitored and the amount of or the rate of change of the wetting/deposition of the dispersed phase on the wettable surface is sensed and used to monitor the concentration of the dispersed phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Oddie, Michel Berard, Michael John Williams
  • Publication number: 20140283585
    Abstract: An underwater detection apparatus for detecting a presence of one or more bubbles within an aquatic environment includes a first structure including a lower peripheral edge for defining an area over which the apparatus is operable to collect the one or more bubbles, a second structure for spatially concentrating the one or more bubbles received within the area defined by the lower peripheral edge into a detection region, and a detection arrangement for detecting the one or more bubbles concentrated in operation by the bubble concentrating structure passing into the detection region and generating an output signal indicative of the one or more bubbles passing through the detection region. The apparatus is optionally mounted upon an aquatic remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: NAXYS AS
    Inventor: Frank Tore Sæther
  • Patent number: 8820147
    Abstract: A measurement system and method for permitting multiple independent measurements of several physical parameters of multiphase fluids flowing through pipes are described. Multiple acoustic transducers are placed in acoustic communication with or attached to the outside surface of a section of existing spool (metal pipe), typically less than 3 feet in length, for noninvasive measurements. Sound speed, sound attenuation, fluid density, fluid flow, container wall resonance characteristics, and Doppler measurements for gas volume fraction may be measured simultaneously by the system. Temperature measurements are made using a temperature sensor for oil-cut correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Dipen N. Sinha
  • Publication number: 20140238115
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp-on-type ultrasonic concentration metering system and method. The clamp-on-type ultrasonic concentration metering system includes an ultrasonic sensor portion and a concentration meter. The ultrasonic sensor portion is attached to an outer wall of a pipe through which a fluid to be measured flows and that transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal through a wall of the pipe. The concentration meter measures a concentration of a substance according an intensity of the ultrasonic signal that is received after passing through the wall of the pipe, the fluid to be measured, and the wall of the pipe by means of the ultrasonic sensor portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WESS GLOBAL.,INC.
    Inventors: Nam Won Kwan, In Soo Kim, Jin Woo Kim, Jong Seop Park
  • Publication number: 20140238116
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic system for measuring both a flow rate and a concentration including: a transmission ultrasonic sensor which is attached to an outer wall of a pipe and which transmits an ultrasonic signal, a concentration-metering ultrasonic sensor which is attached to the opposite outer wall of the pipe and receives the ultrasonic signal that has passed through the wall of the pipe, flow-metering sensors which are attached to the opposite wall of the pipe and receive ultrasonic signals transmitted by the transmission ultrasonic sensor at different points in time, and a unified signal processor which measures a concentration and a total amount of suspended solids according to the intensities of the ultrasonic signals received by the sensors, and measures a flow rate of a fluid using a difference in transit time through a medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WESS GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Nam Won Kwan, In Soo Kim, Jin Woo Kim, Jong Seop Park
  • Patent number: 8778446
    Abstract: Flow cells configured for piezoelectric millimeter-sized cantilever sensors provide direct, sensitive detection of analytes in fluid media. The flow cells comprise a flow inlet and a flow outlet positioned to cause sample flow past a sensing surface of the cantilever sensor. The flow cell is configured for millimeter-sized cantilever sensors. The geometry of the flow cell influences the sample flow and thus the interaction of the flow with the cantilever sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Rajakkannu Mutharasan, Gossett Augustus Campbell
  • Patent number: 8778085
    Abstract: A dissolved nitrogen concentration monitoring method is used for monitoring a dissolved nitrogen concentration of a cleaning liquid when an ultrasonic wave is irradiated onto the cleaning liquid in which a substrate is dipped. The method includes measuring an amount of increase of a dissolved oxygen concentration of the cleaning liquid resulting from an oxygen molecule generated from a water molecule as a result of a radical reaction caused by ultrasonic wave irradiation. A dissolved nitrogen concentration of the cleaning liquid is calculated from the measured amount of increase of dissolved oxygen concentration based on a predetermined relationship between a dissolved nitrogen concentration and an amount of increase of dissolved oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Siltronic AG
    Inventors: Teruo Haibara, Etsuko Kubo, Yoshihiro Mori, Masashi Uchibe
  • Publication number: 20140182361
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting analytes, a method of making the sensor, and a method of using the sensor. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises at least one array comprising a plurality of resonators. The resonators can be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and can be connected in a combined series-parallel configuration. The resonators can be adapted to vibrate independently at about the same resonance frequency and about the same phase. The sensor can also comprise an actuator and a signal detector electrically coupled to the array. The sensor can also further comprise an analyte delivery system and can be functionalized for detection of at least one analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Igor Bargatin, John Sequoyah Aldridge, Edward Myers, Michael L. Roukes
