world news ELECTROLYTIC LIQUID GENERATING DEVICE, LIQUID MODIFYING DEVICE PROVIDED WITH ELECTROLYTIC LIQUID GENERATING DEVICE, AND ELECTRIC APPARATUS USING ELECTROLYTIC LIQUID GENERATED BY MEANS OF ELECTROLYTIC LIQUID GENERATING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Electrolytic liquid generating device (1) includes laminated body (41) in which conductive film (46) is laminated to be interposed between mutually adjacent electrodes (44, 45), and electrolytic part (40) which electrolyzes liquid. Furthermore, electrolytic liquid generating device (1) includes a passage having inflow port (71) in which liquid to be provided to electrolytic part (40) flows and outflow port (72) from which electrolytic liquid generated in electrolytic part (40) flows out. The passage is formed such that liquid flowing direction (X) crosses laminated direction (Z) of laminated body (41). Full Article
world news Electrostatic Technology System And Process To Dehydrate Crude Oil In A Crude Oil Storage Tank Of A Floating Production Storage And Offloading Installation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A process train for a floating production storage and offloading installation includes a crude oil storage tank equipped with at least one set of electrostatic internals. The set of electrostatic internals are arranged to provide a treatment flow path within the crude oil storage tank oblique to a longitudinal centerline of the crude oil storage tank and through an electric field provided by the set of electrostatic internals. Employing these electrostatic internals within the tank permits an allowable inlet water content into the tank of up to 80%, significantly reducing the required topside processing equipment. The process and system also includes, upstream of the tank, two separator vessels arranged in parallel so each receives a portion of an incoming oil-and-water stream, a flash vessel arranged downstream of the two separator vessels, and a degasser vessel. Downstream of the crude oil storage tank is an electrostatic treater. Full Article
world news Topside Oil Production Equipment System for Reduction in Space and Weight By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for dehydrating crude oil on a floating production storage and offloading installation include a separator vessel to receive an incoming produced water stream, followed by a flash vessel, a treatment block, a crude oil storage tank, and an electrostatic treater. The treatment block includes a low pressure degasser followed by a compact electrostatic separator pre-treater or a compact electrostatic separator pre-treater followed by a low pressure degasser. The flash vessel and/or the low pressure degasser may employ an inlet cyclonic distributor and demisting cyclones, while the electrostatic treater may employ DUAL FREQUENCY® technology. The separator vessel may be a single horizontal two-phase separator/degasser or two vertical two-phase separator/degassers that operate in parallel with each receiving approximately 50 percent of the incoming produced water stream. The final outlet stream preferably contains no more than 0.5 BS&W and 285 milligrams per liter salt. Full Article
world news METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF A COMPOSITE LAYER COMPRISING A PLASTIC FOIL AND A LAYER DEPOSITED THEREON By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods are provided for production of a composite layer comprising a plastic foil and a layer deposited directly thereon. A method for production of a composite layer comprising a plastic foil and at least one layer deposited directly onto the plastic foil by means of chemical gas-phase deposition within a vacuum chamber may be provided, wherein the plastic foil has a proportion of at least 20 percent by mass of a metal element or of a semiconductor element, wherein during the layer deposition, at least one monomer is supplied into the vacuum chamber and a plasma is formed within the vacuum chamber. After completed deposition of the layer, at least one surface region of the layer is exposed to accelerated electrons. Full Article
world news SPUTTERING SOURCE ARRANGEMENT, SPUTTERING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING METAL-COATED PLATE-SHAPED SUBSTRATES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT For coating substrates (S) having along their surfaces to be coated high aspect ratio vias, a sputtering system has a sputtering source arrangement, which includes a first DC pulse operated magnetron sub-source (1203) and a second frame-shaped magnetron sub-source (1213) which latter is arranged, in the system, between the substrate (S) and the first magnetron sub-source (1203). The second magnetron sub-source (1213) may be operated in DC, pulsed DC, thereby also HIPIMS mode. The first magnetron sub-source (1203) is advantageously also operated in HIPIMS mode. The substrate (S) is biased by an Rf power source (1253). Full Article
