Intellectual Property Law
TinytechIP 
A weekly review of newly issued US patents in the fields of micromechanical systems and nanotechnology.
Post Frequency: 2.3/day Last Entry: November 18, 2009 at 19:47:00 Recent Entries: 772
Go to TinytechIP, find other Intellectual Property Law blogs, or browse all law blogs.
Search
Posts
US Patent 7618579 - Electro-blown spinning of nanowires
Posted on November 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7618579.htmlThis patent from du Pont teaches an electrospinning method for generating webs of polymeric nanowires which avoids the necessity of heating used in earlier methods. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for preparing nanofiber webs comprising: feeding a polymer solution comprising between 15 to 25 wt % polymer to a spinning nozzle;compressively discharging the polymer solution through the spinning nozzle at a discharge rate between about 0...
US Patent 7618250 - Nanoimprint lithography optical alignment
Posted on November 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7618250.htmlThis patent from ASML Netherlands B.V. teaches diffraction gratings used to align nanoimprintlithography and enable multilayer patterning. Claim 1 reads:1. An imprint lithography apparatus comprising:a template holder configured to hold an imprint template, a substrate table, and an optical encoder, the optical encoder having a radiation output, a first diffraction grating, and a detector, the radiation output arranged to illuminate a second diffraction grating and the detector positioned to detect radiation diffracted by the first and second diffraction gratings to provide an alignment signal.
US Patent 7618216 - CNT wire earthquake proofing
Posted on November 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7618216.htmlCarbon nanotubes have been proposed for many years to strengthen materials. This patent proposes a system of using webs of carbon nanotube wires in housing materials to protect from earthquake damage. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7616367 - Carbon fiber MEMS
Posted on November 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616367.htmlIn order to produce higher deflections and higher switching speeds for MEMS optical devices this patent from Cornell Research Foundation teaches using graphene or carbon nanotube fibers as the bending portion of the MEMS device...
US Patent 7615800 - Quantum dot light emitting layer with nanoparticle conductive paths
Posted on November 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615800.htmlThis patent from Eastman Kodak teaches integrating two types of nanomaterials - 1) luminescent quantum dots and 2) electrically conductive nanopartilces in order to produce an inorganic LED film with enhanced brightness...
US Patent 7615788 - SiC MEMS
Posted on November 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615788.htmlThis patent from Cornell Research Foundation teaches monolithically integrated MEMS capable of withstanding a harsher environment than conventional silicon MEMS by using silicon carbide material. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7615776 - Self-assembled nanowire circuitry
Posted on November 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615776.htmlThis patent from IBM teaches the fabrication of logic circuits which uses fewer masking steps by including self-assembly of vertical nanowires to form channels of the circuitry. Claim 1 reads:1. A circuit comprising:a first metal layer on a substrate;an insulating layer on said first metal layer;a second metal layer on said insulating layer;a self-assembled first semi-conductivity type material on one side of said first metal layer; a self-assembled second semi-conductivity type material on the other side of said first metal layer; anda self-assembled nanowire extending between a field concentrator on said first metal layer and one of said first semi-conductivity type material and said second semi-conductivity type material to form said self-assembled connection...
US Patent 7615476 - Nanoparticle paste soldering
Posted on November 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615476.htmlThis patent from Intel teaches the use of nanoparticles to reduce thermal stress in soldering processes. Claim 1 reads:1. A process comprising:forming a nano-particle solder paste on a substrate;contacting the nano-particle solder paste with a wire interconnect; andreflowing the nano-particle solder paste to form a solder bump in a wire interconnect article...
US Patent 7615446 - Nanocrystal charge trap flash memory
Posted on November 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615446.htmlA variety of new non-volatile memory devices have been under development for the past several years including MRAM, phase change RAM, and RRAM. While some advantages are offered by these devices the cost required to establish a new type of non-volatile memory may be prohibitive...
US Patent 7615402 - Electrically operated tunneling transistor
Posted on November 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615402.htmlThis patent from Acorn Technologies teaches a new type of nanoscale transistor design which appears to be a modification of a single electron transistor with reduced tunnel junction resistance. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7615204 - Super long carbon nanotube strands
Posted on November 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615204.htmlThis patent is based on a collaboration between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Tsinghua University and teaches a CVD fabrication method capable of producing long carbon nanotubes which may make the development of some speculative projects such as the space elevator more attainable...
US Patent 7615111 - Silver nanoparticle inkjet ink
Posted on November 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615111.htmlInkjet printing tools have been experimented with over the past few years as a mechanism to print nanoparticle based patterns for fabricating devices such as RFID tags or electronic displays. This patent from HP has priority to 2007 and includes some basic claims toward silver nanoparticle inkjet ink...
Xyggy Patent Search Tool
Posted on November 09, 2009http://www.xyggy.com/I came across the above website recently which does a fairly decent job of performing quick searching for similar patent information based on a given patent number or title. The search algorithm used seems to be a little more involved than simply text-based from my test searches...
US Patent 7613538 - Distortion compensation for nanoimprint lithography
Posted on November 09, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7613538.htmlThis patent from HP teaches a quality control method for nanoimprint lithography based on choosing the mold design so as to minimize anticipated distortions. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of contact lithography comprising:predicting distortions likely to occur in transferring a pattern from a mold to a substrate during a contact lithography process; andmodifying said mold to compensate for said distortions.
US Patent 7612971 - MEMS switching for HVAC
Posted on November 09, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7612971.htmlThis patent from General Electric teaches a MEMS alternative to conventional switching and fuses used in heating, ventilation, and air condition systems. The MEMS switching is taught to produce less waste heat, less leakage current, and provide a more compact, lightweight system...
US Patent 7612883 - Dynamic plasmonics platform
Posted on November 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7612883.htmlPlasmonics involves the study of electron oscillations and is important to Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) used in molecular analysis. In order to increase the sensitivity of SERS it is desirable to have a mechanism to tune the frequencies produced due to light scattering...
US Patent 7612635 - MEMS resonator with 2 I/O ports
Posted on November 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7612635.htmlThis patent is from Kolo Technologies and includes some basic claims to a new type of micromachined ultrasonic transducer including multiple bidirectional input/output ports. Claim 1 reads:1. A MEMS acoustic filter comprising:a MEMS resonator; andat least two acoustic I/O ports.
US Patent 7612358 - Nanochannel memristor
Posted on November 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7612358.htmlLast year researchers at Hewlett Packard made headlines by announcing the development of a nanoscale realization of the memristor which was theoretically predicted in the 1970's and which may form a basic element for a new type of non-volatile memory called RRAM and a new type of A...
US Patent 7612270 - CNT CMOS inverter
Posted on November 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7612270.htmlCMOS is currently the dominant architecture in digital and analog microelectronics due to low power dissipation and ease of use in logic design and fabrication. This patent from IBM attempts to extend the CMOS concept to carbon nanotube electronics forming a basic inverter CMOS circuit...
US Patent 7612138 - Carbon nano-onion EMI shielding
Posted on November 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7612138.htmlOne of the earliest proposed applications of fullerene (and later carbon nanotube) composites was in the formation of lightweight electromagnetic shielding. This patent from the International Technology Center teaches another variety of nanocomposite EMI shielding based on onion-like carbon particles...
US Patent 7611687 - Microwave welding of single walled carbon nanotubes
Posted on November 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7611687.htmlThis patent from Honda Motors teaches a large scale synthesis method for interconnected webs of single walled carbon nanotubes. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for producing interconnected single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), the method comprising:placing a sample of SWNTs in a microwave cavity wherein the electric field is maximum; andexposing the sample to microwave field at a maximum temperature between about 1000° C...
US Patent 7611628 - Aligned nanotubule membrane
Posted on November 04, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7611628.htmlThis patent form the University of Kentucky teaches a fabrication method for a molecular sieve having a uniform pore diameter with functionalization at the pore openings. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for producing a permeable membrane, comprising the steps of:aligning a plurality of hollow nanotubules to form a mat;coating the mat with a continuous polymer matrix to form a membrane; andetching the membrane to remove a layer of polymer from a surface of the membrane to (a) open the plurality of hollow nanotubules whereby the nanotubules define pores passing through the membrane, and (b) oxidize an end of the nanotubules to form carboxylate groups.
US Patent 7611562 - Triangular nanoframes
Posted on November 04, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7611562.htmlThis patent comes from Chad Mirkin's group at Northwestern University. The patent teaches methodology used to fabricate a new type of nanostructure called a "nanoframe" which is useful to investigating how nanoscale shapes effect the bulk physical and chemical properties of substances...
US Patent 7610797 - Inductive CNT force sensor
Posted on November 04, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7610797.htmlThis patent from Xidex Corporation teaches a force sensing system for a scanning probe microscope that uses a carbon nanotube to improve sensitivity to vibrations in multiple directions. Claim 1 reads:1. A device, comprising:a support structure;at least one carbon nanotube extending from the support structure; anda detection system comprising an inductive pick-up coil and a tank circuit;wherein the detection system is operable to detect vibrations from the at least one carbon nanotube.
US Patent 7609432 - Nanowire cantilever
Posted on November 02, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7609432.htmlCantilever structures are very common to microsensor and microactuator structures used in MEMS. This patent from HP includes some basic claims to using nanowires to form nanoelectromechanical cantilevers. Claim 1 reads: 1...
US Patent 7609086 - Memristive transfer function circuitry
Posted on November 02, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7609086.htmlAdaptive control circuitry is important for electrical control systems which are required to respond to unpredictable changes in the environment or changes in the system requirements. However, when conventional processors are used to perform adaptive control the processor speed can limit responsiveness of the system to changing conditions...
US Patent 7608905 - Interdigitated nanowire antenna array
Posted on November 02, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7608905.htmlThis patent from HP teaches a nanostructured dipole antenna formed from interdigitated metallic nanowires. Claim 1 reads:1. An apparatus comprising:a first set of nanowires; anda second set of nanowires interdigitated with the first set of nanowires, wherein the first set of nanowires and the second set of nanowires are formed of electrically conductive material, and wherein the first set of nanowires is independently electrically addressable and electrically isolated from the second set of nanowires.
US Patent 7608902 - Nanowire composite resonant sensor
Posted on November 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7608902.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches a fabrication method for resonant sensors based on metallic nanowires formed in a cylindrical template. Claim 1 reads:1. A nanowire composite comprising:a template having a first surface, a second surface opposite to and parallel to the first surface, and a third surface extending from the first surface to the second surface;a plurality of hollow channels disposed in the template and extending therein from the first surface and the second surface;nanowires disposed in the plurality of hollow channels; anda functional element comprising a portion of one or more of the nanowires exposed through an etched portion of the third surface of the template, wherein the functional element does not directly touch the first surface or the second surface of the template.
US Patent 7608854 - Branched nanowire with diffusion doping
Posted on November 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7608854.htmlThis patent from Hewlett Packard teaches a method to grow pn junction nanowire structures useful for the fabrication of bipolar and field effect transistors. Claim 1 reads:1. An electronic device, comprising:a primary nanowire of a first conductivity type;a secondary nanowire of a second conductivity type grown from and extending outwardly in one direction from the primary nanowire; anda doped region of the second conductivity type diffused from and extending from the secondary nanowire into at least a portion of the primary nanowire.
US Patent 7608852 - Strained nanowire light emitter
Posted on November 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7608852.htmlStrained silicon is used to increase the switching speed of semiconductor devices. This patent from Samsung teaches that using strained silicon nanowires can also improve ohmic contacts and enhance light emission efficiency for laser diodes and LEDs...
US Patent 7608824 - Doped carbon nanostructrure for infrared imaging
Posted on October 29, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7608824.htmlThis patent from UT-Battelle teaches the use of the field emission properties of carbon nanotubes to achieve infrared imaging. Claim 1 reads:1. A detector for detecting infrared photons comprising:at least one anode;at least one cathode further comprising a substrate electrically connected to a plurality of doped carbon nanostructures; andbias circuitry for applying an electric field between said anode and said cathode such that when infrared photons are absorbed by said nanostructures the emitted field current is modulated for use in a readout portion of said circuitry.
US Patent 7608556 - CNT catalysts for redox reactions
Posted on October 29, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7608556.htmlThis patent from E.I. duPont has priority going back to 2004 and includes some basic claims to carbon nanotube assisted redox reactions. Claim 1 reads:1. A process to catalyze a redox reaction comprising:contacting at least one carbon nanotube in solution with:a) an oxidizing agent and an oxidizable compound orb) a reducing agent and a reducible compoundwherein the redox reaction is catalyzed...
US Patent 7608240 - Cancer treatment with boron nitride nanotubes
Posted on October 29, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7608240.htmlSubjecting boron atoms to low energy neutrons has been found to disintegrate malignant cells. This patent from the University of Arkansas teaches the use of boron nitride nanotubes to achieve this effect for cancer treatment...
US Patent 7607762 - CNT anti-wetting nozzle plate
Posted on October 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7607762.htmlIn inkjet printers it is important for the surface of the printhead to be resistant to wetting in order to avoid misdirected ink drops from printing nozzles. This patent from Fujifilm teaches a carbon nanotube layer which provides such anti-wetting in addition to good durability...
US Patent 7607584 - Nanoparticle biometrics
Posted on October 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7607584.htmlThis patent from IBM teaches a system using luminescent semiconductor nanoparticles (i.e. nanocrystals or quantum dots) in biometrics. Claim 1 reads:1. An identity verification system comprising:a combination of indicia that represents measurable characteristics mapped into a characteristic signature, wherein the measurable characteristics comprise a luminescent characteristic and a biometric characteristic, wherein the biometric characteristic is integrated with the luminescent characteristic to create a unique verification image; andan indicia detector for detecting the characteristic signature and verifying authenticity of the characteristic signature, wherein the combination of indicia comprises colloidal nanoparticles having a characteristic emission spectrum comprising a plurality of lines at characteristic wavelengths with characteristic intensity ratio, wherein the indicia detector detects the characteristic emission spectrum...
US Patent 7607455 - Nanofiber MEMS pump
Posted on October 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7607455.htmlThis patent from IBM takes advantage of the flexibility and electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube mats to create an electrically actuated microfluidic pump. Claim 1 reads:1. A micro-valve having an inlet and an outlet, said micro-valve comprising:a lower chamber having a bottom wall and sidewalls and an upper chamber having a top wall and sidewalls, a bottom of said upper chamber separated from a top of said lower chamber by a porous, flexible and electrically conductive mat of nano-fibers;an opening in said top wall of said upper chamber, said opening open to said upper chamber;an impervious valve seal on said mat of nano-fibers, said valve seal below and self-aligned to said opening; an electrically conductive plate under and electrically isolated from said bottom wall of said lower chamber; a first electrical contact to said conductive plate; anda second electrical contact to said mat of nano-fibers.
US Patent 7605466 - Adhesive sheet sealed MEMS package
Posted on October 25, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7605466.htmlThe manufacture of micromechanical devices can be particularly susceptible to contamination from moisture and small particles which can cause sticking and obstruct movement in the microdevices. This patent from GE teaches a packaging process for pre-singulated MEMS dies using an adhesive sheet that avoids such contamination...
US Patent 7605188 - Nanographite polymer foam
Posted on October 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7605188.htmlThis patent from Owens Corning teaches a low-density foam insulation which utilizes thin films of graphite. Claim 1 reads:1. A multi-functional polymeric foam material comprising:a) a polymer;b) a blowing agent; andc) multi-layered nano-graphite having a size in at least one dimension less than about 100 nanometers, said multi-layered nano-graphite being chemically modified to include carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl functional groups, wherein other dimensions of said multi-layered nano-graphite are less than about 20 microns.
US Patent 7604790 - CNT purification using sulfidation
Posted on October 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7604790.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches a way to remove carbon impurities formed during carbon nanotube production based on a sulfidation reaction. An article (link) from 2005 from the inventors explains how the process improves the characteristics of nanotube field effect transistors...
US Patent 7604129 - Nanoporous LLC polymer membrane
Posted on October 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7604129.htmlThis patent from the University of Colorodo teaches a nanofiltration membrane formed from a liquid crystal material capable of self-assembly. Claim 1 reads:1. A composite membrane comprising:a porous support; anda lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) polymer porous membrane attached to the support,the LLC membrane having a thickness less than about 1 micron and a pore structure having hexagonally ordered, cylindrical nanopores.
US Patent 7605408 - Electron wave reconfigurable circuitry
Posted on October 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7605408.htmlAs Moore's Law becomes more difficult to fulfill there is some growing interest in reconfigurable computing and dynamic circuit elements such as the memristor which provides memory dependent effects in nanoelectronic devices...
US Patent 7605328 - CIGS nanoparticle photovoltaics
Posted on October 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7605328.htmlNanosolar is a company which has pioneered flexible solar cells based on nanomaterials. This is their latest patent which describes a web coating process to provide cheaper production of solar cells based on copper indium gallium selenide...
US Patent 7604049 - Graphitic nanoflake composites for oil field exploration
Posted on October 21, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7604049.htmlThis patent from Schlumberger Technology Corporation teaches a polymer composite including graphitic nanoparticles in order to enhance the reliability and lifespan for sealants and insulation used in oil extraction apparatus...
US Patent 7602614 - Nanoparticle interconnect lines within electronic module
Posted on October 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7602614.htmlThis patent from Infineon teaches a way to form wiring connections within the body of a plastic circuit board carrier using nanoparticles. Claim 1 reads:1. An electronic module comprising:a first and a second component with connections on connection sides of the components;a wiring block made of plastic with contact pads on its outer sides and with lines comprising nanoparticles with carbonized short-circuit paths between the nanoparticles in its volume, the lines electrically connecting the contact pads on the outer sides to one another according to a circuit layout, the first component and the second component being arranged on different non-opposite outer sides of the wiring block and the connections being connected to the contact pads.
US Patent 7602207 - Quantum dot cellular automata
Posted on October 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7602207.htmlQuantum dot cellular automata is a proposed nanoelectronic circuit architecture in which regular arrays of 2x2 quantum dot cells are used to transfer and process information. This approach avoids the problem of current leakage due to electron tunneling as the scale size of electronic devices are reduced...
US Patent 7602097 - Elastic nanotube shaft for MEMS
Posted on October 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7602097.htmlA variety of designs for micromirror hinges have been proposed for applications in digital displays and optical switching networks. However, the repeated torsional deformation of these micromirrors cause fatigue in the hinge structure which reduces the reliable life expectancy of the device...
Bentham Science Publishers - Recent Patents on Nanotechnology
Posted on October 16, 2009The journal Recent Patents on Nanotechnology may be of interest to readers of this blog. This journal publishes review articles by experts on recent patents on nanotechnology. A selection of important and recent patents on nanotechnology is also included in the journal.
US Patent 7602030 - HfTaO nanolaminate dielectric
Posted on October 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7602030.htmlIn order to continue the scalability of transistors predicted by Moore's Law there is increased investigation in new materials for the gate dielectric. This patent from Micron Technology teaches a new dielctric film material of hafnium tantalum oxide having a relative dielectric constant of 16-26 (compared to 3...
US Patent 7601650 - CNT tip with protective layer
Posted on October 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7601650.htmlThis patent from Carbon Design Innovations teaches a process to improve the stabilization of carbon nanotubes used as the tips of atomic force microscopes. Claim 1 reads:1. A process for fabricating a carbon nanotube (CNT) device, the process comprising:forming a CNT on a substrate using a first thermal CVD process, said CNT having a first end and a second end, said second end of said CNT coupled to said substrate;forming a protective layer covering said CNT, wherein said protective layer is defined based on an intended application of said CNT device; andremoving a controlled portion of said protective layer to expose a desired length of said first end of said CNT, wherein said desired length is defined based on the intended application of said CNT device.
US Patent 7601406 - Tranparent conductive nanopowder
Posted on October 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7601406.htmlCima Nanotech is a company focusing on the production of improved coatings for LCDs and solar cells. This patent teaches silver nanoparticles in such coatings. Claim 1 reads:1. An article comprising(a) a substrate and(b) a transparent and electrically conductive coating in the form of a continuous network-like pattern of electrically conductive, interconnected traces that are formed from self-assembled nano-particles that define randomly shaped cells, the interconnected traces being visible with a light microscope on a surface of the substrate, wherein the coating is transparent to light at wavelengths in the range of 400 to 700 nm.
US Patent 7601262 - Nanoalumina submicron filter
Posted on October 13, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7601262.htmlThis patent from Argonide teaches a nanofibrous filtration system useful for biological separation processes. Claim 1 reads:1. A fibrous electropositive sorbent comprising a blended mixture of non-spherical nano alumina particles comprising AlOOH blended with and a second matrix solid, wherein said electropositive sorbent adsorbs at least one electropositive particle from a fluid.
US Patent 7601205 - CNT field emission air filter
Posted on October 13, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7601205.htmlIonic air filters are common but see limited use on the small scale due to the high voltage necessary to charge air. This patent from IBM teaches a carbon nanotube ionization air filter which may improve the energy efficiency and lead to scalability of such devices...
US Patent 7600667 - CNT reinforced solder caps
Posted on October 13, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7600667.htmlIn order to deal with increased heat stresses in IC solder connections this patent from Intel teaches the incorporation of carbon nanotubes in a solder. Claim 1 reads:1. A process comprising:thermo compression transfer bonding a carbon nanotube-solder (CNT-S) composite particle from a transfer substrate to a solder bump.
US Patent 7598723 - Resonance detection nanoantenna
Posted on October 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7598723.htmlThis patent from Clemson University teaches a method of using micro- or nano-cantilevered structures to produce induced electric fields for resonance detection. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of detecting resonance in an element comprising:locating a counter electrode a predetermined distance from an element such that the element and the counter electrode are in a non-contact mode, wherein the element comprises a semi-conductive material or a carbon nanotube and has a length of less than about 500 ?m and a width of less than about 50 ?m;inducing an electrostatic force on the element by applying a first electric signal to the counter electrode;generating a second electric signal at the semi-conductive material or the carbon nanotube in direct response to the induced electrostatic force;directly examining the second electric signal and;ascertaining the presence of at least one subharmonic or superharmonic of the resonant frequency of the element in the second electric signal.
US Patent 7598609 - Nanowire z-axis conductive film
Posted on October 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7598609.htmlThis patent from Industrial Technology Research Institute teaches a polymer electrical connection film providing high adhesive strength for a fine pitched chip by using parallel nanowires. Claim 1 reads: 1...
US Patent 7598595 - Nanoporous antireflection film
Posted on October 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7598595.htmlAntireflection films are important elements of LCDs to improve the efficiency of light transmission. This patent from Industrial Technology Research Institute teaches forming a nanoporous structure to achieve low reflectivity and high transmittance...
US Patent 7598315 - Aqueous dispersion of nanoparticle/polyurethane composites
Posted on October 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7598315.htmlThis patent from Lubrizol Advanced Materials teaches a process for manufacturing nanoparticle polymer composites. Claim 1 reads:1. A process for making an aqueous dispersion of nanoparticle/polyurethane composites, the process comprising:forming a mixture of nanoparticles and a continuous mass of a polyurethane prepolymer in the substantial absence of water, anddispersing the mixture in aqueous medium.
US Patent 7598127 - CNT fuse
Posted on October 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7598127.htmlNantero has focused most of their patents on mechanical switches based on carbon nanotubes for applications in non-volatile memory and programmable logic. This patent takes a slightly different approach including claims to a nanotube fuse operable under Joule heating...
US Patent 7598021 - Nanodot probe lithography
Posted on October 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7598021.htmlThis patent from Micron Technology teaches a new scanning probe lithography system and method based on the use of nanodots (i.e. CdS or CdSe quantum dots) on the tips of scanning probes which are used to direct light and pattern a mask layer...
US Patent 7597870 - Metal sulfide capped quantum dots
Posted on October 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7597870.htmlQuantum dots are usefully employed as biomarkers but the photoluminescence of qdots can include broadband emission which is disruptive to the identification of compounds. This patent from Drexel University reaches a modification of quantum dots to overcome this problem...
US Patent 7597869 - Length enhancement during CNT growth
Posted on October 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7597869.htmlIn order to take advantage of the mechanical, optical, and electrical properties of carbon nanotubes it is useful to have longer nanotubes which can be woven into fibers. This patent from Hon Hai Precision Industry provides a solution to increase the lengths of carbon nanotubes produced by CVD methods...
US Patent 7597814 - Template for patterning nanoscale objects
Posted on October 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7597814.htmlSelf-assembly is one type of a process used to generate template patterns from which nanoscale structures can be grown or deposited. However, it can be difficult to control the size and arrangement of the nanoscale structures using self-assembly methods alone...
US Patent 7597717 - Multi-tip rotating scanning probe head
Posted on October 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7597717.htmlSince the 1980's a variety of different types of scanning probe microscopy devices have been developed to accomplish a variety of different tasks in nanometrology and nanolithography. This patent based on research supported by the U...
US Patent 7597278 - Method of producing purified medicinal nanoparticle suspensions
Posted on October 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7597278.htmlSeveral methods have been developed to produce nanoparticle suspensions to facilitate the delivery or absorption of drugs. However, these methods can often result in the inclusion of contamination in the suspension...
US Patent 7596989 - Motion dissipation coating for AFM
Posted on October 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7596989.htmlConventionally scanning probe microscopes used in nanometrology must compromise between the responsivity of the probe and damaging the nanoscopic samples under investigation. As an alternative this patent from Infinitesima Limited teaches coating the scanning probe tip with a polymer which provides a biasing force to enhance the probe responsivity without damaging the samples...
US Patent 7596415 - Biocompatible electrodes based on nanotube material
Posted on October 02, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7596415.htmlThis patent from Medtronic teaches a manufacturing method of a medical electrode using carbon nanotubes in a coating layer to improve electrical conduction and biocompatibility. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for manufacturing a medical device electrode that is biocompatible with body tissue, comprising:applying a first conductive polymer layer onto a substrate;curing the first polymer layer to bond the first polymer layer to the substrate;applying a second conductive polymer layer to the cured first conductive polymer layer; anddepositing a powder containing a plurality of nanostructures onto the second polymer layer, prior to curing the second conductive polymer layer to form a surface that is biocompatible with body tissue.
US Patent 7595708 - MEMS resonator array with shared beam sections
Posted on October 02, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7595708.htmlMicromechanical resonators are important to high frequency electronic devices used in communications applications. This patent from Robert Bosch GmbH teaches a MEMS array resonator having an improved resonator bandwidth (Q-factor) by using shared beam sections...
US Patent 7595539 - MEMS release using hydrogen gas
Posted on October 02, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7595539.htmlThe moving parts of micromechanical structures typically need to be formed by a method including an etching steps which removes some underlying sacrificial layer material. Hydrofluoric acid is often used for this purpose but can be damaging and leave behind residue...
US Patent 7595150 - Applying elongated molecules to a surface
Posted on September 30, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7595150.htmlThis patent from Searete LLC (which has been associated with Intellectual Ventures) teaches a method of aligning nucleic acid or other molecular structures on a substrate using a controlled fluid flow. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7595111 - Continuous graphene sheet production
Posted on September 30, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7595111.htmlThere has been some interest in recent years in graphene as a new electronic material having a high electron mobility. This patent discloses a manufacturing method which may help facilitate mass production of graphene-based electronics...
US Patent 7594982 - Porous nanostructured transparent electrode
Posted on September 30, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7594982.htmlThere has been increasing interest in recent years for using nanomaterials to form transparent electrodes. In applications such as LCDs and solar cells such nanomaterials can offer a more cost effective alternative to conventional transparent electrode materials such as indium tin oxide...
US Patent 7594949 - Metal nanoparticles fabrication using cross-linked polymers
Posted on September 30, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7594949.htmlThis patent from a company called G-Nano teaches a way to synthesize silver nanoparticles using cross-linked polymers. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of making metal particles, comprising:(a) providing internally cross-linked single-polymer molecules;(b) contacting the single-polymer molecules with a metal salt to incorporate the metal salt into the single-polymer molecules; and(c) causing the metal salt incorporated in the single-polymer molecules to form metal particles.
US Patent 7593250 - Ferroelectric nanostructure switch
Posted on September 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7593250.htmlFeRAM is a type of non-volatile memory based on ferroelectric material having advantages in power consumption over DRAM and better data write speeds than Flash. This patent from the University of Arkansas discloses forming nanodots of PbZr1-xTixO3 providing higher memory density while avoiding electrical crosstalk...
US Patent 7593082 - CNT/Polyimide alignment material
Posted on September 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7593082.htmlThis patent from LG Display teaches mixtures of CNT and polyimide to facilitate alignment of LCD materials. Claim 1 reads:1. An alignment material for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, comprising a mixture of carbon nano-tube and polyimide...
US Patent 7592679 - Nanowire sensor including resistance switching material
Posted on September 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7592679.htmlThis patent from HP teaches incorporating a material having chemically sensitive resistance in a nanowire junction sensor. Claim 1 reads:1. A sensor, comprising:at least two electrodes;at least one nanowire having at least two segments extending substantially laterally between the at least two electrodes, whereby a junction or connection is formed between the at least two segments; anda sensing material having at least two states positioned adjacent to the junction or connection, and adjacent to at least a portion of each of the at least two segments.
US Patent 7592618 - Multilayer core/shell nanoparticle electroluminescence
Posted on September 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7592618.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches providing improved efficiency electroluminescence based on multiple silicon nanoparticle layers provided with insulating shells and intermediate layers. Claim 1 reads:1. A nanoparticle electroluminescence device comprising:a front electrode formed of a transparent conductive material;a rear electrode formed of a conductive material; andan emitting layer interposed between the front electrode and the rear electrode,wherein said emitting layers includes a plurality of nanoparticle layers, each nanoparticle layer includes a plurality of nanoparticles having a core/shell structure comprising a core formed of silicon and a shell formed of silicon oxide or silicon nitride on the surface of the core, andwherein said emitting layers further includes insulating layers formed above and below the plurality of nanoparticle layers, and an insulating layer between adjacent nanoparticle layers among said plurality of nanoparticle layers.
