Patents Assigned to Houston Advanced Research Center
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Publication number: 20100050619Abstract: Carbon nanotube material dispersed in a dense material such as ceramic can produce heating when exposed to microwave radiation (e.g., electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of approximately 0.3 GHz to 300 GHz). By changing the loading of carbon nanotube material within a ceramic medium, one can affect the heating capability of the medium in dramatic and unpredicted fashion. This finding can be used to implement heating devices that heat via conduction or through radiation (e.g., infrared heating).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: HOUSTON ADVANCED RESEARCH CENTERInventors: John C. Colvin, Daniel Bullock, Kanti Penmetsa
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Publication number: 20090257796Abstract: An image reproduction device (e.g., a photocopy machine) uses carbon nanotube material and a microwave generator(s) to heat internal rollers to “set” image colorant/toner. The ability to rapidly heat the nanotube material with relatively low-power microwave generators permits the development of power efficient image reproduction devices. The principle of heating carbon nanotube material embedded within a roller with microwave energy may also be used in a number of other applications such as, for example, laminating, embossing, drying, annealing, calendering, and film orientation. In these embodiments, the material being processed or heated may be paper, film, plastic, rubber, film and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventors: John C. Colvin, Daniel Bullock, Richard C. Haut
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Patent number: 7585566Abstract: Building materials based on polyisocyanate-impregnated lignocellulosic substrates provide increased strength and water, fire, insect, and fungi resistance compared to prior art building materials. At the same time, such building materials exhibit an aesthetically pleasing surface and can, therefore, be used in consumer visible applications (such as furniture) as well as in consumer invisible (such as door frames and stiles) applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventors: John C. Colvin, Charles Vignal, Philippe Edouard Tissot, Larry Raymond Crowe
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Publication number: 20080254459Abstract: Methods for gene expression profiling for exposure to nanoscale particulates or nanomaterials is provided together with identified biomarkers for nanomaterial exposure. A toxicogenomic exposure profile for nanomaterial contact is provided in accordance with a systems biology approach by iteratively sampling a test system several times after contact with nanomaterials of various chemical types.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2006Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: (HARC) HOUSTON ADVANCED RESEARCH CENTERInventor: Mary Jane Cunningham
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Patent number: 6893816Abstract: An improved microfabricated apparatus for conducting a multiplicity of individual and simultaneous binding reactions is described. The apparatus comprises a substrate on which are located discrete and isolated sites for binding reactions. The apparatus is characterized by discrete and isolated regions that extend through said substrate and terminate on a second surface thereof such that when a test sample is applied to the substrate, it is capable of penetrating through each such region during the course of said binding reaction. The apparatus is especially useful for sequencing by hybridization of DNA molecules.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1998Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventor: Kenneth L. Beattie
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Patent number: 6620459Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to polyisocyanate-impregnated lignocellulosic substrates having improved strength, water resistance and appearance, and also to methods and systems for producing such substrates. The polyisocyanate-impregnated lignocellulosic substrate are produced by impregnating a lignocellulosic substrate with an isocyanate resin, followed by polymerization of the isocyanate resin by applying a heated liquid to the impregnated substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventors: John Colvin, Charles Vignal, Philippe Edouard Tissot, Larry Raymond Crowe
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Patent number: 6317303Abstract: A superconducting magnetic energy storage system, including a superconducting persistent switch, is disclosed. The system includes a superconducting magnet connected in parallel with the persistent switch, both contained within a cryostat that is maintained at superconducting temperatures. Leads extending from the parallel connection of the magnet and switch are coupled to a power conditioning system, which in turn is coupled to a system load for which the system provides backup power. The disclosed persistent switch is fabricated as a wire having multiple superconducting strands within, and directly in contact with, an electrically conductive but non-superconducting stabilizer material. The persistent switch is normalized into a resistive state, to apply the stored energy to the load, by applying a rapid rise title current to the wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventors: John C. Zeigler, Scott D. Peck