world news MAGNETICALLY ENHANCED LOW TEMPERATURE-HIGH DENSITY PLASMA-CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION PLASMA SOURCE FOR DEPOSITING DIAMOND AND DIAMOND LIKE FILMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A magnetically enhanced low temperature high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (LT-HDP-CVD) source has a hollow cathode target and an anode, which form a gap. A cathode target magnet assembly forms magnetic field lines substantially perpendicular to the cathode surface. A gap magnet assembly forms a magnetic field in the gap that is coupled with the cathode target magnetic field. The magnetic field lines cross the pole piece electrode positioned in the gap. The pole piece is isolated from ground and can be connected to a voltage power supply. The pole piece can have negative, positive, floating, or RF electrical potentials. By controlling the duration, value, and sign of the electric potential on the pole piece, plasma ionization can be controlled. Feed gas flows through the gap between the hollow cathode and anode. The cathode can be connected to a pulse power or RF power supply, or cathode can be connected to both power supplies. The cathode target and substrate can be inductively grounded. Full Article
world news SURROUNDING FIELD SPUTTERING SOURCE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sputtering cathode includes a magnet having a body of length L1 defining a north magnetic pole at a first end of the body and a south magnetic pole at a second, opposite end of the body. A sputtering target of length L2 surrounds the body of the magnet, but not ends of the magnet. Full Article
world news Sputtering Target Comprising Al-Te-Cu-Zr Alloy, and Method for Producing Same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An Al—Te—Cu—Zr alloy sputtering target, comprising 20 at % to 40 at % of Te, 5 at % to 20 at % of Cu, 5 at % to 15 at % of Zr and the remainder of Al, wherein a Te phase, a Cu phase and a CuTe phase are not present in a structure of the target. An object of the present invention is to provide an Al—Te—Cu—Zr alloy sputtering target capable of effectively reducing particle generation, nodule formation and the like upon sputtering and further capable of reducing oxygen contained in the target. Full Article
world news MAGNETICALLY ENHANCED HIGH DENSITY PLASMA-CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION PLASMA SOURCE FOR DEPOSITING DIAMOND AND DIAMOND-LIKE FILMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A magnetically enhanced HDP-CVD plasma source includes a hollow cathode target and an anode. The anode and cathode form a gap. A cathode target magnet assembly forms magnetic field lines that are substantially perpendicular to a cathode target surface. The gap magnet assembly forms a cusp magnetic field in the gap that is coupled with the cathode target magnetic field. The magnetic field lines cross a pole piece electrode positioned in the gap. This pole piece is isolated from ground and can be connected with a voltage power supply. The pole piece can have a negative, positive, or floating electric potential. The plasma source can be configured to generate volume discharge. The gap size prohibits generation of plasma discharge in the gap. By controlling the duration, value and a sign of the electric potential on the pole piece, the plasma ionization can be controlled. The magnetically enhanced HDP-CVD source can also be used for chemically enhanced ionized physical vapor deposition (CE-IPVD). Gas flows through the gap between hollow cathode and anode. The cathode target is inductively grounded, and the substrate is periodically inductively grounded. Full Article
world news METHOD OF SPUTTER DEPOSITION OF A FILM ON AN ESSENTIALLY PLANE EXTENDED SURFACE OF A SUBSTRATE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A film is sputter-deposited on an essentially plane, extended surface of a substrate which has recesses therein, namely at least one of grooves, of holes, of bores, of vias, of trenches. So as to establish on one hand a homogeneous thickness distribution of the film along the addressed surface of the substrate and, on the other hand, a thick film deposition within the recesses, sputter deposition is performed first at a large distance between a sputter surface of a target and the addressed surface of the substrate and then at a reduced distance between the addressed surfaces. Full Article
world news PLATING APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A plating apparatus is described. The apparatus includes: a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate in a vertical position; at least one processing bath configured to process the substrate held by the substrate holder; a transporter configured to grip and horizontally transport the substrate holder; at least one lifter configured to receive the substrate holder from the transporter, lower the substrate holder to place the substrate holder in the processing bath, elevate the substrate holder from the processing bath after processing of the substrate, and transfer the substrate holder to the transporter; and a controller configured to control operations of the transporter and the lifter. Full Article