  • Patent number: 8756981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement device with at least one resonator, comprising a measurement chamber with a fluidic input and a fluidic output wherein the measurement chamber is delimited, at its bottom surface, by a resonator, and wherein the resonator surface is configured to be electrically conducting, and the resonator surface forms the working electrode for an electrochemical measurement, and wherein electrodes are provided at the fluidic input and/or output at the transition to the measurement chamber. The invention is characterized in that the electrodes are exchangeable and allow the reception of a fluidic connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Andreas Hettich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank K. Gehring
  • Publication number: 20140096599
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method (30) of and an apparatus (1) for determining a flow rate of a fluid and detecting gas bubbles or particles in the fluid. In order to provide a method (30) and an apparatus (1), which can be used to perform more precise measurements and to provide a better safety, the invention provides that a collapse of an amplitude of an ultrasonic signal is used for detecting gas bubbles or particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim MĂœNCH, Santer ZUR HORST-MEYER, Tobias FRITSCHE, JĂ¼rgen KAHLE, Diana BRANDT, Peter KĂ–DDERITZSCH
  • Patent number: 8667845
    Abstract: A device for detecting elements in a fluid environment includes at least one acoustic resonator having a surface designed for fixing of elements. The resonator is configured for generating and measuring Lamb waves fostering generation of symmetrical Lamb waves. The device analyzes the resonance frequency of the resonator to determine the variation of the resonance frequency of the symmetrical Lamb waves representative of the presence of the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Emmanuel Defay, Marc Aid, Pierre-Patrick Lassagne, Nicolas Sarrut-Rio
  • Patent number: 8650938
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a milk measuring device for measuring the acoustic properties, such as acoustic damping and sound velocity in milk, in order to determine milk properties. The sound velocity in milk depends on temperature and composition. By carrying out, for example by means of a piezo element, a reference measurement on vibrations that have been directed by a second piezo element into a wire or the like of known material, which wire is strung in the measuring chamber which is filled with the milk to be tested, the milk temperature can be derived, so that other milk properties, in particular the fat/protein composition, can be determined in a more reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventor: Frans Emo Diderik Van Halsema
  • Publication number: 20140041442
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for determining a concentration of a constituent of a fluid mixture in a fluid chamber includes: emitting an ultrasonic pulse into the fluid mixture, receiving a reflection of the ultrasonic pulse as a measurement signal after the ultrasonic pulse has been reflected at at least two impedance jumps, determining the concentration of the constituent of the fluid mixture on the basis of the measurement signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Stephan Heinrich, Markus Herrmann, Torsten Reitmeier, Denny Schädlich
  • Patent number: 8601859
    Abstract: To provide a sensing device capable of easily sensing a substance to be sensed with high accuracy. When sensing, by supplying a sample solution to an absorption layer 46 while oscillating a quartz-crystal resonator 4 to make the absorption layer absorb a substance to be sensed in the sample solution, the substance to be sensed based on an amount of variation in an oscillation frequency of the quartz-crystal resonator 4 after an absorption time elapses, the quartz-crystal resonator 4 is oscillated, before supplying the sample solution to the absorption layer 46, to measure the oscillation frequency of the quartz-crystal resonator 4 at a predetermined measurement interval, for instance, at every one second, and the oscillation frequency of the quartz-crystal resonator 4 is stabilized for the same period of time as a measuring time 19 until the measurement result becomes equal to or less than a frequency tolerance value 19b previously set based on a measurement sensitivity of the substance to be sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunichi Wakamatsu
  • Patent number: 8601860
    Abstract: To provide a sensing device and a sensing method that, by a simple method of liquid supply to first and second excitation electrodes, makes it possible to make a first oscillation area adsorb an adsorption substance that adsorbs a substance to be sensed in a sample solution and a blocking substance that prevents the adsorption of a substance and to make the electrode in a second oscillation area adsorb the blocking substance. By the supply of a solution containing the adsorption substance to a first liquid storage space 53A surrounding a first excitation electrode 42A, a front surface of the excitation electrode 42A is made to adsorb the adsorption substance, and next, by the supply of a solution containing the blocking substance to the first liquid storage space 53A, an area, of the excitation electrode 42A, on which the adsorption substance is not adsorbed, is made to adsorb the blocking substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunichi Wakamatsu, Tomoya Yorita
  • Publication number: 20130322903
