Testing Of Material Patents (Class 73/866)
  • Patent number: 11948700
    Abstract: A method for collection of dry samples taken directly from a nuclear reactor core interior. Incremental samples of irradiated metal alloy components of the reactor core may be taken and collected in-situ using a specialized metal-cutting drill bit having a hollow tungsten carbide sampling cutting head, in conjunction with an angled sampling gantry. The drill bit body has an interior airflow passage in hermetic communication with a filter located in a glove box. Air holes are formed through a face of the cutting head. A vacuumed airflow through the airflow passage and at the cutting head causes a sample of any of metal chips, filings, and dust to be obtained directly from the reactor core by being pulled through the air holes and into the airflow passage and ultimately into the filter. A collected sample may be analyzed for radionuclides and radioactivity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventors: Grant Charters, Sudesh Aggarwal
  • Patent number: 11906567
    Abstract: A method for detecting an abnormal event in an insulator of an electrical conductor of a medium-voltage or high-voltage electrical device. The method includes: acquiring a set of successive samples of a vibration signal associated with the electrical conductor; determining a modelled value of a following sample based on the acquired set of samples and on a prediction model, the prediction model being obtained through machine learning of the vibration signal based on a set of samples acquired in reference conditions in which the electrical conductor is free from any abnormal event; acquiring the following sample of the vibration signal; calculating a difference between the value of the acquired sample and the modelled value; and if the calculated difference is greater than a predetermined threshold, detecting an abnormal event in the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Bartosz Boguslawski, Diego Alberto
  • Patent number: 11879825
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for estimating the permeability of rock from a digital image of the rock. A three-dimensional image of a rock is obtained and segmented, and an image permeability is determined from the segmented image of the rock. Permeability correction factors are obtained from the segmented image and from a non-wetting liquid capillary pressure curve derived from the segmented image, and the permeability correction parameters are applied to the image permeability to obtain a corrected image permeability of the rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: SHELL USA, INC.
    Inventors: Nishank Saxena, Amie Marie Hows, Ronny Hofmann, Matthias Appel, John Justin Freeman
  • Patent number: 11872050
    Abstract: A method and instructions for operating an image integrity and repeatability system can comprise: acquiring an original image; extracting a protocol from the original image; recording the original image to an image history; determining an area within an image frame of the original image as a skin area; creating a background as the inverse of the skin area within the image frame of the original image; and acquiring a subsequent image including: extracting an image parameter from the subsequent image, providing feedback based on the image parameter being outside a threshold, prohibiting capture of the subsequent image based on the image parameter being outside the threshold, displaying the background overlaid on the subsequent image, and storing the subsequent image to the image history based on the image parameter of the subsequent image being within the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: CAPTUREPROOF, INC.
    Inventors: Meghan Patricia Conroy, Jaroslaw Walery Winniczek, David Chocron
  • Patent number: 11852572
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for analytical wettability assessment of fracturing proppants for improving fluid recovery are disclosed. Embodiments include determining, for a proppant sample, a first value related to an oil-wet index of the proppant sample. Embodiments further include determining, for the proppant sample, a second value related to a water-wet index of the proppant sample. Embodiments further include determining, for the proppant sample based on the first value and the second value, a third value related to a wettability index of the proppant sample. Embodiments further include determining, based on the third value, a wetting characteristic of the proppant sample. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Fawaz M. Al-Boghail, Abdullah M. Al Moajil
  • Patent number: 11781950
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlled temporal extraction of ingredients of a pharmaceutical dosage form is disclosed, which comprises at least one reservoir for storing a fluid comprising a solvent, a cell having at least one inlet port in fluid communication with said reservoir for receiving a flow of the fluid from the reservoir and an outlet port through which fluid can exit the cell, where the cell is configured to receive a pharmaceutical dosage form. The system can further include an in-line heater disposed in proximity of the inlet port of the cell for heating the fluid to an elevated temperature prior to entry thereof into the cell, and a pump for causing fluid circulation between said reservoir and said cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: SOTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Whitkanack, Philip Gauthier, Robert Houser, Tye Fowler, Ryan Kelly