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Patent number: 5843767Abstract: An improved microfabricated apparatus for conducting a multiplicity of individual and simultaneous binding reactions is described. The apparatus comprises a substrate on which are located discrete and isolated sites for binding reactions. The apparatus is characterized by discrete and isolated regions that extend through said substrate and terminate on a second surface thereof such that when a test sample is allowed to the substrate, it is capable of penetrating through each such region during the course of said binding reaction. The apparatus is especially useful for sequencing by hybridization of DNA molecules.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventor: Kenneth L. Beattie
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Patent number: 5798679Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit are disclosed. A means for conducting a substantially planar electric current is placed in the path of the flux of a magnetic circuit. Current is then caused to flow in the conducting means, causing the magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit to deviate from its original path. A preferred embodiment of the invention is described wherein a series of coils are used to form both the planar conducting means and a partial flux conduit for coupling the flux bending apparatus to the magnetic circuit. Specific applications of the invention are disclosed in relation to magnets for use in magnetic resonance imaging applications, and magnets for use in dual dipole particle accelerator applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventor: Sergio Pissanetzky
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Patent number: 5659281Abstract: Superconducting electromagnets suitable for use in the NMR tomography of human organs, and a method of making the same, are disclosed. Each of the disclosed electromagnets are constructed according to a structured coils methodology, where the desired field at locations within the volume of interest and, optionally, outside of the location of the coils is selected; the current magnitude and polarity for a plurality of coil elements locations are then optimized, by way of a computer program, to provide the desired field magnitude at the locations. The magnet construction results in a plurality of coils of varying current polarity, and of irregular shape and size, optimized to provide the uniform field.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1994Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventors: Sergio Pissanetzky, Peter M. McIntyre
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Patent number: 5653939Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using a monolithic array of test sites formed on a substrate upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes probes formed therein to bond with a predetermined target molecular structure or structures. A signal is applied to the test sites and certain electrical, mechanical and/or optical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Houston Advanced Research Center, Baylor College of MedicineInventors: Mark A. Hollis, Daniel J. Ehrlich, R. Allen Murphy, Bernard B. Kosicki, Dennis D. Rathman, Chang-Lee Chen, Richard H. Mathews, Barry E. Burke, Mitch D. Eggers, Michael E. Hogan, Rajender Singh Varma
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Patent number: 5622826Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for immobilizing molecules on surfaces of platinum. Devices having surfaces modified by such methods are also claimed. The method uses an isocyanate or isothiocyanate molecule which is reacted with the platinum to produce immobilized reactive moieties. These moieties are reacted with the molecule to be immobilized.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1994Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventor: Rajender S. Varma
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Patent number: 5604824Abstract: An apparatus and a corresponding method for performing compression and reconstruction of documents are disclosed. Compression of the document is performed by applying a scaling function and a wavelet function first in one direction (e.g., rows) and then in another direction (e.g., columns) to digital data representing the document. The scaling and wavelet functions correspond to spline and wavelet functions that are compactly supported over a convolution interval, and which can also be implemented by way of integer operations. Byte-packing may also be applied to the image data, without regard to pixel boundaries, allowing not only binary (two-color) documents to be compressed but also enabling the compression of more complex color documents. The spline-wavelet compression and reconstruction may be performed according to alternative methods, including dual-base wavelets, interpolatory wavelets, and wavelet packets.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1994Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventors: Charles K. Chui, Pak-Kay Yuen
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Patent number: 5600373Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing video image compression and decompression are disclosed. The video image compression is performed using boundary-spline-wavelet decomposition, in which the wavelets applied to sample locations at the boundaries of image intervals are different from those applied to sample locations within the intervals. As a result, boundary effect artifacts that arise from the use of wavelets requiring support outside of the interval are avoided. The decomposition is performed first for horizontal rows of the image data, and then in a vertical direction upon the results of the first decomposition. Quantization serves to locally round off the higher frequency components of the decomposition, and the decomposition is repeated until the desired compression ratio is obtained. Lossless compression may then be applied to the decomposed image data, and the compressed image is transmitted or stored, depending upon the application.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1996Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventors: Charles K. Chui, Pak-Kay Yuen