    Abstract: In a method to determine particle mass concentration in a dispersion having particles and fluid, the dispersion in a measurement cell is exposed to an alternating field of variable frequency to set the particles into oscillation to generate sound pressure waves. Amplitudes of the sound pressure waves are measured depending on the frequency so that a maximum amplitude of the sound pressure waves is established and a frequency associated with the amplitude is determined as a resonance frequency of the sound pressure wave. The mass concentration of the particles in the dispersion is established from the resonance frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Christian Kopp
  • Patent number: 8591812
    Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor arrangement for analysis of fluid samples includes a signal source, a measuring device and a docking system. The sensor arrangement comprises a first part capable of receiving a sensor element that exposes a piezoelectric quartz crystal, a second part comprising fluid channels for the sample and a flow cell element, which preferably is removable and which comprises a recess, and inlet and outlet fluid channels for leading a fluid through the recess. The first and second parts are movable in relation to each other between a closed position and an open position and are arranged such that in the closed position the recess of the flow cell element is sealingly covered by the piezoelectric quartz crystal so that a flow cell is formed by the flow cell element and the quartz crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Attana
    Inventors: Teodor Aastrup, Jan Smith, Henrik Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130192349
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for measuring, at one or more time points, one or more properties or changes in properties of a fluid sample. The devices may comprise a chamber defining an internal volume of the device suitable for receiving and retaining the fluid sample; a plurality of layers, the plurality comprising at least a first layer below the chamber, at least a second layer above the chamber, and a substrate layer between the first and second layers, wherein: the substrate layer is linked to at least one suspended element located within the chamber; the suspended element is linked to the substrate layer by at least two compliant structures located within the chamber; and the suspended element is configured to oscillate upon application of an actuating signal to at least one electrically conductive path, which runs across at least two of the compliant structures and the suspended element. Related methods and uses are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Abhishek Ramkumar, Norimasa Yoshimizu
  • Patent number: 8485025
    Abstract: The present invention provides a standing wave fiber assembly for the collection and detection of a biological target in a complex biological fluid, including: an oscillator; and an elongated fiber coupled to the oscillator, wherein the elongated fiber is selectively exposed to a fluid potentially containing the biological target, and wherein the resonated elongated fiber attracts the biological target, and wherein a change in a response of the resonated elongated fiber indicates the presence of the biological target. The assembly also includes a top cover plate including one or more electrical connections and a port through which the fluid is introduced. The assembly further includes a bottom cover plate including a well in which the fluid is contained. Optionally, the elongated fiber includes one or more probes homogenously functionalized along its length that bind targeted biological materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: InSituTec, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Woody, Jennifer Weller
  • Patent number: 8438912
    Abstract: A detection device (10) includes: covers (1-3); an oscillator (4); antennas (9, 11, 12), a testing space (13), and a minute space (14). The testing space (13) and minute space (14) are formed in the covers (1-3). The minute space (14) is open to the testing space (13). The oscillator (4) is disposed in the testing space (13) such that its edge portions are inserted into the minute space (14). The antenna (9) works together with the antenna (12) to apply an electromagnetic field to the oscillator (4). The antenna (11) works together with the antenna (12) to receive a reception signal composed of a vibration signal from the oscillator (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Hirotsugu Ogi, Fumihito Kato, Masahiko Hirao
  • Patent number: 8434351
    Abstract: A sensing instrument using a piezoelectric resonator changes natural frequency when coming into contact with a liquid to adsorb a substance to be sensed in the liquid. The sensing instrument includes an oscillator circuit supplying a piezoelectric resonator with oscillation driving power for oscillating the piezoelectric resonator so as to set a driving current to 0.3 mA or less. A measuring unit measures a concentration of the substance to be sensed based on an oscillation output of the oscillator circuit. Self-heating of the piezoelectric resonator is suppressed. Consequently, a change of the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillator is suppressed, which as a result enables accurate detection of a variation of the frequency due to the adsorption of the substance to be sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Mitsuaki Koyama
  • Patent number: 8413512
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an agitation method for sufficiently agitating a mixture of a solution such as a buffer solution and a material to be detected, with no need of any dedicated unit for agitation, for measurements using a quartz crystal oscillator. The method for agitating a liquefied material using a quartz crystal oscillator in vibrating the quartz crystal oscillator at a given frequency and measuring the variation of the frequency due to a substance in contact with the quartz crystal oscillator, is that the quartz crystal oscillator is vibrated at other frequency different from the given frequency and equal to or higher than the fundamental vibration frequency to agitate a liquid containing the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ULVAC, Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Itoh, Motoko Ichihashi