  • Patent number: 11697096
    Abstract: An integrity testing method for a porous medium in a housing having an interior separated by the medium into upstream and downstream portions, an inlet and an outlet communicating, respectively, with the upstream and downstream portions, the outlet connected to a closeable conduit, comprises filling the downstream portion and conduit with liquid, draining the upstream portion and filling it with gas while retaining liquid in the downstream portion, connecting a gas-filled testing volume to the downstream portion, maintaining gas pressure of a predetermined testing differential pressure in the upstream portion, the differential pressure being lower than a predefined bubble point of the medium, determining the pressure in the testing volume, the testing volume selected such that, when a medium is tested having a bubble point corresponding to the predefined bubble point, a pressure increase within the testing volume of about 100 mbar or more is obtained within 10 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph Heusslein
  • Patent number: 11679014
    Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure may comprise advancing a first device through a first body lumen. A distal portion of the first device may include a magnet. The method may further comprise advancing a second device through a second body lumen. The second device may include a magnetic field sensor. The method may further comprise_receiving a signal from the magnetic field sensor. The signal may be indicative of a magnetic field measured by the magnetic field sensor. The method may further comprise, if the received signal matches a magnetic field of the magnet, identifying a position of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: George Wilfred Duval, Peter L. Dayton, Evan Wilder
  • Patent number: 11650112
    Abstract: A discontinuous deformation measurement method based on infrared and visible light cameras may include: preparing a conductive film and a random speckle pattern on a surface of the conductive film; obtaining a visible image and an infrared image under a loading stage; applying a crack boundary detection to the visible image to obtain an initial coordinate of a micro-crack, determining an range of the micro-crack based on a temperature-rising region from the infrared image and the initial coordinate; setting a position corresponding to the range of the micro-crack in the visible image as a new region of interest; obtaining full-field principal tensile strains by a DIC method, and locating an accurate boundary of the micro-crack based on gradient distribution of the full-field principal tensile strains; analyzing displacement and strain fields around the micro-crack using the DIC method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventors: Longbang Qing, Ru Mu, Li Wang, Guorui Cao
  • Patent number: 11639884
    Abstract: A shear control instrument under a three-dimensional space condition and a control method of the shear control instrument can include a loading system, a transposition system and a control monitoring system. The loading system is used for loading a soil body sample. The transposition system is connected with the loading system in an anchoring manner and is used for adjusting the direction of the loading system. The control monitoring system is connected with the transposition system in an anchoring manner and is used for controlling the transposition system and monitoring test data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xiaohua Bao, Jun Shen, Xiangsheng Chen, Hongzhi Cui, Yaohong Zhu, Jinqing Jia
  • Patent number: 11639885
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of evaluating the hydrophobicity of a powder. According to the present invention, a powder is charged into a mixed solvent composed of a lipophilic solvent and a hydrophilic solvent, the voltage rate R of the mixed solvent is measured at predetermined time intervals while adding a lipophilic solvent to the mixed solvent charged with the powder, a parameter x correlating with the concentration of powder is defined for an arbitrary voltage rate R, a continuous function HP(x) of the ratio of a lipophilic solvent corresponding to x is defined, and HP(x) for required x is set as a representative value of a lipophilic solvent ratio distribution and used as an index of hydrophobicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Inukai, Mitsugu Saito, Tomoki Okawa, Masanao Kamei, Hiroyuki Moriya, Chihiro Hayakawa, Hiroko Kikuchi, Ryuichi Inaba
  • Patent number: 11543414
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and kits to improve procedures for reducing carbohydrates, such as glycans released from glycoconjugates, or for labeling carbohydrates by reductive amination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andres Guerrero Navarro
  • Patent number: 11519834
    Abstract: An in vitro intestinal drug disposition device (1) comprises a donor chamber (2) for a donor solution and having a bottom end (18) and a top end (19). The device (1) also comprises a receiver chamber (3) for an absorption solution and an absorption membrane (4) arranged in between and separating the chambers (2, 3). A first side (5) of the absorption membrane (4) is to be in contact with the donor solution and a second side (6) of the absorption membrane (4) is to be in contact with the absorption solution. A ratio of an internal volume of the donor chamber (2) to an area of the first membrane side (5) is equal to or smaller than 3 ml/cm2. A cross-sectional area of the donor chamber (2) at the bottom end (18) is larger than a cross-sectional area of the donor chamber (2) at the top end (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Enphasys AB