US Patent 7591989 - Plasma torch fabrication of SWCNTs
Posted on September 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7591989.htmlThis patent teaches a new method of single walled carbon nanotube production requiring less energy than conventional methods while avoiding the simultaneous production of multiwall carbon nanotubes. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7591897 - Low temperature rapid synthesis of metal oxide nanowires
Posted on September 23, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7591897.htmlThis patent from the University of Louisville Research Foundation teaches a high volume method of manufacturing metal nanowire materials. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for synthesis of a metal oxide nanomaterial, the method comprising the steps of:selecting a metal substrate;creating a non-equilibrium gas comprising oxygen plasma at a low temperature at the point of the surface of the metal substrate of between about 50° C...
US Patent 7591641 - Shape memory nanoimprinting mold
Posted on September 23, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7591641.htmlNanoimprint lithography is a maskless semiconductor patterning technique capable of nanometer scale resolution by using a molded template. One drawback is that repeated use of the mold can result in a degradation in the patterns being formed...
US Patent 7591193 - Nano-anemometer
Posted on September 23, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7591193.htmlAnemometers are commonly used to measure wind speed. This patent from Hewlett-Packard teaches a nanoscale version of an anemometer useful to measure flow velocities in microfluidic devices. Claim 1 reads: 1...
US Patent 7589880 - Manipulating light using coaxial nanoscale optics
Posted on September 21, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7589880.htmlThis patent from Boston College discloses an array of nanoscale coaxial structures to manipulate light energy for improving the efficiency of solar cells or optical devices. Claim 1 reads: 1. A coaxial nanoscale optics apparatus for manipulating light comprising:a plurality of nanoscale coaxial structures each comprising an electrically conducting core contacting a dielectric material which is coated with an outer electrical conductor layer; anda substrate supporting the plurality of nanoscale coaxial structures.
US Patent 7589422 - Dual thickness MEMS package
Posted on September 21, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7589422.htmlThis patent from Samsung focuses on reducing the package size for MEMS or imaging arrays by including a thinned region around the peripheral surrounding region to accommodate solder connections to a PCB. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7589161 - Nanoparticle composition for quenching steel
Posted on September 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7589161.htmlThe hardening of steel requires a step of rapid cooling performed by a variety of liquid solutions such as water-based or oil-based compositions. Water solutions are easy to dispose of and inexpensive but can result in too rapid cooling which leads to strained microstructures in the steel...
US Patent 7589043 - Carbon/Pt nanocatalyst for fuel cells
Posted on September 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7589043.htmlThis patent from Samsung SDI teaches a material to improve the energy conversion efficiency of fuel cells based on platinum nanoparticles coated on carbon support material. Claim 1 reads:1. A supported catalyst comprising:a carbon-based catalyst support; anda multi-layer structure of metal catalyst particles having an average diameter of 3...
US Patent 7588941 - Nucleic acid dispersion of DNA
Posted on September 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7588941.htmlThis patent from DuPont has priority going back to 2002 and is basic to DNA wrapping of single walled carbon nanotubes to facilitate dispersion of the nanotubes into material composites. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for the production of a dispersed, carbon Nanotube?nucleic acid complex comprising:a) providing a stabilized solution of single stranded nucleic acid molecules;b) contacting a population of unfunctionalized, single walled carbon nanotubes with an effective amount of the stabilized nucleic acid solution of step (a) for a time sufficient for the single stranded nucleic acid molecules to associate with the carbon nanotubes by non-covalent means to form a dispersed, carbon nanotube?nucleic acid complex; and c) optionally recovering the dispersed, carbon nanotube?nucleic acid complex.
US Patent 7588872 - CNT photoreceptor
Posted on September 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7588872.htmlThis is one of a series of patents from Xerox which teaches that carbon nanotubes are useful to enhance the imaging properties of photoreceptive sheets which are important to laser printers. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7588828 - Quantum dot synthesis from molecular clusters
Posted on September 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7588828.htmlThis patent from Nanoco Technologies Limited teaches a strategy for the large scale synthesis of III-V quantum dots (e.g. GaN, InAs) by using a variety of molecular cluster materials. Claim 14 reads:14. A method of producing nanoparticles, the method comprising the steps of:providing a nanoparticle precursor composition comprising group 13 ions and group 15 ions; andeffecting conversion of the nanoparticle precursor into nanoparticles,wherein said conversion is effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound incorporating group 12 ions and group 16 ions under conditions permitting nanoparticle seeding and growth.
US Patent 7588748 - Carbon nanofiber composite having enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity
Posted on September 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7588748.htmlThis patent from Showa Denko teaches a method of fabricating carbon nanofiber which provides the enhanced electrical and thermal transport properties of earlier nanofiber composites but with less nanofiber material being required...
US Patent 7587107 - Plasmon logic
Posted on September 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7587107.htmlSurface plasmons are electron vibrations formed at the interface of a thin film metal and dielectric. This patent from Intellectual Ventures proposes forming guided structures for plasmons as a new basis for an optical switching logic...
US Patent 7586249 - CNT Yarn field emitter
Posted on September 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7586249.htmlResearchers working with Hon Hai Precision have developed carbon nanotube yarn from nanotube segments connected via molecular forces. This patent includes some basic claims to using this nanotube yarn for electron emission...
US Patent 7585584 - Branched carbon nanotubes
Posted on September 09, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7585584.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches a method for increasing the surface area of carbon nanotube arrays used as fuel cell electrodes by growing carbon nanobranches from the sides of the carbon nanotube trunks. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7585564 - Metal core/dielectric shell nanoparticle memory
Posted on September 09, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7585564.htmlThis patent from Nanosys may be important to future generations of flash memory which use charge-storing nanoparticles to potentially store digital data in a range greater than 1Tbit/cm2. Claim 1 reads: 1. A charge storage device or memory device comprising a plurality of discrete nanostructures comprising metal cores and SiO2 shells, wherein a diameter of a member nanostructure with its shell is less than or equal to 50 nm, and wherein the member nanostructures are arranged in a monolayer array and present at a density greater than 1×1012/cm2.
US Patent 7585484 - Control of CNT tip manufacture
Posted on September 09, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7585484.htmlAlteration of the tip shape and structure of carbon nanotubes can be useful to control the chemical functionalization of the tips or to enhance field emission properties. This patent from Tsinghua University and Hon Hai Precision teaches a CVD flow control method used to regulate such tip alteration...
TinyTechIP - MEMS and Nanotechnology Patent Searching
Posted on September 07, 2009For those requiring patent searches related to nanoelectronics, nanotechnology, or MEMS who require someone with expert knowledge of the relevant patent landscape I am currently available. My qualifications include nine years experience with patents (five years as a patent examiner + four years as a public searcher), registered patent agent (#56984), and an MSEE in microelectronics from George Mason University with a focus on electronic nanomaterials (e...
US Patent 7582992 - CNT magnetic nanomotor
Posted on September 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7582992.htmlNanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) are often referred to as a natural extension of MEMS. However, in reality there are actually very few practical designs for any type of nanoscale mechanical systems other than those based on existing biochemistry...
US Patent 7582975 - Nanowire gap sensor
Posted on September 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7582975.htmlThis patent from HP teaches a method to create gaps in nanowire structures which is reproducible and may facilitate mass production of nanoscale sensors. Claim 1 reads:1. A nanowire device, comprising:a nanowire formed between two surfaces;a gap formed at a predetermined location in the nanowire; anda protective layer established on each surface of the nanowire without being established on ends of the nanowire adjacent to the gap or adjacent to the two surfaces.
US Patent 7582892 - Optically controlled CNT electrical switch
Posted on September 03, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7582892.htmlThis patent from STMicroelectronics teaches how the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes can be altered by controlling the polarization of electromagnetic energy incident of the nanotube. Such effects could be useful to optoelectronics switching for high speed communication devices...
US Patent 7582359 - MEMS device for monitoring gas turbine
Posted on September 03, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7582359.htmlThis patent from Siemens Energy teaches the advantages of MEMS devices for determining wear in gas turbine engines. Some relevant prior art which seems to have been overlooked is a report from the Institute for Defense Analysis entitled "MEMS in Turbine Engines" published in January 1999...
US Patent 7582330 - Metallic nanostructures from chromonic material
Posted on September 03, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7582330.htmlChromatic materials refer to large, multi-ring molecules typically characterized by the presence of a hydrophobic core surrounded by various hydrophilic groups which in high concentration form liquid crystals...
US Patent 7582222 - Cobalt-doped tin dioxide nanoparticles
Posted on September 02, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7582222.htmlThis patent from Boise State University teaches a new type of magnetic nanopowder having potential uses in spintronic devices. Claim 1 reads:1. A powder comprising cobalt-doped tin dioxide exhibiting room-temperature ferromagnetism, wherein the powder consists of nanoparticles.
US Patent 7582155 - Asphalt nanocomposite roofing products
Posted on September 02, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7582155.htmlThis patent from Building Materials Investment Corporation teaches a waterproofing roof coating made from asphalt nanocomposite. Claim 1 reads:8. A coated article comprisinga substrate having at least one surface that is coated with a nanocomposite, said nanocomposite comprising an asphalt flux or partially or fully oxidized asphalt; anda layered clay mineral in an amount from about 1 to about 15 weight %, based on the total weight of the nanocomposite;wherein said substrate is a base layer or a material layer of a building materials product, and wherein said building materials product is a shingle.
US Patent 7581439 - Microsensors embedded in tires
Posted on September 02, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7581439.htmlThis patent from Bridgestone teaches incorporating RFID microsensors in tires to detect overheating conditions. Claim 1 reads:1. A pneumatic tire comprising:a pair of bead rings;a body cord ply extending between the bead rings;an innerliner disposed inwardly of the body cord ply;a belt layer disposed outwardly of the body cord ply;a pair of sidewalls disposed outwardly of the body cord ply; anda sensor layer including a plurality of micro-scale sized or smaller sensors each providing wireless signal data related to one or more physical properties of the tire, wherein the sensors activate to provide signals at a threshold temperature corresponding to an undesirable tire temperature or the sensors deactivate and cease providing signals at a threshold temperature corresponding to an undesirable tire temperature.
US Patent 7580595 - Optical frequency modulation using quantum laser
Posted on August 31, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7580595.htmlThis patent teaches a laser based on quantum confinement achieving high speed operation with reduced parasitic electrical effects. Claim 1 reads:1. A data transmission optoelectronic device, comprising:mirrors providing feedback for light;a waveguide disposed between said mirrors;an active section incorporated in said waveguide, said active section having an active element for generating an optical gain if a forward bias is applied, said active element being selected from the group consisting of: a) a quantum well; b) an array of quantum wires; c) an array of quantum dots; d) a stack of quantum wells, quantum wires, or quantum dots; and e) any combination of a) through d);an absorption section incorporated in said waveguide; andan additional modulator incorporated in said waveguide, said additional modulator being configured to modulate a refractive index thereof such that a repetition frequency of the pulsed laser light is frequency-modulated and frequency-modulated optical data signals are generated; wherein the device is operable in a pulsed regime emitting pulsed laser light and the device is adapted to transmit frequency-modulated data signals.
US Patent 7579618 - Carbon nanotube resonator transistor
Posted on August 31, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7579618.htmlThis patent from Northrop Grumman teaches a mechanically resonant carbon nanotube transistor providing a low output impedance in comparison to other CNT designs and a high operating frequency suitable for signal processing applications...
US Patent 7579399 - Plastic forming tool including nanoparticles
Posted on August 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7579399.htmlThroughout human history shaping tools have taken a variety of forms including stone, metals, alloys, and diamond. This patent from Huntsman Advanced Materials Americas appears to broadly claim a new form of shaping tool based on nanoparticle doped plastics which may be cheaper, more lightweight, and stronger than prior materials...
US Patent 7579238 - Multibit nanocrystal nonvolatile memory
Posted on August 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7579238.htmlDue to the discrete nature of nanocrystals they can be useful to facilitate the storage of multiple bits in semiconductor memory cells. This patent from Freescale Semiconductor teaches a variation of this technique which allows for a larger range of applied voltages making bit erasure possible without damage to the memory cell...
US Patent 7579199 - Flexible flat panel display including transistors formed from nanoparticles
Posted on August 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7579199.htmlIn order to construct flexible display devices from plastic materials lower temperature manufacturing processes are necessary. This patent from Samsung Mobile Display teaches a method of using semiconductor nanoparticles to form thin film transistors for flexible displays...
US Patent 7579077 - Nanofiber reservoir for drug delivery
Posted on August 26, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7579077.htmlThis patent from Nanosys teaches a drug delivery system which uses semiconductor nanofibers in forming a high surface area reservoir for medical compounds. Claim 1 reads:1. A drug delivery device for introduction of one or more substances into a subject, which device comprises a substrate made from a first material, which substrate comprises:at least a first surface, a plurality of semiconductor nanofibers attached to the first surface which nanofibers are made from a second compositionally different material from the first material,a reservoir of the one or more substances comprised between the members of the plurality of nanofibers, andthe one or more substance incorporated into the reservoir such that said one or more substances is at least partially shielded from direct exposure to bodily fluids within the subject when the device is introduced into the subject.
US Patent 7579050 - Charged nanoparticle assisted lithography
Posted on August 26, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7579050.htmlFabrication on the nanoscale is often divided between bottom-up and top-down strategies. However, there are some hybrid approaches which form an optimized medium between the nanoscale resolution available from the bottom-up approach and the fabrication speed available from the top-down approach...
US Patent 7579149 - Electric field separation of molecular species on a scanning probe tip
Posted on August 26, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7579149.htmlThis patent from IBM teaches a new way to perform DNA sequencing with possibly higher speed using the tip of a scanning probe microscope to separate molecules based on their mobility. Claim 1 reads:1. A method comprising:placing different kinds of molecular species onto a scanning probe microscope tip; andintroducing a first electric field between said scanning probe microscope tip and a substrate so that said different kinds of molecular species traverse said scanning probe microscope tip to be separated.
US Patent 7578997 - Metal ion modified nanoparticles for odor removal
Posted on August 25, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7578997.htmlThis patent from Kimberly-Clark Worldwide teaches a variety of nanoparticle compositions useful for odor removal. Claim 1 reads:1. A composition for neutralizing odor, comprising:a nanoparticle comprising a diameter of less than 500 nanometers, a surface area of at least about 500 square meters/gram, and a first Zeta Potential of about ?1 to ?50 millivolts, the nanoparticle comprising silica, titanium dioxide, gold, zinc oxide, polystyrene, or combinations thereof; andat least one metal ion adsorbed onto the nanoparticle, the at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of a copper ion, a silver ion, a gold ion, and combinations thereof;wherein at least one of the nanoparticle and the adsorbed metal ion is capable of binding at least one odorous compound.
US Patent 7578909 - CNT sputtering apparatus
Posted on August 25, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7578909.htmlSputtering is a common technique used in the semiconductor industry in forming metal or metal oxide thin film structures. This patent from Hitachi Cable teaches a way to integrate carbon nanotubes into the sputtering apparatus...
US Patent 7578176 - Accounting for tip variation in scanning probe microscopes
Posted on August 25, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7578176.htmlAtomic force microscopes (AFMs) detect matter on the nanoscale based upon the interaction of an ultrasharp tip and a substrate under investigation. However, under repeated usage the tips of AFMs undergo wear which requires recalibration of the microscope and which slows down the speed of material characterization...
US Patent 7576565 - Memristor crossbar driver circuit
Posted on August 20, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7576565.htmlThe memristor has been proposed as a new nanoscale circuit element useful to non-volatile memory called resistive RAM and neuromorphic circuitry. One of the key advantages of memristors is their ability to provide reconfigurable resistance states enabling more adaptive electronic systems to be developed which merge hardware with software...
US Patent 7576444 - Microturbine wind energy
Posted on August 20, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7576444.htmlConventional wind power requires large tracts of land and an expensive set-up. This patent from a company called Genedics teaches an alternative based on microsized wind energy conversion devices set up along active roadways...
US Patent 7576410 - Nanotube power transistor
Posted on August 20, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7576410.htmlThis patent from Infineon Technologies teaches the formation of a power transistor including nanotubes in the channel allowing for voltages of up to 600V with less complex gate construction. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7576353 - Ballistic deflection transistor
Posted on August 19, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7576353.htmlThis patent from researchers at the University of Rochester teaches a new type of transistor based on ballistic transport enabling ultra-high speed (THz) and low power logic circuit designs. An article from the University of Rochester explains that:"Since there are no conventional junctions, the operating voltage is very low, making it suitable for low power applications...
US Patent 7576027 - Manufacture of carbide and oxycarbide catalysts from carbon nanotubes
Posted on August 19, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7576027.htmlThis patent from Hyperion Catalysis International teaches using carbon nanotubes in the formation of catalysts required for petroleum refining. The catalysts are taught to offer higher surface area, porosity, pore size distribution, and resistance to attrition in comparison to conventional catalysts...
US Patent 7575933 - Chemical sensor including nanostructure adapted selectivity
Posted on August 19, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7575933.htmlThis patent from Nanomix teaches a manufacturing method for a nanomaterial-based chemical sensor providing enhanced sensitivity and the ability to detect different chemical signatures in parallel. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7573926 - Multi-wavelength quantum dot laser
Posted on August 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7573926.htmlQuantum dot lasers offer improvements in laser efficiency but have been limited in multi-wavelength modes important to optical communications. this patent from Industrial Technology Research Institute teaches the manufacture of a quantum dot laser capable of overcoming this limitation...
US Patent 7573186 - CNT electrochemical sensor
Posted on August 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7573186.htmlThis patent from Fuji Xerox teaches a variation of a carbon nanotube chemical sensor which purportedly produces higher sensitivity. Claim 1 reads:1. An electrode for electrochemical measurement comprising:a plurality of carbon nanotubes,a catalyst causing a specific chemical reaction, andan insulator in which the carbon nanotubes and the catalyst are embedded,wherein the carbon nanotubes are electrically connected with each other by chemical bonding to thereby form a network structure, a part of the catalyst is exposed at a surface of the insulator, and a part of the plurality of the carbon nanotubes are exposed at the surface of the insulator to form an electroconductive portion, and the carbon nanotubes are cross-linked with a cross-linking agent having non-self polymerizability.
US Patent 7572662 - Fullerene phase change RAM
Posted on August 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7572662.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches using fullerene to improve the electrical characteristics of electrode contacts in phase change memory. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of fabricating a phase change RAM (PRAM) comprising:forming a bottom electrode, forming an interlayer dielectric film covering the bottom electrode, and forming a bottom electrode contact hole exposing a portion of the bottom electrode in the interlayer dielectric film;forming a bottom electrode contact plug by filling the bottom electrode contact hole with a plug material;forming a fullerene layer on a region including at least an upper surface of the bottom electrode contact plug; andsequentially stacking a phase change layer and an upper electrode on the fullerene layer, wherein the fullerene layer contacts the bottom electrode contact plug.
US Patent 7572300 - Nanowire AFM tip
Posted on August 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7572300.htmlAtomic Force Microscopes are a variety of scanning probes for inspecting the shapes and characteristics of nanostructures via Van der Waals forces. This patent from IBM (who originally developed AFMs in the 1980s) teaches a method of forming ultrasharp tips of nanowires on the apex of the AFM while removing unwanted nanowires...
US Patent 7571638 - Integrated scanning probe cantilever and tip
Posted on August 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7571638.htmlScanning probe microscopes may be considered a bridge between the microscale processing found in MEMS and the nanoscale processing found in molecular materials research. This patent teaches a supposedly "new" way to make a scanning probe microscope in which the elements forming the probe are integrated in a common material and formed in a plane which may make it easier to fabricate a larger variety of tip and cantilever shapes...
US Patent 7570355 - NERS-active nanowire heterostructure
Posted on August 10, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7570355.htmlThis patent from Hewlett Packard focuses on a variation of Raman spectroscopy using nanowire heterostructures to increase the sensitivity of molecular detection. Claim 1 reads: 1. A NERS-active structure comprising: at least one heterostructure nanowire having at least two active regions and at least one inactive region between the at least two active regions, wherein the at least one heterostructure nanowire comprises at least one radial core-shell heterostructure nanowire.
US Patent 7569905 - 3-contact vertical nanorod sensor
Posted on August 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569905.htmlThis patent from the Palo Alto Research Center teaches an electronic environmental sensor fabricated from zinc oxide nanorods. Claim 1 reads:1. A vertically fabricated three-electrode device comprising:a detector having a substrate having a major surface; anda nanorod formed on the substrate, the nanorod being substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the substrate, wherein the nanorod comprises:a middle portion;a first end portion, the first end portion being metallized; anda second end portion, the second end portion being metallized,a part of the middle portion of the nanorod being metallized and electrically connected to a third electrode.
US Patent 7569880 - Nanotube switch FET
Posted on August 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569880.htmlThis appears to be yet another basic patent to carbon nanotube electronics issued to the innovative company Nantero. This patent covers a field effect transistor using a mechanical nanotube switch as a control element which may form the basis of a higher stability, lower leakage non-volatile memory cell...
US Patent 7569847 - Uniform diameter core-shell nanowire heterostructures
Posted on August 06, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569847.htmlThis patent from the University of California system has priority going back to 2001 and teaches the fabrication of uniform arrays of nanowires. However, one bizarre thing about some of the claims (such as claim 1 below) is that they claim a single nanowire making the limitation regarding the diameter uniformity of a population of nanowires seemingly meaningless...
US Patent 7569846 - Nanowire phase change RAM
Posted on August 06, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569846.htmlPhase change RAM has been under experimental study for decades but appears to be getting ready as a strong contender for the non-volatile memory market with companies including Samsung, Intel, STMicroelectronics, and Hynix preparing for mass-production...
US Patent 7569510 - Nanoparticle catalysts for CO reduction in cigarettes
Posted on August 06, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569510.htmlThis patent from Philip Morris teaches a way to convert carbon monoxide in cigarettes to carbon dioxide using metal oxide nanoparticles in a porous support. Claim 1 reads:1. A catalyst comprising noble metal nanoparticles on non-noble metal oxides incorporated in a porous support of mesoporous silica wherein the catalyst is catalytically active for oxidation of carbon monoxide and wherein the noble metal nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of gold, palladium, platinum and mixtures thereof and the non-noble metal oxides are selected from the group consisting of titania, alumina, ceria, zirconia, iron oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, and mixtures thereof.
US Patent 7569503 - Laser annealing of nanowire thin films
Posted on August 06, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569503.htmlVarious nanowire materials have been shown to have electron mobilities several times that of silicon offering the possibility of increasing the speed of electronic devices. However, techniques need to be developed to integrate nanowire semiconductors with traditional semiconductor substrates...
US Patent 7569470 - Fabrication of nanowire arrays on vicinal surface
Posted on August 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569470.htmlThis patent teaches a new method to manufacture nanowires based on deviations of the crystallographic orientation of a substrate on which the nanowires are grown. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of preparing an array of conducting or semi-conducting nanowires comprising:forming a vicinal surface of stepped atomic terraces on a substrate; anddepositing a fractional layer of dopant material to form nanostripes having a width less than the width of the atomic terraces;wherein diffusion of the atoms of the dopant nanostripes into the substrate forms the nanowires.
US Patent 7569425 - Manufacture of aligned CNT thermal interface film
Posted on August 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569425.htmlThe excellent thermal transport properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted the interest of companies such as Intel looking for solutions in the growing problem of heat accumulation in microprocessors...
US Patent 7569410 - Integrated MEMS packaging
Posted on August 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569410.htmlAs microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) move into the mainstream one issue important to cost-savings is effective packaging and integration of MEMS devices with CMOS electronics. This patent from Sharp teaches a way to fabricate MEMS on glass substrates making it easier to integrate MEMS devices in cell phones to achieve image and motion capture functions...
US Patent 7569340 - Nanoarrays of single virus particles
Posted on August 04, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569340.htmlThis patent covers an application of Nanoink's dip pen nanolithography to form arrays of binding sites for a virus which may represent the most precise and reliable way to control the positioning of a virus for study...
US Patent 7569252 - Dip pen nanolithography
Posted on August 04, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569252.htmlThe atomic force microscope was originally developed in the 1980's to scan on the nanometer and atomic level but was soon found to be useful to manipulated as well as to detect on the nanoscale. This is a basic patent to Northwestern University with priority going back to 1999 on the process of dip pen nanolithography, a type of coating process using an ultrasharp tip to transfer nanoscale patterns on a substrate which is being commercialized by Nanoink...
US Patent 7569205 - Dispersion of nanodiamonds
Posted on August 04, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7569205.htmlNanodiamonds have potential as additives to improve lubricants and for polishing. However, nanodiamonds can suffer from the same clumping problems of other nanomaterials. This patent teaches a processing method in which dimethyl sulfoxide is used to deaggregate the nanodiamonds...
US Patent 7567414 - Nanotube electrostatic discharge protection circuit
Posted on July 30, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7567414.htmlOne key advantage of carbon nanotubes to electronics is their ability to withstand current densities greater than 100 times that of copper. This patent from Nantero takes advantage of this property in forming an electrostatic discharge protection circuit...
US Patent 7566657 - Nanoparticle based growth of interconnect vias
Posted on July 30, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7566657.htmlThe development of 3D stacked semiconductor circuit architectures is of interest to continue Moore's Law. One issue in this area is the development of high aspect ratio vertical interconnects to connect the different layers...
US Patent 7566478 - Patterned carbon nanotube fabric
Posted on July 29, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7566478.htmlThe two main ways of integrating carbon nanotubes with electronics is 1) to prefabricate the carbon nanotubes which are introduced into a paste of ink and deposited on a substrate used to form the electronic device or 2) to directly grow carbon nanotubes onto the substrate...
US Patent 7566476 - High spectral purity quantum dots
Posted on July 29, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7566476.htmlThis patent is from M.I.T. and has some relatively early priority (1997) to a method of nanocrystal separation to produce a narrow spectrum photoluminescence from the nanocrystals. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of producing a population of coated nanocrystals that exhibit photoluminescence having a quantum yield of greater than about 30%, comprising:synthesizing a plurality of nanocrystal cores made from a first semiconductor material; andsize-separating a select population of nanocrystal cores from the plurality of synthesized cores, wherein the population of coated nanocrystals emit light in a spectral range of no greater than about 40 nm full width at half max (FWHM) when irradiated.
US Patent 7564269 - Integrated CNT/FET switch
Posted on July 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7564269.htmlThis patent from Nantero teaches an integrated semiconductor and nanotube field effect switching structure with higher potential integration density and operating speed than conventional CMOS designs. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7564262 - Memristor Crossbar Comparator
Posted on July 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7564262.htmlMemristors (memory resistors) are a new type of nanoscale circuit element which have been popularized in the last year due to interest by Hewlett Packard. One key advantage of memristors is the ability to integrate data storage and signal processing functions in a single circuit element in order to achieve real time pattern recognition and control system functions...
US Patent 7564246 - CNT field emission pressure sensor
Posted on July 23, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7564246.htmlCarbon nanotube (CNT) field emitters are most often mentioned for applications in displays but another potential application is in pressure gages. This patent teaches an improved version of a CNT pressure gage with less potential damage to the nanotube emitters by using a multiple grid system...
US Patent 7564085 - Vertical nanowire mechanical memory
Posted on July 23, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7564085.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches a new type of nanostructured memory device which uses a mechanically movable nanowire to store charge on a capacitive nanowire. Claim 1 reads:1. A memory device comprising:an insulating substrate;a source electrode formed on the insulating substrate;a drain electrode formed on the insulating substrate and spaced apart from the source electrode;a nanowire capacitor formed on the source electrode, the nanowire capacitor including a first nanowire grown vertically from the source electrode, a dielectric layer formed on the outer surface of the first nanowire, and a floating electrode formed on the outer surface of the dielectric layer;a second nanowire grown vertically from the drain electrode, the second nanowire bending towards the nanowire capacitor while a voltage is applied to the drain electrode; anda gate electrode formed on the insulating substrate and spaced apart from the drain electrode, the drain electrode being arranged between the source electrode and the gate electrode.
US Patent 7563722 - Nanotexturing of multicrystalline silicon
Posted on July 23, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7563722.htmlThis patent from Applied Nanotech teaches a way to increase the efficiency of multicrystalline silicon solar cells by using nanoparticles to enhance the texture of the silicon surface. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for texturing a surface of a multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) substrate, comprising the steps of:applying a layer of nano-sized particles onto the surface of the mc-Si substrate; andbombarding the surface of the mc-Si substrate with plasma ions over a period of time so that the plasma ions that pass through openings in the layer of nano-sized particles etch the surface of the mc-Si substrate more substantially than the surface of the mc-Si substrate lying beneath the nano-sized particles resulting in a texturing of the surface of the mc-Si substrate to thereby increase light scattering properties of the mc-Si substrate, wherein the nano-sized particles comprise fullerenes.
US Patent 7563428 - High yield SWCNT fabrication
Posted on July 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7563428.htmlThis patent from the University of Oklahoma has some early priority (June 2, 1999) and teaches a CVD manufacturing method with a relatively high yield of carbon nanotubes of the single walled variety. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7563411 - CNT array manufacturing with multiple gas flow inlets
Posted on July 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7563411.htmlThis patent from Hon Hai Precision teaches a device to facilitate the measurement of growth rates of carbon nanotube arrays by using a secondary gas inlet to provide a disturbance gas to quickly stop growth...
US Patent 7562433 - Metal nanofiber fabrication
Posted on July 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7562433.htmlThis patent from Oxford Semiconducting Technology teaches an unusual method of nanofiber fabrication based on repeated steps of deforming and stacking a metal matrix having metal rods inserted therein. After a few iterations of these deformation and stacking steps, gold wires of 0...
US Patent 7561760 - Optical beam steering using nanowires
Posted on July 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7561760.htmlThis patent from Northrop Grumman teaches electrically or magnetically steering optical signals transmitted in nanowires. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for steering optical frequency beams using nanowire, comprising:providing one or more nanowire waveguide arrays;generating an optical frequency beam, wherein the optical frequency beam is incident on the one or more nanowire waveguide arrays;controlling the one or more nanowire waveguide arrays to produce a phase delay in the optical frequency beam as it travels through nanowire waveguide array, wherein the phase delay causes the optical frequency beam to deflect upon exiting the one or more nanowire waveguide arrays; andsteering the optical frequency beam exiting the one or more nanowire waveguide arrays by increasing or decreasing the phase delay, wherein the angle of deflection of the exiting optical frequency beam is determined by the gradient of the phase delay.
