公开(公告)号：US20060127238A1

公开(公告)日：2006-06-15

申请号：US11016310

申请日：2004-12-15

申请人： Bruce Mosier ,  Robert Crocker ,  Kamlesh Patel ,  Cindy Harnett

发明人： Bruce Mosier ,  Robert Crocker ,  Kamlesh Patel ,  Cindy Harnett

IPC分类号： F04B53/00

CPC分类号： F04B19/006 ,  B01L3/0293 ,  B01L3/5027 ,  B01L2200/143 ,  B01L2400/0415 ,  G01N35/1016 ,  G01N2030/285 ,  G01N2030/326 ,  G01N2035/1034

摘要： An apparatus that couples automated injection with flow feedback to provide nanoliter accuracy in controlling microliter volumes. The apparatus comprises generally a source of hydraulic fluid pressure, a fluid isolator joined to the outlet of the hydraulic pressure source and a flow sensor to provide pressure-driven analyte metering. For operation generally and particularly in microfluidic systems the hydraulic pressure source is typically an electrokinetic (EK) pump that incorporates gasless electrodes. The apparatus is capable of metering sub-microliter volumes at flowrates of 1-100 μL/min into microsystem load pressures of up to 1000-50 psi, respectively. Flowrates can be specified within 0.5 μL/min and volumes as small as 80 nL can be metered.

摘要翻译： 将自动注射与流量反馈相结合的装置，以提供纳升精度来控制微升体积。 该装置通常包括液压流体压力源，连接到液压源的出口的流体隔离器和用于提供压力驱动的分析物计量的流量传感器。 对于一般而且特别是在微流体系统中的操作，液压源通常是包含无气体电极的电动（EK）泵。 该装置能够以1-100μL/ min的流量计量分数达到1000-50psi的微系统负荷压力的亚微升体积。 流量可以在0.5 muL / min范围内，体积小至80 nL可以计量。

公开(公告)号：US20110043199A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-24

申请号：US12812326

申请日：2009-01-09

申请人： Robert Crocker

发明人： Robert Crocker

IPC分类号： B61K9/08

CPC分类号： B61K9/10 ,  G01N27/9033

摘要： The invention relates to a means of enabling inspection of engineering components, such as rails used in the railway industry.A rail inspection device comprises a sensor (24) and a compliant spacer (26). The compliant spacer (26) has an inner surface and outer surface. The sensor (24) is urged against the inner surface of the spacer (26) and, when in use, the outer surface of the spacer (26) is in contact with the rail under inspection.

摘要翻译： 本发明涉及一种能够检查工程部件（例如在铁路行业中使用的轨道）的方法。 轨道检查装置包括传感器（24）和顺应间隔件（26）。 柔性间隔件（26）具有内表面和外表面。 传感器（24）被推靠在间隔件（26）的内表面上，并且当使用时，间隔件（26）的外表面与被检查的轨道接触。

公开(公告)号：US20050236055A1

公开(公告)日：2005-10-27

申请号：US10941216

申请日：2004-09-15

申请人： Robert Crocker ,  Pamela Caton ,  Geoff Gerhardt

发明人： Robert Crocker ,  Pamela Caton ,  Geoff Gerhardt

IPC分类号： F15C1/04 ,  F15C5/00 ,  F16K99/00

CPC分类号： F16K99/0001 ,  F15C5/00 ,  F16K99/0003 ,  F16K99/0021 ,  F16K99/0044 ,  F16K2099/0074 ,  F16K2099/0084 ,  Y10T137/0402 ,  Y10T137/1812 ,  Y10T137/2196 ,  Y10T137/4643

摘要： A freeze-thaw valve and a method of micro-machining the freeze-thaw valve is provided and includes a valve housing, wherein the valve housing defines a housing cavity and includes a housing inlet, a housing vent, a capillary tubing inlet and a capillary tubing outlet. A valve body is provided, at least a portion of which is lithographically constructed, wherein the valve body includes a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet and an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber is disposed to communicate the refrigerant inlet with the refrigerant outlet and includes a restriction region having a flow restriction. Additionally, the valve body is disposed within the housing cavity to form an insulating channel between the valve housing and the valve body.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种冻融阀和一种微型加工冻融阀的方法，包括阀壳体，其中阀壳体限定了壳体腔，并且包括壳体入口，壳体通风口，毛细管入口和毛细管 管道出口。 提供了阀体，其至少一部分是光刻构造的，其中阀体包括制冷剂入口，制冷剂出口和膨胀室。 膨胀室设置成使制冷剂入口与制冷剂出口连通，并且包括具有流动限制的限制区域。 此外，阀体设置在壳体腔内，以在阀壳体和阀体之间形成绝缘通道。