world news ELECTROCHEMICAL POLISHING APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electrochemical polishing apparatus is provided for polishing a workpiece having at least one sharp object. According to the present invention, the electrolyte is driven to flow to the sharp object and the electrochemical processing is performed for polishing the sharp object. Full Article
world news Nanomotor Propulsion By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Self-propelling, programmable nanoscopic motors capable of harvesting energy from absorbed photons and undergoing subsequent photoeletrochemical (PEC) reactions are provided. A nanomotor can have a three-dimensional Janus configuration and can sense the direction of a light source. By controlling the zeta potential of different parts of the nanomotor with chemical modifications, the nanomotor can be programmed to show either positive phototaxis or negative phototaxis. Full Article
world news ELECTROPHORETIC TISSUE CLEARING CHAMBER AND USES THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present document describes an electrophoretic tissue clearing chamber comprising an electrophoresis channel, configured to receive a clarification fluid therethrough; a first clarification fluid inlet, in fluid communication with the electrophoresis channel, configured to be connected to a source of the clarification fluid; a tissue sample holder in fluid communication with the electrophoresis channel, configured to receive a tissue sample to be clarified, and pressurize and homogenously apply the clarification fluid onto the tissue sample; a clarification fluid outlet, in fluid communication with the tissue sample holder, for exit of the clarification fluid from the electrophoretic tissue clearing chamber; and first and a second electrode, opposite one another in the electrophoresis channel, for transmission of an electric field therethrough. Full Article
world news METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A REFERENCE ELECTRODE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a reference electrode, wherein an internal space of the reference electrode is delimited by an outer wall and wherein the internal space contains a reference electrolyte up to a specified height, wherein the reference electrode is introduced into a pressurization chamber, wherein a defined overpressure is applied to the pressurization chamber and, via an opening that is located above the specified height in the outer wall of the reference electrode to the internal space of the reference electrode, and wherein the opening in the outer wall of the reference electrode is closed at the defined overpressure . The present disclosure further relates to a device for carrying out the method. Full Article
world news METHOD FOR MEASURING TEMPERATURE OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE, MEASURING DEVICE, AND BIOSENSOR SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The concentration measurement method includes: introducing a predetermined amount of the biological sample into the capillary; measuring a temperature of the biological sample by applying a first voltage to the electrode unit when the temperature of the biological sample is measured, the first voltage allowing the temperature measurement to be less affected by increase and reduction in an amount of the analyte contained in the biological sample; measuring the concentration of the analyte contained in the biological sample by applying a second voltage to the electrode unit; measuring an environmental temperature in a surrounding of the biological sample; and correcting the concentration of the measured analyte based on the measured temperature of the biological sample and the measured environmental temperature. Full Article
world news LIGHT-ADDRESSABLE POTENTIOMETRIC SENSING UNITS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Light-addressable potentiometric sensing units are provided. A light-addressable potentiometric sensing unit comprises a conductive substrate, a metal oxide semiconductor layer, and a sensing layer. The metal oxide semiconductor layer is made of indium gallium zinc oxide, indium gallium oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium oxide co-doped with tin and zinc, tin oxide, or zinc oxide. The wide-band gap characteristic of the metal oxide semiconductor layer enables the light-addressable potentiometric sensing unit to resist the interference from visible light. The light-addressable potentiometric sensing unit therefore exhibits a more stable performance. Full Article
world news ELECTROPHORESIS DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A capillary electrophoresis device including a capillary tube, a suction pump for taking liquid, an intake tube whose end is formed vertically downward, a connection block in which there is an intake flow path that holds the end of the capillary tube and connecting the suction pump to the intake tube, a sample storage unit which contains a sample and has an upward opening into which the tip of the intake tube may be inserted, an intake tube access mechanism to insert the tip of the intake tube into the sample storage unit, and a voltage application mechanism that applies an electric potential difference across the capillary tube. Full Article