    Inventors: Christel Bergström, Janneke Keemink
  • Patent number: 11499904
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing dissolution properties of a drug, especially anti-inflammatory drugs administered by aerosol into the respiratory system. The apparatus shortens the time it takes for a drug to dissolve and thus provides for rapid testing of new drugs for quality control as well as for regulatory purposes. It is suitable for evaluating bioequivalence or to study the pharmacokinetics of drugs administered into the respiratory system. This method shortens dissolution times for testing a drug to about 10 and 20 minutes and thus provides for rapid testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignees: National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center
    Inventor: Salman Al Fadhel
  • Patent number: 11467082
    Abstract: A method of predicting a corrosion loss of a metal material, the method including: inputting a prediction request point including a use period of the metal material for which a corrosion loss is desired to be predicted and second environmental parameters indicating a use environment of the metal material in the use period; calculating a similarity degree between first environmental parameters in corrosion loss data and the second environmental parameters in the prediction request point; dimensionally reducing the first environmental parameters in the corrosion loss data to a latent variable taking the similarity degree into consideration; and predicting a corrosion loss of the metal material for the prediction request point based on a prediction expression constructed using the latent variable and the similarity degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: JFE STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masataka Omoda, Kazuhiro Nakatsuji, Daisuke Mizuno, Yusuke Yoshinari
  • Patent number: 11466566
    Abstract: Systems and methods for this disclosure describe systems and methods that are directed to monitoring active clay in water-based drilling fluid may be provided. A method for monitoring active clay concentration while drilling may be provided. The method may include providing a sample of water-based drilling fluid. The method may further include adding methylene blue to the sample in a methylene blue titration. The method may further include performing an impedance measurement on the sample during the methylene blue titration. The method may further include determining an endpoint of the methylene blue titration using a phase angle measurement from the impedance measurement. The method may further include correlating the endpoint to the active clay concentration of the sample. The method may further include determining a treatment for the water-based drilling fluid based on the active clay concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiangnan Ye, Dale E. Jamison
  • Patent number: 11231383
    Abstract: A system for collecting data associated with one or more sub-surface characteristics of a material is provided. The system may include a plurality of sensor nodes configured to collect data regarding the one or more sub-surface material characteristics and transmit the collected data to a data gateway. The data gateway may be configured to receive the collected data from the plurality of sensor nodes and store the collected data in memory. The system may also include a controller configured to receive the collected data from the data gateway via a network. The controller may be further configured to display data associated with the one or more sub-surface material characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: REALMFIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Brant Burkey, Steve R. Tippery, Tim Adkins, Jochen Pfrenger, Dan Pickerill
  • Patent number: 11131613
    Abstract: A compact, handheld, battery-powered radar transceiver used to analyze the stability of the snowpack to avoid avalanche danger. The device scans the snowpack and presents a depth vs. density profile chart and highlights layers of concern (strong over weak layers) and other relevant information on an integrated backlit touchscreen LCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventors: Gordon D. Pratt, Nicole D. Rota
  • Patent number: 11116442
    Abstract: A method and instructions for operating an image integrity and repeatability system can comprise: acquiring an original image; extracting a protocol from the original image; recording the original image to an image history; determining an area within an image frame of the original image as a skin area; creating a background as the inverse of the skin area within the image frame of the original image; and acquiring a subsequent image including: extracting an image parameter from the subsequent image, providing feedback based on the image parameter being outside a threshold, prohibiting capture of the subsequent image based on the image parameter being outside the threshold, displaying the background overlaid on the subsequent image, and storing the subsequent image to the image history based on the image parameter of the subsequent image being within the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: CAPTUREPROOF, INC.