公开(公告)号：US09254851B2

公开(公告)日：2016-02-09

申请号：US12812326

申请日：2009-01-09

申请人： Robert Crocker

发明人： Robert Crocker

IPC分类号： G01R33/12 ,  B61K9/10 ,  G01N27/90

CPC分类号： B61K9/10 ,  G01N27/9033

摘要： The invention relates to a means of enabling inspection of engineering components, such as rails used in the railway industry.A rail inspection device comprises a sensor (24) and a compliant spacer (26). The compliant spacer (26) has an inner surface and outer surface. The sensor (24) is urged against the inner surface of the spacer (26) and, when in use, the outer surface of the spacer (26) is in contact with the rail under inspection.

摘要翻译： 本发明涉及一种能够检查工程部件（例如在铁路行业中使用的轨道）的方法。 轨道检查装置包括传感器（24）和顺应间隔件（26）。 柔性间隔件（26）具有内表面和外表面。 传感器（24）被推靠在间隔件（26）的内表面上，并且当使用时，间隔件（26）的外表面与被检查的轨道接触。

公开(公告)号：US20110106717A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-05

申请号：US12898988

申请日：2010-10-06

申请人： Ronald Konopacki ,  Robert Crocker ,  Carl Neuschaefer

发明人： Ronald Konopacki ,  Robert Crocker ,  Carl Neuschaefer

IPC分类号： G06Q99/00 ,  G06F17/00 ,  G06F17/30

CPC分类号： G06Q10/06395

摘要： A system and method are presented for creating and maintaining quality control records. The system includes a plurality of client devices. Each client device captures information, data and decisions associated with raw material, components and assemblies of components. The information, data and decisions document operations and operating conditions at a plurality of stages in a life cycle of the raw materials, components and assemblies. The system includes a communication network and one or more servers operatively coupled to the client devices over the network. The servers create quality control records including the information, data and decisions for the materials, components and assemblies. The system includes one or more data stores that store the quality control records. The information, data and decisions includes measurements and readings taken by the input-output devices and decisions made at the stages and that document properties of the raw materials, components and assemblies.

摘要翻译： 介绍了创建和维护质量控制记录的系统和方法。 该系统包括多个客户端设备。 每个客户端设备捕获与组件的原材料，组件和组件相关联的信息，数据和决策。 信息，数据和决策在原材料，组件和组件的生命周期的多个阶段记录操作和操作条件。 该系统包括通信网络和通过网络可操作地耦合到客户端设备的一个或多个服务器。 服务器创建质量控制记录，包括材料，组件和组件的信息，数据和决策。 该系统包括存储质量控制记录的一个或多个数据存储。 信息，数据和决策包括输入输出设备所采集的测量和读数以及在各阶段做出的决定以及原始材料，组件和组件的文档属性。

公开(公告)号：US20050034534A1

公开(公告)日：2005-02-17

申请号：US10661401

申请日：2003-09-11

申请人： Cindy Harnett ,  Robert Crocker ,  Bruce Mosier ,  Pamela Caton ,  James Stamps

发明人： Cindy Harnett ,  Robert Crocker ,  Bruce Mosier ,  Pamela Caton ,  James Stamps

IPC分类号： G01F1/708 ,  G01F1/704

CPC分类号： G01F1/7088

摘要： A device for measuring fluid flow rates over a wide range of flow rates ( 10 μL/min) and at pressures at least as great as 2,000 psi. The invention is particularly adapted for use in microfluidic systems. The device operates by producing compositional variations in the fluid, or pulses, that are subsequently detected downstream from the point of creation to derive a flow rate. Each pulse, comprising a small fluid volume, whose composition is different from the mean composition of the fluid, can be created by electrochemical means, such as by electrolysis of a solvent, electrolysis of a dissolved species, or electrodialysis of a dissolved ionic species. Measurements of the conductivity of the fluid can be used to detect the arrival time of the pulses, from which the fluid flow rate can be determined. A pair of spaced apart electrodes can be used to produce the electrochemical pulse. In those instances where it is desired to measure a wide range of fluid flow rates a three electrode configuration in which the electrodes are spaced at unequal distances has been found to be desirable.