world news DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONTAINING MOLECULES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for containing molecules. In some embodiments, the device comprises a nanopore, a pore, and a cavity capable of entropically containing (e.g., trapping) a molecule (e.g., a biomolecule), e.g., for minutes, hours, or days. In certain embodiments, the method comprises urging a molecule into a cavity of a device by application of an electric field, and/or by deposition of fluids having different ionic strengths. The molecule may comprise, in some cases, nucleic acids (e.g., DNA). The molecule, when present in the cavity and/or the nanopore, may be capable of being analyzed, determined, or chemically modified. In some instances, a second molecule (e.g., a second molecule which interacts the first molecule) may also be urged into the cavity. In some embodiments, the interaction of the second molecule with the first molecule (e.g., the second molecule binding to or chemically modifying the first molecule) may be determined by, for example, a change in voltage measured across the device. Full Article
world news Apparatuses, Systems and Methods for Sequencing Using Capillary Electrophoresis By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In one aspect, a biological sequencing device comprising a cartridge configured to be removed from the instrument is disclosed. In various embodiments the cartridge can include one or more capillaries suitable for capillary electrophoresis, a reservoir and a pump. In various embodiments the reservoir can contain a separation matrix. In various embodiments the pump can load a capillary with separation matrix. In another aspect the biological sequencing device can include one or more capillaries and an integrated valve assembly. In various embodiments the integrated valve assembly can provide a polymer to the one or more capillaries. Full Article
world news Capillary Array Cartridge for Capillary Electrophoresis Systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to an apparatus for conducting a capillary electrophoresis assay. The apparatus can comprise a capillary array comprising an anode end and a cathode end, the capillary array provided in a housing further comprising a reservoir configured to house a separation medium and an anode buffer. The system can also comprise an injection mechanism configured to deliver sample to the cathode end of the capillary array, and a temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control zone is configured to control the temperature of the interior of the housing. Full Article
world news INSULATOR TARGET By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT There is provided an insulator target which, when mounted on a sputtering apparatus and supplied with AC power, is capable of preventing the discharging from occurring in a clearance between a shield and the target. The insulator target for the sputtering apparatus according to this invention, around which is disposed a shield at the time of assembling the insulator target on the sputtering apparatus, is made up of: a plate-shaped target material to be enclosed by the shield; and, suppose that one surface of the target material is defined as a sputtering surface to be subjected to sputtering, an annular supporting material coupled to an outer peripheral portion of the opposite surface of the target material. The supporting material has an extended portion which is extended outward from a peripheral surface of the target material and which keeps a predetermined clearance to the shield. Full Article
world news Cu-Ga ALLOY SPUTTERING TARGET AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A Cu—Ga alloy sputtering target includes, as a component composition, Ga: 0.1 to 40.0 at % and a balance including Cu and inevitable impurities, in which a porosity is 3.0% or lower, an average diameter of circumscribed circles of pores is 150 μm or less, and an average crystal grain size of Cu—Ga alloy particles is 50 μm or less. Full Article
world news METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING A SUBSTRATE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a process chamber includes: a chamber body defining an interior volume; a substrate support to support a substrate within the interior volume; a plurality of cathodes coupled to the chamber body and having a corresponding plurality of targets to be sputtered onto the substrate; and a shield rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the chamber body and having at least one hole to expose at least one of the plurality of targets to be sputtered and at least one pocket disposed in a backside of the shield to accommodate and cover at least another one of the plurality of targets not to be sputtered, wherein the shield is configured to rotate about and linearly move along a central axis of the process chamber. Full Article