  • Patent number: 8336373
    Abstract: A device for sensing a mass in a liquid environment including a resonator comprising a piezo layer having a top electrode and a bottom electrode, a sensing surface located adjacent and opposite the top electrode, the resonator and the sensing surface defining a gap therebetween, and a post attached to the sensing surface and the resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventor: Jae Wan Kwon
  • Patent number: 8291750
    Abstract: A system for measuring damping and that includes an oscillator that produces an excitation signal for a resonator that can be placed in a damping medium. A sensor produces a sensor signal responsive to resonator motion. Also, a timing circuit ensures that excitation and sensing occur during mutually exclusive periods. An amplifier responds to the sensor signal, producing an amplified sensor signal. A phase detector is adapted to measure the phase relationship between the excitation signal and the amplified sensor signal and a controller is responsive to the phase detector to adjust the excitation frequency of the excitation signal, to create a phase lock loop. An integrator receives the amplified signal during periods that are mutually exclusive to and interleaved with the excitation. This integrator produces an integrated DC and low frequency component of the amplified signal, which is subtracted from the input amplifier input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Viscoteers, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Goodbread, Jurg Dual
  • Publication number: 20120227474
    Abstract: A device for detecting a substance of a fluid or the concentration of a substance of a fluid may include a carrier to which a resonator is applied, to which a chemically sensitive material for adsorption of a substance to be detected is applied. The adsorption of the substance increases the mass of the resonator. The concentration of the substance in the liquid can be determined by measuring the frequency change of the resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Nirschl, Matthias Schreiter, Daniel Sickert
  • Patent number: 8256274
    Abstract: Time-series data of piezoelectric resonator frequencies for each concentration of a substance to be absorbed is collectively displayed. An absorption start point of a substance to be absorbed is set in pieces of the time-series data. An editor combines and displays at least frequency variation regions in the data. The absorption start point setting is realized when an operator positions a pointer and clicks on the time-series data, or when an absorption start signal is output at the time when a solution is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kukita, Shunichi Wakamatsu
  • Patent number: 8230724
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a measurement chamber and a resonator, which can be integrated in the measurement chamber via a quick-action closure, for the liquid sensor system and for verification and measurement of the concentration of materials, substances, particles and/or microorganisms in liquids. The invention is characterized in that the resonator is held only on its outer circumference by a thin elastomer ring, and in that at the radial distance of the external diameter of the resonator, the elastomer ring on the one hand rests on an upper sealing ring of the measurement chamber, forming a seal, and on the other hand rests on a holding ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Andreas Hettich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank K. Gehring
  • Patent number: 8196451
    Abstract: There is provided a technique that can increase sensitivity of a resonator. A ratio Rb/Ra between an inner diameter Rb and an outer diameter Ra of the resonator 20 is appropriately selected, and thus there may be a fixed point where an r component (U(Ra) or U(Rb)) of displacement in a radial direction and an r component (V(Ra) or V(Rb)) of displacement in a tangential direction are 0 on an outer diameter portion or an inner diameter portion of the resonator 20. In this case, the resonator 20 is supported by a holding member 22 constituted by a single-span beam set so that a boundary condition on a side of the resonator 20 is pinned and a boundary condition on a side of an anchor that supports the resonator 20 is clamped at the fixed point, and this prevents vibration energy of the resonator 20 from being lost through the holding member 22, avoids a state to disturb a vibration mode, and achieves a sensor having high sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuo Konno, Tsuyoshi Ikehara, Takayuki Takano, Takashi Mihara
  • Patent number: 8176772
    Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor senses a substance to be measured in a sample solution, thereby conducting high-precision measurement. A pressing member has a solution storage space with a bottom surface being one surface of a piezoelectric resonator, and covering a recessed portion of a wiring board. The wiring board includes an annular projection surrounding the solution storage space and pressing a surface of the piezoelectric resonator. The wiring board is made of an elastic material. The annular projection has side surfaces that get smaller in diameter toward a lower side. The side surface of the solution storage space makes an obtuse angle to its bottom surface. At a corner portion made by these surfaces, an upper side of the bubbles are opened, and therefore, bubbles, even if entering the solution storage space, can float up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunichi Wakamatsu
  • Patent number: 8176773