摘要翻译： 用于在宽的流量范围（<1nL / min至>10μL/ min）和至少高达2,000psi的压力下测量流体流速的装置。 本发明特别适用于微流体系统。 该装置通过产生流体或脉冲中的组成变化来操作，随后从创建点下游检测出流体或脉冲以导出流量。 可以通过电化学方法，例如通过溶剂的电解，溶解的物质的电解或溶解的离子物质的电渗析来产生包含小的流体体积的每个脉冲，其组成不同于流体的平均组成。 可以使用流体的电导率的测量来检测脉冲的到达时间，从而可以确定流体流速。 可以使用一对间隔开的电极来产生电化学脉冲。 在需要测量各种流体流速的情况下，已经发现其中电极以不等距离间隔开的三电极配置是期望的。

公开(公告)号：US20070220733A1

公开(公告)日：2007-09-27

申请号：US11604168

申请日：2006-11-22

申请人： Robert Crocker ,  Dominic Barnard ,  Trevor Sanders

发明人： Robert Crocker ,  Dominic Barnard ,  Trevor Sanders

IPC分类号： F16L55/16

CPC分类号： F16L55/265 ,  F16L55/179 ,  Y10T29/49938

摘要： The invention relates a method for providing reconnection to a ferrule to a service line from within the bore of a lined host pipe adapted to carry a fluid, comprising lining the host pipe with a liner, locating the ferrule from within the lined host pipe, forming a passage for fluid through the liner to the ferrule, and forming a seal of the liner with the system whereby to obviate leakage of fluid between the liner and host pipe.

摘要翻译： 本发明涉及一种用于从适于携带流体的衬里主管的孔内提供从套管到服务管线的重新连接的方法，包括用衬套衬套主管，将衬套从衬里的主管中定位，形成 流体通过衬套到套圈的通道，以及与系统形成衬套的密封件，从而避免衬套和主管之间的流体泄漏。

公开(公告)号：US20050254967A1

公开(公告)日：2005-11-17

申请号：US10848196

申请日：2004-05-17

申请人： Bruce Mosier ,  Robert Crocker

发明人： Bruce Mosier ,  Robert Crocker

IPC分类号： F04B17/00 ,  F04B19/00 ,  F04B35/04

CPC分类号： F04B19/006 ,  F04B35/04

摘要： Gas bubble-free electrodes are necessary for stable long-term operation of millimeter-scale electrokinetic (EK) pumps when currents exceed 10-50 μA. An accompanying Technical Advance describes EK pumps that draw 1-3 mA. We have developed gasless and gas bubble-free electrodes that can run millimeter-scale (and smaller) EK pumps continuously at high current densities. Two types of gasless electrodes based on porous carbon and ruthenium/tantalum-on-titanium oxides have been developed that are supercapacitors which store ions from a fluid electrolyte. The gas bubble-free electrodes isolate gas generated by water electrolysis of the pump fluid from the fluid channels by means of an electrically-conductive polymer. Nafion® tubing is a cationic-selective polymer that is used to pass currents and water for electrolysis at titanium and platinum surfaces. The gas bubble-free electrodes are easy to fabricate and can operate well even with typical, low-conductivity electrolytes. The gas bubble-free cathode seals to 1500 psi for high-pressure microhydraulic actuation

摘要翻译： 当电流超过10-50 muA时，毫米级电动（EK）泵的稳定长期运行是无气泡电极所必需的。 随附的技术进步描述了抽取1-3 mA的EK泵。 我们开发了无气泡和无气泡的电极，可以在高电流密度下连续运行毫米级（或更小）的EK泵。 已经开发了基于多孔碳和钌/钽 - 氧化钛氧化物的两种类型的无电极电极，其是存储来自流体电解质的离子的超级电容器。 无气泡电极通过导电聚合物将泵流体的水电解产生的气体与流体通道隔离。 Nafion®管是一种阳离子选择性聚合物，用于在钛和铂表面通过电流和水进行电解。 无气泡的电极易于制造，并且即使使用典型的低电导率电解质也能够良好地运行。 无气泡阴极密封到1500 psi，用于高压微液压致动

公开(公告)号：US20050252776A1

公开(公告)日：2005-11-17

申请号：US10848201

申请日：2004-05-17

申请人： Bruce Mosier ,  Robert Crocker

发明人： Bruce Mosier ,  Robert Crocker

IPC分类号： F04B19/00 ,  G01N27/27

CPC分类号： F04B19/006

摘要： Electrokinetic (“EK”) pumps convert electric to mechanical work when an electric field exerts a body force on ions in the Debye layer of a fluid in a packed-bed, which then viscously drags the fluid. Porous silica and polymer monoliths (2.5-mm O.D., and 6-mm to 10-mm length) having a narrow pore size distribution have been developed that are capable of large pressure gradients (250-500 psi/mm) when large electric fields (1000-1500 V/cm) are applied. Flowrates up to 200 μL/min and delivery pressures up to 1200 psi have been demonstrated. Forces up to 5 lb-force at 0.5 mm/s (12 mW) have been demonstrated with a battery-powered DC-DC converter. Hydraulic power of 17 mW (900 psi@ 180 uL/min) has been demonstrated with wall-powered high voltage supplies. The force and stroke delivered by an actuator utilizing an EK pump are shown to exceed the output of solenoids, stepper motors, and DC motors of similar size, despite the low thermodynamic efficiency.

