Patents Represented by Attorney Winstead PC
  • Patent number: 8106430
    Abstract: The invented ink-jet printing method for the construction of thin film transistors using all SWNTs on flexible plastic films is a new process. This method is more practical than all of existing printing methods in the construction TFT and RFID tags because SWNTs have superior properties of both electrical and mechanical over organic conducting oligomers and polymers which are often used for TFT. Furthermore, this method can be applied on thin films such as paper and plastic films while silicon based techniques cannot be used on such flexible films. These are superior to the traditional conducting polymers used in printable devices since they need no dopant and they are more stable. They could be used in conjunction with conducting polymers, or as stand-alone inks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Gyou-Jin Cho, Min Hun Jung, Jared L. Hudson, James M. Tour
  • Patent number: 8100956
    Abstract: An oxygenation and temperature thermal therapy and oxygenation treatment pad with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed for treatment of skin wound tissues. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The thermal therapy and oxygenation treatment pad includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient in conjunction with oxygenation. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression. Oxygenation is provided subsequent to initial heating in order to promote oxygen absorption by the wound tissues prior to the cooling thereof which facilitates pulling oxygen into the wound tissues. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: ThermoTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Quisenberry, Niran Balachandran
  • Patent number: 8100187
    Abstract: A tubular running tool includes a mandrel assembly having an upper mandrel, a lower mandrel and a mid-mandrel, wherein the upper mandrel, the lower mandrel and the mid-mandrel rotate in unison; the lower mandrel having a tubular gripping portion; a slip disposed with the tubular gripping portion; the mid-mandrel forming a bore between a top end and a bottom end, the top end forming a slip-joint with the upper mandrel; and an actuator mechanism disposed with the mid-mandrel, the actuator mechanism comprising a compensation actuator and a slip actuator; wherein the compensation actuator functionally connects the upper mandrel and the lower mandrel to affect axial movement of the lower mandrel relative to the upper mandrel and the slip actuator moves the slip into gripping engagement with a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian David Begnaud, Vernon J Bouligny, Charles Michael Webre
  • Patent number: 8097141
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method for separating a first fraction of a single wall carbon nanotubes and a second fraction of single wall carbon nanotubes includes, but is not limited to: flowing a solution comprising the nanotubes into a dielectrophoresis chamber; applying a DC voltage, in combination with an AC voltage, to the dielectrophoresis chamber; and collecting a first eluent from the dielectrophoresis chamber, wherein the first eluent comprises the first fraction and is depleted of the second fraction, wherein the first and second fractions differ by at least one of conductivity, diameter, length, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Howard K. Schmidt, Haiqing Peng, Manuel Joao Mendes, Matteo Pasquali
  • Patent number: 8091643
    Abstract: A method of producing natural gas from a heavy hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation includes: placing a catalyst comprising a transition metal into the formation, injecting an anoxic stimulation gas into the formation, and collecting the natural gas generated in the formation. The method may be performed outside the context of a subterranean formation under controlled conditions. Thus, a method of producing natural gas from bitumen includes: providing an anoxic mixture of heavy hydrocarbons and a catalyst having a transition metal, adding an anoxic stimulation gas to the mixture, and heating the mixture in the presence of the stimulation gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleum Habitats, LLC
    Inventor: Frank D. Mango
  • Patent number: 8092774
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward compositions comprising carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are sidewall-functionalized with amino acid groups, and to amino acid compositions comprising carbon nanotubes. The present invention is also directed to simple and relatively inexpensive methods for the preparation of such compositions. Such compositions are expected to greatly extend the bio-medical applications of CNTs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Valery N. Khabashesku, Haiqing Peng, John L. Margrave, Mary Lou Margrave, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8088434
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing graphenic materials by templated growth along a preformed graphenic material lattice edge, wherein at least one of the graphenic material or template is translated during growth of the graphenic material. A method for preparing CNTs from preformed CNT substrates in the presence of cylindrical templating structures and a reactive carbon source in a fluid phase is also disclosed, wherein at least one of the CNT substrate or the cylindrical templating structure is translated during addition of carbon atoms to the CNT substrate. A method is also disclosed for preparing CNTs from preformed CNT substrates in the presence of cylindrical templating structures and a carbon source in a fluid phase, wherein non-thermalized excited states are produced on the CNT substrate and at least one of the CNT substrate or the cylindrical templating structure is translated during addition of carbon atoms to the CNT substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: CXnanophysics, LLC
    Inventor: Nolan Nicholas
  • Patent number: 8088958