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Patent number: 5592090Abstract: A compact, open geometry U-shaped magnet formed by parallel iron slabs and a flux return is activated by a coil which surrounds the flux return. The inner surfaces of the iron slabs and an outer surface of the coil are substantially contiguous. The field homogeneity within the compact, open geometry U-shaped magnet is improved by controlling the reluctance of a secondary flux flow circuit extending away from the pair of parallel iron slabs. The geometry of the compact, open geometry U-shaped magnet also provides for utilization of an automatic active shimming system.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventor: Sergio Pissanetzky
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Patent number: 5532128Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using an array having a plurality of test sites upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes a probe formed therein to bond with an associated target molecular structure. An electrical signal is applied to the test site and the electrical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventors: Mitchell D. Eggers, Michael E. Hogan, Kenneth L. Beattie, John Shumaker, Daniel J. Ehrlich, Mark Hollis
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Patent number: 5382904Abstract: Superconducting electromagnets suitable for use in the NMR tomography of human organs, and a method of making the same, are disclosed. Each of the disclosed electromagnets are constructed according to a structured coils methodology, where the desired field at locations within the volume of interest and, optionally, outside of the location of the coils is selected; the current magnitude and polarity for a plurality of coil elements locations are then optimized, by way of a computer program, to provide the desired field magnitude at the locations. The magnet construction results in a plurality of coils of varying current polarity, and of irregular shape and size, optimized to provide the uniform field.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1992Date of Patent: January 17, 1995Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventor: Sergio Pissanetzky
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Patent number: 5374913Abstract: A superconducting magnet for use in a particle accelerator of the synchotron type is disclosed. The disclosed magnet includes twin bores, each having beam pipes therein. A flux pipe is provided between the twin bores such that a 360.degree. magnetic flux path is formed. A superconducting coil encircles the bores and flux pipe, for generating the transverse magnetic field across the beam pipes. The flux pipe may be formed of non-magnetic material for a linear magnet, or alternatively may be formed of ferromagnetic laminations parallel to the direction of the magnetic field to form a superferric magnet with minimal eddy current generation. The flux pipe includes magnetic stress relief bubbles near the bores, compensating for the crowding effect near the inner radius of the flux pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1991Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventors: Sergio Pissantezky, Peter M. McIntyre
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Patent number: 5359310Abstract: A superconducting magnet suitable for use in magnetic resonance imaging applications is disclosed. A plurality of driving coils are located around a cylindrical bore, for generating an axial magnetic field therein. At the ends of the magnet, within the same cryostat as the driving coils, first and second shielding coils are located, each carrying a current of opposite polarity relative to the driving coils. The location, size, and current in the coils are determined by a methodology in which the error between the desired field and the simulated field is minimized at target locations within the bore and outside of the bore. A flux return is disposed in the gap between the first and second shielding coils, so that the shielding coils inject return magnetic flux into the flux return. The flux return may be of iron, or may consist of a superconducting coil. The resulting magnet has relatively low superconductor cost as well as relatively low weight, due to the efficient use of both superconductor and iron.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1992Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventor: Sergio Pissanetzky
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Patent number: 5316795Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for depositing diamond films and particles on a variety of substrates by flowing a gas or gas mixture capable of supplying (1) carbon, (2) hydrogen, (3) a halogen and, preferably, (4) a chalcogen through a reactor over the substrate material. The reactant gases may be premixed with an inert gas in order to keep the overall gas mixture composition low in volume percent of carbon and rich in hydrogen. Pre-treatment of the reactant gases to a high energy state is not required as it is in most prior art processes for chemical vapor deposition of diamond. Since pretreatment is not required, the process may be applied to substrates of virtually any desired size, shape or configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1991Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Houston Advanced Research CenterInventors: Donald E. Patterson, Robert H. Hauge, C. Judith Chu, John L. Margrave