Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140060858 | FIRE SPRINKLER VALVE ACTUATOR - Thermally activated devices, including thermally activated release devices. These devices may be used as part of any device or system in which thermal activation may be desired. In particular, described herein are thermally activated devices configured as sprinkler valves. The thermally activated devices typically include a channel and a plug element, where the plug element is a shape memory material, which may be a single-crystal shape memory alloy. The channel has two connected regions, where the first region has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a plug element in a first configuration and the second region has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the plug element in the first configuration but greater than the diameter of the plug element in its second configuration. | 03-06-2014 |
20140209218 | METHOD OF ALLOYING REACTIVE COMPONENTS - Metal ingots for forming single-crystal shape-memory alloys (SMAs) may be fabricated with high reliability and control by alloying thin layers of material together. In this improved method, a reactive layer (e.g., aluminum) is provided in thin flat layers between layers of other materials (e.g., copper and layers of nickel). When the stacked layers are vacuum heated in a crucible to the melting temperature of the reactive layer, it becomes reactive and chemically bonds to the other layers, and may form eutectics that, as the temperature is further increased, melt homogeneously and congruently at temperatures below the melting temperatures of copper and nickel. Oxidation and evaporation are greatly reduced compared to other methods of alloying, and loss of material from turbulence is minimized. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209219 | SHAPE SETTING A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY DENTAL ARCH - Methods are provided for shape-setting hyperelastic, single-crystal shape memory alloy (SMA) material while preserving the hyperelastic properties of the material. A wire or rod of a single crystal shape memory alloy material is heated to an annealing temperature (T | 07-31-2014 |
20140216607 | BIOCOMPATIBLE COPPER-BASED SINGLE-CRYSTAL SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS - We describe herein biocompatible single crystal Cu-based shape memory alloys (SMAs). In particular, we show biocompatibility based on MEM elution cell cytotoxicity, ISO intramuscular implant, and hemo-compatibility tests producing negative cytotoxic results. This biocompatibility may be attributed to the formation of a durable oxide surface layer analogous to the titanium oxide layer that inhibits body fluid reaction to titanium nickel alloys, and/or the non-existence of crystal domain boundaries may inhibit corrosive chemical attack. Methods for controlling the formation of the protective aluminum oxide layer are also described, as are devices including such biocompatible single crystal copper-based SMAs. | 08-07-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221806 | SENSOR HAVING A THIN-FILM INHIBITION LAYER, NITRIC OXIDE CONVERTER AND MONITOR - Sensors and detection systems suitable for measuring analytes, such as biomolecule, organic and inorganic species, including environmentally and medically relevant volatiles and gases, such as NO, NO2, CO2, NH3, H2, CO and the like, are provided. Certain embodiments of nanostructured sensor systems are configured for measurement of medically important gases in breath. Applications include the measurement of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in breath, such as for the monitoring or diagnosis of asthma and other pulmonary conditions. | 09-11-2008 |
20090056419 | HIGH EFFICIENCY, LOW LOSS NO TO NO2 CATALYTIC CONVERTER - Provided herein are catalytic converters that have improved characteristics. According to various embodiments, the converters include high surface area catalyst supports conformally coated with nanoparticulate thin films of a catalyst (e.g., Pt, Pd and Rh). The films are continuous, preventing absorption of species within the converter on the catalyst support. The converters provide higher oxidation efficiency than conventional catalytic converters, in certain embodiments approaching the stoichiometric ratio for the reaction. The converters also provide minimal loss of chemical species within the converter. Also provided are novel methods of fabricating catalytic converters that involve atomic layer deposition of Pt or other catalyst on the support, as well as methods and devices for sensing NO in samples that involve catalytic conversion of NO to NO2. | 03-05-2009 |