    Abstract: Methods for recovery of at least one alcohol from dilute aqueous alcohol feed streams are described. The methods include steps of a) providing a source of a dilute aqueous alcohol feed stream including at least one alcohol; b) substantially removing any solids from the dilute aqueous alcohol feed stream to form a feed stream substantially devoid of solids; c) circulating the feed stream substantially devoid of solids through a liquid-liquid extraction system having multiple equilibrium stages; d) recovering a raffinate phase substantially depleted in the at least one alcohol and an extract phase substantially enriched in the at least one alcohol; e) passing the extract phase to a recovery system wherein the extract phase is subjected to microwave radiation; f) recovering the volatilized product; and g) recycling the solvent to the liquid-liquid extraction system. The microwave radiation substantially heats the alcohol but not the solvent to form a volatilized product of substantially pure alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Trans Ionics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Schucker
  • Patent number: 8082982
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E Mosing, Samuel P Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8083433
    Abstract: An example of a vehicle barrier system for arresting an impacting vehicle of substantial mass within a selected distance of the fence includes a pair of terminal posts positioned in and secured to the ground in a spaced apart relationship; at least three cables, each cable having opposing terminal ends hingedly connected respectively to each of the terminal posts, the at least three cables held in tension a distance above a grade of the ground and vertically spaced apart from one another in relation to the grade; and a line post secured in the ground and positioned between the pair of terminal posts, the line post holding a portion of each of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Neusch Innovations, LP
    Inventor: William H. Neusch
  • Patent number: 8081214
    Abstract: A data-encoding system includes a source of unencoded data, and a first encoder interoperably coupled to the source, wherein the first encoder is adapted to receive the unencoded data, encode the unencoded data, and output encoded data at a first data rate. The data encoding system further includes a second encoder interoperably coupled to the source, wherein the second encoder is adapted to receive the unencoded data, encode the unencoded data, and output encoded data at a second data rate in which the second data rate exceeds the first data rate. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Enforcement Video, LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Vanman, Simon C. Goble
  • Patent number: 8080199
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods of crosslinking carbon nanotubes to each other using microwave radiation, articles of manufacture produced by such methods, compositions produced by such methods, and applications for such compositions and articles of manufacture. The present invention is also directed toward methods of radiatively modifying composites and/or blends comprising carbon nanotubes with microwaves, and to the compositions produced by such methods. In some embodiments, the modification comprises a crosslinking process, wherein the carbon nanotubes serve as a conduit for thermally and photolytically crosslinking the host matrix with microwave radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Christopher A. Dyke, Jason J. Stephenson, Boris I. Yakobson
  • Patent number: 8069874
    Abstract: An assembly and method for tapping into a pressurized tubular that is adapted for use in a subsea environment via a diver or remotely operated vehicle. The assembly includes a tapping tool connectable to the tubular via a saddle connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cudd Pressure Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Curtis Overstreet
  • Patent number: 8072053
    Abstract: A leadless integrated circuit (IC) package comprising an IC chip mounted on a metal leadframe and a plurality of electrical contacts electrically coupled to the IC chip. The IC chip, the electrical contacts, and a portion of the metal leadframe are covered with an encapsulation compound, with portions of the electrical contacts exposed on a bottom surface of the encapsulation compound. The electrical contacts of the IC package having metal traces connecting bonding areas on a top surface thereof and contact areas on a bottom surface thereof, wherein at least some of the bonding areas are laterally disposed from the contact areas connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kaixin Inc.
    Inventor: Tung Lok Li
  • Patent number: 8062702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to coated fullerenes comprising a layer of at least one inorganic material covering at least a portion of at least one surface of a fullerene and methods for making. The present invention further relates to composites comprising the coated fullerenes of the present invention and further comprising polymers, ceramics and/or inorganic oxides. A coated fullerene interconnect device wherein at least two fullerenes are contacting each other to form a spontaneous interconnect is also disclosed as well as methods of making. In addition, dielectric films comprising the coated fullerenes of the present invention and methods of making are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignees: William Marsh Rice University, Natcore Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Barron, Dennis J. Flood, Elizabeth Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 8062748
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of fully integrating CNTs and the surrounding polymer matrix in CNT/polymer composites. In some such embodiments, such integration comprises interfacial covalent bonding between the CNTs and the polymer matrix. In some such embodiments, such interfacial covalent bonding is provided by a free radical reaction initiated during processing. In some such embodiments, such free radical initiation can be provided by benzoyl peroxide. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to CNT/polymer composite systems, wherein the CNTs within such systems are covalently integrated with the polymer. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to articles of manufacture made from such CNT/polymer composite systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Valery N. Khabashesku, Enrique V. Barrera, Daneesh McIntosh, Laura Peña-Paras
  • Patent number: D649641
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Aker Subsea AS
    Inventor: Kristian Guttulsrud
  • Patent number: D649908
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Jankel Armouring Limited
    Inventor: Michael Mullen
  • Patent number: D649909
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Jankel Armouring Limited
    Inventor: Michael Mullen
  • Patent number: D649910
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Jankel Armouring Limited
    Inventor: Michael Mullen