world news Electrically and Magnetically Enhanced Ionized Physical Vapor Deposition Unbalanced Sputtering Source By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electrically and magnetically enhanced ionized physical vapor deposition (I-PVD) magnetron apparatus and method is provided for sputtering material from a cathode target on a substrate, and in particular, for sputtering ceramic and diamond-like coatings. The electrically and magnetically enhanced magnetron sputtering source has unbalanced magnetic fields that couple the cathode target and additional electrode together. The additional electrode is electrically isolated from ground and connected to a power supply that can generate positive, negative, or bipolar high frequency voltages, and is preferably a radio frequency (RF) power supply. RF discharge near the additional electrode increases plasma density and a degree of ionization of sputtered material atoms. Full Article
world news Sputtering System And Method Including An Arc Detection By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sputtering system that includes a sputtering chamber having a target material serving as a cathode, and an anode and a work piece. A direct current (DC) power supply supplies electrical power to the anode and the cathode sufficient to generate a plasma within the sputtering chamber. A detection module detects the occurrence of an arc in the sputtering chamber by monitoring an electrical characteristic of the plasma. In one embodiment the electrical characteristic monitored is the impedance of the plasma. In another embodiment the electrical characteristic is the conductance of the plasma. Full Article
world news PLASMA EMITTING METHOD AND PLASMA EMITTING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Water is flowed inside main body section formed from an insulating material such that a specified space remains inside the main body section. Electrodes and are arranged along the outer walls of the main body section and voltage is applied to the electrodes. Processing gas present inside the main body section is plasmarized and plasma is emitted to the water flowing inside the main body section. Full Article
world news OZONE GENERATING SYSTEM AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In an ozone generating system which performs intermittent operation, that is, an operation in an ozone generating operation period in which ozone is generated by discharging gas including oxygen at a discharge electrode part and an operation in an ozone generating operation standby period in which ozone is not generated by stopping discharge are alternately repeated, a gas circulating device which circulates gas in the ozone generating apparatus and removes at least nitric acid from the gas which is circulated is connected to the ozone generating apparatus. Full Article
world news METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STABLE SUBSTRATE PROCESSING WITH MULTIPLE RF POWER SUPPLIES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatus for processing substrates are provided herein. In some embodiments, a physical vapor deposition chamber includes a first RF power supply having a first base frequency and coupled to one of a target or a substrate support; and a second RF power supply having a second base frequency and coupled to one of the target or the substrate support, wherein the first and second base frequencies are integral multiples of each other, wherein the second base frequency is modified to an offset second base frequency that is not an integral multiple of the first base frequency. Full Article
world news FILM FORMATION APPARATUS AND FILM-FORMED WORKPIECE MANUFACTURING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A film formation apparatus and a film-formed workpiece manufacturing method which are capable of forming a film with a uniform thickness on a workpiece like a three-dimensional object that includes a plurality of surfaces by a simple structure are provided. A film formation apparatus includes a target 21 that is a film formation material including a plane SU3, a power supply unit 3 applying power to the target 21, a rotating unit 4 rotating a workpiece W that is a film formation object around a rotation axis AX1, and a revolving unit 5 revolving the rotating unit 4 around a revolution axis AX2 separate from the rotation axis AX1 to repeatedly make the workpiece W to come close to and move apart from the target 21. Full Article
world news PHOTOCATALYST ELECTRODE FOR WATER DECOMPOSITION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is to provide a photocatalyst electrode for water decomposition exhibiting a high photocurrent density and having reduced dark current. The photocatalyst electrode for water decomposition of the present invention has a photocatalyst layer and a current collector layer that is formed by a vapor deposition method and is disposed on the photocatalyst layer. Full Article