US Patent 7560707 - Plasmonic up-converter
Posted on July 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7560707.htmlUp-conversion materials provide a conversion from infrared to visible light offering an alternative to cathode ray tubes and LCDs for a lighter display structure. This patent from Hewlett-Packard teaches using surface plasmons formed in a nanostructured surface to increase the efficiency of such materials...
US Patent 7560394 - Silicon nanodot on insulator structure
Posted on July 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7560394.htmlSilicon nanodots or nanocrystals are useful for constructing high efficiency LEDs, lasers, photodetectors, or floating gate memory. However, it is difficult to achieve uniform size and spacing of semiconductor nanodots...
US Patent 7560366 - Process for horizontal nanowire growth
Posted on July 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7560366.htmlThere have been numerous techniques developed for the direct growth of silicon nanowires on a substrate. However, most of these techniques result in vertically grown arrays of nanowires while horizontal nanowires have required pre-fabrication of the nanowires and deposition onto the substrate which can be more complex than a direct growth process and require special alignment steps...
US Patent 7560134 - Bead blasting nanoparticle implantation
Posted on July 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7560134.htmlThe patent from Applied Nanotech teaches a method of depositing nanoparticles into a surface using beads of glass or ice as carrier particles. This can provide a simpler alternative to other deposition methods using nanoparticles embedded in printing pastes which require additional post-processing steps and produce smaller surface densities of the nanoparticles...
US Patent 7559758 - Nanoimprinting stamp with flow ducts
Posted on July 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7559758.htmlNanoimprint lithography offers a potential route to 10 nm lithography and better using a patterned stamp structure to shape a polymer or resin material. However, residual polymer and resin can require cleaning of the stamp surface and lack of uniformity in the patterned structures...
US Patent 7557372 - Programmable conductivity nanoparticle films
Posted on July 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7557372.htmlThe popularization of the memristor by Hewlett-Packard has opened the possibility of a variety of new circuit architectures providing reconfigurable electronics and new types of electronic memory. This patent from the University of California teaches a nanoparticle film with similar programmable characteristics...
US Patent 7556826 - Chewable nanoparticle composition for drug delivery
Posted on July 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7556826.htmlThis patent from GP Medical teaches a nanoparticle drug delivery system for oral administration of proteins or peptides and suitable for animal feeding. Claim 1 reads:1. A chewable composition for feeding an animal subject comprising a filler substance and nanoparticles that are blended with said filler substance, said nanoparticles comprising:a shell portion that is dominated by positively charged chitosan,a core portion that contains negatively charged substrate,wherein said negatively charged substrate is at least partially neutralized with a portion of said positively charged chitosan in the core portion,wherein said substrate is PGA, andat least one bioactive agent loaded within said nanoparticles.
US Patent 7556789 - Low temperature CNT synthesis
Posted on July 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7556789.htmlThis patent from Central Michigan University teaches a carbon nanotube manufacturing method capable of being performed below 100 degrees centigrade and, in some embodiments, at room temperature using iron encapsulated dendrimers...
US Patent 7556746 - Nanotube applicator liquid for electronics fabrication
Posted on July 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7556746.htmlThis patent from Nantero teaches a purified nanotube solution suitable for spin-coating processes used in the manufacture of integrated circuits. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of making an applicator liquid containing nanotubes of high purity while achieving a stable distribution of nanotubes in the liquid for use in an electronics fabrication process, comprising:dispersing nanotubes into a solvent at a concentration of at least one milligram of nanotubes per liter solvent without addition of surfactants or polymers to form the applicator liquid;wherein the applicator liquid is substantially free of particulates having a diameter greater than about 500 nm;wherein the applicator liquid has a level of metal impurities that is less than about 1×1018 atoms/cm3; andwherein the nanotubes are distributed in the solvent without substantial precipitation or flocculation.
US Patent 7556571 - CNT sheet for golf club head
Posted on July 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7556571.htmlThis patent from Adams Golf teaches a carbon nanotube padding for a golf club head which makes it easier for beginning golfers to provide a good striking force. Claim 1 reads:1. A golf club head, comprising:a club head body, the club head body includes a striking face, a soleplate, a toe, a heel and a hosel;the club head body including a body shell composed of the striking face, soleplate, toe and heel, wherein at least a portion of the body shell is composed of a flexible material consisting essentially of carbon nanotubes woven into a sheet of a predetermined size, the sheet having a density of less than approximately 2...
US Patent 7553898 - Flame retardant plastics with nanostructured filler
Posted on July 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7553898.htmlThis patent for the Research Foundation of the State University of New York teaches a flame retardant polymer composite incorporating nanomaterials and resistant to degradation when exposed to UV radiation...
US Patent 7553681 - CNT stress sensor manufacture
Posted on July 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7553681.htmlThis patent from Intel teaches forming a carbon nanotube based sensor for detecting stresses formed between integrated circuit dies and packaging. Claim 1 reads:1. A method comprising:depositing a first array of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) aligned in a first orientation at a first location on a substrate or a die in a wafer;intercalating the first array with polymer;covering the first polymer-intercalated array with a nitride layer;depositing a second array of CNTs aligned in a second orientation at a second location on the substrate or the die; andintercalating the second array with polymer.
US Patent 7553471 - Manufacturing hydrophilic carbon nanotubes
Posted on June 30, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7553471.htmlThis patent from Honda teaches a method of making carbon nanotubes dispersible in aqueous solutions without clumping which could be useful in forming carbon nanotube inks and paints. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of manufacturing hydrophilic carbon nanotubes, comprising the steps of introducing hydrophilic functional group(s) into the surface of carbon nanotubes by irradiating the carbon nanotubes with an ultraviolet ray at an output ranging from 10 to 70 mW/cm2, wherein the hydrophilic functional group(s) is one or more groups selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group (?OH), a carbonyl group (?CO?), an aldehyde group (?CHO), a carboxyl group (?COOH), a nitro group (?NO2), and an amino group (?NH2).
US Patent 7552636 - Nanomechanical gyroscope
Posted on June 30, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7552636.htmlThis patent from UT-Battelle teaches a gyroscope formed with dimensions small enough to be influenced by quantum phase interference effects. Claim 1 reads:1. A nanomechanical (NEMS) gyroscope, comprising:an integrated circuit substrate;a pair of spaced apart contact pads disposed on said substrate, anda movable nanoscale element forming at least a portion of a first electrically conductive path electrically coupling said contact pads, wherein said movable element experiences movement comprising rotation, changes in rotation, or oscillation upon said gyroscope experiencing angular velocity or angular acceleration, said movement inducing phase changes in current flow through said movable element.
US Patent 7551884 - Carbon nanotube cleaning blade
Posted on June 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7551884.htmlCleaning blades are important to laser printers for removing toner from the photosensitive drum used in transferring images to paper. This patent from Toshiba teaches how to use carbon nanotube or fullerene material to enhance the durability and lifetime of such cleaning blades...
US Patent 7550907 - Carbon nanotube yarn electron emitter
Posted on June 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7550907.htmlThis patent from Hon Hai Precision teaches wrapping carbon nanotube yarn around an elongated structure to form an electron emitting device with enhanced efficiency. Claim 1 reads:1. A field emission element, comprising:an elongated solid body;a carbon nanotube yarn wrapping round the elongated solid body;an electrically conductive adhesive agent applied between the elongated solid body and the carbon nanotube yarn, the electrically conductive adhesive agent being configured for fixing the carbon nanotube yarn to the elongated solid body, wherein substantially all of the carbon nanotube yarn is entirely adhered on a peripheral surface of the elongated solid body by the adhesive agent.
US Patent 7550747 - Nanotip electron beam maskless lithography
Posted on June 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7550747.htmlSince electron beam lithography usually uses only a single electron source it is usually considered too slow to be used in the semiconductor processing necessary for mass production. However, the inclusion of massively parallel arrays of electron sources can increase throughput...
US Patent 7550129 - Faceted graphene nanofibers
Posted on June 23, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7550129.htmlThis patent from Catalytic Materials teaches manufacturing a variation of carbon nanotubes in which the nanotube walls are faceted instead of cylindrical. Claim 1 reads:1. A crystalline graphitic nanofiber consisting essentially of at least one uninterrupted, unbroken, substantially graphite sheet that is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nanofiber and which has a substantially non-cylindrical multifaceted tubular structure, wherein when two or more of said sheets is present they are present as a tube within a tube structure and wherein the distance between graphite sheets is from about 0...
US Patent 7550097 - Thermally conductive and electrically insulating nanocomposite
Posted on June 23, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7550097.htmlThermal conduction and electrical conduction is found in metallic materials but for electronics cooling it can be undesirable to provide electrical conduction which can short out circuitry. This patent from Momentive Performance Materials teaches a nanocomposite thermal interface which provides the thermal conduction while avoiding electrical conduction...
US Patent 7549759 - MEMS ribbon display with enhanced contrast
Posted on June 23, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7549759.htmlThis patent from Alces Technology teaches an optical system which can improve the contrast of micromechanical display devices. Claim 1 reads:1. A polarization light modulator comprising:a polarization displacement device;a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS ribbon device); and,a polarizer;wherein, the polarizer passes light that has propagated through the polarization displacement device after being reflected by deflected ribbons in the MEMS ribbon device.
US Patent 7547931 - Nanoelectronic capnometer adaptor
Posted on June 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7547931.htmlCapnography involves the measurement of carbon dioxide in air samples which is important to monitoring patients in a hospital. This patent from Nanomix teaches using nanostructured material to increase the responsiveness and reduce the cost of capnography sensors...
US Patent 7547881 - Nanowire electron scattering spectroscopy
Posted on June 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7547881.htmlNanotubes and nanowires offer enhanced sensitivity in molecular detectors but often require functionalization of the nanotube or nanowire surfaces to tailor the sensor to a particular molecular structure to be detected which can make manufacture more difficult...
US Patent 7547467 - Nanoparticle brightness enhancing film
Posted on June 16, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7547467.htmlThis patent from 3M teaches another variation of a nanoparticle brightness enhancing film to improve the appearance and efficiency of digital displays. Claim 1 reads:1. A brightness enhancing film comprising the reaction production of a polymerizable resin composition including inorganic nanoparticles surface modified with a surface treatment comprising a monocarboxylic acid having a refractive index of at least 1...
US Patent 7547347 - Synthesis of nanomaterials in ionic liquids
Posted on June 16, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7547347.htmlCompared with conventional solvents ionic solvents are non-volatile, non-flammable, and thermally stable. This patent from the University of Rochester teaches using and recycling these solvents to achieve a more eco-friendly nanoparticle fabrication method...
US Patent 7547344 - Nanosized intermetallic powder barcode
Posted on June 16, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7547344.htmlThis patent from Philip Morris teaches a magnetic nanopowder barcode providing the capacity to print smaller lines of barcodes and providing increased sensitivities allowing for lower energies to be used in bar code readers...
US Patent 7546013 - Nanoparticle photon emitter for fiber optics
Posted on June 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7546013.htmlThis patent from HP teaches a single photon generator input to a fiber waveguide of a quantum computer. Claim 1 reads:1. A device comprising:an individually addressed nanoparticle for emitting single photons;a photonic crystal fiber waveguide for receiving the single photons, the waveguide optically coupled to the nanoparticle at an endface of the waveguide not treated to increase reflection, the waveguide endface disposed adjacent to the nanoparticle; anda single backreflector optically coupled to the waveguide and configured to reflect at least some of the single photons toward the waveguide, the backreflector disposed adjacent to the nanoparticle and the waveguide endface;wherein the nanoparticle is placed on one of the backreflector and the waveguide.
US Patent 7546000 - Color center quantum computer
Posted on June 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7546000.htmlThis patent from HP proposes a diamond lattice structure with atomic vacancies as a basis for quantum computers. Claim 1 reads:1. A node of a quantum computer architecture, the node comprising:a first photonic device configured to transmit electromagnetic waves;a color center embedded in diamond and coupled to the first photonic device; anda switch located between the first photonic device and a bus waveguide, and the switch configured to selectively control transmission of electromagnetic waves between the bus waveguide and the color center.
US Patent 7545241 - Nanoparticle transmission line
Posted on June 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7545241.htmlThis patent from NEC teaches improved frequency independence of transmission line elements used to couple large scale integrated circuits of computers by using conductive nanoparticles. Claim 1 reads:1. A microstrip line having at least a dielectric layer and a conductor layer disposed in order on a first electrode layer, said microstrip line characterized in that said dielectric layer is formed by oxidizing, nitriding, or oxynitriding said first electrode layer, and said conductor layer comprises at least conductive nanoparticles and a binder resin.
US Patent 7545051 - Vertical nanowire array solar cells
Posted on June 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7545051.htmlThis patent from the University of California teaches growing high density arrays of metal oxide nanowires to form a high efficiency photovoltaic converter. Claim 1 reads:1. An electronic device, comprising:a first conductive layer;an array of nanowires, the nanowires having first ends and second ends, the first ends adjacent the first conductive layer, the nanowires extending approximately perpendicular to the first conductive layer, wherein the nanowire array has a density of approximately 10^10 nanowires per cm2;a second conductive layer approximately parallel to the first conductive layer and adjacent the second ends of the nanowires; andan electronic material filling spaces between and around the nanowires.
US Patent 7545030 - Metal impregnated CNT heat sink
Posted on June 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7545030.htmlIntel continues to focus on the thermal management applications of carbon nanotubes with this latest patent teaching a metal film coated CNT heat spreader. Claim 1 reads:1. An article comprising:a substrate;a carbon nanotube (CNT) array on the substrate;a metal impregnated within the CNT array and coupled to the substrate; anda metallization first film in contact with the CNT array and the substrate, and wherein the metallization first film includes a titanium-containing first layer disposed against the CNT array and the substrate and a gold-containing second layer disposed against the metal first film.
US Patent 7544978 - Lipid nanowire sensor
Posted on June 10, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7544978.htmlThis patent from Lawrence Livermore National Security teaches a new biochemical sensor nanostructure with improved signal detection efficiency. Claim 1 reads:1. A sensor apparatus, comprising:a nanotube or nanowire,a lipid bilayer around said nanotube or nanowire,a hydrophilic cushion between said nanotube or nanowire and said lipid bilayer,wherein said hydrophilic cushion is a polymer cushion, and a sensing element connected to said lipid bilayer.
US Patent 7544977 - Nanoscale/Microscale interface
Posted on June 10, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7544977.htmlOver the past 10 years Hewlett-Packard has been developing nanoscale crossbar circuit architectures as a platform for molecular electronics which may be applicable to their new memristor designs. However, there is some difficulty in addressing these nanoscale structures with wires formed using conventional microlithography due to incompatibility in the size of the wiring...
US Patent 7544938 - Statistical characterization of nanoparticles
Posted on June 10, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7544938.htmlIn order to effectively use nanoparticles it is important to something about the size distribution of the particles. This patent from FEI teaches forming an electrostatic pattern to attract small groups of nanoparticles sufficient to perform statistical analysis...
US Patent 7544747 - Photovoltaic fullerene
Posted on June 09, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7544747.htmlThis patent from Konarka Technologies teaches a composite fullerene materials that may be useful in producing flexible solar cells. Claim 1 reads:1. A fullerene derivative, comprising a pendant cyclic ether and a fullerene comprising a number Cj carbon atoms, wherein j ranges from 50 to 250 and the pendant cyclic ether and the fullerene are spaced apart by an ester group or a ketone group.
US Patent 7544626 - Self-assembled silicon nanotubes
Posted on June 09, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7544626.htmlWhile there have been a large variety of manufacturing methods used in the development of carbon nanotubes over the past two decades, other nanotube materials have been more difficult to produce. Silicon nanotubes may be easier to integrate into conventional semiconductor devices but have been fabricated mostly based on nanostructured templates...
US Patent 7543638 - Nanoparticle enhanced oil recovery
Posted on June 09, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7543638.htmlIn the later stages of oil recovery operations it is necessary to perform chemical procedures to recover heavy oils or tar which can require a great deal of energy expenditure. This patent from Schlumberger Technology Corporation teaches a method of using nanoparticle catalysts to reduce these energy costs in recovering oil from late stage oil reserves...
US Patent 7542334 - Nanotube SRAM
Posted on June 03, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7542334.htmlThis patent from Nantero teaches a latch cell structure analogous to that used in SRAM but formed with nanotube junctions. Claim 1 reads:1. A latch circuit, comprising:at least one input terminal and an output terminal;a first and a second inverter circuit, each inverter circuit includes a nanotube switching element having an input node, an output node, a nanotube channel element having at least one electrically conductive nanotube, a control structure disposed in relation to the nanotube channel element to controllably form and unform an electrically conductive channel to the output node;wherein the output node of the first inverter circuit is coupled to the control structure of the second inverter circuit, and the output node of the second inverter circuit is coupled to the control structure of the first inverter circuit.
US Patent 7541623 - ZnO nanorod heterostructure
Posted on June 03, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7541623.htmlThe bandgap of zinc oxide semiconductors makes then useful for LED and laser applications. This patent from Postech Foundation teaches the fabrication of ZnO nanorods to achieve pn junctions for LEDs. Claim 1 reads:1...
Free Memristor Patent Database
Posted on June 01, 2009Memristors represent a new type of nanoscale circuit element proposed to replace flash memory in the next decade and provide a platform to new types of neuromorphic computer architectures. I put together a database of patents related to the materials having memristive characteristics including the patents of Hewlett Packard, Micron Technology, Samsung, Axon Technology, Energy Conversion Devices, Advanced Micro Devices, and Unity Semiconductor which each have patents covering different variations or aspects of memristors...
US Patent 7539119 - Memristor probe tip memory
Posted on May 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7539119.htmlMillipede memory has been under development by IBM and others based on the use of large arrays of cantilevered tips which write data by a thermal heating of polymer. This patent from Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute modifies the millipede concept by using metal oxide materials having the resistance switching properties characteristic of memristors...
US Patent 7538474 - MEMS testing via phonon stimulation
Posted on May 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7538474.htmlThis patent from the National University of Singapore teaches a new reliability testing system for MEMS devices based on an acoustic sensing method which can be less invasive than previous methods. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7538422 - Multilayer CNT IC cooler
Posted on May 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7538422.htmlThe use of carbon nanotubes for heat removal is being explored by a variety of semiconductor companies. One of the problems is that the distance of thermal conduction is limited by the attainable length of the nanotubes...
US Patent 7538400 - Flexible nanotube sensor platform
Posted on May 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7538400.htmlThis patent from Nantero teaches an extension of their nanotube fabric electronics to form biosensors on flexible substrates. Claim 1 reads:1. An electrical device, comprising:a flexible substrate having a major surface and a second surface substantially non-parallel to said major surface;a conductive article oriented disposed on said second surface of the substrate, said article comprising a non-woven fabric of nanotubes for providing a plurality of conductive pathways along the article; andan electrode in electrical communication with at least a portion of the conductive article.
US Patent 7537975 - CNT organic thin film transistor
Posted on May 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7537975.htmlThis patent from Samsung appears to include a broad claim for an insulated gate thin film field effect transistor formed with a mixture of carbon nanotubes and organic materials in the channel. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7537807 - Electrospray nanofiber deposition
Posted on May 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7537807.htmlThis patent from Cornell University teaches a new type of deposition technique for polymeric nanofibers using a microfluidic emitter tip. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of forming nanofibers, the method comprising:positioning a target substrate and counter electrode a desired distance from a microfluidic emitter having an emitter tip;providing a polymer to the microfluidic emitter tip;applying a potential between the microfluidic emitter tip and the target substrate to create nanofibers on the target substrate and;creating lateral movement between the target substrate and the microfluidic emitter.
US Patent 7535786 - Carbon nanohorn drug delivery
Posted on May 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7537786.htmlSumio Iijima of NEC published the basic paper on carbon nanotubes which launched research on these materials. Now it appears the interest is on a noe form of carbon nanomaterial called nanohorns. This patent includes some basic claims to using carbon nanohorns for drug delivery...
US Patent 7537695 - Carbon nanofilament water filter
Posted on May 26, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7537695.htmlThis patent from PUR Water Purification Products, Inc. teaches using carbon nanomaterials for water filtration and purification which is currently being investigated in India (link). Claim 1 reads:1. A filter for producing potable water comprising:a housing including a water inlet and a water outlet; anda filter material arranged within the housing comprising, activated carbon particles; anda plurality of carbon nanofilaments disposed on the surface of the activated carbon particles, wherein the filter is operable to provide potable water by removing contaminants from a liquid water stream flowing from the water inlet to the water outlet of the housing, wherein the plurality of carbon nanofilaments are surface-grown on the surface of the activated carbon particles.
US Patent 7537346 - Fluorescent nanoparticle display
Posted on May 26, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7537346.htmlQuantum dot nanocrystal phosphors have been suggested to improve display efficiency as far back as 1994 (see US Patent 5,882,779). This patent from Superimaging, Inc. teaches using a dark substrate (such as a vehicle dashboard) in forming the display to improve contrast...
US Patent 7537012 - Blood flow control with magnetic nanoparticles
Posted on May 26, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7537012.htmlThis patent from Vasmo, Inc. teaches a way to block the flow of blood during a surgical procedure by magnetically controlling nanoparticles administered into blood vessels. Claim 1 reads:1. A medical, surgical, or operating kit for occluding or controlling blood flow comprised of:(a) magnetic microparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, or magnetic colloids which can be administered in the form of a dispersion or suspension into a blood vessel that flows through the vessel in the bloodstream, and(b) an external magnetic field source which is adapted to be placed or held at the desired site near or above the path of the bloodstream to form a plug or blockade within said blood vessel that occludes or controls blood flow through the vessel.
US Patent 7535462 - SWCNT touchscreen
Posted on May 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7535462.htmlThis patent from Kodak teaches a touchscreen interface based on single walled carbon nanotubes having high transparency, low surface electrical resistivity, flexibility, and robustness under repeated contacts...
US Patent 7535070 - Nanoscale spin wave computer architecture
Posted on May 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7535070.htmlThis patent from the University of California system teaches spintronic based computing based on the crossbar switch architecture providing a degree of parallel computer processing which may be superior to conventional computation systems...
US Patent 7534999 - Quantum beam aided atomic force microscope
Posted on May 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7534999.htmlThe atomic force microscope is a fundamental tool to determine the shapes and profiles of nanostructures however it is limited in its ability to perform the chemical analysis of nanostructures. This patent from Japan Science and Technology Agency teaches a modification of the AFM in which irradiation of a sample is used prior to AFM imaging to provide chemical state analysis...
US Patent 7534821 - Polymeric aerogel nanocomposite moisture barrier
Posted on May 20, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7534821.htmlLaser printers and copiers are usually highly susceptible to environmental changes which can alter image quality. This patent from Xerox teaches how aerogel nanocomposites can be used as a coating to counteract such effects...
US Patent 7534648 - Thermally stable nanotube substrate material
Posted on May 20, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7534648.htmlBased on Intel's patents thermal management of integrated circuits seems to be their most pressing issue requiring nanomaterials. This latest patent continues this trend teaching a high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion IC substrate material formed by intersecting nanofibers or nanotubes combined with alumina or silica nanoparticles...
US Patent 7534468 - Self organization of molecular nanostructures by mechanical perturbation
Posted on May 20, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7534468.htmlRotaxanes and catenanes are example of interlocking molecules which have been experimented with using electrical, thermal, or optical stimulation to produce a type of reconfigurable molecular memory. This patent from Scriba Nanotechnologie S...
US Patent 7534453 - Cerium oxide nanoparticles for enhanced brain cell survivability
Posted on May 19, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7534453.htmlThis patent from the University of Central Florida Research Foundation teaches that cerium oxide nanoparticles are useful to reduce damage from free radicals offering a potential treatment for stroke and traumatic brain injuries...
US Patent 7534449 - High ligand loading density nanoparticles
Posted on May 19, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7534449.htmlLigands are substances useful to provide binding to particular receptors for drug delivery. This patent from Yale teaches using polymeric nanoparticles to provide a high ligand density for improved drug delivery...
US Patent 7533905 - Anti-counterfeiting nanostructure
Posted on May 19, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7533905.htmlThis patent from HP teaches a nanostructured mating arrangement designed to prevent the use of counterfeit inkjet print cartridges. Claim 1 reads:1. An anti-counterfeiting system, comprising:a first structure having a first plurality of three-dimensional nanostructures each having a height dimension less than a wavelength of visible light;a second structure having a second plurality of three-dimensional nanostructures each having a height dimension less than a wavelength of visible light, the second plurality configured to couple with the first plurality; andan alignment mechanism, operable to align the first structure to the second structure and establish proximate contact between the first and second pluralities of three-dimensional nanostructures;wherein the first plurality of three-dimensional nanostructures encodes a first part of an authentication key, and wherein the second plurality of nanostructures encodes a second part of the authentication key, the authentication key including pre-determined elements and interaction modalities.
US Patent 7532386 - MEMS offset voltage modification
Posted on May 14, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7532386.htmlThis patent from Iridigm Display Corp. (acquired by Qualcomm) includes some very basic claims to a manufacturing process of MEMS devices including an offset voltage correction step. Claim 1 reads:1. A process development method, comprising:identifying at least one processing parameter for manufacturing a MEMS device that results in a non-zero offset voltage for the MEMS device; andmodifying the processing parameter to shift the non-zero offset voltage closer to zero.
US Patent 7531892 - Superconducting boron nanostructures
Posted on May 14, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7531892.htmlThis patent from Yale teaches a method of forming a (relatively) high temperature superconductor material based on boron nanostructures which may have some future use in high current power transmission. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7531503 - Artificial tissue incorporating bioreleasing nanoparticles
Posted on May 14, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7531503.htmlTissue engineering involves the artificial replacement of biostructures such as bone and cartilage. This patent from Wake Forest University Health Sciences teaches a material applicable to tissue engineering incorporating nanoparticles to assist in the delivery of therapeutic compounds provided to counteract adverse immune responses...
US Patent 7531472 - Silicon nanofiber
Posted on May 13, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7531472.htmlThis patent from a company called Visionarts in Japan teaches a manufacturing method for a silicon nanofiber structure based on silicon microcrystal grain growth. Claim 1 reads:1. A nanofiber comprised of numerous nanowires, comprising silicon which is oriented and is bundled in a same direction as said nanowires, provided with a space between nanowires, such that the nanofiber has a stem shaped cross-sectional configuration.
US Patent 7531277 - Self-erasing photoreceptor containing electroluminescent nanoparticles
Posted on May 13, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7531277.htmlIn xerography processes a photoreceptor is a necessary component in forming images to be printed. this patent from Xerox takes advantage of the electrical conductivity and optical transparency of carbon nanotube material to achieve improved photoreceptors provided with self erasing...
US Patent 7531155 - Silicon powder to nanoparticle conversion
Posted on May 13, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7531155.htmlThis patent from Applied Nanotech teaches a high yield silicon nanoparticle production method based on ultrasonic agitation. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of making silicon nanoparticles comprising:a) providing porous silicon powder; andb) ultrasonically agitating said powder in a solvent to break up porous outermost layers of silicon particles comprising said powder to provide for a dispersion of silicon nanoparticles in said solvent.
US Patent 7531149 - Metal oxide nanoparticle size control
Posted on May 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7531149.htmlIn order to produce predictable behavior from nanostructured materials it is often important to have well regulated distributions of sizes and/or shapes. This patent from the University of Arkansas teaches a method of achieving uniformity for metal oxide nanoparticle fabrication...
US Patent 7531114 - CNT ionic liquid gel
Posted on May 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7531114.htmlThis patent from Japan Science and Technology Agency teaches a new carbon nanotube composite structure providing reduced damage to carbon nanotube bundles during processing. Claim 1 reads:1. A gel composition formed by a method which comprises pulverizing carbon nanotubes by applying a shearing force to a mixture consisting of carbon nanotubes and an ionic liquid, wherein the ionic liquid is a salt which assumes a molten state at or very near room temperature.
US Patent 7531068 - Silicon nanodot film deposition
Posted on May 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7531068.htmlErbium is known to be a useful semiconductor dopant for optical amplifiers and lasers. This patent from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (S.Korea) teaches using Erbium doping to produce an enhanced quantum dot light emission device...
US Patent 7530940 - Nanoparticle enhanced radiation therapy
Posted on May 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7530940.htmlThis patent from a company called NanoProbes appears fundamental to the treatment of tumors using metallic (e.g. gold) nanoparticles. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of enhancing the effects of radiation directed to a tissue or a population of cells in an animal comprising:administering an amount of metal nanoparticles to said animal and subsequently irradiating the animal with radiation directed to said tissue or said population of cells,wherein said radiation is in a form selected from the group consisting of x-rays, microbeam arrays of x-rays, radioisotopes, electrons, protons, ion beams, and neutrons,wherein said metal nanoparticles are administered to said animal in an amount to achieve a concentration in said tissue or said population of cells in the animal of at least about 0...
US Patent 7528060 - E-beam induced growth of branched nanostructures
Posted on May 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7528060.htmlThis patent from the University of Puerto Rico teaches a new methodology for forming branched silicon nanostructures which may provide enhanced surface/volume ratios for higher efficiency sensors. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7530032 - Nanowire crossbar logic implemented with tunneling resistors
Posted on May 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7530032.htmlThis patent from HPLabs teaches various implementations of logic circuitry (AND, OR, XOR, XNOR) based on nanowire crossbars which could eventually be competitive with CMOS logic as Moore's law declines. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7529437 - Quantum dot photonic computer architecture
Posted on May 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7529437.htmlQuantum dots may form the basis of future nanooptoelectronics but are subject to defects that can hinder operation. This patent from HPLabs teaches a switching architecture providing defect tolerant quantum dot computing...
US Patent 7528947 - Nanocrystal functionalized probes
Posted on May 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7528947.htmlNear-field optical microscopes are important to high-resolution optical imaging and data storage. This patent from Yissum Research Development Company teaches achieving further enhanced resolution by forming fluorescent nanocrystals on the tip of a NFOM...