    Inventors: Meghan Patricia Conroy, Jaroslaw Walery Winniczek, David Chocron
  • Patent number: 11060855
    Abstract: A system for measuring an angle of repose includes an angle of repose device that holds a granular material, and a portable smart device having a camera and a processor. The angle of repose device is configured to open a slit to allow a first part of the granular material to remain in an upper chamber while a second part of the granular material moves freely, due to gravity, from the upper chamber to a lower chamber. The portable smart device uses the camera to take a digital image of the first part and the second part of the granular material and uses an app installed on the processor to calculate an internal angle of repose and an external angle of repose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Santamarina, Marisol Salva Ramirez
  • Patent number: 10962518
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drug dissolution testing may include an overflow vessel with an overflow outlet port at a predetermined height from a bottom of the overflow vessel, a first water bath submerging the overflow vessel and configured to keep a temperature of the overflow vessel at a first predetermined temperature, a pressurized vessel containing a dissolution medium, a second water bath submerging the pressurized vessel and configured to keep the dissolution medium at a second predetermined temperature, a dissolution medium path with an output end connected in fluid communication with the flow cell and an input end attached in fluid communication to the pressurized vessel, where the dissolution medium path may transfer the dissolution medium from the pressurized vessel into the flow cell, a collection vessel connected to the overflow outlet port of the flow cell, and a third water bath submerging the collection vessel and configured to keep the collection vessel at a third predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignees: ROYAN INSTITUTE, IRAN POLYMER AND PETROCHEMICAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Hamid Gourabi, Hamid Mobedi, Siyavash Mirzaei, Sakineh Khezli
  • Patent number: 10928377
    Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument and a method for examining the condition of column-shaped or cylindrical sections of objects. It comprises a drive device having a drill chuck, which holds a drill needle that can be driven by the drive device, and a guiding device for guided insertion of the drill needle into the object to be examined. The guiding device is a telescopic tube that comprises a shorter inner tube section that is arranged in a longer outer tube section such that it is axially displaceable, and has a longitudinally arranged measuring scale on its outer circumference. The telescopic tube is placed on the drive device in non-rotating manner via the inner tube section. The inner and the outer tube sections have guiding means for centrally-axially guiding the drill needle, which extends in central-axial direction from the drill chuck through the inner tube section and through the outer tube section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: IML-INSTRUMENTA MECHANIK LABOR GMBH
    Inventors: Erich Hunger, Sebastian Hunger
  • Patent number: 10842715
    Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion accessory capable of detecting infusion liquid parameters, which is a lid body, comprising a first portion provided with one or more detecting members and a second portion having one or more liquid channels. Relative position changes may occur between the first portion and the second portion, the liquid channels and the detecting members may be switched between an open position and a closed position as position changes occur between the first portion and the second portion, the open position enables communication between the liquid channels and the detecting members so that liquid in the liquid channels may flow into the detecting members, the close position enables sealing between the liquid channels and the detecting members so that the liquid in the liquid channels cannot flow into the detecting members and the liquid that already flows into the detecting members cannot return to the liquid channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Zhaowei She
  • Patent number: 10724364
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing drilling operations in earth formations. The systems and methods include drilling a borehole within the earth formation, receiving data acquired within the borehole in the earth formation, analyzing the data to locate a plurality of data structures formed by the data, the plurality of data structures including a first structure at a first location and a second structure at a second location, projecting the first structure as a first geological projection intersecting the first location, and projecting the second structure as a second geological projection intersecting the second location, classifying the first geological projection and the second geological projection based on a hierarchy of geological feature types to generate a hierarchical classification, and adjusting one or more of the first geological projection and the second geological projection based on the hierarchical classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Anne Claudia Maria Bartetzko, Stefan Wessling, Nicklas Jeremias Ritzmann, Stephen A. Morris, Florent Kelfoun
  • Patent number: 10634605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting the physical properties of polymers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for predicting long-term stability of polymers using a molecular weight distribution curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon Ki Hong, Hyuck Ju Kwon, Eun Kyoung Song, Dae Sik Hong, Ye Jin Lee, Joong Soo Kim, Eun Young Shin, Young Suk You, Ki Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 10609906
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the efficacy of an insect repellent is disclosed. The apparatus according to one embodiment includes a housing having an aperture extending through a wall of the housing, a carbon dioxide delivery device coupled to the housing through the aperture, a skin substitute substrate, and a heater coupled to the substrate. The method includes the steps of providing a skin substitute substrate, treating the skin substitute substrate with an insect repellent, exposing a plurality of insects to the treated skin substitute substrate for a first period of time, blocking the treated skin substitute substrate from the plurality of insects for a second period of time, and recording the insect repellent's complete protection time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Mascari, Richard W. Wadleigh