world news ELECTRODE, MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY, ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL, AND STACK By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electrode of an embodiment includes a base material, and a catalyst layer provided on the base material and having a porous structure. When a sum of heights of all peaks belonging to Ir oxide is I0, the height of a peak of IrO2 (110) is T1, and the height of a peak of IrO2 (211) is I2, a ratio of (I1+I2)/I0, which is a ratio of spectra obtained by X-ray diffraction measurements using Kα rays of Cu in the catalyst layer, is 50% or more and 100% or less in a range of a diffraction angle of 20 degrees or more and 70 degrees or less. Full Article
world news SENSOR ARRAY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In one illustrative embodiment, a test strip with a first planar substrate has coplanar electrodes on a first planar surface and a second planar substrate (which opposes the first surface of the first planar substrate) has coplanar electrodes on a second planar surface. The first planar surface of the first planar substrate having a first sensing area electrically connected to a first electrical contact. The second planar surface of the second planar substrate having a second electrical contact electrically connected to the first electrical contact via a conductive element, the conductive element extending between the first surface of the first planar substrate and the second surface of the second planar substrate without passing through the first planar substrate, the second planar substrate, or any intermediate layers. Full Article
world news NICKEL ALLOYS FOR BIOSENSORS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates to metal alloys for biosensors. An electrode is made from the metal alloy, which more specifically can be a nickel-based alloy. The alloy provides physical and electrical property advantages when compared with existing pure metal electrodes. Full Article
world news CONDUCTING POLYMERS FOR DIRECT SENSING OF METAL IONS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides an ion selective electrode comprising an electrode having a coating deposited on the electrode, wherein the coating comprises one or more aroyl-thiourea ionophores incorporated into a polymer matrix to selectively interact with one or more ions. The aroylthiourea ionophores may be poly-5, poly-6, poly-7, poly-7a, poly-7b, poly-8a, poly-8b or a combination thereof, e.g., a bis(furoylthiourea)benzene derivative, a 2,2'-bith-iophenyl derivative that selectively senses Pb2+ ions. The polymer matrix may be a polyaniline, a polythiophene or the polymer matrix may be an aroylthiourea ionophore inserted into polyvinyl-chloride for Pb2+ and Hg2+ ion sensing. Full Article
world news CONTROL DEVICE FOR GAS SENSOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An SCU as a control device for the gas sensor (first and second NOx sensors) includes an applied voltage switching unit for switching an applied voltage of a pump cell when a deterioration detecting function is performed, and a deterioration rate calculation unit for calculating a deterioration rate of a sensor cell based on a slope during a transient change in an output of the sensor cell according to a switching of the applied voltage by the applied voltage switching unit. Full Article
world news POTENTIOSTAT/GALVANOSTAT WITH DIGITAL INTERFACE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A potentiostat/galvanostat employs a controller for providing digital control signals to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that generates an analog output signal in response to digital control signals. A high current driver produces a high current output in response to the analog output signal from the DAC. A high current monitor monitors the output from the high current driver to produce a feedback signal for the high current driver to control the current produced by the high current driver and to produce an output dependent on the current supplied from the high current driver for monitoring by the controller. A counter electrode contact for a counter electrode is connected with the output of the high current monitor. A working electrode contact for a working electrode is electrically connected with a fixed stable voltage potential to enable electrochemical analysis of material between the counter electrode and the working electrode. A low current driver produces a low current range output in response to an analog output signal from the DAC. A low current monitor monitors the working electrode contact to detect current at the working electrode contact to supply an output dependent on the current detected for monitoring by the controller and for providing a feedback signal to the low current driver in order to control the output of the low current driver to control current between the counter electrode contact and the working electrode contact. Full Article