US Patent 7528437 - CNT EEPROM
Posted on May 05, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7528437.htmlThis patent from Nantero teaches integrating their nanotube ribbon switch architecture with field effect transistors to form EEPROM memory cells. Claim 1 reads:1. An electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) cell, comprising:a cell selection transistor comprising a gate, a source, a drain, and a channel between the source and the drain; anda storage cell for storing the informational state of the EEPROM cell, wherein the storage cell includes a gate, a source, a drain, a channel between the source and the drain, and a nanotube switch capable of at least two states, wherein one of the source and the drain of the cell selection transistor electrically contacts one of the source and the drain of the storage cell, and wherein the state of the nanotube switch represents the informational state of the EEPROM cell, wherein the storage cell is writable and readable via said selection transistor with write times and read times being within an order of magnitude of each other.
US Patent 7525833 - Nanowire shift register
Posted on May 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7525833.htmlHP Labs has gradually been developing nanowire crossbar electronics over the past ten years offering a nanoscale alternative to purely the CMOS based architectures which dominate electronic design. This latest patent teaches using this type of architecture to construct a shift register...
US Patent 7525149 - Graded tunnel dielectric nanocrystal memory cell
Posted on May 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7525149.htmlThis patent from Micron Technology teaches a new nanocrystal charge trapping memory cell using a graded SiC-GeC-SiC composition as a tunnel dielectric offering improved scalability characteristics over other memory cell structures found in flash and SONOS designs...
US Patent 7524746 - High refractive index semiconductor nanocrystal material
Posted on May 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7524746.htmlIn order to increase the light extraction efficiency for LED lighting this patent from Evident Technologies teaches a semiconductor nanocrystal material used as an LED encapsulent formed with a high refractive index to minimize scattering and absorption...
US Patent 7524543 - Durable optics with surface modified nanoparticles
Posted on May 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7524543.htmlThis patent from 3M is issuing based on a series of continuations going back to 2003 and includes some basic claims to optical films incorporating nanoparticles which provides more durability to brightness enhancing films...
US Patent 7524534 - Reactive dip pen nanolithography
Posted on May 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7524534.htmlThis patent from Nanoink teaches a dip pen nanolithography method including the provision of a chemical reaction between a compound coated on the tip and another compound on a substrate. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of nanolithography comprising:providing a substrate on which a first patterning compound has been applied;providing a scanning probe microscope tip;coating the tip with a second patterning compound; andusing the coated tip to apply the second patterning compound to the first patterning compound on the substrate via a transport medium so as to produce a desired pattern of the second patterning compound, wherein the second patterning compound reacts or combines with the first patterning compound.
US Patent 7522040 - Wireless nanostructure chemfet
Posted on April 26, 2009US Patent 7522040Nanomix is a company applying nanoelectronics to biomolecule analysis. This patent from Nanomix teaches a wireless nanostructured chemfet which when combined with MEMS robotics may form the basis for some interesting nanoswarm technology...
US Patent 7521672 - Quantum dot array for mass spectroscopy
Posted on April 26, 2009US Patent 7521672Mass spectrometry attempts to discover the chemical components of an unknown sample using mass separation via differing charge to mass ratios. However, the sample holders conventionally used in mass spectroscopy can often produce unwanted debris obscuring operation after repeated use...
US Patent 7521492 - Flame retardant polymer formed using surface modified nanoparticles
Posted on April 26, 2009US Patent 7521492This patent from 3M teaches a nanoparticle modified polymer providing flame retardant capabilities and which offers a more environmentally favorable alternative than some more conventional flame retardant additives. Claim 1 reads:1. A polymer composition comprising an organic polymer having dispersed therein a azido polymer surface-modified nanoparticle phase.
US Patent 7521394 - TiO nanofiber
Posted on April 26, 2009US Patent 7521394Titanium oxide is useful to create white pigments, as a photocatalyst, or in photovoltaic energy conversion. Forming nanostructures for TiO can enhance the utility of the material by providing more reactive surface area. This patent from the University of Illinois teaches a method of making a new TiO nanostructure capable of producing larger quantities at lower cost...
US Patent 7521274 - GaN nanowire LED fabrication using pulsed growth
Posted on April 21, 2009US Patent 7521274GaN is a semiconductor compound useful to the formation of LEDs for lighting and displays. Formation of GaN nanowires can enhance the density of electron states and improve the optical efficiency of LED or other optoelectronic devices however fabrication methods have been based on the vapor-liquid -solid method requiring catalytic material with limited control of uniformity and position of the nanowire growth...
US Patent 7521225 - Nanotube having a surfactant bilayer inner wall coating
Posted on April 21, 2009US Patent 7521225Lipid bilayers are useful as encapsulants for drug delivery as well as for biosensing applications. This patent from North Carolina State University teaches a method of forming the bilayers on the inner surface of nanotubes offering greater stability and surface area for bilayer formation...
US Patent 7520742 - Nanoimprint mold-releasing agent
Posted on April 21, 2009US Patent 7520742Nanoimprint lithography provides a technique to mechanically pattern structures on the nanometer scale using surface contours of a mold structure. However, one difficulty is in the release of the mold from the material being patterned without deforming the structures being formed...
US Patent 7518780 - Nanolaminate deformable mirror
Posted on April 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7518780.htmlIn order to increase the precision of micromirror devices this patent from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory teaches using nanolaminate materials formed from alternating layers of copper and zirconium to achieve an ultra-flat surface...
US Patent 7517558 - Mask structure for CNT patterning
Posted on April 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7517558.htmlThis patent from Micron Technology teaches a deposition system for accurately placing carbon nanotubes in desired patterns and counting the number of nanotubes that are deposited. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of positioning carbon nanotubes, comprising:creating a dusty plasma comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes;positioning a mask between said dusty plasma and a desired target for said carbon nanotubes, said mask having a plurality of openings extending therethrough;extinguishing said dusty plasma;the carbon nanotubes falling out of the extinguished plasma and toward said mask, the mask patterning the falling carbon nanotubes to form a pattern of the carbon nanotubes on said target;wherein said plurality of openings correspond to a plurality of funnels;wherein each of said funnels comprises an inlet and an outlet, with the outlet being narrower than the inlet along at least one cross-section; andusing parallel spaced-apart conductive plates to count nanotubes exiting the outlets of the funnels.
US Patent 7516610 - Nanoparticle propulsion
Posted on April 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7516610.htmlThis patent from the University of Michigan proposes a new type of propulsion system using charged nanoparticles as fuel. Claim 1 reads:1. A propulsion system, comprising:a grid;a gimbal supporting the grid; anda plurality of micron-size vias disposed in the grid, the grid establishing electrical fields to extract and accelerate a plurality of nano-particles providing propulsion system thrust.
US Patent 7515333 - Nanocomposite optical amplifier
Posted on April 10, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7515333.htmlThis patent from Nanosys teaches the use semiconductor nanorods to expand the range of optical amplification in telecommunications. Claim 1 reads:1. An optical device, comprising:an optical amplifier that comprises a nanocomposite material that includes:InAs or CdSe nanorod cores having one or more core-overcoating shell layers made of a semiconductor material selected from the group comprising ZnS, InP, CdSe, CdS, and ZnSe disposed thereon, wherein the core-shell nanorods emit light at from about 1200 nm to about 1700 nm; and have Auger scattering times greater than 5 ns.
US Patent 7514853 - Stress inverter MEMS resonator
Posted on April 10, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7514853.htmlThis is another patent from Silicon Clocks teaching a solution to thermal expansion mismatch in MEMS structures. Claim 1 reads:1. A MEMS structure, comprising:a stress inverter member coupled with a substrate; anda resonating member housed in said stress inverter member and suspended above said substrate.
US Patent 7514760 - IC compatible MEMS resonator
Posted on April 10, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7514760.htmlAlthough the fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) involves many of the same process steps as integrated circuit fabrication it is often difficult to integrate control circuitry with MEMS structures without excessive complication of the process...
US Patent 7514491 - Polymer/Inorganic clay nanocomposite fabrication
Posted on April 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7514491.htmlThis patent from ExxonMobile teaches the manufacture of a clay nanocomposite for enhancing the air barrier in tires. Claim 1 reads:1. A process to produce a nanocomposite comprising the steps of:(a) mixing an aqueous slurry of clay with a solution of polymer in an organic solvent to form an emulsion comprising a polymer-clay nanocomposite;(b) recovering the nanocomposite from the emulsion.
US Patent 7514214 - Functionalized CNT probe tip
Posted on April 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7514214.htmlThis patent from Caltech with priority going back to 2003 includes some basic claims to a carbon nanotube molecular sensor formed on an atomic force microscope tip. Claim 1 reads:1. A device comprising:a nanostructure having a surface and a passivation layer coating all but a unique site on the surface, the unique site exhibiting at least one of chemical, biological, electrical, and physical activity, wherein the nanostructure comprises a carbon nanotube, wherein a material is attached to the unique site, and wherein a moveable probe is connected to the nanostructure.
US Patent 7514116 - Horizontal carbon nanotubes by vertical growth and rolling
Posted on April 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7514116.htmlThe growth of vertical arrays of carbon nanotubes over a wide array is commonly practiced for applications such as field emission displays and has potential for mass production. However, other electronic structures such as interconnect wiring benefit from aligned arrays of nanotubes that are formed horizontal to the substrate which requires special alignment steps and is difficult to mass produce...
US Patent 7513437 - CNT security mark for gaming card
Posted on April 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7513437.htmlIn order to prevent cheating in casinos it is useful to mark card decks with a security mark that is transparent to the players but is easily verifiable. This patent teaches providing such security marks using a carbon nanotube coating to modify the resistance level of gaming cards...
US Patent 7511318 - Nanotube ribbon memory array
Posted on April 03, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7511318.htmlThis patent from Nantero has priority going back to 2001 and is basic to the use of nanotube fabric in electronic structures such as memory and logic arrays. Claim 1 reads:1. A structure, comprising:a substrate having a surface, the substrate comprising patterned regions of conductor and patterned regions of insulator below the surface of the substrate; anda nonwoven nanotube fabric of unaligned nanotubes disposed on the surface of the substrate, wherein the nonwoven nanotube fabric is parallel to the substrate.
US Patent 7511294 - Nanoparticle RRAM
Posted on April 03, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7511294.htmlBy using voltage pulses to alter the resistance states of certain materials a new form of non-volatile memory called RRAM has been under development over the past year and has recently been popularized by the memristor theory...
US Patent 7510982 - Porous low-k films formed using sacrificial nanoparticles
Posted on April 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7510982.htmlThe speed bottleneck in integrated circuit design usually comes from the interconnect lines which can generate capacitance that increases signal delays. To solve this problem there is an interest in low-k dielectrics which can be formed from porous oxides or polymers...
US Patent 7510802 - Bionanobattery
Posted on April 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7510802.htmlResearch into microscopic batteries has developed over the past few years to achieve power sources for microrobotic and implantable medical devices. This patent from NASA is based on a spin-coating technique which takes advantage of self-assembly of proteins to achieve a biological nanobattery...
US Patent 7510695 - Patterned nanotube growth
Posted on March 31, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7510695.htmlThis patent originating from Richard Smalley's group at Rice University has an early priority (1997) and teaches a basic method for patterning arrays of carbon nanotubes on a substrate. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for forming a macroscopic array of fullerene nanotubes, said method comprising the steps of:(a) providing an array of microwells on a substrate;(b) depositing a metal catalyst in at least some of said microwells; and(c) directing a stream of hydrocarbon or CO feedstock gas at said substrate under conditions that effect growth of fullerene nanotubes from the deposited catalyst.
US Patent 7510595 - Metal oxide nanoparticle composite with high gas permeability
Posted on March 31, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7510595.htmlA variety of polymers are useful for gas separation processes but often require a sacrifice in permeability to achieve higher selectivity in the gases being separated resulting in a bottleneck in chemical processing...
US Patent 7509961 - Nanofibril cigarettes
Posted on March 31, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7509961.htmlThis patent from Philip Morris teaches a way to manufacture cigarettes with less carbon monoxide in the smoke based on the use of nanofibrils for conversion of CO to CO2. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for forming nanostructured fibrils directly on a component of a cigarette comprising:supporting a target in a chamber having first and second electrodes;applying an electrical bias between the first and second electrodes to form electrical field lines between the electrodes;supporting the cigarette component on the first electrode, and bombarding the target with energetic ions to form nanoscale particles from the target material that agglomerate with each other along the direction of the electrical field lines to form nanostructured fibrils on the cigarette component.
US Patent 7507987 - Trench grown nanotubes
Posted on March 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7507987.htmlThis patent from M.I.T. teaches a method of forming "nanopellets" of carbon nanotubes disposed in blocks of dielectric materials formed in trenches in order to facilitate the handling of carbon nanotube materials of uniform length and spacing...
US Patent 7507958 - Ru coated CNT tip
Posted on March 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7507958.htmlCarbon nanotubes have been usefully employed as tips of atomic force microscopes due to their high aspect ratio. However, some applications require electrically conductive tips for the atomic force microscope in which the ohmic resistance of CNTs can be problematic...
US Patent 7507293 - Photonic crystal fabrication using sacrificial nanowires
Posted on March 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7507293.htmlPhotonic crystals are to optics what semiconductors are to electronics and offer a route to superlenses capable of resolutions beyond the diffraction limits of conventional lenses. This patent from HP labs teaches a methodology for fabricating photonic crystals using nanowires as a template that are later removed...
US Patent 7504628 - Nanoscale corona discharge electrode
Posted on March 20, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7504628.htmlCorona discharge is an electrical discharge effect used in applications such as air purification and laser printing. This patent teaches the use of conductive nanostructures to enhance the corona effect and increase the efficiency of ionization...
US Patent 7504383 - Metal encapsulating peptide nanotube
Posted on March 20, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7504383.htmlAlthough carbon nanotubes can be formed with metallic properties it is often desirable to fill them with other metallic or magnetic materials to improve electrical, thermal, or mechanical properties for nanotube fillers...
US Patent 7505102 - Carbon nanotrees
Posted on March 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7504152.htmlThis patent from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute teaches the fabrication of a new type of nanostructure based on carbon or a variety of other materials having a nanoscale tree shape. Claim 1 reads:1. A particle comprising a base having a shape of an inverted truncated right circular cone, wherein diameter of the inverted truncated right circular cone ranges from 1 nm to 100 microns, height of the inverted truncated right circular cone ranges from 5 nm to 1000 microns, and aspect ratio of the inverted truncated right circular cone ranges from 5 to 5000.
US Patent 7504078 - CNT alignment conveyor
Posted on March 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7504078.htmlThis patent from the University of Kentucky teaches a fabrication method of aligned films of carbon nanotubes on a substrate providing potential for mass production of CNT electronics. Claim 1 reads:1. An apparatus for continuous production of aligned carbon nanotubes, comprising:a reactor defining a hollow interior;a conveyor for continuously passing a substrate through the hollow interior of the reactor at a predetermined rate of travel; andan injector for delivering a hydrocarbon feed solution dispersed in an inert carrier gas into the hollow interior of the reactor;whereby aligned carbon nanotubes are formed on the substrate.
US Patent 7504051 - Purified nanotube applicator liquid
Posted on March 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7504051.htmlThis patent from Nantero teaches forming a purified nanotube solution suitable for spin coating processes used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Claim 1 reads:1. An applicator liquid for use in an electronics manufacturing process, comprising:an electronics-grade solvent and a plurality of nanotubes, wherein the applicator liquid is free of polymers and is free of surfactant, wherein the nanotubes are at a concentration of greater than or equal to 10 mg/L, wherein the nanotubes are separated from one another and are distributed in the solvent without precipitation or flocculation and can remain separated for about at least one week;wherein the nanotubes are pretreated to reduce a level of metal impurities to less than about 1×1018 atoms/cm3, and wherein said applicator liquid is free of particulates having a diameter greater than about 500 nm.
US Patent 7504050 - Nanoparticle enhanced electrophoretic display
Posted on March 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7504050.htmlElectrophoretic displays are one of the principle technology used to create electronic paper having the appearance and flexibility similar to paper. This patent from Sipix Imaging teaches a nanoparticle filler providing improved transparency and reduced wear of the displays...
US Patent 7504014 - Electrolytic CNT interconnect method
Posted on March 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7504014.htmlOne problem with bottom-up manufacturing of conductive wires is the establishment of predictable conductivity in the aggregation of the nanoparticles or nanowires forming the wiring. For example, a single nanotube may have an electrical conductivity much higher than that found in a nanotube composite...
US Patent 7503206 - Method for cavitation using scanning probe microscopy
Posted on March 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7503206.htmlCavitation is a phenomena involving the formation of vapor bubbles based on the pressure of a flowing liquid. One application of cavitation is in the cleaning of surfaces and this patent from General Nanotechnology teaches cavitation as a nanofabrication technique...
US Patent 7502769 - Nanoparticle fractal memory
Posted on March 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7502769.htmlThis patent from Knowmtech teaches an interesting architecture for a nanoparticle based memory using a fractal tree organization. Claim 1 reads:1. A fractal memory system, comprising:a fractal tree comprising at least one fractal trunk;at least one recognition trigger electrode that routes signals in said fractal tree; andat least one object circuit associated with said fractal tree, wherein said object circuit is configured from a plurality of nanotechnology-based components to provide a scalable distributed computing architecture.
US Patent 7502533 - MEMS adjustable lens for minimizing optical modes injected in fiber
Posted on March 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7502533.htmlUsing fiber optic cable high frequency communication links can be established over large distances. However, interference between different carrier frequencies can lead to dispersions which limits the transmission distance...
US Patent 7502106 - Nanoparticle enhanced breathalyzer
Posted on March 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7502106.htmlThis patent from Honeywell teaches how nanoparticles can be used to enhance the operation of breath analysis devices such as those used to determine blood alcohol content. Claim 1 reads:1. A sample analyzer comprising:a chamber having a first end, a second end, a first input and a second input;a light source situated at the first end; anda detector situated at the first end; and wherein:the first input is for an injection of nanoparticles;the second input is for an insertion of a sample having molecules; andthe nanoparticles are for attachment of the molecules, the nanoparticles becoming aerosolized nanoparticles and providing a floating surface for surface enhanced Raman scattering by molecules attached to the aerosolized nanoparticles.
US Patent 7501985 - Nanostructured tunable antenna
Posted on March 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7501985.htmlThis patent from Motorola teaches an antenna formed by growing nanostructures on a substrate which provides the advantages of lower power consumption and a higher frequency range for mobile electronics devices...
US Patent 7501650 - P-type semiconductor carbon nanotube
Posted on March 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7501650.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches a method of manufacturing p-type carbon nanotube semiconductors which are stable at high temperature. Claim 1 reads:1. A p-type semiconductor carbon nanotube comprising:a carbon nanotube;a halogen element that is attached to an inner wall of the carbon nanotube and accepts electrons from the carbon nanotube to achieve p-type doping of the carbon nanotube; andfullerene attached to the inner wall of the carbon nanotube.
US Patent 7501618 - Bending nanocantilever with particle beam
Posted on March 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7501618.htmlIt is well known to form sharp nanoscopic tips for micromechanical cantilevers using a variety of etching mechanisms or catalytic growth processes. Focused Ion Beam (FIB) manipulation is one known method for shaping the tip material and this patent from Korea Research Institute of Standards teaches bending the tip based on the FIB...
US Patent 7501483 - Molecular nanoweaver
Posted on March 12, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7501483.htmlChemical reactions have been induced with individual molecules using tools such as lasers, atomic force microscopes, and scanning tunneling microscopes. However, such bottom-up molecular reactions are typically limited to lab experiments rather than the creation of a macroscopic material...
US patent 7501180 - Nanoparticles confined in polyelectrolytes
Posted on March 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7501180.htmlThis patent from Vive Nano teaches a stabilizer for nanoparticles to minimized undesired chemical reactions between nanoparticle composites and the environment. Claim 1 reads:1. A nanoparticle composite comprising a nanoparticle surrounded within a layer of a plurality of collapsed polymeric polyelectrolyte stabilizing moieties, wherein the nanoparticle composite has a mean diameter in the range of between about 1 nm to about 100 nm.
US Patent 7501024 - Carbon nanohorn production
Posted on March 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7501024.htmlSumio Iijima is usually credited as the first to discover (or at least properly characterize) carbon nanotubes. This patent from Iijima's group teaches an apparatus for manufacturing a related type of carbon nanostructure called carbon nanohorns...
US Patent 7501000 - Alpha alumina nanoparticle abrasive
Posted on March 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7501000.htmlThis patent from 3M teaches a new nanostructured abrasive composite. Claim 1 reads:1. A plurality of abrasive particles having a specified nominal grade, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of abrasive particles comprise a glass-ceramic, the glass-ceramic comprising alpha alumina having an average crystal size not greater than 150 nanometers, wherein the abrasive particles of the portion have a density of at least 90 percent of theoretical density.
US Patent 7495328 - Micromechanical component with flow guide cap
Posted on February 25, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7495328.htmlFor some micromechanical flow sensors turbulance can cause unpredictable measurements. This patent from Robert Bosch GmbH teaches a solution to this problem by forming a cap with a grooved surface to smooth the flow...
US Patent 7494907 - Fabrication of nanoparticle chain interconnect
Posted on February 25, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7494907.htmlThis patent from Nanocluster Devices Limited teaches a method of bottom-up interconnect assembly via nanoparticle percolation. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of forming at least a single conducting chain of nanoparticles between a number of contacts on a substrate comprising or including the steps of:a...
US Patent 7494842 - Programmable nanotube interconnect
Posted on February 25, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7494842.htmlThis patent from LSI Corporation discloses using a nanotube interconnect to turn off an IC and save power. Claim 1 reads:1. A method, comprising:forming a interconnect layer using a plurality of nanotube structures; andautomatically altering a route of an integrated circuit based on an electrical current applied to at least one of the plurality of nanotube structures in the interconnect layer...
US Patent 7494638 - Purified fullerene
Posted on February 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7494638.htmlSubmarine patents used to be a big problem resulting in patents being issued many years or decades after initial filing with expiry dates based on the patent date. To solve this problem legislation was passed in 1995 changing the expiry dates to be based on the filing date rather than issue date but a few pre-1995 patents are still around...
US Patent 7494526 - Nanoparticle plant food
Posted on February 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7494526.htmlFoliar feeding is a plant feeding methodology in which nutrients are directly applied to the leaves rather than to the ground or dirt in which the plant is rooted. This patent from inventor Edward Yavitz teaches how to use nanoencapsulation to improve the process...
US Patent 7494336 - Nanocrystalline nozzle tip for injection molding
Posted on February 24, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7494336.htmlInjection molding is a process used to form plastic articles. The tip used in the injection requires a high thermal conductivity in order to keep the plastic in a liquid state while it is flowing but allow a quick dissipation of the heat during solidification...
US Patent 7493160 - Nanoactuated catheter
Posted on February 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7493160.htmlBalloon catheters are often employed to repair blocked arteries. This patent from Boston Scientific teaches using buckypaper as an actuator in such balloon catheters for improvements in the actuation force...
US Patent 7492803 - Fiber optic coupled nanowire laser
Posted on February 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7492803.htmlThis patent from Hewlett Packard introduces a single photon fiber optic system based on nanowire lasers which could be very important to quantum communication systems in the future. Claim 1 reads:1. A device comprising:a substrate having at least one hole;a nanowire laser positioned within the at least one hole; anda waveguide positioned proximal to said at least one hole so that a single photon generated by said nanowire laser is coupled into said waveguide.
US Patent 7492458 - Surface plasmon resonance plasma display
Posted on February 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7492458.htmlSurface plasmon resonance is an effect which has often been used in the study of molecular and biological structures. This patent from a company called American Environmental Systems teaches an alternative application to achieve enhanced contrast and brightness of displays...
US Patent 7492161 - Electrolytic nanoprobe
Posted on February 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7492161.htmlThis patent teaches a new tool designed to study the electrical behavior of mitochrondria cells. Claim 1 reads:1. A nanosized electrical probe for measuring an electrical signal of charged colloidal particles, which is fabricated from a quartz capillary and has a tip diameter of 50-100 nm, wherein the nanosized electrical probe is filled with an electrolytic solution, and thus has a tip resistance of 100 to 150 Mohms.
US Patent 7492101 - Multicolor plasma display with CNT layers
Posted on February 19, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7492101.htmlThis patent from Samsung SDI discloses a plasma display in which a layer of carbon nanotubes is placed above the color fluorescent material to provide improved luminous efficiency. Claim 1 reads:1. A plasma display panel (PDP), comprising:a lower substrate;a dielectric layer formed on the lower substrate;partitions formed along a first direction on the dielectric layer;red, green, and blue discharge cells defined by the partitions; anda red, green, and blue fluorescent layer formed in the red, green, and blue discharge cells, respectively; whereina carbon nanotube (CNT) layer extends along the first direction and completely covers the red, green, or blue fluorescent layer.
US Patent 7492046 - CNT electric fuses
Posted on February 19, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7492046.htmlThis patent from IBM teaches providing nanotubes of different length in a reprogrammable fuse method. Claim 1 reads:12. A structure operating method, comprising:providing a structure which includes(a) an electrically conductive layer,(b) N electrically conductive regions hanging over without touching the electrically conductive layer, wherein N is a positive integer and N is greater than 1, wherein the N electrically conductive regions are electrically connected together; and causing a first electrically conductive region of the N electrically conductive regions to touch the electrically conductive layer without causing the remaining N?1 electrically conductive regions to touch the electrically conductive layer.
US Patent 7492019 - High stiffness thin film cap for MEMS
Posted on February 19, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7492019.htmlSilicon nitride and metal materials have been used to form cap layer for micromechanical pressure sensors and similar applications but can be susceptible to damage to to harsh environments of pressure differentials outside of a particular tolerance...
US Patent 7491968 - Memory using core/shell quantum dots
Posted on February 19, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7491968.htmlThis patent from Samsung represents yet another variety of resistive switching non-volatile memory (RRAM). This variety is based on core/shell quantum dots in which a voltage controlled distribution of charge trapping sites in the quantum dots alter resistance states of memory cells...
US Patent 7491962 - RRAM with nanoparticle electrode
Posted on February 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7491962.htmlNew systems of non-volatile memory such as RRAM or PRAM may be the next battle ground for nanoelectronics with a variety of companies proposing competing solutions based on different nanomaterials. This patent from Micron Technology teaches a chalcogenide memory using nanoparticles to achieve more predictable operation...
US Patent 7491883 - CNT shielding layer for coaxial cable
Posted on February 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7491883.htmlThis is yet another carbon nanotube patent to Tsinghua University and Hon Hai Precision for shielding of a coaxial cable. Claim 1 reads: 1. A coaxial cable comprising:at least one conducting wire;at least one insulating layer, each insulating layer being respectively coated on a corresponding conducting wire;at least one shielding layer surrounding the at least one insulating layer, each shielding layer comprising a metal layer and one or more carbon nanotube films; anda sheath wrapping the at least one shielding layer.
US Patent 7491699 - Aromatic homodipeptide nanostructure
Posted on February 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7491699.htmlIn addition to carbon-based nanotubes there are other types of nanotube structures being developed such as peptide nanotubes which may have some unique advantages to nanobioelectronics. This patent from Ramot At Tel Aviv University seems somewhat fundamental to a variety of peptide nanotubes...
US Patent 7491661 - Immersion lithography including nanoparticle suspension topcoat
Posted on February 18, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7491661.htmlHigher resolution lithography is necessary to continue Moore's Law of increasing transistor density. One method to achieve such enhanced resolution is immersion lithography which uses a liquid medium to increase the index of refraction ...
US Patent 7491448 - Reticulated foam-like structure formed of nanoparticles
Posted on February 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7491448.htmlThis patent from Energy Conversion Devices teaches a new type of hydrogen storage material with improvements in reversible storage capacity leading to reduced weight and more adaptability for automobile hydrogen fuel supply designs...
US Patent 7491428 - Self assembled monolayer used in CNT alignment
Posted on February 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7491428.htmlAlignment of nanotubes is important in order to optimize properties such as electrical conductivity and thermal transport. This method from NASA is based on an electric field alignment approach in which a self assembled monolayer is used to facilitate the alignment...
US Patent 7491423 - ZnO nanostructure growth from nanoimprinted molecular monolayer
Posted on February 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7491423.htmlThis patent from Sandia Corp. teaches a lower temperature method to form zinc oxide nanorods which can be useful to various applications including gas sensors. Claim 1 reads:1. A method to controllably grow zinc oxide nanorods on a surface, comprising:preparing a stamp with relief structures;inking said stamp with a solution comprising self-assembled monolayer molecules;contacting said stamp to a surface, thereby transferring said self-assembled monolayer molecules to said surface; andcontacting an aqueous zinc solution to said surface to grow zinc oxide nanorods on said surface.
US Patent 7491422 - Dip pen nanolithography with polymer coated tip
Posted on February 17, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7491422.htmlThis patent from Nanoink teaches improvements in Dip Pen Nanolithography that enhance the tip lifespan and increase the diffusion rate leading to higher speed processing.Claim 1 reads:1. A method of direct-write nanolithography comprising:transporting an ink from a polymer-coated nanoscopic tip to a substrate to form a structure on the substrate,wherein the ink comprises solvent and the structure comprises internal hollows from direct transfer of the solvent to the substrate,wherein polymer adheres to the tip and is not transported to the substrate, and wherein the polymer is a hydrophobic elastomeric polymer having a glass transition temperature of about 25° C...
US Patent 7489537 - Optical nanoelectronic memory array
Posted on February 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7489537.htmlThere has been a good amount of work by researchers at HP labs and elsewhere over the past decade in producing reconfigurable electronics systems as a next step after Moore's Law. So far most of these efforts have been directed to reconfigurable logic but another area which may benefit is reconfigurable analog electronics...
US 7489432 - Metal oxide nanowire electrochromic display
Posted on February 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7489432.htmlElectrochromic displays are formed from chemicals capable of changing color upon application of a voltage. This patent from Ricoh teaches using metal oxide nanowires or nanotubes to form such a display having advantages in energy efficiency...
US Patent 7489428 - Variable threshold MEMS array actuator
Posted on February 15, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7489428.htmlFor multi-gradation effects it is difficult to implement MEMS-based micromirrors formed from interferometric ribbons in an analog mode. This patent from IDC (now being developed by Qualcomm) teaches an alternative solution based on a halftone method...
