Intellectual Property Law

US Patent 7566476 - High spectral purity quantum dots

Posted on July 29, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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...

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US Patent 7564085 - Vertical nanowire mechanical memory

Posted on July 23, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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, 2009
http://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.

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