20100268106 | BREATH CONDENSATE SAMPLER AND DETECTOR AND BREATH/BREATH CONDENSATE SAMPLER AND DETECTOR - The present invention provides a direct sampler and detector for analytes found in exhaled breath condensate. Analytes in the breath condensate are detected instantaneously as they condense prior to reaching the sensor surface or condense directly on the sensor surface. Because the analysis or assay is performed immediately after patient exhalation, analyte stability is significantly improved providing accurate, reliable, consistent, and clinically applicable results. In certain embodiments, combined breath condensate/breath samplers and detectors are provided, enabling multiplexed analysis of condensed and vapor-phase analytes provided in a single sampling session. Breath is collected and directed to one or more subsystems. Within each subsystem, the breath portion is either condensed or prevented from condensing. The technique also allows real-time continuous monitoring, thus allowing immediate feedback to both medical professionals and additional hardware such as ventilators, anesthesia machines, drug infusion systems and cardiac pacemakers. | 10-21-2010 |
20120006102 | SENSOR HAVING A THIN-FILM INHIBITION LAYER - Sensors and detection systems suitable for measuring analytes, such as biomolecule, organic and inorganic species, including environmentally and medically relevant volatiles and gases, such as NO, NO2, CO2, NH3, H2, CO and the like, are provided. Certain embodiments of nanostructured sensor systems are configured for measurement of medically important gases in breath. Applications include the measurement of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in breath, such as for the monitoring or diagnosis of asthma and other pulmonary conditions. | 01-12-2012 |
20120178187 | MAGNETIC CARBON NANOTUBE BASED BIODETECTION - Provided herein is a new hybrid material system, mCNT, including magnetic carbon nanotubes for biological and medical sensing applications. In certain embodiments, the systems include magnetic material on the interior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The amount of magnetic particles inside CNTs may be such that mCNT can respond to small, low cost, portable magnet. The exterior CNT surface is kept intact for biomolecular attachments or other functionalizations. Performance enhancement with this novel material includes improved sensitivity, reduced response time, and reduced sample volume. According to various embodiments, the mCNTs are substrates for the adherence of molecules participating in these assays or as active sensing elements. Also provided are methods of fabricating two-dimensional mCNT and CNT networks on printed electrodes. | 07-12-2012 |
20130075690 | Ammonia Nanosensors, and Environmental Control System - Embodiments of nanoelectronic sensors are described, including sensors for detecting analytes such ammonia. An environmental control system employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A personnel safety system configured as a disposable badge employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A method of dynamic sampling and exposure of a sensor providing a number of operational advantages is described. | 03-28-2013 |
20130287644 | HIGH EFFICIENCY, LOW LOSS NO TO NO2 CATALYTIC CONVERTER - Provided herein are catalytic converters that have improved characteristics. According to various embodiments, the converters include high surface area catalyst supports conformally coated with nanoparticulate thin films of a catalyst (e.g., Pt, Pd and Rh). The films are continuous, preventing absorption of species within the converter on the catalyst support. The converters provide higher oxidation efficiency than conventional catalytic converters, in certain embodiments approaching the stoichiometric ratio for the reaction. The converters also provide minimal loss of chemical species within the converter. Also provided are novel methods of fabricating catalytic converters that involve atomic layer deposition of Pt or other catalyst on the support, as well as methods and devices for sensing NO in samples that involve catalytic conversion of NO to NO2. | 10-31-2013 |
20140273187 | POINT OF CARE SENSOR SYSTEMS - Provided are point of care sensor systems that include portable readers and disposable cartridges for receiving and analyzing samples. A cartridge may be equipped with one or more sensor channels, each containing one or more sensors. After providing a sample to a cartridge, the cartridge can be inserted into a reader, which can interact with the cartridge to perform on-cartridge sensing and receive signals indicating the presence and/or quantity of one or more targets in the sample. Examples of cartridges can include cardiac panels, sepsis panels and the like. In some embodiments, the same sensor hardware may be configured for multiple measurements of different targets conducted at different time frames. Also provided herein are novel on-cartridge solid and liquid reagent storage and delivery mechanisms. | 09-18-2014 |