US Patent 7489143 - Nanogripper with hold detection
Posted on February 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7489143.htmlNanogrippers (aka nanotweezers) have been implemented by a variety of materials including nanotubes and silicon. In order to assure proper gripping an optical feedback system has been used. This patent teaches an alternative solution based on electrostatic detection...
US Patent 7489069 - Molybdenum nanotip backlight
Posted on February 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7489069.htmlThis patent from Hon Hai Precision teaches a display backlight using nanotips formed of Molybdenum as an emission source which is noted to have a better life span and emission efficiency than carbon nanotube emitters...
US Patent 7488950 - Crosswire photosensor based on nanoparticle/molecular film
Posted on February 11, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7488950.htmlA variety of nanoparticle and molecular films have been found to have photoelectric behavior useful for integration with CMOS and CCD imaging arrays. However to form CCD or CMOS arrays capacitive and/or transistor elements need to be fabricated...
US Patent 7488876 - Nitronium ion separation of carbon nanotubes
Posted on February 10, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7488876.htmlThis patent from Samsung Corning Precision Glass teaches a method of semiconductor/metallic carbon nanotube separation based on nitronium ions. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of separating semiconducting type carbon nanotubes from a mixture of semiconducting and metallic carbon nanotubes, comprising the steps of:1) treating the carbon nanotube mixture with an organic solution containing nitronium ions,2) filtering the resulting mixture to recover remaining solids, and3) heat-treating the solids.
US Patent 7488671 - Masking nanoporous tempates
Posted on February 10, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7488671.htmlNanoporous templates have been used for several years to grow uniform arrays of vertical nanowires and nanotubes on a substrate. This patent from General Electric teaches patterning the template using a mask to facilitate battery fabrication...
US Patent 7488520 - Nanoparticle modified packaging material for odor reduction
Posted on February 10, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7488520.htmlThis patent from Kimberly-Clark Worldwide is based on the discovery that nanoparticles modified with metal ions can remove odorous compounds and teaches incorporating such nanoparticles in packaging for paper towels or toilet tissue...
US Patent 7486442 - Nanoparticle composite polarizer protective film
Posted on February 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7486442.htmlPolarizing plates are useful for displays such as LCDs. This patent from Industrial Technology Research Institute teaches using nanoparticles to form polarizing plates with enhanced resistance to moisture permeability...
US Patent 7486434 - Nanotube electromagnetic radiation conversion
Posted on February 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7486434.htmlRobert Crowley of Ambit Corp. was the first to recognize the potential of carbon nanotubes for optical energy conversion and has a series of continuations going back to 1997 based on the concept. This patent appears to be one of the broadest potentially covering applications in sensors, communications, and power generation...
US Patent 7486400 - Plasmon resonance structure with metal and dielectric nanoparticle layers
Posted on February 04, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7486400.htmlPlasmon resonance is an amplifying effect associated with biosensing applications. This patent teaches a laminate nanoparticle system offering improvements in the electric field enhancement. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7485576 - Metallic nanoparticle patterning via groove formation
Posted on February 04, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7485576.htmlThis patent from Samsung solves a problem related to damage of insulating layers from bottom gate electrodes in organic thin film transistors by placing metallic nanoparticles in grooves to serve as the gates...
US Patent 7485366 - Thick film magnetic nanoparticulate composite
Posted on February 03, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7485366.htmlMagnetic materials are formed with domains based on regions of atomic alignment. However, the proximal arrangement of multiple of these domains can cause undesirable interference or resonance in some instances...
US Patent 7485279 - Controlled diameter growth of nanotubes
Posted on February 03, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7485279.htmlThis patent from Yale teaches a method of tailoring the diameter of nanotubes which is important to bandgap of semiconductor nanotubes using a porous template. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for producing a nanostructure with a specified diameter or cross-sectional area, comprising:specifying the diameter or cross-sectional area of the nanostructure;selecting a mesoporous siliceous framework having pores with a pore size that has a predetermined dimensional relationship with the diameter or cross-sectional area of the nanostructure, said mesoporous siliceous framework containing metal ions dispersed in substitutional sites and forming a source of catalytic sites; andcontacting, in a reactor, the mesoporous siliceous framework with a reactant at a temperature sufficient to produce the nanostructures with the specified diameter or cross-sectional area.
US Patent 7484423 - Integrated circuit quality analysis using carbon nanotube FET
Posted on February 03, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7484423.htmlThe fabrication techniques necessary to produce a high density of carbon nanotube transistors on a substrate do not currently exist but this patent from IBM teaches that CNT transistors can other uses in quality analysis which may be more easily implemented in the near term...
US Patent 7482652 - Triple walled carbon nanotube memory cell
Posted on February 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7482652.htmlCarbon nanotube transistor design has been gradually developing over the past decade but has largely been based on single walled nanotubes some of which possess semiconductive properties but are difficult to separate from conductive nanotubes...
US Patent 7482619 - Nanoflash memory using insulating and charge trapping nanoparticles
Posted on February 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7482619.htmlSince electronic memory requires the greatest density of transistor fabrication it is likely that these applications will be the first to extensively incorporate nanomaterials. Samsung already has several basic patents in nanomaterial-based non-volatile memory and this patent provides some very broad claims to a charge trap memory based on multiple nanoparticle types which reduces leakage current...
US Patent 7483197 - Multicolor micromirror display
Posted on February 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7483197.htmlThis patent originally from IDC (acquired by Qualcomm for mobile device displays) has very early priority going back to 1994 and includes basic claims to four color interferometric micromirror displays. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7483112 - CNT liquid crystal on silicon micro-display
Posted on February 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7483112.htmlIn order to achieve color uniformity in a type of liquid crystal display this patent from Document Scanner Technology (formerly Sysview) and Splendid Optronics teaches the inclusion of nanotubes to control a cell gap...
US Patent 7482727 - Negative refractive index nanowire array laminate
Posted on February 01, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7482727.htmlThis patent from HP teaches perpendicularly arranged arrays of nanowires used to achieve negative refractive index metamaterials. Claim 1 reads:1. A composite material exhibiting at least one of a negative effective permittivity and a negative effective permeability for incident radiation at an operating wavelength, comprising:a dielectric layer generally parallel to a dielectric layer plane; anda first plurality of nanowire pairs disposed in said dielectric layer, each of said first plurality of nanowire pairs comprising substantially parallel conductive nanowires of short length and separation relative to said operating wavelength;wherein each of said first plurality of nanowire pairs is substantially coplanar with a first plane substantially parallel to said dielectric layer plane, andsaid first plurality of nanowire pairs forms a first pattern within said first plane characterized by nanowire pair locations and nanowire pair orientations within said first plane, and wherein said first pattern comprises a first regularly-spaced array of commonly oriented nanowire pairs and forms a second regularly-spaced array of nanowire pairs that is interspersed with said first regularly-spaced array of nanowire pairs and commonly oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first regularly-spaced array of nanowire pairs.
PatentCluster - New Free Patent Analysis Tool
Posted on January 30, 2009A new patent analysis tool debuted this month in beta mode based on technological concept clustering.http://www.patentcluster.com/From the founder-"PatentCluster employs accurate, efficient open source search and clustering algorithms to help the patent searcher discover diverse and relevant groups of semantically related patents described with meaningful labels...
US Patent 7482608 - Nuclear powered quantum dot light source
Posted on January 29, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7482608.htmlThis patent from Iso-Science Laboratories is based on the finding that quantum dots (semiconductor nanocrystals) exhibit radiation resistance and uses alpha or beta particles to power a narrow wavelength light source...
US Patent 7482421 - Self-healing anti-corrosive nanoparticle coating
Posted on January 29, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7482421.htmlThis patent from the University of Cincinnati teaches a superprimer based on nanoparticles. Claim 1 reads:1. A hydrophilic composition capable of coating a substrate and curing to provide a hydrophobic film inhibiting corrosion, the composition comprising:a bis-silane comprising between about 15 percent by weight to about 40 percent by weight of the composition;a water soluble or dispersible polymer;a water soluble solvent; andnanoparticles having a mean particle size of ranging between about 0...
US Patent 7482332 - Telomere encoding synthetic DNA nanocircles
Posted on January 29, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7482332.htmlTelomeres are regions of DNA having some relationship to lifespan of cells and cancer. This patent from Stanford university teaches a nucleic acid "nanocircle" useful to cancer treatment based on a telomere repeat sequence...
US Patent 7482253 - Fusing nanowires
Posted on January 29, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7482253.htmlPatterned arrays of nanowires can exhibit a large resistivity which limit their potential for electrical interconnects. this patent from Hewlett-Packard describes a crystal growth technique used to fuse prefabricated nanowires and reduce the resistance...
US Patent 7482163 - Chemical reactivity determination for nanoparticles
Posted on January 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7482163.htmlDue to their high surface-to-volume ratio metal nanoparticles such as platinum serve as excellent catalysts for the manufacture of fuels, polymers and drugs. This patent from Nanostellar teaches a method for characterizing the reactivity to achieve better process control...
US Patent 7482059 - Semiconductor nanocrystal with metal coating
Posted on January 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7482059.htmlThis patent from Evident Technologies teaches a solution to a problem of oxidation of semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots) that can reduce the fluorescence properties over time by providing a protective metal coating...
US Patent 7482054 - TiO2/nanoparticle paint mixture
Posted on January 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7482054.htmlThis patent from Behr Process Corporation teaches improving the effectiveness of titanium dioxide white paste using ZnO nanoparticles to improve the distribution of the particles which is taught to improve the tint strength...
US Patent 7481990 - Nanotube segregation via osmylation or ruthenylation
Posted on January 28, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7481990.htmlThis patent from the State University of New York (SUNY) teaches separation chemistries for sorting nanotubes based on osmium tetroxide or ruthenium tetroxide. Claims 1 and 2 read:1. A method of aggregating carbon nanotubes, the method comprising:(a) providing a nanotube dispersion, wherein the nanotube dispersion comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes, osmium tetroxide and a solvent; and(b) irradiating the nanotube dispersion with ultraviolet light until the carbon nanotubes aggregate, wherein the metallic carbon nanotubes are selectively osmylated...
US Patent 7481989 - Equal length nanotube separation
Posted on January 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7481989.htmlThis patent based on original research from Richard Smalley's group at Rice University (priority 1997) includes some basic claims to forming uniform length segments of nanotube material. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for producing fullerene nanotubes, said method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a fullerene nanotube-containing material;(b) cutting the fullerene nanotube containing-material to form a mixture of fullerene nanotubes having lengths in the range of about 5 to 500 nm; and(c) fractionating said mixture of fullerene nanotubes to form a fraction of said fullerene nanotubes having substantially equal lengths.
US Patent 7481952 - Electrically conductive PTFE tape including CNT mixture
Posted on January 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7481952.htmlThis patent from Compagnie Plastic Omnium teaches an electrically conductive PTFE tape with improved electrical conductivity properties based on carbon nanotubes. Claim 1 reads:1. A fluoropolymer tape having two sides,at least one of the sides being an electrically conductive extrusion of a blended mixture, the blended mixture comprising dispersible carbon selected from the group consisting of vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCF), and combinations of VGCF and carbon nanotubes and polytetrafluoropolymer;wherein the sides comprise extrusions of different blended mixtures and wherein one side of the tape is more electrically conductive than the other side of the tape.
US Patent 7481267 - Anisotropic thermal CNT/ceramic film
Posted on January 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7481267.htmlThis patent from the University of California System teaches an improved anisotropic thermal interface achieved by carbon nanotube ceramic composites. Claim 1 reads:1. In an application requiring the conduction of heat between an exothermic device and a heat sink surface, the improvement comprising:interposing between said exothermic device and said heat sink surface a heat-spreading layer of a composite comprised of carbon nanotubes dispersed in a matrix of ceramic material, said composite having been uniaxially compressed in a direction transverse to said heat sink surface to provide said composite with a thermal diffusivity in said transverse direction that is lower than the thermal diffusivity in directions parallel to said heat sink surface...
US Patent 7480981 - Microelectromechanical disk drive
Posted on January 27, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7480981.htmlMagnetic disk drives allow for high data storage but miniaturization of the entire disk drive itself has been limited by requirements of high mechanical control. This patent from Sony teaches a solution based on microelectromechanical disk drives which may eventually compete with flash memory for portable electronics...
US Patent 7479654 - Nanotube RRAM
Posted on January 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7479654.htmlThe research into a variety of new materials in the last decade have resulted in potential for RRAM as a new form of non-volatile memory using resistance as a bit storage element. This patent from Nantero teaches an RRAM memory array based on their nanotube ribbon switches...
US Patent 7479404 - Nanoporous photonic crystal biosensor
Posted on January 22, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7479404.htmlThis patent from the University of Illinois teaches a cheaper method of manufacturing high sensitivity protein sensors based on nanoporous films. Claim 16 reads:16. A method of making a sensor comprising:(a) curing a layer of nanoporous material having a low refractive index onto a substrate;(b) depositing a high dielectric constant dielectric material on top of the nanoporous material; and(c) patterning the high dielectric constant dielectric material into a sub-wavelength period grating structure.
US Patent 7479325 - Isotope doped carbon nanotube
Posted on January 21, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7479325.htmlIsotopic labeling is a method for tracking a sample during chemical processing. This patent from Tsinghua University teaches an isotope doped carbon nanotube useful for such labeling. Claim 1 reads:1. An isotope-doped nanotube of an element, comprising:an elongated tube structure including a first nanotube segment made of first isotopes of said element, and a second nanotube segment made of second isotopes of said element, the first and second nanotube segments selectively occurring along an axial direction of said elongated tube structure.
US Patent 7479052 - Growth of CNT field emitters in amorphous carbon layer
Posted on January 21, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7479052.htmlCarbon nanotube based field emission arrays have the potential to provide larger area flat panel displays with higher energy efficiency. However, if the density of the nanotubes is too high a field screening effect can result which reduces the efficiency...
US Patent 7477441 - Nanowire array anti-stiction layer for MEMS
Posted on January 16, 2009US Patent 7,477,441Stiction is a critical problem to many micromachining devices that ultimately limits the ability to miniaturize mechanical structures via lithography. Some conventional solutions include chemical coatings having anti-sticking surfaces and the use of mechanical standoffs providing spacing...
US Patent 7476982 - Electrically conductive nanofiber adhesive
Posted on January 16, 2009US Patent 7,476,982This patent from the Regents of the University of California teaches a potential replacement for solder based IC connection in the form of nanofibers that could help eliminate problems of thermal mismatch during packaging which result in integrated circuit malfunction...
US Patent 7476967 - Porous alumina/CNT thermal interface
Posted on January 15, 2009US Patent 7,476,967In order to maximize the thermal conductive properties of carbon nanotubes this patent from Intel teaches aligning the nanotubes in an nanoporous alumina template. Claim 1 reads:1. A device comprising:an integrated circuit die; anda thermal interface device coupled with a surface of the die, the thermal interface device comprising a layer of a porous metal oxide, the layer comprising a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a number of carbon nanotubes disposed in pores of the porous metal oxide layer, the carbon nanotubes extending beyond the first surface and the second surface of the porous metal oxide layer.
US Patent 7476889 - Radiation protective clothing using nanomaterials
Posted on January 15, 2009US Patent 7,476,889This patent assigned to Meridian Research and Development with priority possibly going back as far as 1998 (via continuations-in-part) includes some very basic claims to using nanomaterial/polymer composites in clothing for radiation protection...
US Patent 7476765 - Addressable nanoparticle field enhancement microscopy
Posted on January 14, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7476787.htmlSharp metallic tips or particles have the propery of electromagnetic field enhancement which is well known to be useful to molecular analysis techniques such as Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. This patent teaches a method to differentiate the signals from different nanoparticles...
US Patent 7476596 - Fluidic nanowire alignment
Posted on January 14, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7476596.htmlThis patent from Harvard professor and Nanosys co-founder Charles Lieber teaches a methodology for aligning parallel arrays of semiconductor nanowires via a fluidic flow and transfer process which provides a broader range of substrate materials on which transistors can be fabricated...
US Patent 7476442 - Ligand linked nanoparticle chain
Posted on January 13, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7476442.htmlThis patent from M.I.T. appears to disclose a method of making a nanoparticle chain system analogous to polymeric chains of molecules. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for creating a multiple-nanoparticle assembly in a controlled fashion, comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of nanoparticles;providing a plurality of ligands, each of the ligands comprising at least one linker arm;attaching at least one ligand to each of the plurality of nanoparticles; andreacting at least one ligand linker arm with a linker arm of a ligand attached to another nanoparticle, forming an assembly of multiple nanoparticles.
US Patent 7476439 - Nanoporous carbon fiber matrix
Posted on January 13, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7476439.htmlThis patent from Honda Motor Co. teaches an improved friction material based on a flexible carbon composite having improved dynamic friction performance due to nanoporous structure. Claim 1 reads:1. A carbon fiber composite material comprising:carbon fibers, anda carbon matrix provided between the carbon fibers and joining the carbon fibers with each other, the matrix having fine pores having diameters of 3...
US Patent 7476375 - Fullerene fuel for fusion
Posted on January 13, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7476375.htmlThis patent from a company called Carbon Labs teaches a new molecular storage vessel based on fullerene (C60) used to facilitate the uniform compression and heating necessary for fusion reactions. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7474811 - Nanowire array photonics
Posted on January 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7474811.htmlThis patent from Hewlett Packard teaches a nanowire array useful to the integration between optical and electronic devices. Claim 1 reads:1. A photonic apparatus comprising:a low-index optical waveguide having a confined region; anda plurality of nanowires, the nanowires being distributed within the confined region, wherein the plurality of nanowires is distributed to collectively one or more of produce, enhance, modulate and detect an optical field, the low-index optical waveguide confining the optical field in the confined region.
US Patent 7474602 - Bent CNT tip for thermal data storage
Posted on January 08, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7474602.htmlThe IBM millipede project offers the prospect of higher density data storage using technology based on atomic force microscopy. The memory storage in these devices are based on thermal effects from a heated tip acting on a phase change medium...
US Patent 7473943 - Nanowire FET with overlapping contacts
Posted on January 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7473943.htmlNanosys has developed many designs of field effect transistors (FETs) using multiple semiconductor nanowires to form the channels. This patent focuses on an individual core/shell nanowire structure for FET construction including an asymmetrical double gate arrangement for improved performance...
US Patent 7473922 - Stacked quantum dot infrared detector with dark current reducing quantum wells
Posted on January 07, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7473922.htmlIn photodetectors the dark current is defined as the amount of current flowing when no light is present. For higher sensitivity detectors it is desirable to decrease the dark current and this patent from Fujitsu teaches a quantum dot infrared detector using a quantum well capable of providing reductions in dark current...
US Patent 7473411 - Carbon nanotube foam
Posted on January 06, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7473411.htmlThis patent from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute teaches a more compacted form of carbon nanotube foam applicable to a variety of high energy storage devices (e.g. fuel cells, Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors)...
US Patent 7472601 - Piezoresistive nanowire sensor
Posted on January 06, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7472601.htmlThis patent from Radi Medical Systems teaches a higher sensitivity blood pressure and temperature sensor based on silicon nanowires. Claim 1 reads:1. A sensor for intravascular measurement within a living body, comprising:a guide wire, a sensor element, which is arranged at a distal portion of the guide wire, wherein the sensor element comprises at least one piezoresistive nanowire.
US Patent 7472576 - Nanoisland calibration standard for scanning probes
Posted on January 06, 2009http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7472576.htmlFor purposes of nanoscale meterology atomic lattice spacing of crystalline silicon planes provide a good sub-nanometer calibration standard while microfabrabrication can produce standards on the order of 10s of nanometers...
Top Ten Nanotechnology Patents of 2008
Posted on December 31, 2008Here is a list of the U.S. nanotechnology patents issued over the past year that appear to me to be the most commercially valuable and/or interesting:#10 - US Patent 7,460,669 - 2-bit Encoding Using a Single Photon (Toshiba)This patent is key to quantum cryptography by providing the foundations for multi-bit state encoding of data in individual photons...
US Patent 7471388 - Tunable nanoparticle resonator
Posted on December 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7471388.htmlMetal nanoparticles are very useful for molecular analysis techniques such as Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. This patent from the University of Central Florida teaches using a silicon cantilever as a tuning mechanism to adjust the responsiveness of the metal nanoparticles to different wavelengths...
US Patent 7470954 - Nanowell array for nanoparticles
Posted on December 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7470954.htmlThis patent from the Regents of the University of California teaches an array of cells in which magnetic nanoparticles are deposited to achieve a media for high density data storage. Claim 1 reads:1. A fabricated device comprising:a photoresist coated-substrate formed with wells through its surface, said wells having gradually sloping walls and an aspect ratio of less than 0...
US Patent 7470473 - Nanocrystal composite laser
Posted on December 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7470473.htmlMost conventional lasers are limited in their spectral output. However, the use of quantum dot nanocrystals provides a degree of tuning of photoemission based on the nanocrystal size distribution. This patent from M...
US Patent 7468332 - Nanolayer electroconductive fabric
Posted on December 29, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7468332.htmlThis patent teaches some nanomaterials having potential use for "electrotextiles" providing the integration of clothing with electronic systems such as sensors or communication systems. Claim 1 reads:1. An electrically conductive fabric comprising:a fabric substrate material; andat least a first nanolayer of a first substance applied directly onto said fabric substrate material, and a second nanolayer of a second substance applied onto said first nanolayer;at least one of said first substance and/or second substance comprising a conductive substance selected from the group consisting of nanoparticles, conductive polymer, and a combination of nanoparticles with a conductive polymer;said second substance being selected from the group consisting of nanoparticles of graphite, metals, conductive metal oxides, and conductive polymers selected from the group consisting of polyaniline, poly(anilinesulfonic acid), polyaniline doped with ligninesulfonic acid, polypyrrole, polypyrrole doped with polystyrenesulfonic acid, polythiophene, poly(ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrenesulfonic acid; and said conductive metal oxides being selected from the group consisting of conductive titanium dioxide, antimony doped tin oxide, aluminum doped zinc oxide, and zirconium doped zinc oxide.
US Patent 7468315 - Nanowire composite for electronic substrate
Posted on December 29, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7468315.htmlNanosys is a company pioneering new methods of nanoelectronics based on nanowire composites. This is their latest patent detailing one of their manufacturing methods. Claim 1 reads:1. A process for producing an electronic substrate, comprising:(a) forming a plurality of nanowires on a first substrate;(b) depositing a material over at least a portion of the plurality of nanowires to form a nanowire-material composite;(c) removing the nanowire-material composite from the first substrate;(d) attaching the nanowire-material composite to a portion of a second substrate such that the nanowires are aligned substantially parallel to each other on a surface of the second substrate;(e) removing the material from the nanowire-material composite to form on the surface of the substrate the plurality of nanowires aligned substantially parallel to each other on the second substrate; and(f) forming contacts to said plurality of nanowires to thereby provide electrical connectivity to said nanowires.
US Patent 7468221 - Integration of MEMS with microbatteries
Posted on December 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7468221.htmlThis is another in a series of very fundamental patents to a company called Bipolar Technologies which teaches the integration of microbatteries with microelectromechanical devices. Claim 1 reads:1. In combination, at least one microelectromechanical system and a source of electrical energy internal within the microelectromechanical system comprising a microfabricated microscopic battery having a size congruent with the microelectromechanical system.
US Patent 7468097 - Hydrogen production from greenhouse gas saturated CNTs
Posted on December 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7468097.htmlGreenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are often associated with global warming phenomena. Meanwhile, alternative energy systems such as fuel cells are looking for ways to produce hydrogen to solve the problem of future oil shortages...
US Patent 7466523 - Nanotube spin valve
Posted on December 22, 2008a href="http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7466523.html"http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7466523.html/abr /br /a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spintronics"Spintronics/a has found useful applications in magnetic high density memory storage and sensing devices...
US Patent 7466406 - Nanodisk array nanowire assaying
Posted on December 22, 2008a href="http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7466406.html"http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7466406.html/abr /br /This patent from Northwestern University discloses an interesting modification of nanowires used in a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_enhanced_Raman_spectroscopy"SERS/a in which nanodisk arrays are etched out of the nanowire to serve as substrates for an analyte allowing for tuning of nanowires for analytes of interest...
US patent 7466072 - Low FWHM CNTs
Posted on December 22, 2008a href="http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7466072.html"http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7466072.html/abr /br /a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FWHM"Full width at half maximum /a(FWHM) diffraction is used to characterize carbon nanotubes and provide an indication of the field emission behavior for the nanotubes...
US Patent 7466069 - CNT bridge
Posted on December 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7466069.htmlIn order to better characterize the properties of carbon nanotubes and use the nanotubes in applications such as molecular sensors this patent from Harvard teaches growing a suspended nanotube over an apertured region of a substrate suitable for a flow through sensor...
US Patent 7465871- Thermoelectric nanomaterials with small band offset
Posted on December 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7465871.htmlThis patent is based on a collaboration between M.I.T. and Boston College and teaches incorporating semiconductor nanostructures in a host semiconductor formed of a material having a different energy level than the nanostructures to enhance thermal efficiency in applications such as thermoelectric cooling...
US Patent 7465612 - Nanowire channel FET fabrication with bottom gate
Posted on December 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7465612.htmlThe two basic approaches to incorporating nanowire semiconductor channels in transistor design are 1)nanowire growth directly on the substrate and 2) printing prefabricated nanowires using an inkjet or other printing device...
US Patent 7465605 - CNT functionalization via partial thermal degradation of polymers
Posted on December 19, 2008a href="http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7465605.html"http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7465605.html/abr /br /Many electronics companies are focusing on the potential of carbon nanotubes for semiconductor channels or as electrodes. Intel's strategy seems more focused on the thermal properties of CNTs and this patent teaches a functionalization method to ease the incorporation of nanotubes into a polymer composite to be used in heat transport...
US Patent 7465595 - AFM manufacture of quantum dot electronics
Posted on December 19, 2008a href="http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7465595.html"http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7465595.html/abr /br /This patent from Fujitsu teaches using a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_force_microscope"atomic force microscopes/a to form a href="http://en...
US Patent 7465519 - CNT/graphite cathode for lithium ion battery
Posted on December 19, 2008a href="http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7465519.html"http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7465519.html/abr /br /This patent from the a href="http://www.ust.hk/eng/index.htm"Hong Kong University of Science and Technology/a teaches improved cathodes for a href="http://en...
US Patent 7465497 - High breakdown voltage nanocomposites
Posted on December 16, 2008US Patent 7465497This patent from General Electric teaches high-k dielectrics for breakdown resistant spark plugs having based on coated nanoparticle polymer composites. Claim 1 reads:1. A composition comprising:a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the thermoplastic polymer has a glass transition temperature greater than or equal to about 100...
US Patent 7465494 - On insulator CNT array
Posted on December 16, 2008US Patent 7465494This patent from Boston College teaches enhancing the field emission properties of carbon nanotube films via density control of the nanotube arrays formed on an intermediary non-metallic (e.g. SiO2) layer. Claim 1 reads:1. A carbon nanotube material comprising an array of substantially linear carbon nanotubes with pre-determined densities that are attached to a catalyst substrate material including a metallic conductive layer deposited on a non-metallic material and a plurality of catalytic transition metal microparticles deposited upon the metallic conductive layer, wherein individual carbon nanotubes are aligned with respect to one another within said array.
US Patent 7465381 - Nanochannel molecular sorting
Posted on December 16, 2008US Patent 7465381Microfluidics allows for the sensing and manipulating DNA with a smaller sample size. this patent from the University of New Mexico teaches the next step into nanofluidics by using nanochannels such as carbon nanotubes in sorting individual molecules...
US Patent 7463476 - Non-catalytic CNT capacitor fabrication
Posted on December 14, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7463476.htmlDecreasing the size of memory cells has led to decreasing capacitances which are undesirable for scaling. High aspect ratio structures such as carbon nanotubes with large surface areas offer one potential solution...
US Patent 7463421 - Image capturing using MEMS
Posted on December 14, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7463421.htmlIridigm Display Corporation (IDC), a pioneer in MEMS based interferometric displays, was acquired by Qualcomm a few years ago. This patent from IDC has some very basic claims to image capturing devices (e.g...
US Patent 7463116 - Complementary MEMS resonators
Posted on December 11, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7463116.htmlThis patent from Sony teaches a microresonator array configured to balance oscillation forces leading to more stable operation. Claim 1 reads:1. A micro-resonator comprising:a plurality of micro-resonant elements having a beam structure facing an input electrode and an output electrode which use a micromechanical oscillation provided on the same substrate, wherein, a micro-resonant element to oscillate in a first phase and a micro-resonant element to oscillate in a second phase that is a reverse phase to the first phase are disposed to be a pair.
US Patent 7462666 - Homogeneous nanofiller dispersion
Posted on December 11, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7462666.htmlThis patent from GM teaches a method of forming polymer nanocomposites with a more uniform distribution of clay nanoparticles. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for making a nanocomposite material, the method comprising the steps of:providing a molten polymeric material in an extruder;introducing a solution including a nanofiller material and a supercritical fluid into a molten polymeric material; andcausing the supercritical fluid within the solution to substantially instantaneously convert to a gas phase, thereby forming the nanocomposite material having the nanofiller material substantially homogeneously dispersed therein.
US Patent 7462499 - ZnO coated CNTs for field emission
Posted on December 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7462499.htmlDue to the high aspect ratio and electrical properties of carbon nanotubes they have exceptional electron emission behavior useful to flat panel displays and electron beam lithography. This patent from Sharp teaches further improvement in the emission by forming ZnO material regions extending from the carbon nanotube tips...
US Patent 7462498 - Activation method for CNT field emission
Posted on December 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7462498.htmlIn order to achieve uniform field emission with carbon nanotube deposits it is useful to remove residual material. However, using an adhesive material for such removal can remove too many nanotubes and/or leave additional residue from the adhesive...