world news ISOTACHOPHORETIC DEVICE AND METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for performing isotachophoretic concentration of analytes using a porous matrix, for example, for use in diagnostic assays such as lateral flow assays. For example, the disclosure provides a method of concentrating an analyte in a sample. The method includes providing a device comprising a porous matrix having a first fluid pathway having a first end and extending to a second end, a first electrode, and a second electrode; introducing to the first pathway a first fluid comprising a trailing electrolyte, a second fluid comprising a leading electrolyte and the analyte; and applying a voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode for a time sufficient to provide an ITP plug. As described herein, the devices and methods described herein can be used in conjunction with lateral flow assay techniques to detect and quantify a variety of biochemical and biological analytes, such as nucleic acids, proteins, cells and metabolites. Full Article
world news CONTINUOUS CELL DETECTION BY ISOTACHOPHORESIS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a system including: a protein having a domain that binds a membranal component; an inlet for sample flow, an Isotachophoresis (ITP) system and a flow generating means connected or coupled to the aqueous parts of the ITP. The invention also provides a method for detecting and or sorting cells with this system. Full Article
world news OPERATION OF DIAGNOSTIC DEVICES INVOLVING MICROCHANNELS AND ELECTRODES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An assembly is provided for interfacing with a microfluidic chip having at least one microscopic channel configured to receive a liquid sample for analysis. The assembly includes a chip carrier, an electronics module, an optical module, and a mechanical module. The chip carrier includes a base and a cover defining a cavity to receive the microfluidic chip. The electronics module includes a signal generator which applies at least one electrokinetic signal electrode(s) of the chip. The optical module includes an excitation radiation source which causes excitation radiation to impinge on the sample, and an emission radiation detector which detects radiation emitted from the sample. The mechanical module includes a chip-carrier receiving structure, relatable with respect to the optical module for focus and at least one degree of translational freedom. Full Article
world news CONTOURED TARGET FOR SPUTTERING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided herein is an apparatus that includes a body with a top surface and a recess in the top surface. The top surface, excluding the recess, is substantially planar. The recess is confined to an area that is defined by an inner diameter of the top surface of the body. Full Article
world news SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTOGENETIC THERAPY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT One embodiment is directed to a method for controllably managing pain in the afferent nervous system of a patient having a targeted tissue structure that has been genetically modified to have light sensitive protein, comprising: providing a light delivery element configured to direct radiation to at least a portion of a targeted tissue structure, a light source configured to provide light to the light delivery element, and a controller operatively coupled to light source, wherein the targeted tissue structure comprises a sensory neuron of the patient; and automatically operating the controller to illuminate the targeted tissue structure with radiation such that a membrane potential of cells comprising the targeted tissue structure is modulated at least in part due to exposure of the light sensitive protein to the radiation. Full Article
world news COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SCAFFOLD FORMATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to scaffolds composed of a protein backbone cross-linked by a synthetic polymer. Specifically, the present invention provides PEGylated-thiolated collagen scaffolds and PEGylated albumin scaffolds and methods of generating and using same for treating disorders requiring tissue engineering. Full Article
world news Method and Device for Simultaneously Documenting and Treating Tension Pneumothorax and/or Hemothorax By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and device are provided for simultaneously or near-simultaneously diagnosing and treating tension pneumothorax and/or hemothoraxA Veress-type needle portion includes a hollow needle for puncturing the chest wall over a blunt hollow probe biased by one or more springs to extend distally into the pleural cavity. Openings in the blunt hollow probe connect via a pathway to an automatic check valve, which permits the flow of air and/or fluid only in a proximal direction. Pressure from within the pleural cavity is transmitted to the interior surface of a pressure documenter. If pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is present in the pleural cavity, the pressure documenter will be automatically urged proximally to simultaneously allow air and/or fluid to escape from the pleural space through the device, thus treating the tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax, as well as providing a stable indicator to positively document the diagnosis of increased pressure. Full Article