  • Patent number: 10527414
    Abstract: The technology relates to a system and method for monitoring an environment. The method comprises receiving first and second sets of data from a plurality of mobile units, wherein the first set of data is associated with a first temporal indicator, the second set of data is associated with a second temporal indicator and each mobile unit comprises: a position determining device configured to generate position data associated with a position of the mobile unit within the environment, and a laser scanning device configured to generate scan data based on a scan of at least part of the environment; determining a first parameter associated with the first set of data; determining a second parameter corresponding to the first parameter and associated with the second set of data; and determining a difference between the first and second parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: 3D LASER MAPPING LIMITED
    Inventor: Graham Hunter
  • Patent number: 10520411
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and system for determining dissolution properties of a particle. The method comprises providing into a vessel dissolution medium capable of dissolving the particle and providing the particle into said vessel in contact with the dissolution medium for dissolving the particle. According to the invention, the particle is trapped in a particle trapping zone formed at a predetermined location in the vessel, the particle trapping zone being formed preferably at least partially by continuous hydrodynamic motion of the dissolution medium. Residue of the particle is imaged while being trapped in said particle trapping zone for providing a plurality of sequential images of the particle residue. Finally, at least one dissolution property of the particle is determined based on the sequential images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: The Solubility Company Oy
    Inventor: Sami Svanbäck
  • Patent number: 10184874
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for dissolution testing comprises a tank (2) having a circular cylindrical outer body portion (21) with a transparent side wall and a circular cylindrical inner body portion (22) with a transparent side wall, wherein the inner body portion (22) is coaxially arranged with respect to the outer body portion (21) such that an outer interior (23) having a ring-shaped cross section is defined between the outer body portion (21) and the inner body portion (22) and an inner interior (24) having a circular cross section is defined inside the inner body portion. The apparatus (1) further comprises a plurality of dissolution vessels (4) arranged in the outer interior (23) of the tank and a heater assembly being arranged to heat a test media in the vessels (4) to a predefined temperature. The apparatus (1) according to the invention allows for a comparably precise monitoring of vessels (4) inside the tank (2) and/or an appropriate manipulation of the vessels (4) inside the tank (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Sotax AG
    Inventors: Gilles Kalbermatten, Rolf Benz
  • Patent number: 10119850
    Abstract: An apparatus for identifying and measuring volume fraction constituents of a fluid using time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis to identify individual volume fraction constituents within a pipe on a real time basis and to measure the volume of the individual volume fraction constituents flowing through the pipe on a real time basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Mohr and Associates
    Inventors: Charles L. Mohr, Brandt C. Mohr, Benno Mohr, Michael Stordahl, James Van Corbach, Erik Von Reis, Christopher Mulkey, Ryan Sams, David Hurley, Gordon Anderson, Daniel Kenney, William Rausch, Edgar Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9897586
    Abstract: The molecular weight distribution in a polymer sample can be used as a measure for when parts need to be replaced, and can be tracked over time to allow for predicting when parts need to be replaced and/or identifying the type of aging taking place in the polymer part. Molecular weight distribution determination has particular application in determining the replacement time and or aging parameters in polyamide (e.g., formed from 11-aminoundecanoic acid or formed from 12 aminododecanoic acid) polyvinyldiflouride, and polyethyelene pipe liners used in, for example, offshore oil and gas production and fuel transport operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: David Kranbuehl
  • Patent number: 9568428
    Abstract: A diagnostic instrument having a cellular analysis system capable of running standardized immune monitoring panels. The system could include an automated and integrated specimen sampling method through a continuous flow process. The instrument could include a probe washer station, scheduler, cassette autoloader, bar coding system, and/or containment area common interface. An improved optimization test is proposed for instrument and flow cytometer quality assurance. The proposed method analyzes population separation for measuring instrument performance and/or sample quality. Such a method may also use population separation for measuring sample and/or run quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter Biomedical, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Thomas, Michael W. Brochu, Jr., Michael L. Brochu, Sr., Ernest R. Thomas, Michael A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9510362
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a time at which a first device in a frequency-hopping communication network is expected to transmit a data message is determined. A first schedule is then generated based on the determined time, and the first schedule is overlaid on a frequency-hopping schedule for a second device in the network. The first schedule defines a first timeslot during which the second device listens for the data message, while the frequency-hopping schedule defines second timeslots during which the second device listens for data messages from other devices in the network. Notably, a duration of the first timeslot is greater than respective durations of the second timeslots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Hui, Wei Hong, Jean-Philippe Vasseur