US Patent 7462419 - Microscopic battery with ion transmitting electrolyte
Posted on December 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7462419.htmlThis patent from Bipolar Technologies has some early priority (3/10/1998) and teaches an electrolytic microfabricated battery structure. Claim 1 reads:1. A microfabricated battery comprising:a system for internal storage of electricity comprising reactants,the microfabricated battery having a volumetric size which is microscopic including a micrometer footprint substantially less than 20 cm2 and congruent with a microelectronic circuit accommodating integration with the circuit to provide long term stored power and to materially limit power losses,the microfabricated battery comprising a body of material having:a first microfabricated electrode of chemically reactant material,a second microfabricated electrode spaced from the first electrode anda microscopic amount of internal ion-transmitting electrolyte which restricts electronic current flow and accommodates reactions at the electrodes contained within an internal microfabricated space in the body accessible to both electrodes.
US Patent 7460669 - 2-bit encoding using single photon
Posted on December 08, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7460669.htmlThis patent from Toshiba has a fairly early priority date (Oct. 25, 2000) and seems to present some very basic claims to using a single photon to encode multi-bit data states which may be important to future quantum computing...
US Patent 7460490 - Micromechanical displays with rear surface light guide
Posted on December 08, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7460290.htmlThis patent from Pixtronix teaches a micromechanical display having improved luminous efficiency over typical backlight approaches. Claim 1 reads:1. A display apparatus comprising:a light guide;a substrate having a front surface facing an intended viewer and a rear surface facing the light guide, wherein the substrate is separated from the light guide by a gap; andan array of MEMS-based light modulators formed on the rear surface of the substrate.
US Patent 7460224 - Arrays of nanostructures for SERS
Posted on December 08, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7460224.htmlThis patent from Opto Trace Technologies is based on a finding that SERS, which is a highly sensitive a molecular detection mechanism, can be improved by arranging both active nanostructured surfaces formed using noble metals and inactive nanostructured surfaces formed using dielectric materials side be side...
US Patent 7459933 - Pattern recognition using memristor crossbar array
Posted on December 06, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7459933.htmlEarlier this year researchers at Hewlett-Packard announced a physical realization of a nanoscale memristor as a fundamentally new circuit element originally theorized by UC Berkeley professor Leon Chua in 1971...
US Patent 7459682 - Nanowire array spin-polarized electron source
Posted on December 06, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7459682.htmlOne variety of nanoscale detection devices is spin polarized scanning probe microscopy which uses the spin of electrons emitted from a sharp tip to characterize magnetic phenomena on the nanoscale. However continuous emission is difficult at room temperature...
US Patent 7,459,627 - CNT shielding for coaxial cable
Posted on December 04, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7459627.htmlThis patent from Hon Hai Precision and Tsinghua University is similar to an earlier patent (US Patent 7449631) and extends the scope of protection to using carbon nanotubes as electromagnetic shielding for coaxial cables...
US Patent 7459673 - Atomtronic switch with neutral atoms
Posted on December 04, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7459673.htmlMost engineers and scientists are familiar with the basic concepts of electronics and photonics which respectively attempt to create amplifying and switching circuits using electron transport and photon transport...
US Patent 7459312 - Cleaning of CNT sensors using light
Posted on December 04, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7459312.htmlThis patent from Stanford University teaches a method of using light to remove molecules from a carbon nanotube sensor to facilitate repeated use. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for using a carbon nanotube device including a carbon nanotube, the method comprising:using a light source to direct light at the carbon nanotube and to desorb molecules from the carbon nanotube;detecting a change in an electrical characteristic of the carbon nanotube; andusing the detected change to detect that the molecules have been desorbed from the carbon nanotube.
US Patent 7459324 - Photonic metal nanoparticle
Posted on December 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7459324.htmlPhotonics is analogous to electronics except instead of using circuits for transporting electrons the circuits of photonic devices transport particles of light. This patent from U.S. Naval Research Labs teaches an optical amplification device based on metal nanoparticles which seem to be a type of optical transistor...
US Patent 7459137 - Solvent-free CNT functionalization
Posted on December 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7459137.htmlDue to molecular forces carbon nanotubes often bundle together making it necessary to include a solvent when functionalizing the nanoubes for applications such as biosensors. However, the requirement for solvent places a constraint on the type of environments and chemical reactions permitted for the functionalization...
US Patent 7459121- Nanotube membrane fabrication
Posted on December 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7459121.htmlBuckypaper is a membrane material formed from carbon nanotubes having potential applications as an emission material for displays and in body armor but early fabrication methods have been discontinuous and produce only small quantities...
US Patent 7457508 - High optical transmission nanocrystal composites
Posted on November 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7457508.htmlThis patent from Lucent (now Alcatel-Lucent) teaches improved fiber optics based on nanocrystal/polymer composites. Claim 1 reads:1. A composition of matter, comprising:a polymer matrix including polymer chains having a plurality of carbon-halogen bonds; anda plurality of nanocrystal quantum dots dispersed and separated apart from each other within the polymer matrix,wherein the polymer chains include aromatic groups.
US Patent 7457021 - Fiber based MEMS
Posted on November 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7457021.htmlMicromachined materials have traditionally been limited to silicon, metal, and ceramic films with some more recent work being done with polymers. However, this patent from Cornell Research Foundation teaches an entirely different approach using carbon fibers as the actuation material for a micromirror type actuator having improved mechanical and flexure properties...
US Patent 7456972 - Surface plasmon induction in MWCNTs
Posted on November 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7456972.htmlSurface plasmon resonance is an effect commonly associated with biosensor applications and for which metal coated dielectric nanoparticles are being used as the resonant material. However, such metal nanoshells can be difficult to fabricate and cause unwanted heat generation...
US Patent 7456551 - Submersible marine microsensor module
Posted on November 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7456551.htmlMost sensors used in underwater exploration can be bulky and have limited maneuverability and sample size requirements. This patent based on a collaboration between the University of Florida and the University of Arkansas teaches using piezoelectric microsensors to facilitate miniaturize of the exploration equipment in use...
US Patent 7456131 - High thermal conductivity zeolite composite
Posted on November 25, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7456131.htmlZeolites are nanoporous aluminosilicate materials useful to a variety of purification systems however heating of the zeolite can limit absorbing capacity. This patent from UT-Battelle teaches including thermally conductive material to cool the zeolite and improve performance...
US Patent 7456052 - Tethered CNTs for thermal interface
Posted on November 25, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7456052.htmlThis patent is another in Intel's continuing effort to find thermal interface solutions using carbon nanotubes. Claim 1 reads:1. A process:coating at least one surface of least one of a heat sink and of a die with a metal;oxidizing carbon nanotubes ropes in sulfuric and nitric acids, whereby the carbon nanotubes ropes are cut into a plurality of short carbon nanotubes with open ends having carboxyl linkages attached thereto;treating at least one end of at least some of a plurality of carbon nanotubes by applying organic moieties thereto; andtethering one end of the at least some of the carbon nanotubes of the plurality of carbon nanotubes to the metal.
US Patent 7455825 - Manufacture of metal sulfide nanocrystals
Posted on November 25, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7455825.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches a method for making sulfide quantum dots (e.g. CdS, ZnS and PbS) with a more uniform size. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for manufacturing metal sulfide nanocrystals by reacting a metal precursor and an alkyl thiol in a solvent, wherein the alkyl thiol reacts with the metal precursor to form the metal sulfide nanocrystals.
US Patent 7453789 - CNT core microtip write/read head
Posted on November 24, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7453789.htmlThis patent from the French Atomic Energy Commission teaches forming a carbon nanotube wrapped in an insulating sheath as a read/write needle for ultrahigh density data recording. Claim 1 reads:1. Data recording device comprising at least one electrically conducting microtip having an end designed to be brought into electric contact with a recording medium, the microtip comprising a longitudinal conducting core having a substantially constant cross-section, device wherein the microtip is surrounded by a sheath made of non-conducting material, so that the free ends of the core and of the sheath are at the same level at the end of the microtip.
US Patent 7453622 - Polyelectrolyte gel MEMS pump
Posted on November 24, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7453622.htmlThis patent to Intel teaches a new type of actuation method for micromechanical structures which avoids the necessity of thermal, electrostatic, or piezo actuation mechanisms and which offers simpler and less costly manufacture...
US Patent 7453154 - CNT via flip chip interconnect
Posted on November 24, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7453154.htmlThis patent from Delphi Technologies teaches forming the via connections between electronic circuit substrates with carbon nanotubes. Claim 1 reads:1. An electronic package comprising:a first electronic device including an electronic circuit having an input/output pad, and at least one electrically conductive carbon nanotube extending from the input/output pad and beyond a surface of the device to provide an interconnect;a second electronic device, the first electronic device mounted on the second electronic device to form a stacked arrangement;a substrate, the stacked arrangement mounted on the substrate, the carbon nanotube extending away from the first electronic device, through an opening in the second electronic device, and connected to the substrate.
US Patent 7453093 - CNT filler for LED package
Posted on November 24, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7453093.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches using the thermal transport properties of carbon nanotubes to improve heat dissipation in LED packaging. Claim 1 reads:1. A light emitting diode package comprising:a substrate having at least one groove formed on an underside surface thereof;a plurality of upper electrodes formed on a top surface of the substrate;at least one light emitting diode chip mounted over the substrate, the light emitting diode chip having both terminals electrically connected to the upper electrodes; anda carbon nanotube filler filled in the groove of the substrate.
US Patent 7453085 - Nanoelastic memory
Posted on November 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7453085.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches a variation of the nanotube RAM originally developed by Nantero and which shapes the nanotubes as coils instead of ribbons. Claim 1 reads:1. A nano-elastic memory device comprising:at least one lower electrode;at least one upper electrode vertically separated from the at least one lower electrode, the at least one lower electrode perpendicularly crosses the at least one upper electrode; andat least one nano-elastic body grown on one of the at least one lower electrode and the at least one upper electrode towards the other of the at least one lower electrode and the at least one upper electrode.
US Patent 7453081 - Phase change memory cell including nanocomposite insulator
Posted on November 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7453081.htmlThis patent from Qimonda North America Corp. teaches a variation of phase change memory which incorporates insulating nanoparticles to lower the power required to change bit states. Claim 1 reads:1. A memory cell comprising:a first electrode;a second electrode;a storage material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode; anda nanocomposite insulator contacting the storage material;wherein the nanocomposite insulator comprises a first material comprising a phase change material and a nano-scaled material comprising insulating nanoparticles distributed within a portion of the first material.
US Patent 7452659 - Molecular layer nanogap patterning
Posted on November 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7452659.htmlThis patent from The Penn State Research Foundation teaches a new method of patterning lateral nanoscale gaps using molecular sacrificial materials. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of patterning a surface for use in a nanoscale device comprising:depositing a first material on the surface;applying a resist to the first material and to the surface;applying a molecular layer to the first material;applying a second material to the surface, such that the first material is separated from the second material by the molecular layer, wherein the second material and the molecular layer are selected such that the second material penetrates the molecular layer to deposit on the first material; andremoving the molecular layer to result in a structure formed from the first material and the second material.
US Patent 7452592 - Biopolymer nanoparticle oxygen barrier
Posted on November 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7452592.htmlThis patent from Innovia Films teaches food packaging serving as an oxygen barrier which can be made cheaper and more ecologically efficient via the use of biopolymer nanoparticles. Claim 1 reads:1. A substantially planar self-supporting sheet comprising on at least one side thereof a substantially continuous adherent coating thereon to create a barrier to oxygen, the coating comprising biopolymer nanoparticles in an amount of at least 20% by dry weight of the coating, forming a substantially continuous phase on the sheet, said biopolymer nanoparticles obtained from a mechanical thermoplastic process comprising a cross-linking step using a cross-linking agent.
US Patent 7452565 - Microparticle immobilization using nanoparticles
Posted on November 18, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7452565.htmlIn order to enhance the adhesion of microbeads used in bioassays to a substrate this patent teaches using silica nanoparticles to fill in gaps formed between the microbeads and wells in the substrate. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7452528 - Peptide-CNT hair colorant
Posted on November 18, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7452528.htmlThis patent from DuPont identifies another use of carbon nanotubes as a component of hair colorant which offers the advantage of a more long-lasting black pigment. Claim 1 reads:1. A diblock, peptide-based carbon nanotube hair colorant having the general structure (HBP)n-CNT, whereina) HBP is a hair-binding peptide;b) CNT is a carbon nanotube; andc) n ranges from 1 to about 500.
US Patent 7452452 - CNT nanoelectrode arrays
Posted on November 18, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7452452.htmlNanoelectrode arrays are useful to characterize proteins and complex biological molecules. This patent from Boston College teaches nanoelectrode arrays formed from vertically oriented carbon nanotube arrays including an adhesive layer to improve chemical and mechanical stability...
US Patent 7449758 - Organic piezoresistive MEMS resonator
Posted on November 17, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7449758.htmlPiezoresistive sensing is quite common to micromechanical sensors but is usually carried out using metal or semiconductor materials. This patent from researchers at CalTech teaches a biocompatible version using pentacene...
US Patent 7449672 - Quantum information conversion system
Posted on November 17, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7449672.htmlThis patent from HP teaches a more efficient quantum information processing system involving conversion of the physical representation of the quantum state (e.g. photon number, polarization, time bin, or orbital angular momentum) at different stages of the processing...
US Patent 7449631 - CNT shielding layer for coaxial cable
Posted on November 17, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7449631.htmlThis patent from Hon Hai Precision teaches using carbon nanotube yarn as electromagnetic shielding for coaxial cable which has the potential for increasing cable yield at reduced cost in comparison with previous materials...
US Patent 7449432 - Carbon nanomaterial gear oil
Posted on November 16, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7449432.htmlThis patent teaches using carbon nanotubes as a viscosity modifier for gear oil. Claim 1 reads:1. A fluid composition comprising base oil, an oil soluble additive containing nanomaterials selected from the group consisting of carbon nanoplates formed by wet milling of bulk graphitic material, carbon nanotubes having a length of 50 nanometers to 100 microns, and mixtures thereof...
US Patent 7449256 - Surfactant coated nanoparticle memory
Posted on November 16, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7449256.htmlThis patent from Seagate Technology teaches a new type of ultrahigh density memory storage using the surface tension of coated magnetic nanoparticles to produce the 0 and 1 bit states.1. A system, comprising:a recording medium including a substrate and having adjacent said substrate both a surfactant coated nanoparticle and a non-surfactant coated nanoparticle, wherein said surfactant coated nanoparticle and said non-surfactant coated nanoparticle are magnetic, said surfactant coated nanoparticle representing a first bit of recorded information and said non-surfactant coated nanoparticle representing a second bit of recorded information;a write element adjacent said recording medium; and a read element adjacent said recording medium.
US Patent 7449237 - Quantum dot microspheres
Posted on November 16, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7449237.htmlThis patent from M.I.T. teaches microspheres having quantum dots formed in the peripheral surface which provide a luminous biotag having chemical and light stability. Claim 1 reads:1. A microsphere comprising:a central region including a first inorganic material; anda peripheral region on a surface of the central region, the peripheral region including a second inorganic material and a semiconductor nanocrystal incorporated in the second inorganic material and covalently linked to the second inorganic material.
US Patent 7449133 - Transparent graphene
Posted on November 13, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7449133.htmlThere has been some development by companies such as Eikos and Unidym in using carbon nanotubes in new transparent electrodes. This patent from Unidym moves in a slightly different direction using the related carbon material graphene which may offer even superior transparency properties...
US Patent 7448931 - CNT field emitter manufacture including adhesion injection
Posted on November 13, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7448931.htmlThis patent from Hon Hai Precision notes that carbon nanotube field emitters used for displays have good electrical connection to an underlying substrate but weak mechanical connection and teaches the injection of adhesive to remedy this defect...
US Patent 7448441 - CNT microchannel heat exchanger
Posted on November 13, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7448441.htmlThis patent from Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC teaches a lightweight carbon nanotube heat exchanger suitable for miniature fuel cells. Claim 1 reads:1. A carbon nanotube heat-exchange system, comprising:a microchannel structure having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end providing a cooling fluid into said microchannel structure and the outlet end discharging the cooling fluid from said microchannel structure;at least one flow path defined in said microchannel structure, said at least one flow path fluidically connecting the inlet end to the outlet end of said microchannel structure; anda carbon nanotube structure provided in thermal contact with said microchannel structure, said carbon nanotube structure receiving heat from the cooling fluid in said microchannel structure and dissipating the heat into an external medium that is external to the carbon nanotube heat-exchange system.
US Patent 7447828 - Reconfigurable memristor crossbar signal processor
Posted on November 10, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7447828.htmlAn article in Nature by Hewlett-Packard researchers earlier this year have popularized a nanoscale memristor material as a fourth fundamental passive circuit element (after resistors, capacitors, and inductors) which has the properites of programmable resistance...
US Patent 7447721 - Quantum optic random number generator
Posted on November 10, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7447721.htmlThis patent from ID Quantique teaches a new type of quantum random number generator. Claim 1 reads:1. An apparatus for generating true random numbers by way of a quantum optic process, the apparatus comprising:a light source,a detector array of single-photon detectors, andelectronic circuitry,wherein the light source produces a beam of photons which propagate along a beam propagation direction to illuminate the detector array, andwherein a transverse spatial distribution of the detection probability by the detector array of protons is used as a source of randomness so as to generate true random number values which are registered by the electronic circuitry.
US Patent 7447547 - MEMS interface to biological neural networks
Posted on November 10, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7447547.htmlThis patent from Stanford University teaches a retinal prosthesis formed from a MEMS device to provide stimulation to neural cells in a more natural manner than electrical or chemical stimulation of prior methods...
US Patent 7446926 - Regenerating protective coating for optical MEMS
Posted on November 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7446926.htmlIridigm Display Corporation is one of a few companies developing MEMS-based display devices. This patent teaches including a self-repairing monolayer protective layer for the micromechanical pixels in which the self-repair is induced by a heating element...
US Patent 7446870 - Sensor for classifying nanoparticle sizes
Posted on November 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7446870.htmlThis patent from Siemens teaches forming surfaces by molecular imprinting having different sized pores matching with corresponding nanoparticles that are desired to be detected and classified. Such a technique could potentially be useful to form multi-color LEDs using nanocrystals having emission frequencies that correspond to the nanocrystals diameter...
US Patent 7446053 - Multilayer nanocomposite capacitor
Posted on November 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7446053.htmlThis patent from Hynix Semiconductor teaches forming a capacitor using a ZrO2/TiO2 multilayer nanocomposite material as the dielectric to reduce leakage current in highly integrated semiconductor devices. Claim 1 reads:1...
US patent 7446014 - Nanoelectrochemical cell
Posted on November 06, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7446014.htmlThis patent from Sharp teaches a way to form perhaps the smallest electrochemical cell ever made by using nanowire shells and sleeves filled with electrolyte. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for forming a NanoElectroChemical (NEC) cell, the method comprising:providing a bottom electrode with a top surface;forming nanowire shells, each nanowire shell having a nanowire connected to the bottom electrode top surface;forming a top electrode overlying the nanowire shells; and,forming nanowire sleeves filled with electrolyte.
US Patent 7445319 - Sustaining fusion reaction using forced collapse of nanoparticle nucleated cavities
Posted on November 06, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7445319.htmlNuclear fusion powers the Sun and provides the basis for hydrogen bombs but has experienced little success as a controlled means of man-made energy production. However, this patent from Synergy Innovations teaches a new method of sustaining fusion reactions using metal nanoparticle suspensions...
US Patent 7444934 - Direct writing of nanoparticles using supercritical fluid
Posted on November 06, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7444934.htmlSupercritical fluids have properties between that of a liquid and gas with no surface tension due to no liquid/gas phase boundary. This patent from Micron teaches forming a nanoparticle solution using CO2 supercritical fluid suitable for an inkjet based maskless lithography...
US Patent 7443720 - Quantum state readout using cooper pair boxes
Posted on November 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7443720.htmlCooper pairs refer to an attraction of two electrons that occurs in superconductive material at low temperature. This attraction makes electrons behave more like photons and are what produce the effects of zero resistance and magnetic field expulsion which characterize superconductivity...
US Patent 7443711 - Nanoscale memristor
Posted on November 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7443711.htmlJust a few months ago researchers at Hewlett Packard announced the practical implementation of a fourth fundamental circuit element called a memristor (i.e. memory resistor). One of the interesting properties of the memristor is that it has the potential to combine both data storage and data processing capabilities in a single element and can thus offer a new building block for artificial intelligence...
US Patent 7443003 - Nanoimprinted thermoelectric module for selective memory erasure
Posted on October 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7443003.htmlThis patent from GM teaches a novel system for selective thermal erasure of a shape memory alloy film used for information storage. Claim 1 reads:1. An information storage device, comprising:a substrate;a shape memory alloy film established on the substrate, wherein the shape memory alloy film is adapted to at least one of receive, supply, and store digital information; andat least one thermoelectric module nanoimprinted between the substrate and the shape memory alloy film, the at least one thermoelectric module adapted to selectively erase at least some of the digital information from the shape memory alloy film.
US Patent 7442926 - Carbon nanotip shaping
Posted on October 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7442926.htmlIn order to provide sharper tips with higher aspect ratios carbon nanotubes have previously been implemented as tips of atomic force microscopes. This patent from Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials teaches a method of shaping the tips by irradiation...
US Patent 7442575 - Semiconductor nanowire growth from graphite substrate
Posted on October 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7442575.htmlIn manufacturing carbon nanotubes graphite is often used as a starting material. This patent from Texas Christian University teaches using graphite as a starting material for silicon nanowire growth as well...
US Patent 7442358 - Nanocarbon aggregate flakes
Posted on October 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7442358.htmlSurface emission displays are a potential competitor to LCDs with advantages in energy efficiency. This patent from Canon is directed to a nanocarbon flake emission material used in the display with a basic claim reading:1...
US Patent 7442320 - Si + Ge quantum dot composites for photovoltaics
Posted on October 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7442320.htmlThis patent from Ultradots, inc. takes advantage of band offsets between silicon and germanium semiconductor nanocrystals in the formation of high efficiency photovoltaics. Claim 1 reads:1. A nanostructured material, comprising:(a) a first nano-network formed from a plurality of Si quantum dots that are at least one of fused and interconnected; and(b) a second nano-network coupled to said first nano-network and formed from a plurality of Ge quantum dots that are at least one of fused and interconnected,said plurality of Si quantum dots having a first peak size that is from about 1 nm to about 20 nm, said plurality of Ge quantum dots having a second peak size that is greater than said first peak size to define a staggered band offset between said first nano-network and said second nano-network,said nanostructured material being configured to absorb light to produce a first type of charge carrier and a second type of charge carrier, said first type of charge carrier separating into said first nano-network in accordance with said staggered band offset and being-transported in said first nano-network, said second type of charge carrier separating into said second nano-network in accordance with said staggered band offset and being transported in said second nano-network, said nanostructured material having an absorption coefficient that is at least 1000/cm within a range of wavelengths from about 400 nm to about 700 nm.
US Patent 7442284 - Polymer coated nanotube electrodes for rechargeable batteries
Posted on October 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7442284.htmlThis patent from Boston College teaches fabricating a carbon nanotube substrate uniformly coated with conductive polymer material providing a high efficiency electrode for rechargeable batteries. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7439501 - Direct write nanolithography using heated tip
Posted on October 26, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7439501.htmlThis patent from Georgia Tech Research seems to be claiming a system identical to earlier technology such as IBM's millipede system for high density memory storage. Some prior art not considered during the examination can be found here...
US Patent 7439081 - Multilayer CNT integrated circuit
Posted on October 26, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7439081.htmlThis patent from IBM teaches manufacturing methods for incorporating multilayer carbon nanotube films into an integrated circuit in which the nanotubes in one layer are oriented orthogonally to that of another layer to control the direction of maximum conductivity between layers...
US Patent 7438972 - Resin coated nanoparticle flexible film
Posted on October 26, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7438972.htmlThis patent from PPG Industries Ohio teaches using resin-coated pigment nanoparticles in a film coating in order to avoid clumping of the nanoparticles upon distortion or stretching of the film. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7438888 - Molybdenum oxide nanoparticles
Posted on October 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7438888.htmlThis patent from Cyprus Amax Minerals Company teaches new manufacturing methods to produce high surface area molybdenum nanoparticles. Claim 1 reads:1. A nano-particle of MoO3 having a surface area in a range of 33 to about 44 m2/g.
US Patent 7438887 - Manganese oxide nanowire molecular sieve
Posted on October 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7438887.htmlThis patent from the university of Connecticut teaches a new film useful for molecular sieves formed of manganese nanowires and exhibiting less brittleness with superior thermal and chemical properties. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7438411 - Sunglasses incorporating plasmon resonant nanoparticles
Posted on October 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7438411.htmlThis patent from Nanospectra Biosciences teaches sunglasses or protective goggles incorporating dielectric nanoparticles with a metallic shell to achieve enhanced tuning of optical radiation filtering. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7438193 - Coated nanoporous membrane
Posted on October 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7438193.htmlThis patent from Postech Foundation (Korea) teaches the formation of a filtration membrane having a high density of nanopores in which an inner portion and a surface portion are formed of different polymers...
US Patent 7437938 - High modulus CNT diaphragm sensor
Posted on October 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7437938.htmlThis patent from Rosemount Inc. teaches a high resolution pressure sensor formed from nanowires or nanotubes providing a high Young's modulus. Claim 1 reads:1. A sensor comprising:a composite structure formed by a mat of nanotubes or nanowires embedded in insulating material, wherein the composite structure has a Young's modulus of greater than about 1000 GPa; andelectrodes for deriving a sensor signal in response to deflection of the composite structure in response to a physical parameter, at least one of the electrodes connected to the mat.
US Patent 7437915 - Lateral thermal actuator for nanoscale probe
Posted on October 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7437915.htmlScanning probe microscopes include nanoscale tips which are conventionally used in microscopy devices but which are finding new uses in lithography and ultrahigh density data storage. This patent from IBM teaches an improvement in their Millipede probe array using a thermal actuator to control the lateral movement of individual probes for more precise positioning...
US Patent 7435637 - Quantum wire gate
Posted on October 19, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7435637.htmlThis patent from Intel teaches a method using quantum wires to form the channels of FETs in which isolation doping is used between the quantum wires. Claim 1 reads:1. A method comprising:forming a plurality of quantum wires in a substrate, wherein each of the plurality of quantum wires is narrower than the mean free path of semiconductive electron flow therein and wherein a trench is formed between adjacent quantum wires;disposing a doping region in the substrate beneath each trench to resist electrical communication between adjacent quantum wires; andforming a gate layer over the plurality of quantum wires, wherein a spacer mask is formed between the quantum wire and the gate layer.
US Patent 7435476 - Functionalized nanotube material for supercapacitor electrodes
Posted on October 19, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7435476.htmlThis patent is based on a collaboration of Honda and Ohio State University and teaches a way to fabricate carbon nanotube supercapacitors with higher levels of capacitance. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of producing electrodes comprising:chemically oxidizing carbon nanotube-containing material at a temperature of less than about 200 C...
US Patent 7435353 - Focused e-beam nanopatterning
Posted on October 16, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7435353.htmlThis patent from Harvard teaches a new nanopatterning method for semiconductor processing involving vapor condensation and selective removal of the condensate using a focused electron beam. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7434445 - Power spectrum analysis of microcantilevers
Posted on October 16, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7434445.htmlMicrofabricated cantilevers are an important component of Atomic Force Microscopes as well as many MEMS sensors. This patent from Asylum Research teaches an apparatus for providing a more sensitive calibration of the cantilever using a power spectrum detector to detect shifts in resonance frequency...
US Patent 7433237 - Transistor utilizing dielectric oxide nanolaminates
Posted on October 12, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7433237.htmlThis patent from Micron Technology teaches a transistor structure for DRAM memory cells that uses oxide nanolaminate dielectrics for enhanced read/write speeds with reduced cell sizes. Claim 1 reads:1. A transistor device, comprising:a first source/drain region;a second source/drain region;a channel region between the first and the second source/drain regions; anda gate separated from the channel region by a multilayer gate insulator; wherein the multilayer gate insulator includes oxide insulator nanolaminate layers, wherein at least one charge trapping layer is substantially amorphous; andcircuitry coupled to the source/drain regions to program the transistor in a first direction, and read the transistor in a second direction opposite the first direction.
US Patent 7432522 - Nanowhisker pn junction
Posted on October 12, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7432522.htmlThis patent from QuNano teaches the formation of a new type of pn junction formed from a nanowhisker (aka nanowire). Claim 1 reads:1. A structure, comprising:a crystalline semiconductor nanowhisker of a first conductivity type; andan enclosure comprising a bulk semiconductor region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type enclosing and in contact with said nanowhisker along at least part of its length;wherein a combination of the nanowhisker and the bulk semiconductor region forms a pn junction.
US Patent 7432217 - Formation of uniform length nanotubes using organic film planarization
Posted on October 12, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7432217.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches a method of forming a uniform length carbon nanotube array for FED applications by planarization of an organic film. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of achieving uniform lengths of Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs), the method comprising:forming CNTs of varying lengths on a predetermined material layer;coating an organic film to cover the CNTs formed on the predetermined material layer;etching the organic film to a predetermined depth to remove projected portions of the CNTs; andremoving the organic film to leave CNTs of uniform length...
US Patent 7432039 - Combined molecular and non-molecular lithography
Posted on October 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7432039.htmlPhotoresists are commonly used in semiconductor processing to define patterns for doping, etching, and other microfabrication steps. This patent from the Penn State Research Foundationteaches combining the patterning of resists with molecular film patterning to define nanoscale structures...
US Patent 7431970 - Rewritable polymer nanolithography
Posted on October 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7431970.htmlIBM's Millipede system is one of a few designs for using arrays of atomic force microscope tips for nanoscale memory applications. This patent from the Air Force teaches a rewritable version based on thermal heating in which no polymer is removed during tip induced heating and using anneal processes for erasure of data...
US Patent 7431964 - Angular porous metal film deposition for nanotube growth
Posted on October 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7431964.htmlThis patent to Motorola teaches forming a porous metal catalyst film to support the growth of carbon nanotubes for field emission. Angular deposition is used to control the nanotube spacing. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7431867 - Uniform core/shell nanoparticles
Posted on October 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7431867.htmlCore/shell nanocrystals have potential as useful components to LEDs. By tuning the size of the nanocrystals the emission wavelength can be controlled. This patent from Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic teaches a processing method involving mixing silicon tetrachloride and a reducing agent and heating to form Si/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles with uniform diameters for a better control of the luminescent wavelength...