world news System and Methods for Treatment of Wounds With Negative Pressure and Peroxy Pyruvic Acid By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In one example embodiment, a system for treating a tissue site is disclosed comprising a dressing adapted to contact the tissue site and provide a fluid seal between a therapeutic environment and a local external environment, and a solution source fluidly coupled to the dressing and adapted to deliver an antimicrobial solution comprising a peroxy α-keto carboxylic acid, such as peroxy pyruvic acid, to the tissue interface. The system may further comprise a negative-pressure source fluidly coupled to the dressing and adapted to provide negative pressure to the therapeutic environment after delivery of the antimicrobial fluid to the therapeutic environment. In another example embodiment, a method for treating a tissue site is disclosed comprising positioning a tissue interface to contact the tissue site, covering the tissue interface and the tissue site with a drape to provide a fluid seal between the therapeutic environment and the local external environment, and delivering an antimicrobial solution comprising peroxy α-keto carboxylic acid to the therapeutic environment before providing negative pressure to the therapeutic environment. Full Article
world news BREAST PUMP By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a breast pump (10) for extracting milk (30) from a human breast, comprising:—a first breast receiving funnel (16) for receiving a first breast (28) of a user;—a vacuum pump (20) for generating an underpressure within the first breast receiving funnel (16); and—a control unit (22) for controlling the vacuum pump (20); wherein the control unit (22) is configured to operate the vacuum pump (20) in at least two different modes, an attachment mode (48) and a milk extraction mode (50); wherein in the attachment mode (48) the control unit (22) is configured to control the vacuum pump (20) to generate a constant underpressure within the first breast receiving funnel (16) allowing the user to attach the first breast receiving funnel (16) to the first breast (28); and wherein in the milk extraction mode (50) the control unit (22) is configured to control the vacuum pump (20) to generate a time-variable underpressure profile within the first breast receiving funnel (16) for extracting milk (30) from the first breast (28). Full Article
world news THERAPY PREDICTION AND OPTIMIZATION FOR RENAL FAILURE BLOOD THERAPY, ESPECIALLY HOME HEMODIALYSIS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A renal failure blood therapy system includes a renal failure blood therapy machine, concentration levels for each of a plurality of solutes removed from a patient's blood at each of the multiple times, a display device configured to display for selection at least one removed blood solute from the plurality of removed blood solutes, and a device programmed to (i) estimate at least one renal failure blood therapy patient parameter using the determined concentration levels for the at least one selected removed blood solute, (ii) determine a plurality of acceptable renal failure blood therapy treatments that meet a predetermined removed blood solute clearance for the at least one selected removed blood solute using the at least one renal failure blood therapy patient parameter, and (iii) enable selection of at least one of the plurality of acceptable renal failure blood therapy treatments for operation at the renal failure blood therapy machine. Full Article
world news Peritoneal Dialysis Systems, Devices, and Methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An automated peritoneal dialysis system provides various features including prescription-driven dialysis fluid preparation, an integrated disposable fluid circuit, and sensor capabilities that allow accurate filing and draining control with high safety margins. Features include a peritoneal fluid circuit with a pressure sensor at either end and methods and devices for using the pressure signals. Other features and embodiments are disclosed. Full Article
world news INSERT FOR CATHETER SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An insert for a catheter system can include an insert housing which defines a portion of a fluid pathway of the catheter system, a cartridge positioned within the insert housing in a manner to allow fluid flow along the fluid pathway such that fluid contacts the insert during the fluid flow, and an active agent associated with the cartridge. The active agent and the cartridge can be adapted to release active agent from the cartridge during the fluid flow. Full Article
world news Wearable Automatic Injection Device and Related Methods of Use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Exemplary embodiments provide wearable automatic injection devices for providing an injection of a therapeutic agent into a patient. The wearable automatic injection device includes a housing having a patient contact portion securable to the patient, an injection needle for insertion into the patient, and a prefilled syringe assembly for holding the therapeutic agent. The prefilled syringe assembly includes a distal stopper and a proximal stopper penetrated by a penetrating needle. The penetrating needle is in fluid communication with the patient injection needle. Full Article