摘要翻译： 当电场对填充床中的流体的德拜层中的离子施加身体力时，电动（“EK”）泵将电力转换为机械作业，然后粘性拖动流体。 已经开发了具有窄孔径分布的多孔二氧化硅和聚合物整料（2.5mm外径，6mm至10mm长度），当大电场时（250-500psi / mm）能够具有大的压力梯度（250-500psi / mm） 1000-1500V / cm）。 流量达200μL/ min，输送压力高达1200 psi。 已经用电池供电的DC-DC转换器证明了以0.5mm / s（12mW）达5磅力的力。 液压功率为17 mW（900 psi @ 180 uL / min）已被证明与壁式高压电源。 使用EK泵的执行机构传递的力和行程显示出超过了类似尺寸的螺线管，步进电机和直流电机的输出，尽管热力学效率低。

公开(公告)号：US20050100712A1

公开(公告)日：2005-05-12

申请号：US10712808

申请日：2003-11-12

申请人： Blake Simmons ,  Robert Crocker ,  Paul Dentinger ,  Marion Hunter ,  Kamlesh Patel ,  Jonathan Sala

发明人： Blake Simmons ,  Robert Crocker ,  Paul Dentinger ,  Marion Hunter ,  Kamlesh Patel ,  Jonathan Sala

IPC分类号： B29C65/00 ,  C08J5/12 ,  B32B31/26

CPC分类号： B29C65/52 ,  B29C65/006 ,  B29C65/4815 ,  B29C65/4825 ,  B29C65/483 ,  B29C65/4835 ,  B29C65/484 ,  B29C65/485 ,  B29C65/521 ,  B29C65/523 ,  B29C65/526 ,  B29C66/112 ,  B29C66/1122 ,  B29C66/114 ,  B29C66/45 ,  B29C66/452 ,  B29C66/5346 ,  B29C66/54 ,  B29C66/71 ,  B29L2031/756 ,  B81B2201/051 ,  B81C3/001 ,  B81C2203/038 ,  C08J5/128 ,  Y10T428/24612 ,  B29K2065/00 ,  B29K2079/085 ,  B29K2071/00

摘要： Methods and materials are described for the joining of plastics and other materials wherein polymerizable substances are diffused into the material to form a surface diffusion zone adjacent to the surface of the plastic workpiece to be joined. The surfaces are brought into contact and the polymerization reactions in the surface diffusion zone are initiated, creating thereby a strong bond across the contacting surfaces. High-performance engineered plastics such as polyetherimides, polyphenylenes, and polyether-ether-ketones are among the materials that are advantageously joined by this technique. Polymerizable substances including styrene and divinylbenzene are shown to give good bonds. Such joining methods can bond dissimilar materials difficult or impossible to join by other techniques. The surfaces to be joined are dry prior to initiation of the polymerization reaction, permitting repositioning and realignment of the surfaces as often as desired before joining. The present joining techniques do not clog or interfere with the structure of microfeatures on the surface of the workpieces to be joined, making this joining techniques especially advantageous for the fabrication of microfluidic devices. Such devices fabricated from high-performance engineered plastic joined by the present bonding techniques are shown to be capable of routine operation at high pressures and to withstand high-pressure cycling without damage.

摘要翻译： 描述了用于连接塑料和其它材料的方法和材料，其中可聚合物质扩散到材料中以形成邻近待连接的塑料工件的表面的表面扩散区。 使表面接触，并且开始表面扩散区中的聚合反应，从而产生穿过接触表面的强结合。 通过这种技术有利地连接的材料之中的高性能工程塑料如聚醚酰亚胺，聚苯醚和聚醚 - 醚 - 酮。 包括苯乙烯和二乙烯基苯在内的可聚合物质显示出良好的键合。 这种接合方法可以通过其他技术使不相似的材料难以或不可能接合。 在开始聚合反应之前，待连接的表面是干的，允许在接合之前经常按需要重新定位和重新排列表面。 本接合技术不会堵塞或干扰要接合的工件的表面上的微特征的结构，使得该接合技术对于微流体装置的制造特别有利。 由通过本发明的接合技术连接的高性能工程塑料制造的这种装置被证明能够在高压下常规操作并且承受高压循环而不损坏。