US Patent 7431856 - Nanotip fabrication by spatially controlled etching
Posted on October 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7431856.htmlNanotips probes are being developed for a variety of applications including microscopy, lithography, and data storage on the nanoscale. This patent from Canadian researchers teaches a method for sharping such nanotips for higher resolution performance...
US Patent 7430788 - Magnetorheological nanocomposite releasable fastener
Posted on October 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7430788.htmlThis patent from GM teaches a hook and loop type fastener formed from nanocomposite materials and responsive to magnetic fields for ease of release. Claim 1 reads:1. A hook portion for a releasable fastener system comprising:a support and a plurality of hook elements disposed on a surface of the support,wherein the plurality of hook elements comprise a magnetorheological elastomer adapted to change a shape orientation and/or a flexural modulus upon receipt of a magnetic signal,wherein the magnetorheological elastomer comprises ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particulates in an elastomeric material.
US Patent 7429904 - MEMS spread spectrum transmitter
Posted on October 05, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7429904.htmlThis is another patent from Avago Technologies related to their work on the use of MEMS oscillators in spread spectrum communications. Claim 1 reads:1. A spread-spectrum transmitter comprising:microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based oscillation system comprising at least one MEMS resonator and being configured to generate signals at different frequencies; andthe MEMS based oscillation system further comprising a controllable switch configured to select one signal at a time within the MEMS-based oscillation system in response to a spread-spectrum code, the output from the controllable switch being a spread-spectrum signal.
US Patent 7429418 - Porous friction material incorporating nanoparticles
Posted on October 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7429418.htmlThis patent from BorgWarner teaches a new type of friction material for automotive applications based on nanoparticular material disposed in a porous material possessing improvements in heat resistance, high friction stability and durability, and strength compared to other materials...
US Patent 7429371 - Nucleic acid dispersant for CNTs
Posted on October 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7429371.htmlIn applications such as pH sensors it would be advantageous to controllably reverse oxidation of carbon nanotubes. This patent from du Pont teaches using nucleic acid wrapped carbon nanotubes to achieve a stabilized charge storage device for such applications...
US Patent 7429369 - Manufacture of silicon nanoparticle nanotubes
Posted on September 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7429369.htmlThis patent from the University of Illinois describes a manufacturing procedure for a new type of nanotube formed from individual silicon nanoparticles which may have some benefits to biomedical applications and flexible electronics...
US Patent 7429219 - nanocrystalline rust resistant coating for golf club head
Posted on September 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7429219.htmlThis patent from Nelson Precision Casting teaches that nanostructured Fe-Co-Ni is particularly useful for protecting the rough surface of golf club heads from rust. Claim 1 reads:1. A golf club head having a rust-resistant coating, comprising:at least one club head component having a prepared surface; anda rust-resistant coating layer forming on the prepared surface of the club head component, said rust-resistant coating layer made from a Fe?Co?Ni alloy including iron of 5-20 wt %, cobalt of 5-25 wt % and nickel of 60-90 wt %;wherein said rust-resistant coating layer is formed with a nano-crystalline structure of the Fe?Co?Ni alloy.
US Patent 7428562 - Self authenticating quantum random number generator
Posted on September 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7428562.htmlRandom number generators are important to applications in cryptography and modeling of probabilistic phenomena (e.g. weather, stock market). Many computer algorithms using random numbers are actually based on pseudorandom number generators which may ultimately be reproducible and non-ideal for some modeling...
US Patent 7428138 - CNT array capacitor plates
Posted on September 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7428138.htmlThis is one of a series of patents from Intel focusing on using the high surface to volume ratio of carbon nanotubes to achieve high value capacitors. Claim 1 reads:1. A capacitor comprising:a first substrate including a plurality of carbon nanotubes to form a first capacitor plate adapted to be coupled to a first potential; anda second substrate including a plurality of carbon nanotubes to form a second capacitor plate, adapted to be coupled to a second potential opposite to the first potential, intermeshed with said nanotubes on the first substrate.
US Patent 7427785 - Zinc oxide nanowire contact layer for LED
Posted on September 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7427785.htmlTransparent electrodes such as indium-tin-oxide are important to optoelectronic applications and are required to have both good optical transparency and electrical conductivity. This patent from Samsung teaches using high aspect ration nanostructures formed from zinc oxide as an improved transparent electrode material fro LEDs...
US Patent 7427772 - Periodic nanocrystal LED
Posted on September 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7427772.htmlNanocrystalline based LEDs offer the advantage of higher extraction efficiencies than conventional LEDs but can also have fabrication defects leading to higher resistances and inferior electrical properties...
US Patent 7427754 - Random telegraph signal nanoMOS probe
Posted on September 25, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7427754.htmlThis patent from the University of California System teaches a new type of microscopy probe based on carbon nanotubes capable of inspecting for molecular or atomic defects in nanoelectronic devices. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7427541 - CNT energy well FET
Posted on September 25, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7427541.htmlThis patent from Intel teaches a method of forming a carbon nanotube transistor with less leakage current. Claim 1 reads:1. A method, comprising:creating a structure to form an energy well within a Carbon nanotube by placing a Carbon nanotube on a doped semiconductor region;forming an undoped semiconductor region over said Carbon nanotube; anddelta doping said undoped semiconductor region above a first portion of said Carbon nanotube.
US Patent 7427527 - MEMS alignment using solder reflow
Posted on September 25, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7427527.htmlThe integration of different MEMS devices together requires careful alignment critical to such applications as optical switching arrays. This patent from Surfect Technologies teaches a new technique using magnetic fields to manipulate solder used in the alignment of MEMS...
US Patent 7427491 - Polymer biosensor including sensing and transducing nanoparticles
Posted on September 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7427491.htmlThis patent from Roche Diagnostics teaches a new type of biosensor which uses a single rather than multi-layer structure formed from analyte recognition nanoparticles doped with a luminescent dye and transduction nanoparticles conjugated with an oxidative enzyme...
US Patent 7427328 - Nanowire solution deposition using electrostatic attraction
Posted on September 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7427328.htmlThis patent from Nanosys teaches a system for applying a solution of nanowires to a substrate which can be used to form electronic devices on plastic or other flexible substrates. Claim 1 reads:1. A system for applying nanowires to a target surface, comprising:a solution source that provides a nanowire solution, wherein said nanowire solution comprises a liquid containing a plurality of nanowires, wherein the plurality of nanowires comprise silicon having an oxide coating and which have a first negative charge;a nozzle coupled to said solution source, wherein said nozzle has at least one output opening; anda target surface comprising a charged material having a second charge which is opposite to said first charge, which second charge aids in attracting the nanowires from the nanowire solution to the target surface;wherein said nozzle directs the nanowire solution through said at least one output opening onto the target surface.
US Patent 7426873 - MEMS pressure sensors for footwear
Posted on September 23, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7426873.htmlThis patent from Sandia teaches a system for measuring the gait of human movement by embedding micromechanical sensors in footwear. The patent specification describes applications as part of a robotic exoskeleton (BLEEX)...
US Patent 7426416 - MEMS sensor array noise reduction
Posted on September 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7426416.htmlThis patent from IBM teaches a noise reduction methodology for MEMS sensor arrays. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of reducing noise in a MEMs-based system, comprising:providing a sensor array including at least two sensors; andensemble averaging outputs of said sensor array, wherein said ensemble averaging reduces an effective sensor noise to (?/sqrt(N)), where N is a number of sensors of said at least two sensors.
US Patent 7426067 - Atomic layer deposition on MEMS
Posted on September 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7426067.htmlThis patent from the University of Colorodo teaches a method of coating a MEMS structure using atomic layer deposition which allows for the creation of nanometer scale layers adding propertes such as wear-resistance, electrical insulation, thermal conductivity, hydrophobicity, biocompatibility, and reflectivity to micromechanical structures...
US Patent 7426025 - Lasing nanostructures for Raman Spectroscopy
Posted on September 19, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7426025.htmlRaman spectroscopy is a popular methodology for molecular analysis. Typically an external laser is used in technique but this patent from Hewlett Packard teaches using nanowire laser arrays on which the molecules under study are placed adjacent the nanowire array...
US Patent 7425715 - Digital e-beam lithography stamp
Posted on September 19, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7425715.htmlElectron beam lithography is capable of nanometer scale resolution but typically uses a single beam to pattern and is thus too slow for use in mass production of semiconductor devices. This patent teaches a large array of electron generating nanotips controlled to generate a digital lithographic pattern for a higher throughput...
US Patent 7425582 - Stable dispersion using surface modified nanoparticles
Posted on September 19, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7425582.htmlDispersants are an ingredient to control phase separation between a a mixed phase dispersion. This patent from 3M teaches using surface-modified organic nanoparticles as an improved dispersant for a dispersion...
US Patent 7425368 - Nanotube filler for polymer orientation
Posted on September 16, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7425368.htmlThis patent from M.I.T. teaches the use of carbon nanotube or nanofiber filler to enhance the orientation of molecular structures in spun polymer fibers to create stronger materials such as improved Kevlar...
US Patent 7425487 - Nanoelement FET fabrication
Posted on September 16, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7425487.htmlDue to the expected difficulty in extending nanofabrication to sub-22 nm dimensions there is an increased interest from companies such as Infineon and Samsung in forming nanowires or nanotubes as channel elements for post-2012 FETs...
US Patent 7423287 - Measuring residual stress in MEMS
Posted on September 11, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7423287.htmlDuring the manufacture of MEMS devices stress can develop along the movable microcomponents being fabricated. This patent from Qualcomm teaches providing several electrical connection portions in the MEMS structure designed to break based on predetermined stress levels in order to monitor the stress...
US Patent 7423285 - 3D matrix reconfigurable logic
Posted on September 11, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7423285.htmlA variety of companies including Hewlett-Packard and Nantero have been working on crossbar circuit architectures to achieve more efficient nanoelectronics in coming decades. This patent from Sharp teaches providing wires to interconnect planes of such crossbar switching architectures and extend their integration into three dimensions to form more compact reconfigurable logic architectures...
US Patent 7423084 - High tensile strength polyethylene fibers containing carbon nanotubes
Posted on September 11, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7423084.htmlThis patent from DSM IP Assets B.V. teaches a method for making higher tensile strength nanotube/polymer composites. Claim 1 reads:1. Method of producing a high strength and high modulus elongated product comprising the steps of :(a) making a composition comprising a semi-crystalline polymer and nanotubes,(b) extruding said composition into an elongated product, and(c) stretching the product below the melting point of the polymer,wherein in step (a) the composition is a colloidal dispersion of nanotubes in a solution of the polymer...
US Patent 7422980 - Oriented nanowires as electrical interconnect
Posted on September 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7422980.htmlThis patent from Nanosys covers the fabrication of nanowire based sensors or electronics via nanowire deposition and orientation between closely spaced electrodes. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of making a nanowire based device, comprising:depositing a plurality of nanowires on at least a first region of a surface of a substrate; andforming at least first and second electrical contacts on the first region of the surface of the substrate such that at least first and second nanowires of the plurality of nanowires are positioned in contact with both the first and second electrical contacts,wherein the nanowires are made from a material selected from the group comprising Si, Ge, Sn, Se, Te, P, Si?C, Si?Ge, Si?Sn, Ge?Sn, SiC, AlN/AlP/AlAs/AlSb, GaN/GaP/GaAs/GaSb, InN/InP/InAs/InSb, AlN/AlP/AlAs/AlSb, GaN/GaP/GaAs/GaSb, InN/InP/InAs/InSb, ZnO/ZnS/ZnSe/ZnTe, CdS/CdSe/CdTe, HgS/HgSe/HgTe, BeS/BeSe/BeTe/MgS/MgSe, GeS, GeSe, GeTe, SnS, SnSe, SnTe, PbO, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, CuF, CuCl, CuBr, CuI, AgF, AgCl, AgBr, AgI, BeSiN2, CaCN2, ZnGeP2, CdSnAs2, ZnSnSb2, CuGeP3, CuSi2P3, (Cu, Ag)(Al, Ga, In, Tl, Fe)(S, Se, Te)2, Si3N4, Ge3N4, Al2O3, (Al, Ga, In)2(S, Se, Te)3, or Al2CO or alloys thereof,wherein the first and second electrical contacts are separated from each other on the first surface of the substrate by a distance that is less than 50% of an average length of the first and second nanowires.
US Patent 7422922 - Photovoltaics formed with semiconductor nanoparticle electrodes
Posted on September 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7422922.htmlThis patent from Sony teaches a new manufacturing method for forming nanoparticle based solar cells having enhanced adhesiveness between the photovoltaic material and a substrate and better durability with respect to bending or expansion of the substrate...
US Patent 7420396 - Nanoparticle chain universal logic gate
Posted on September 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7420396.htmlKnowmtech is a company exploring the possibilities of nanoparticle based materials to form neural networks and computational systems. This latest patent teaches a new type of reconfigurable computing logic based on self-assembling nanoparticle chains...
US Patent 7420199 - Vertical nanowire memristor memory cell
Posted on September 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7420199.htmlEarlier this year HP researchers announced the memristor as a possible candidate for future non-volatile memory designs. Memristors possess a variable resistance switching property which offer potential to replace transistors as Moore's Law becomes more difficult to fulfill...
US Patent 7420156 - Metal nanowire bandpass filter
Posted on September 05, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7420156.htmlThis patent from the University of Pittsburgh teaches the formation of a bandpass filter formed of nanowires useful to applications in spectrometry and analyte detection. Claim 1 reads:1. A band pass filter comprising a metal nanowire array, wherein:the array comprises a plurality of nanowires separated by slit shaped radiation transparent regions;the nanowires comprise metal islands located over a radiation transparent substrate; andthe metal islands have a thickness of between 100 nm and 250 nm.
US Patent 7420106 - Dielectric film characterization using tunneling
Posted on September 05, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7420106.htmlThis patent from the University of Utah includes some broad claims covering he characterization of a dielectric surface via tunneling. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of characterizing a dielectric surface by detecting tunneling events, the method comprising acts of:applying a first voltage at a given location on the dielectric surface, the voltage being of a sufficient strength, and applied within a distance from the dielectric surface where tunneling events are likely to occur; anddetecting a tunneling event occurring as a result of applying the first voltage at the given location on the dielectric surface...
US Patent 7419887 - Laser assisted nanodeposition
Posted on September 05, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7419887.htmlThis patent teaches a new type of nanofabrication process involving the focusing of a laser beam width to nanometer dimensions and using the laser to fuse nanoparticles deposited via a nanosize pore. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7419764 - Nanoimprint mold fabrication using E-beam+photolihography
Posted on September 05, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7419764.htmlIn order to achieve sub-100 nm processing in coming years one alternative is nanoimprint lithography. Nanoimprint lithography uses a mold to transfer a pattern onto an opposing substrate. This patent from S...
US Patent 7419650 - Functionalized Short CNTs
Posted on September 04, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7419650.htmlFor applications in hydrogen storage and as molecular sieves short length (
US Patents 7419624 + 7419651 - Fullerene nanotubes
Posted on September 04, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7419624.htmlhttp://www.freepatentsonline.com/7419651.htmlMany of the basic fabrication methods for single walled nanotube production have come from research out of Rice University. While most of Rice's patents have previously focused on the single walled carbon nanotube type, a recent set of issued patents based on continuations (with priority going back to the 1990's) have extended the patent coverage to "fullerene nanotubes" which may include double or multiwall nanotubes types that are being explored as field emitters and transparent electrodes in electronics and display applications...
US Patent 7419616 - Fluidic switch using interlocking magnetic particles
Posted on September 04, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7419616.htmlMagnetorheological fluids have the property of variable viscosity dependent on magnetic fields which is useful for flow control switches. This patent from GM teaches controlling the aspect ratios of the particles forming these fluids to maintain a high and stable on/off ratio for the flow...
US Patent 7419612 - Method of fabricating nanoporous polyimide film
Posted on September 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7419612.htmlThis patent teaches a method of making nanoporous films of polyimide which is capable of maintaining favorable properties over an extended temperature range. Claim 6 reads:6. A method of creating pores of nanometric to micrometric size in a thin sheet of polyimide, in which the sheet is subjected to the steps comprising:an ion bombardment;a radiation in the visible range of a halogen light emitting at wavelengths of between 450 and 530 nm for a period of about 10 hours to one week; anda chemical etching.
US Patent 7419601 - CNT nanomesh for fluid purification
Posted on September 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7419601.htmlThis patent from Seldon Technologies (priority March 7, 2003) includes some basic claims to an article using carbon nanotubes to form a mesh structure usable as a fluid purification filter. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7418283 - Quantum computation via monitored Hamiltonian transformation
Posted on September 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7418283.htmlD-Wave is a company attempting to make quantum computation a reality. This latest patent seems to include some basic claims to quantum computation by monitoring the state of a Hamiltonian (math expression for energy state) describing superconducting qubits under adiabatic conditions...
US Patent 7417511 - MEMS-based spread spectrum clock generation
Posted on September 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7417511.htmlThis patent from Lexmark includes some broad claims on the use of microelectromechanical circuits to generate spread spectrum clock signals. Claim 1 reads:1. A spread spectrum clock generation (SSCG) circuit comprising a MEMS based circuit having a plurality of circuit components configured to generate a spread spectrum clocking signal based on a modulation of a resonant frequency of said MEMS based circuit and an output coupled to at least one of said circuit components to supply said spread spectrum clocking signal.
US Patent 7417320 - CNT array patterning using base film
Posted on August 29, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7417320.htmlCarbon nanotube patterning often involves the processing of a catalytic film that can damage other areas of a substrate making integration with more conventional electronics difficult. This patent from Fujitsu teaches using a base film to facilitate the patterning to avoid processing of the catalytic film that can cause damage...
US Patent 7417119 - Protein processing using nanowire arrays
Posted on August 29, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7417119.htmlThis patent from SRI International teaches a new way to conduct protein assembly to build complex molecular structures by using programmable charge patterns that can attract molecules in specified arrangements...
US Patent 7416993 - Nanowire fabric patterning
Posted on August 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7416993.htmlNantero has focused most of their patents on nanomechanical switches formed from carbon nanotube fabrics. This patent extends the scope of their nanofabric technology to cover other possible nanowire based patterning...
US Patent 7416911 - Manufacture of molecular probes with hydrogenated surfaces
Posted on August 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7416911.htmlThis patent from CalTech teaches forming a template which is possibly useful for the formation of molecular electronic devices using hydrogenated nanostructured surfaces including Si-H bonds. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7416699 - Nanotube interconnect between catalyst island contacts
Posted on August 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7416699.htmlThis patent from Stanford University has an early priority date (Aug. 14, 1998) and includes some very basic claims to carbon nanotubes formed from catalyst islands used as electrical interconnects. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7416108 - Superalloy brazing using microparticle/nanoparticle filler
Posted on August 26, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7416108.htmlBrazing is a process of joining materials using an alloy or filler at high temperatures (>400 C). This patent from Siemans Power Generation teaches using a combination of microparticle and nanoparticle superalloys to reduce the time required for brazing...
US Patent 7416019 - CNT thermal interface with >50% packing ratio
Posted on August 26, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7416019.htmlThis patent from Johns Hopkins University teaches a high density multiwall carbon nanotube array forming a high efficiency thermal interface useful for integrated circuit cooling. Claim 1 reads: 1. A thermal interface comprising:a first structure for making thermal contact with a second, different structure; anda plurality of substantively aligned carbon nanotubes protruding substantively perpendicularly from a first surface of the first structure to improve thermal contact with the second structure, wherein a nanotube packing ratio is the quotient of the sum of cross section areas of carbon nanotubes in the plurality of carbon nanotubes divided by the area of the first surface of the first structure covered by the carbon nanotubes, and the nanotube packing ratio is greater than fifty percent.
US Patent 7414437 - Mechanical computer formed from nanoscale pillars
Posted on August 25, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7414437.htmlNantero has started the ball rolling on nanoscale mechanical computers but others are also trying to develop similar devices. This patent from WARF discloses the formation of dual nanopillars to form electrical switches and connecting the electrical switches to form basic logic and computational structures...
US Patent 7414294 - Intermediate band core/shell quantum dots provided in organic matrix
Posted on August 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7414294.htmlThis patent discloses a quantum dot based composites useful for solar cells in which band matching is achieved between quantum dots and an organic matrix. Claim 1 reads:1. A photosensitive device comprising:a plurality of quantum dots, each quantum dot having a shell; andan organic matrix, the quantum dots being embedded in the organic matrix, at least the quantum dots and the organic matrix being photoconductive semiconductors, the shell around each quantum dot being arranged as a tunneling barrier to require an electron in a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the organic matrix to perform quantum mechanical tunneling to reach the respective quantum dot, and a first quantum state above the band gap in each quantum dot being between the LUMO and a highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the organic matrix, wave functions of the first quantum state of the plurality of quantum dots to overlap as an intermediate band.
US Patent 7413973 - Nanogap electrode device fabrication
Posted on August 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7413973.htmlIn order to create nanoscale sensors or electronics it is often necessary to create electrode gaps having nanometer scale dimensions. A variety of techniques exist to form such nanoscale gaps including electron beam lithography and the precise application of mechanical stress to an electrode to create a gap in the electrode...
US Patent 7413907 - Mass spectrometer using CNT mat
Posted on August 20, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7413907.htmlThis patent from Rice University teaches using a functionalized mat of carbon nanotubes (i.e. bucky paper) as a binding matrix for analytes used in mass spectroscopy. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for analyzing molecules with MALDI-MS comprising the steps of:a) providing a mat of functionalized carbon nanotubes;b) making a solution of analyte molecules in a suitable solvent;c) contacting the analyte molecules with the mat of carbon nanotubes by placing a quantity of the analyte solution on the mat;d) removing the solvent to form an analyte mat; ande) performing MALDI-MS on the analyte mat.
US Patent 7413633 - Belt with urethane-based coating including nanoparticles
Posted on August 20, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7413633.htmlPolyurethane is useful as a protective coatings and sealants in numerous applications. This patent from Albany International discloses adding nanoparticles to a urethane coating used as a belt in paper making processes to improve the crack and wear resistance of such belts...
US Patent 7413598 - Mold containing boron nitride nanotubes
Posted on August 19, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7413598.htmlThis patent from Hon Hai Precision teaches a mold used for glass manufacture which incorporates boron nitride nanotubes for improved chemical stability and thermal shock resistance. Claim 1 reads:1. A mold comprising:a mold matrix; anda plurality of boron nitride nanotubes and an amount of noble metal powder sintered together with and uniformly distributed in the mold matrix, each boron nitride nanotube capsuling a plurality of fullerenes therein.
US Patent 7413550 - Bad breath detector using nanoparticles
Posted on August 19, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7413550.htmlThis patent from Kimberly-Clark Worldwide teaches using silica or alumina nanoparticles in a high sensitivity bad breadth testing device. Claim 1 reads:1. A breath testing device comprising nanoparticles and a visual indicating agent disposed on a substrate, wherein the visual indicating agent is color sensitive to at least one odorous compound present in the breath of a user, wherein the visual indicating agent is 4,4?-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol.
US Patent 7412428 - Nanotechnology based neural network for applying Hebbian learning
Posted on August 18, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7412428.htmlThis patent is one in a series of patents from Alex Nugent who has come up with a variety of techniques to use nanoparticle based interconnections to simulate physical neural networks. One of the limitations of current artificial intelligence approaches is the reliance on software solutions which have an intrinsic delay required for the transfer of information between memory and a processor...
US Patent 7411772 - Rotary Casimir effect
Posted on August 18, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7411772.htmlThe Casimir effect is a quantum mechanical effect that results in the attraction of metal plates having nanoscopic separation distances. Usually the metal plates used are flat and the energy required to reset the plate separation makes applications involving the plate movement impractical...
US Patent 7411241 - Vertical nanotube transistor memory cell
Posted on August 14, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7411241.htmlThis patent from Samsung with priority going back to March 28, 2005 presents some basic claims to vertically oriented carbon nanotubes channels connected to a bit line. Claim 1 reads:1. An integrated circuit device, comprising:a substrate;an electrically conductive bit line on said substrate; anda field effect transistor having a first current carrying terminal electrically connected to said bit line, said field effect transistor comprising a nanotube channel region and a gate electrode surrounding the nanotube channel region...
US 7410697 - Nanoparticles derivatized as monomers in a polymer
Posted on August 13, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7410697.htmlThis patent from SAIC is fairly basic to the incorporation of nanoparticles in polymers (priority: Nov. 1, 2001) and teaches methods of fabrication in which the agglomeration of the nanoparticles is avoided...
US Patent 7410597 - Thermally conductive material formed from nanotubes in supercritical fluid
Posted on August 13, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7410597.htmlCPU cooling as a growing problem as electronic circuit densities continue to increase. Often a cooling fluid is used to transport heat away from a processor and this patent from Hon Hai Precision teaches a variation of this type of cooling using a supercritical fluid incorporated with carbon nanotube to achieve a high thermal conductivity and fluidity...
US Patent 7410564 - Biopolymer identification during translocation through nanopore
Posted on August 12, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7410564.htmlNanopores are analytic devices used for single molecule sorting and DNA sequencing. This patent from Agilent Technologies teaches applying a ramping voltage to electrodes adjacent the nanopore to enhance the speed and efficiency of DNA sequencing...
US Patent 7409851 - Functionalized MEMS biosensor
Posted on August 12, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7409851.htmlThis patent from Cornell Research Foundation with priority going back to March 29, 2005 includes some basic claims to MEMs oscillators used in bioassays. Although prior art was applied against the claims the applicant argued that the device operates using a "catalyzing adsorption site" which produces resonant shifts in non-aqueous environments such as air or vacuum which was alleged to be distinguished form the prior art...
US Patent 7409375 - Nanoparticle neural interconnections for independent component analysis
Posted on August 11, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7409375.htmlIndependent component analysis is a methodology for extracting distinct signals from a mixed signals such as being able to ascertain a single voice in a crowded party. This patent from Knowmtech teaches a system for using nanoparticles in a neural network interconnection system to facilitate such analysis...
US Patent 7409375 - Optical memory formed from nanotube cells
Posted on August 11, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7408835.htmlNantero has taken the lead in developing nanotube based memory over the past few years based on using the nanotubes as nanomechanical switches. However, a few companies are attempting to develop alternative approaches to nanotube memory...
US Patent 7408186 - Multi-segment linear nanostructures
Posted on August 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7408186.htmlThis patent from Oak Ridge Labs. has priority going back to Feb. 6, 2002 and includes some basic claims to elongated nanostructures (e.g. nanowires, nanotubes) formed on a substrate having multiple interconnected segments...
US Patent 7408184 - Conjugated molecular switch
Posted on August 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7408184.htmlReconfigurable molecular switches have been an active area of theoretical research for a few decades now and steps to prototype molecular electronic devices based on catenane and rotaxane molecules have been taken by Hewlett-Packard and others...
US Patent 7407814 - Molecular detection nanoresonator array
Posted on August 06, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7407814.htmlThis patent from Caltech has relatively early priority and claims a nanoelectromechanical resonator system for detecting plural analytes in solution. Claim 1 reads: 1. A molecular detector capable of detecting an analyte in solution comprising:a solution reservoir;at least one first nanometer-scale mechanical resonator which is disposed within the reservoir, wherein the at least one first resonator is biofunctionalized with a first receptor or a first ligand;a substrate or a second mechanical resonator which is disposed within the reservoir, wherein the substrate or the second resonator is biofunctionalized with a second receptor or a second ligand, and wherein the first receptor or ligand and the second receptor or ligand are capable of binding to the analyte in solution such that the analyte binds to both the first receptor or ligand and to the second receptor or ligand at a same time; anda detector in signal communication with the at least one first resonator for measuring a mechanical displacement of the resonator for detection of the analyte.
US Patent 7407704 - Nanoparticle-based bond joint for ease of separation
Posted on August 06, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7407704.htmlThis patent from Henkel teaches the use of nanoparticles in a bonding adhesive that allows the bond to be more easily removed using electromagnetic fields. Claim 1 reads:1. A separable bonded joint comprising an electromagnetically activatable primer layer and an adhesive layer adjacent to the primer layer, wherein the primer layer contains nanoscale particles with ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, superparamagnetic or piezoelectric properties.
US Patent 7407640 - Defunctionalizing CNT composites with radiation
Posted on August 05, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7407640.htmlOften in order to effectively incorporate carbon nanotubes in a polymer matrix the nanotubes need to be functionalized with another molecule for uniform distribution in the polymer and to avoid clumping of the nanotubes...
US Patent 7406859 - Piezoelectric cantilever rigidity control for AFM
Posted on August 05, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7406859.htmlAtomic force microscopes are tools which provide researchers the ability to manipulate and inspect individual atoms, molecules, and nanostructures. These tools usually employ cantilevers having a sharp tip combined with a piezoelectric feedback mechanism to regulate the distance between the tip and a sample...
US Patent 7405605 - Equilibration device for CNT switch
Posted on August 04, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7405605.htmlNantero is a company working on a mechanical form of non-volatile memory based on carbon nanotubes. In order to avoid unwanted fluctuation of the states of the nanotube memory due to noise this patent teaches an "equilibration" device in the form of a circuit element for regulating the control voltages...
US Patent 7405434 - Quantum dot conjugates in a nanofluidic channel
Posted on August 04, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7405434.htmlQuantum dot nanocrystals have often been employed as fluorescent tags for biomolecules and nanofluidic channels have been used for chemical sorting. This patent from Cornell Research combines both these techniques in a molecular analysis system...
US Patent 7405420 - Chalcogenide nanowire memory
Posted on August 01, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7405420.htmlPhase change memory is a possible alternative to Flash memory in future applications and works based on the conversion of chalcogenide material between crystalline (low resistance) and amorphous (high resistance) states...
US Patent 7405156 - Nanoparticle ink patterning using reversed tapered photoresist
Posted on August 01, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7405156.htmlConventional fabrication processes for patterning used in semiconductor manufacturing often involves low pressure and/or high temperature systems which can add significant cost to the process. Printing processes such as roll-to roll processing and inkjet printing have been increasingly used in recent years to provide cheaper alternatives...