    Abstract: To provide a piezoelectric sensor in which a first electrode for measurement and a second electrode for reference are provided apart from each other on one surface side of a piezoelectric piece and a common electrode is provided on an opposite surface side so as to face the first and second electrodes. A piezoelectric sensor includes: a first electrode for measurement and a second electrode for reference provided apart from each other on one surface side of a piezoelectric piece; a common electrode provided on an opposite surface side of the piezoelectric piece commonly for the first electrode and the second electrode to face the first electrode and the second electrode; and an adsorption layer formed on an area, of the common electrode, to which the first electrode is faced across the piezoelectric piece, to adsorb a substance to be sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichiro Yamakawa, Kazuo Akaike, Takeru Mutoh, Hiroyuki Kukita
  • Publication number: 20120055239
    Abstract: A measurement system and method for permitting multiple independent measurements of several physical parameters of multiphase fluids flowing through pipes are described. Multiple acoustic transducers are placed in acoustic communication with or attached to the outside surface of a section of existing spool (metal pipe), typically less than 3 feet in length, for noninvasive measurements. Sound speed, sound attenuation, fluid density, fluid flow, container wall resonance characteristics, and Doppler measurements for gas volume fraction may be measured simultaneously by the system. Temperature measurements are made using a temperature sensor for oil-cut correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Dipen N. Sinha
  • Patent number: 8109127
    Abstract: A device for measurement of entrained and dissolved gas has a first module arranged in relation to a process line for providing a first signal containing information about a sensed entrained air/gas in a fluid or process mixture flowing in the process line at a process line pressure. The device features a combination of a bleed line, a second module and a third module. The bleed line is coupled to the process line for bleeding a portion of the fluid or process mixture from the process line at a bleed line pressure that is lower than the process pressure. The second module is arranged in relation to the bleed line, for providing a second signal containing information about a sensed bleed line entrained air/gas in the fluid or process mixture flowing in the bleed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose
  • Patent number: 8069706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a waste water immersion probe (10) comprising a liquid-tight housing (11), a sensor (18) which is disposed in the housing (11) and a sensor window (20) formed on the housing (11). A wiper element (22) for cleaning the sensor window (20) is arranged on the outside of the sensor window (20), and the wiper element (22) is driven by a drive motor (24) which is arranged essentially in the housing (11). The housing is devoid of openings. A magnetic element (36, 37) is associated with the drive motor (24) and a magnetic element (34, 35) is associated with the wiper element (22) in such a manner that the magnetic drive motor element (36, 37) produces a magnetic field which transverses the housing wall and transmits a drive torque to the wiper element (22) without a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hach Lange GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Battefeld, Andreas Jonak, Lothar Heidemanns, Axel Leyer, Michael Schuster
  • Patent number: 7975530
    Abstract: An assembly design for an oscillating resonator-based sensor where an oscillating crystal resonator such as a quartz crystal resonator is rigidly affixed or ‘mounted’ onto a solid substrate in such a fashion that the resonator can either rest flush against the substrate surface or upon a rigid mounting adhesive. Once cured, the mounting adhesive forms a liquid tight seal between the mounted resonator and the substrate such that only the sensing electrode surface will be exposed to fluids applied to the front side of the substrate. The mounted resonator assembly is designed in such a way that it can be interfaced with a fluid delivery system to form a liquid tight chamber or flow cell around the mounted resonator without incurring additional physical impact upon the mounted resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sierra Sensors GmbH
    Inventors: Christopher D. Whalen, Klaus Wiehler, Sven Kelling
  • Patent number: 7966882
    Abstract: A method for determining a velocity and density of a fluid without requiring the transmission of ultrasound through the fluid, and a system for performing such a method. The method involves the steps of delivering, receiving and analyzing ultrasound pulses sent from a longitudinal and a shear wave transducers to a member that is in contact with a fluid. The ultrasound pulses reflecting between surfaces provide a first ultrasound pulse echo series, that is transmitted, received and processed. The shear wave ultrasound pulses are also delivered through a shear wave transducer at a predesignated angle relative to the interface of the member and the fluid and the results of this are received to obtain a second ultrasound pulse echo series. Reflection coefficients for the first and second ultrasound pulse echo series are then calculated and the density of the fluid and the velocity of sound in the fluids are extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Margaret Stautberg Greenwood
  • Patent number: 7878063
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hexagonal, delay line surface acoustic wave device fabricated on a a piezoelectric substrate, such as lithium tantalate, coated with an insulating waveguide on to which a sensing film, such as an anti-human Interleukin-6 biosensor film, is physically absorbed. The acoustic waves that propagate along the delay lines of the SAW device provide for detection of biological species along one delay line and simultaneously provide for removal of non-specifically bound protein along the remaining delay lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignees: University of South Florida, Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Cular, Venkat R. Bhethanabotla, Darren W. Branch