  • Patent number: 9494523
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for verifying representativeness of samples collected in a contaminated soil. The method includes the steps of horizontally and vertically collecting the samples from the contaminated soil on a basis of a stratum of the contaminated soil at a predetermined sampling interval; measuring a total concentration of trace elements by analyzing the collected samples according to the sampling interval; and determining horizontal and vertical sampling intervals and a sample number based on a statistical analysis result for the total concentration of the trace elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Pyeong-Koo Lee, Seung-Jun Youm
  • Patent number: 9246845
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a time at which a first device in a frequency-hopping communication network is expected to transmit a data message is determined. A first schedule is then generated based on the determined time, and the first schedule is overlaid on a frequency-hopping schedule for a second device in the network. The first schedule defines a first timeslot during which the second device listens for the data message, while the frequency-hopping schedule defines second timeslots during which the second device listens for data messages from other devices in the network. Notably, a duration of the first timeslot is greater than respective durations of the second timeslots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Hui, Wei Hong, Jean-Philippe Vasseur
  • Patent number: 9128028
    Abstract: Thermal conductivity detectors and methods of operating thermal conductivity detectors are described herein. One or more device embodiments include a single fluidic channel, wherein the single fluidic channel includes a single inlet and a single outlet, and multiple sensors configured to determine one or more properties associated with a thermal conductivity of a fluid in the single fluidic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. McBrady, Robert Higashi, Karen M. Newstrom-Peitso, Fouad Nusseibeh
  • Patent number: 9121791
    Abstract: A testing machine includes a pair of vertical columns, a crosshead selectively positionable on the vertical columns, and a head assembly supported by and movable with the crosshead. The head assembly has an electric actuator, a support that can be selectively moved from a first position when the test machine is operated to a lowered position. The support supporting components are related to powering or controlling the electric actuator, said components are exposed for servicing in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley Dean Schulz, Paul M. Krueger, Mark William Schletty, Tyler B. Kuhlmann, Richard Leo Taylor
  • Patent number: 9057803
    Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to measure a size of snow grains as the sensing unit is being driven into a layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including resistance to penetration, temperature, humidity, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow grain size according to depth based on the measured size of snow grains. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: AVATECH, INC.
    Inventors: James Loren Christian, Samuel Tileston Whittemore, Brinton Johnston Wadsworth Markle
  • Patent number: 9032820
    Abstract: A protective device for a test installation, the test installation being used for testing objects that have a tendency to burn and emit gas, in particular for testing lithium-ion batteries, and the test installation having a test chamber that is sealable via a door-type opening element with the interposition of a sealing element, and having a testing device configured in the test chamber for the objects. The test chamber includes a venting device for gases and is surrounded by a sealed enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Dallinger, Rudi Kaiser, Jannis Stemmann, Rainer Kern, Carsten Pipper
  • Patent number: 9032821
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved articles for screening candidate insect pest-repellents; and their uses in host-free methods and/or systems for screening candidate insect pest-repellents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Wen-Jer Wu, Rong-Nan Huang, Li-Chong Su
  • Publication number: 20150125338
    Abstract: Identifying a stable phase of a binary alloy comprising a solute element and a solvent element. In one example, at least two thermodynamic parameters associated with grain growth and phase separation of the binary alloy are determined, and the stable phase of the binary alloy is identified based on the first thermodynamic parameter and the second thermodynamic parameter, wherein the stable phase is one of a stable nanocrystalline phase, a metastable nanocrystalline phase, and a non-nanocrystalline phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Heather Murdoch, Christopher A. Schuh
  • Publication number: 20150122027
    Abstract: Porosity of aluminum ingot can be evaluated using focused beam ultrasonic testing and/or florescent dye penetrant testing. The aluminum ingot can be machine cut to form an aluminum ingot slice prior to testing. The machine cut can be performed using a polycrystalline cutting material in a “fly cutter” configuration. The polycrystalline cutting material can comprise a diamond material. The insert can cut an aluminum ingot slice to a surface roughness finish in the range of about 7-9 micro inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: FAN LI, WILLIAM ROGERS, JAMES A. BUSTA, MICHAEL R. CHILKO, GARY A. SCHAPER
  • Patent number: 9026386
    Abstract: A material property testing device with capabilities of energy-consumption monitoring and environment detecting the device including a processing unit, which intercommunicates with the testing unit and the storage unit; the input end of the processing unit connects with an energy monitoring device and an environment detecting unit; the energy monitoring device is installed in a power supply module to monitor the electricity consumption conditions and sends the energy consumption data to the processing unit; the environment detecting unit adopts a detection sensor to detect the environment conditions and sends the environmental information to the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Yunzhong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20150104802
    Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling additive manufacturing feedstock materials to communicate with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems by way of molecular markers. Markers can be DNA encoded with information or other small molecules that emit a biochemical, chemical, fluorescent, or conductive signal; markers also include additives that transmit empirical data about resistivity, density, weight, volumetric information or other properties of the 3D printed object. The methods to inject materials with markers are to use various solvents or integration as a dry formulation, blended by weight, and concentration. Markers can be applied to feedstock materials entirely, or integrated at various locations on a 3D-printed object while it is being printed or as a thin layer while the object undergoes post-processing treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Reep, Kabir Sagoo
  • Publication number: 20150102516
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are green bodies comprising at least one ceramic-forming powder; at least one binder; and at least one cross-linked starch present in an amount of at least about 20% by weight as a super addition. Further disclosed herein is a method of making a porous ceramic body comprising mixing at least one ceramic-forming powder, at least one solvent such as water, at least one binder, and at least one cross-linked starch present in an amount of about 20% by weight as a super addition to form a batch composition; extruding the batch composition to form a green body; drying the green body; and firing the green body to form a porous ceramic body. Also disclosed herein are methods of screening a green body for making a porous ceramic body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Alan Lewis, Pascale Oram, Cameron Wayne Tanner, Elizabeth Marie Vileno
  • Patent number: 8984970
    Abstract: The product efficacy apparatus includes a roller having an outer surface and a test bed having a test surface. The roller may be affixed to a rotatable shaft having opposing end regions. The shaft may be rotatably connected to an arm at each end of the end regions of the shaft. Each arm is pivotally connected to a drive member that is rollingly connected to a stationary track. In operation, a cleaning product may be affixed to the outer surface of the roller. A controlled insult may be applied to the test surface. The arms pivot toward the test surface in order to direct the cleaning product on the outer surface of the roller into contact with the test surface. The drive members direct the roller over the controlled insult. The shaft rotates the roller over the test surface and the arms pivot the roller away from the test surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Plaza
    Inventors: Wendy Qin, Thomas Schatto, Randall Glenn Marsh
  • Patent number: 8978494
    Abstract: A whole determination area of a targeted wafer is concentrically divided in a radial direction, COP density is obtained in each divided determination segment, a maximum value of the COP density is set as COP densityRADIUSMAX, a minimum value of the COP density is set as COP densityRADIUSMIN, a value computed by “(COP densityRADIUSMAX?COP densityRADIUSMIN/COP densityRADIUSMAX” is compared to a predetermined set value, and a non-crystal-induced COP and a crystal-induced COP are distinguished from each other based on a clear criterion, thereby determining the COP generation factor. Therefore, a rejected wafer in which a determination of the crystal-induced COP is made despite being the non-crystal-induced COP can be relieved, so that a wafer production yield can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sumco Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichi Inami
  • Publication number: 20150064741
    Abstract: A wear-indicating metalworking fluid is provided that includes a lubricant base; and a wear-indicating agent. A method of determining wear in a metalworking fluid includes providing wear-indicating metalworking fluid that contains a lubricant base and a wear indicating agent; and observing the visual appearance of the metalworking fluid. A change in visual appearance of the metalworking fluid when compared to an unused metalworking fluid indicates wear of the metalworking fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Emily J. Gibbons, Steven M. Badger, II, Leroy N. Hitchcock, Jacob F. Harkey
  • Patent number: 8960027
    Abstract: Provided is a method for classifying a powder using a classifier, wherein the method comprises: a mixing step for mixing a powder and an auxiliary agent formed from an alcohol aqueous solution containing 10 to 50 mass % of an alcohol; an introduction step for introducing the powder mixed in the mixing step to the classifier; a heating step for heating a gas; a feed step for feeding the gas heated in the heating step to the classifier; and a classifying step for classifying the powder in the classifier on the basis of grain size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nisshin Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Kazumi Kozawa, Satoshi Akiyama, Kosuke Ando
  • Patent number: 8960028
    Abstract: A method for identifying and/or authenticating a material or an object, especially for the purpose of sorting materials or objects, includes: an excitation step including application of excitation vectors to a material or an object; a detection step in which the responses of the materials or objects subjected to the excitation vectors are detected; and a step of determining at least one item of information relating to the material or object on the basis of the responses obtained and of a pre-established look-up table. These steps will have been preceded by the incorporation, into or on the surface of the materials or objects, of at least one substance selected so as to react to at least one excitation vector and by the generation of a look-up table consisting of a set of one-to-one relationships between a combination of responses and an item of information relating to the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Claude Lambert, Jean-Michel Hachin