US Patent 7404831 - Fullerene abrasive composite
Posted on July 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7404831.htmlThis patent from Hon Hai Precision Industry teaches an abrasive polishing composite formed using carbon nanomaterials. Claim 1 reads:1. An abrasive composite comprising:a matrix; anda plurality of nano-particles distributed therein, the nano-particles being comprised of nano carbon spheres and fullerenes, the nano carbon spheres each being polyhedral carbon cluster constructed of a plurality of concentric graphitic sheets, each of the concentric graphitic sheets having a closed spherical structure.
US Patent 7404698 - Vacuum pump with CNT charge source for de-ionization
Posted on July 30, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7404698.htmlTurbomolecular pumps are used to create high vacuums but can be subject to charge accumulation that can deteriorate operation. This patent from Edwards Vacuum teaches using carbon nanotube as a charge particle source for charge neutralization...
US Patent 7404338 - Dual nanostructures for environmental compensation sensor
Posted on July 29, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7404338.htmlThis patent from ETH Zurich teaches using carbon nanotubes in a force sensor. Two carbon nanotubes are used to allow for common mode rejection to eliminate variations from environmental effects. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7404332 - Porous silicon gettering for micromechanical sensor
Posted on July 29, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7404332.htmlGetter materials are often used to absorb contaminates and trace gases. This patent from Robert Bosch GmbH teaches a porous silicon gettering material more convenient for semiconductor based micromechanical structures...
US Patent 7403322 - Micromirror alignment platform
Posted on July 27, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7403322.htmlMicromechanical mirrors have been developed over the past several decades in applications such as fiber optic switching, projection displays, 3D imaging, and adaptive optics. In many of these applications alignment between the light source and the micromirrors can be critical...
US Patent 7402909 - CNT anisotropic conductive film
Posted on July 27, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7402909.htmlAnisotropic conductive films are often used to provide electrical connections between wiring arrays of a device such as an LCD and a connection board. This patent from Intel teaches using carbon nanotubes to form an anisotropic film usable with wiring arrays having a smaller pitch...
US Patent 7402829 - Nanostructured silicon lithium battery
Posted on July 27, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7402829.htmlA variety of microelectromechanical applications would benefit from the integration of "on-chip" batteries to further miniaturization and facilitate implantable medical devices. This patent from a UK based company called Nexeon teaches a lithium battery formed from nanostructured silicon...
US Patent 7402736 - Scanning probe with nanotube tip grown from FET
Posted on July 24, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7402736.htmlScanning probe microscopes are important tools for molecular and nanoscale characterization. This patent from Postech Foundation of S.Korea teaches a method of fabricating the tip of a scanning probe microscope from a carbon nanotube grown on a field effect transistor for producing a sharper tip with increased measurement speed...
US Patent 7402573 - DNA administration to organs using nanopartilces
Posted on July 24, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7402573.htmlThis patent from NanoDel Technologies teaches a method of using polymeric nanoparticles to transport cancer treatment drugs or DNA across the blood-brain barrier. Claim 13 reads:13. A method for administering DNA to a target organ in a human or animal body, the method comprising contacting the target organ with a polyalkylcyanoacrylate nanoparticle loaded with DNA, whereby the DNA enters one or more cells of the target organ.
US Patent 7402531 - Fabrication of multiple length nanowire array
Posted on July 24, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7402531.htmlThis patent from Hewlett Packard teaches a method of forming an array of nanotubes differentiated by length useful for applications such as optical sensing. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for selectively controlling lengths of nanowires in a substantially non-uniform array of nanowires, the method comprising:establishing at least two different catalyzing nanoparticles on a substrate; andsubstantially simultaneously growing a nanowire from each of the at least two different catalyzing nanoparticles, wherein at least one of the nanowires has a length different from that of at least an other of the nanowires...
US Patent 7402505 - Single electron device formed by thermal annealing
Posted on July 22, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7402505.htmlSingle electron transistors and similar devices have been in the experimental stage for several decades now however, due to low temperature operation and difficulty in fabrication they have not seem much commercialization outside of research labs...
US Patent 7402445 - Nanotip fabrication using film melting and cooling
Posted on July 22, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7402445.htmlThis patent from Wayne State University teaches a novel method for forming a nanotip useful as an electron emitter by laser irradiation of semiconductor (e.g. Si, Ge, GaAs, etc.) thin films followed by cooling...
US Patent 7402194 - Air filtration using CNT ionization
Posted on July 22, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7402194.htmlThis patent from IBM teaches a small scale and low energy air purifying filter formed using carbon nanotube as an ionization source. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of electrostatically precipitating airborne particulates, said method comprising:positioning a first electrode and a second electrode in a housing unit at a distance from one another, said first and second electrodes comprising poles of an electrostatic field;growing at least one carbon nanotube on the second electrode, wherein said at least one carbon nanotube ionizes gas in said housing unit; andapplying an electrostatic field between said first and said second electrodes.
US Patent 7400395 - Metal coated nanoporous silicon
Posted on July 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7400395.htmlThis patent from Intel teaches a substrate useful for Raman spectroscopy based on metal coated nanoporous silicon useful for enhanced molecular detection. Claim 1 reads:1. A wafer comprising a layer of metal-coated nanocrystalline porous silicon, wherein the metal coating covers substantially the entire exposed surface area of the nanocrystalline porous silicon, and wherein the nanocrystalline porous silicon has a pore size of from 2 nm to 200 nm.
US Patent 7400159 - Nanotube/Nanorod probe card
Posted on July 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7400159.htmlIn order to test integrated circuits probe cards are often used. However, the resolution of such probe cards is often limited to the pitch of pins making up the probe. This patent teaches using nanotubes or nanorods as the pins for higher resolution addressing of circuitry under testing...
Unity Semiconductor's RRAM patents
Posted on July 20, 2008Recently it has been speculated that Hewlett-Packard may have prototypes of their memristor based RRAM as early as 2009 as a possible alternative to flash memory with nanoscale resolution storage densities. The use of resistance-based RAM actually has a fairly long history going back to reseach in the 1960's and 1970's by Stan Ovshinsky using chalcogenide glasses and Alan MacDiarmid using conductive polymers...
US Patent 7399988 - Wide temperature range quantum dot photodetector
Posted on July 17, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7399988.htmlWith a rise in temperature quantum dot photodetectors can have a reduction in sensitivity. This patent from Fujitsu teaches a configuration which avoids this problem using a stacked quantum well/embedded quantum dot structure...
US Patent 7399794 - Ionization resistance using CNT polymer composite
Posted on July 17, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7399794.htmlThis patent from the University of South Florida teaches the use of carbon nanotube composites for space shielding. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for resisting ionizing radiation comprising:(a) providing a device that is subjected to ionizing radiation when in use, wherein the device comprises a transparent polymer and a plurality of carbon nanotubes at least on the device's surface, wherein the carbon nanotubes are incorporated into the matrix of the polymer; and(b) exposing the device to ionizing radiation, whereby the device exhibits improved resistance to ionizing radiation...
US Patent 7399691 - Aligning nanotubes for crossbar array
Posted on July 16, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7399691.htmlThis is a continuation patent originating from Harvard based on technology used to fabricate the NRAM technology developed by Nantero. Claim 1 reads:1. A method comprising:aligning a plurality of nanoscopic wires using a mechanically patterned surface to define a set of aligned nanoscopic wires on the surface, wherein the mechanically patterned surface comprises a plurality of elongated trenches in the mechanically patterned surface, the elongated trenches each having a first dimension on the surface that is substantially longer than a second dimension on the surface, the second dimension being substantially greater than the greatest depth of the trenches; andcontacting the plurality of aligned nanoscopic wires on the surface with a common electrode.
US Patent 7399429 - III-V nanocrystal with >25% quantum efficiency
Posted on July 16, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7399429.htmlThis patent from Evident Technologies teaches a metal coated nanocrystal composition with high quantum efficiencies. Although earlier quantum dot core-shell structures with similar efficiencies were earlier patented (see US 7,125,605) the metal coating in this configuration offers the advantage of increased chemical stability...
US Patent 7399400 - Polymer CNT biosensor
Posted on July 15, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7399400.htmlThere have been various proposals and designs for biosensors formed form aligned nanotube arrays but which be costly to fabricate. This patent from Nano-Proprietary teaches a biosensor using disordered nanotubes to lower production costs and enhance reproducibility...
US Patent 7399215 - Carbon fiber electron emitter formed in reactive media
Posted on July 15, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7399215.htmlThis patent from Canon teaches reducing the threshold voltage for electron emitting carbon fibers (e.g. carbon nanotubes) by applying a burn off voltage to the carbon fibers in a reactive atmosphere such as oxygen...
US Patent 7398035 - Nanotube array charging device for electrophotography
Posted on July 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7398035.htmlIn many printers a variety of charging devices are required to charge belts and drums to facilitate the transfer of toner or paper during printing processes. A variety of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes have been noted to have high efficiency election emission properties...
US Patent 7397558 - Partially coated nanoparticles for enhanced Raman scattering
Posted on July 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7397558.htmlRaman scattering is an important method for molecular analysis. There have been a variety of efforts to use nanoscale structures in enhancing the effects of Raman scattering and this patent from HP teaches one variation in which the outer shells of metallic nanoparticles are partially coated with organic ligands in order to space apart the nanoparticles and regulate the enhancement of the scattering...
US Patent 7396502 - Apparatus for making polymer coated Fe nanopowder
Posted on July 08, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7396502.htmlMagnetic nanopowder is useful to applications such as high density data storage and high sensitivity magnetic sensors. This patent from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials teaches an apparatus for forming Fe nanopowder with a protective polymer coating that prevents oxidation...
US Patent 7394997 - Anti-counterfeiting tag formed from nanoparticles
Posted on July 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7394997.htmlThis is yet another patent claiming the use of nanoparticles/nanocrystal/quantum dots as barcode type indicia. Claim 1 reads:1. An article of manufacture with anti-counterfeit properties comprising:a consumable;a plurality of taggant nanoparticles dispersed within the consumable, each taggant nanoparticle having at least one known physical characteristic; wherein the plurality of taggant nanoparticles comprise a predetermined combination of nanoparticles providing at least two different taggant physical characteristics of at least two different categories as a taggant code encoding product identification for the consumable so as to permit identification of the consumable; andwherein a machine receiving the consumable is enabled upon the determination of the consumable as non-counterfeit as indicated by the taggant code...
US Patent 7394192 - Uniform CNT distribution for field emission
Posted on July 07, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7394192.htmlWhen fabricating field emission devices (such as displays) using carbon nanotubes a problem of clumping can arise when low diameter nanotubes are formed resulting in an uneven distribution of tubes. Larger diameter nanotubes avoid this problem but require a higher threshold voltage for electron emission and are thus unsatisfactory...
US Patent 7394118 - High aspect ratio nanowire backgate chemfet
Posted on July 03, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7394118.htmlThis patent from the University of Southern California teaches improved response time chemical sensors formed from high aspect ratio metal oxide nanowires. Claim 11 reads:11. A method, comprising:exposing a nanowire of a semiconductor metal oxide material made from a laser ablation assisted chemical vapor deposition process to have a uniform diameter throughout a length of said nanowire with an aspect ratio of at least 100:1 to an unknown material; andelectrically characterizing the nanowire after said exposing to determine characteristics of the nanowire connected between two drains of a back gate field effect transistor to detect the unknown material.
US Patent 7394094 - Barbell shaped nanocrystal with electron/hole separation
Posted on July 03, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7394094.htmlThis patent from M.I.T. teaches a nanocrystal heterostructure in the shape of a barbell that allows for electron and hole separation for enhanced quantum efficiency electronic and photonic applications. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7393736 - ZrHfSnO2 nanolaminate dielectrics
Posted on July 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7393736.htmlAs the continuation of Moore's law becomes more difficult with conventional semiconductor materials a search is underway for better dielectrics. This patent from Micron Technology teaches one variety of high-k dielectrics formed using nanolaminated oxides...
US Patent 7393618 - Quantum dot color conversion
Posted on July 02, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7393618.htmlThis patent from Idemitsu Kosan teaches the use of quantum dot material to enhance color conversion for electroluminescent devices. Claim 1 reads:1. A color conversion member composition comprising(A) a color filter material,(B) a photoluminescent inorganic nanocrystal,(C) a medium, and(D) a solvent,the color filter material (A) and the photoluminescent inorganic nanocrystal (B) differing in affinity to the medium (C) and/or the solvent (D).
US Patent 7393391 - Nanoporous membrane with hydrophilic and hydrophobic sides
Posted on July 01, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7393391.htmlThis patent from the University of New Mexico teaches forming nanoporous films in which one side of the porous film is provided with a hydrophobic treatment and the other side is provided with a hydrophilic treatment in order to facilitate nanofiltration and nanofluidic transport...
US Patent 7393259 - Electron emitter alignment using polymer gel
Posted on July 01, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7393259.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches an interesting method of placing and aligning carbon nanotubes (or other field emission material) on a substrate using a stimulated polymer film. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of forming emitters, the method comprising:forming a volume-changeable structure on an electrode, the volume-changeable structure including a polymer which reversibly swells and shrinks in response to an external stimulus;injecting an electron-emitting material into the volume-changeable structure;aligning the electron-emitting material; andremoving the polymer to form the emitters.
US Patent 7391235 - Memristor crossbar signal processor
Posted on June 27, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7391235.html There has been some interest recently in "memristors" which have been noted as representing a fourth fundamental circuit component after resistors, capacitors, and inductors. While the recent interest stems from the discovery by Hewlett-Packard researchers of bilayer oxides as a new type of memristor material for their nanoscale crossbar arrays a variety of other materials including chalcogenides, perovskites, and semiconducting polymers have been used over the past several decades having similar memory resistance properties and which form the basis of several proposals for RRAM being pursued by a variety of companies including Micron Technologies, Samsung, and Unity Semiconductor...
US Patent 7391144 - Field emission particles with embedded carbon nanomaterials
Posted on June 26, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7391144.htmlA variety of carbon based nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and nanocrystalline diamond have been experimented with over the past few years as field emission material for applications such as flat-panel displays...
US Patent 7390568 - Exciton separation with core/shell nanocrystals
Posted on June 26, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7390568.htmlExcitons are formed from bound states of electrons and holes in insulating and semiconducting materials and are often involved in applications involving light sensing, light emission, and photovoltaics. This patent from M...
US Patent 7390477 - High purity nanotube compositions
Posted on June 25, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7390477.htmlThis patent originating from Richard Smalley's group at Rice University is a continuation patent based on earlier patents with priority going back to 1997. These earlier patents were mostly focused on single walled carbon nanotubes, however this patent seems to broaden the scope to include a wider variety of nanotube types (multiwalled carbon nanotubes and perhaps even fullerene-like nanotubes formed from non-carbon materials such as boron nitride)...
US Patent 7390343 - Nanoalumina fiber water filter
Posted on June 25, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7390343.htmlThis patent from Argonide Nanomaterials teaches a water filter that uses fibrous nanoalumina materials for higher efficiency contamination adsorption. Claim 1 reads:1. A filtration device, said filtration device comprising at least one cartridge, each said cartridge having a support member that supports at least one fibrous structure, each said fibrous structure comprising nano alumina fibers and second fibers mixed with said nano alumina fibers, wherein said second fibers are arranged to create asymmetric pores.
US Patent 7389679 - Micromechanical cantilever measurement cell with gas bubble absorption
Posted on June 24, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7389679.htmlThe change of resonance in micromechanical cantilevers is used to detect biological material in chemical cells however the presence of air bubbles sticking to the cantilever can disrupt this detection. This patent teaches providing a gas volume within the measurement cell to prevent such problems...
US Patent 7389671 - Ultrafast palladium nanocluster sensor
Posted on June 24, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7389671.htmlHydrogen sensor are an important component in many fuel cell and internal combustion engine designs but can suffer from slow response times ranging from seconds to minutes. This patent teaches the use of palladium nanoclustors formed on a low stiction interface material (siloxane) to form a more high speed reaction time for hydrogen sensing...
US Patent 7388200 - Nanobiosensor with residence time measurement
Posted on June 20, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7388200.htmlThis patent from Hewlett Packard teaches tailoring the absorption and desorption characteristics of a nanosensor in order to use the amount of time in which a chemical resides in the nanosensor to characterize the chemical...
US Patent 7388199 - Nanotube scanning probe tip with contamination film removal
Posted on June 17, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7388199.htmlIn order to inspect high aspect ratio structures on the nanometer scale with reliability carbon nanotubes have been used as the tips of atomic force microscopes. In order to increase the conductivity and bonding strength of the nanotubes to the AFMs this patent teaches a removal of a contamination film formed during the connection of the nanotube to the AFM...
US Patent 7387735 - Acidic solution for isolating semiconductor CNTs
Posted on June 17, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7387735.htmlThis patent from Samsung teaches a new method for isolating semiconducting single walled carbon nanotubes using a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids. Claim 1 reads:1. A method of isolating semiconducting carbon nanotubes, comprising:mixing carbon nanotubes with a mixed acid solution of nitric acid and sulfuric acid to obtain a carbon nanotube dispersion; stirring the carbon nanotube dispersion at room temperature; andfiltering the carbon nanotube dispersion; wherein a volume ratio of nitric acid: sulfuric acid in the mixed acid solution is in the range of about 1:9 to about 2:8.
US Patent 7385267 - Microfluid nanowire sensor
Posted on June 11, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7385267.htmlThis patent from Harvard with relatively early priority (Dec. 11, 2000) may lay claim to the basic use of nanowires or nanotubes for chemical sensing of small fluid volumes. Claims 1 and 25 read:1. A method comprising: providing a nanowire and contacting the nanowire with a sample having a volume of less than about 10 microliters; and measuring a change in a property of the nanowire resultant from the contact...
US Patent 7385266 - Vertical CNT sensor
Posted on June 11, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7385266.htmlCareful alignment of carbon nanotubes between electrodes is often necessary to construct electronic devices with carbon nanotubes. However, the proper positioning of the nanotubes is a difficult problem for large scale production...
US Patent 7384815 - Attaching molecular wires to carbon nanotubes
Posted on June 10, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7384815.htmlThis patent from Rice University is fairly basic to the use of carbon nanotubes as components of molecular electronics devices. Claim 1 reads:1. A process comprising: (a) derivatizing a carbon nanotube with a diazonium specie; and (b) covalently attaching a molecular wire to the derivatized carbon nanotube.
US Patent 7384680 - Inorganic nanopowder film
Posted on June 10, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7384680.htmlThis patent from a company called Nanogram is fairly basic to inorganic nanopowder thin films which may be important to future printable electronics and optics applications. Claim 1 reads:1. A substrate comprising a powder coating comprising an inorganic composition, the powder coating comprising primary particles having an average particle size less than about 500 nm and effectively no primary particles having a diameter greater than about 4 times the average primary particle diameter wherein the powder coating has an approximately uniform thickness across at least a portion of a substrate surface and wherein the powder coating forms a porous network of fused inorganic particles wherein the powder coating has a thickness from about 50 nm to about 500 microns.
US Patent 7381950 - Semiconductor height profiling using SPM
Posted on June 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7381950.htmlThis patent from Texas instruments (priority 9/24/2004) includes some basic claims to use a scanning probe microscope to measure the height of semiconductor structures. Claim 1 reads:1. A method comprising characterizing the physical height of structures on a semiconductor device having dimensions less than approximately 100 nanometers (nm) using a probe of one of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and profilometry by determining the difference in height between the probe of one of a SPM and profilometer at a reference position to the probe at a second position...
US Patent 7381686 - Metal nanoparticle composite for inhibiting algae growth
Posted on June 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7381686.htmlThis patent is directed to composites for water purification and teaches a nanoparticulate silver composition to inhibit algae growth. Claim 1 reads:1. A composite for inhibiting algae growth in water comprising a polypore base carrier and a nano-metal mixture coated on the carrier, wherein the mixture comprising a nano-silver particle and a nano-zinc oxide for fixing the particle on the carrier, and tourmaline, wherein said composite is sufficient to inhibit said algae growth, and convert the water from green to colorless in appearance.
US Patent 7381461 - Zeolite nanocrystal antireflective film
Posted on June 09, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7381461.htmlIn order to prevent glare for displays and other optical devices anti-reflective films are often used. These anti-reflective films usually employ either multilayer films having thicknesses selected for destructive interference of any reflection or films having a graded index of refraction to achieve the same effect...
US Patent 7381983 - N-type carbon nanotube field effect transistor
Posted on June 06, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7381983.htmlIn order to create CMOS structures in electronics both p-type and n-type transistors are required. For carbon nanotube transistors n-type doping have been difficult to construct. This patent from Samsung teaches a carbon nanotube field effect transistor in which the carbon nanotube semiconductor junction is n-doped via the inclusion of an electron donor material such as bismuth titanium silicon oxide to contribute a type V material (e...
US Patent 7381465 - Etchable core nanoparticle surrounded by non-etchable shell
Posted on June 06, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7381465.htmlIn order to promote chemical reactions often porous materials such as zeolites are used in applications such as water purification and crude oil processing. To improve the reactivity of some reactions it has been proposed to arrange nanopores close to catalytic nanoparticles...
US Patent 7381625 - Deterministic nanodevice construction using AFM
Posted on June 03, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7381625.htmlThe use of scanning tunneling microscopes and atomic force microscopes to position atomic and molecular structures goes back to work done by Don Eigler of IBM in the late 1980's. This patent from Michigan State University teaches a modification of these methods which scratches an electrode into two portions using an AFM tip and using the tip to position nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes between the electrodes...
US Patent 7381316 - CNT positioning using AC+DC field
Posted on June 03, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7381316.htmlThis patent from Northwestern University teaches an interesting positioning and alignment method for placing a carbon nanotube between electrodes. An ac field is used to attract the nanotube to the electrodes while a dc field provides the orientation of the nanotube with respect to the electrodes...
US Patent 7378870 - Symmetrical resistance switching crossbar array
Posted on May 29, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7378870.htmlIn order to create higher density non-volatile memory designs there has been increased interest in RRAM designs which employ materials which can be programmed to have high or low resistance states based on an applied voltage...
US Patent 7378701 - Phase change CNT memory
Posted on May 29, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7378701.htmlPhase change memory was initially proposed several decades ago by Stanford Ovshinsky but only recently have a variety of other companies been exploring the use of phase change and other materials in new non-volatile memory designs...
US Patent 7378192 - Lithium iron nanoparticle electrode
Posted on May 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7378192.htmlThis patent from Matsushita teaches the use of lithium iron nanoparticles in electrodes of electrolytic batteries that enhance the battery capacity while avoiding decomposition of the electrolyte. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7378075 - Sol gel CNT alignment
Posted on May 28, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7378075.htmlThis patent from Mitsubishi teaches a simplified method of forming aligned carbon nanotube bundles having smaller nanotube diameters for applications such as field emission using a sol-gel approach. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7378040 - Method of forming transparent conductive CNT film
Posted on May 27, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7378040.htmlIn numerous display and sensor applications the use of transparent electrodes such as ITO or conductive polymers is necessary. However, many of these conductors require additional protective layers which make the formation of external contacts difficult...
US Patent 7377176 - Nanoparticle modified pressure transmitter
Posted on May 27, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7377176.htmlThis patent teaches a fluid pressure transmitter that uses nanoparticles to reduce overall thermal expansion effects of fluids to improve the operating characteristics of the transmitter. Claim 1 reads:1. A pressure transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid, the pressure transmitter comprising:a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the process fluid;a hydraulic relay system for providing a communication channel between the process fluid and the pressure sensor; and a pressure sensor fill fluid in the hydraulic relay system, the pressure sensor fill fluid comprising:a first hydraulic fluid for transmitting a change in the pressure of the process fluid to the sensor; anda first volume of nano-particles suspended within the first hydraulic fluid for altering properties of the pressure sensor fill fluid.
US Patent 7375458 - CNT filament light bulb
Posted on May 22, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7375458.htmlThe first successful light bulb is often credited to Edison who used carbon treated filaments to produce incandescent light with reasonable lifetimes. However, better materials such as tungsten were later found to improve on the performance of carbon filaments...
US Patent 7375417 - Nanoceramic heat sink for IC package
Posted on May 22, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7375417.htmlThis patent from independent inventor Bao Tran teaches incorporating carbon nanomaterials into a ceramic host material to create an efficient heat sink for IC cooling. Claim 1 reads:1. A package for an integrated circuit, comprising:a chip having a plurality of nodes adapted to receive signals from or to output signals to an external circuit; anda frame having a plurality of contact points each coupled to one node of the chip; anda nano ceramic material in thermal communication with the chip for removing heat from the chip.
US Patent 7374824 - Tellurium-based quantum dots
Posted on May 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7374824.htmlThis patent from M.I.T. has some fairly early priority going back as far as 1997 and is basic to quantum dots formed from tellurium composite material having relatively high quantum efficiency. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7374649 - CNT separation using nucleic acids
Posted on May 21, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7374649.htmlOne popular way to sort carbon nanotubes is by using DNA that wraps around carbon nanotubes for diameter based separation. This seems to be the basic patent for this approach. Claim 1 reads:1. A method for the separation of a carbon nanotube-nucleic acid complex comprising on the basis of diameter:a) providing a carbon nanotube-nucleic acid complex in solution comprising an unfunctionalized carbon nanotube bound to a nucleic acid molecule wherein the solution comprises a densifying agent;b) loading the carbon nanotube-nucleic acid complex solution of step (a) on to an electrophoresis gel; andc) separating the loaded complexes of (b) by applying an electric field to the gel, whereby the carbon nanotube-nucleic acid complex is separated on the basis of the diameter of the carbon nanotube.
US Patent 7374613 - High density quantum wire device
Posted on May 20, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7374613.htmlThis patent from Japan Science and Technology Agency teaches a new way to form high density quantum wire devices using dislocations in ceramics or metals formed via compressions and heat treatment. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7374599 - Method of making dendritic nanostructures
Posted on May 20, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7374599.htmlDendrimers are polymeric nanostructures having a fractal geometric structure which are useful for drug delivery and sensing due to their high surface to volume ratio. This patent from Sandia teaches a method of forming metallic dendritic nanostructures which also share high surface to volume ratio useful to applications such as sensors, solar cells, and catalysis...
US Patent 7373819 - MEMS humidity sensor
Posted on May 20, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7373819.htmlFor proper operation of fuel cells the humidity should be monitored to determine the rate of supplying feed gases. This patent from Honeywell teaches a MEMS based humidity monitor which may allow for miniaturization of fuel cell technology...
US Patent 7372562 - Nanoenhanced Raman spectroscopy using turbulance
Posted on May 19, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7372562.htmlRaman spectroscopy is a molecular detection and characterization tool that takes advantages of nanoscopically roughened or nanoparticle metallic surfaces to enhance the detection efficiency. this variation from Hewlett-Packard teaches applying vibrations that alters the spacing between metallic nanoparticles used in Raman spectroscopy to further enhance the sensitivity...
US Patent 7372033 - Quantum dot color wheel filter
Posted on May 19, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7372033.htmlColor filter wheels are a common component to many multi spectral imaging systems. This patent from Lockheed Martin teaches using quantum dots as the filtering component for such color wheels. Claim 1 reads:1...
US Patent 7371696 - Vertically aligning CNTs using self-assembled monolayer
Posted on May 15, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7371696.htmlA variety of methods exist for aligning carbon nanotubes for device applications but many rely on either CVD, which requires high temperatures, or electrostatic alignment, which can produce less than satisfactory results...
US Patent 7371674 - Nanowire template interconnect
Posted on May 15, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7371674.htmlIn order to grow parallel arrays of vertical nanowires or nanotubes from a substrate one popular method is the use of nanoporous alumina templates. This technique has been applied to form well-ordered dense arrays of carbon nanotube field emitters for displays as will as a variety of sensor structures...
US Patent 7371666 - Fabrication of photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles
Posted on May 14, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7371666.htmlPhotoluminescence is a common phenomena in quantum dots made from a variety of semiconductor materials useful for biotags and electro-optic devices such as sensors and lasers. This patent from the State University of New York teaches a manufacturing process for photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles capable of greater volume of production than prior processes...
US Patent 7371457 - Core/shell optical nanoparticles
Posted on May 14, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7371457.htmlThis patent from Rice University has fairly early priority (3/12/1997) and is basic to core/shell optical nanoparticles. Although not the first to teach such particles (see U.S. 5,023,139) the nanoparticles of the prior art are noted as not taking into account surface scattering and to have broader spectra whereas the claimed nanoparticles have a thin metallic shell layer providing a smaller electron mean free path for applications such as Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy...
US Patent 7371456 - Nanoparticle ink with charged particle protective layer
Posted on May 13, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7371456.htmlThis patent from Kimberly-Clark Worldwide teaches an improved textile ink more resistant to fading and bleeding than prior inks and based on nanoparticulate materials. Claim 1 reads:1. An ink composition for a printing process comprising:a nanoparticle having a size less than about 1,000 nanometers comprising a particle template having more than one colorant layer disposed upon the particle template;a liquid vehicle; anda protective layer disposed upon the colorant layer; wherein the protective layer is a charged polymer.
US Patent 7370530 - 3-axis MEMS package
Posted on May 13, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7370530.htmlOne of the most active applications of MEMS devices is in the area of inertial sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers. In some application more than one axis of motion needs to be monitored in which case multiple MEMS sensors may be required...
US Patent 7368712 - Functionalized Y-junction carbon nanotube AFM tip
Posted on May 12, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7368712.htmlDue to their high-aspect ratio carbon nanotube have been grown on the tips of atomic resolution probes to inspect trench structures more easily. This patent from IBM teaches using a functionalized Y-shaped carbon nanotube as the tip offering additional benefits for chemical detection on the molecular scale...
US Patent 7368263 - Nucleic acid circuit element with conductive coatings
Posted on May 12, 2008http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7368263.htmlThe use of nucleic acids for constructing circuit elements is of interest since it allows for self-assembly of the components and provides the possibility of 3D circuit architectures. This patent with fairly old priority (May 1998) seems fairly fundamental to a nucleic acid circuit element...