Patents by Inventor Michael Hibbs
Michael Hibbs has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11552211Abstract: A moldable photovoltaic module is provided. The module includes a flexible polymeric flex-circuit substrate having an electrically conductive printed wiring pattern and solder pads defined on it. Small photovoltaic cells are affixed to the flex-circuit substrate by back-surface contacts in electrical contact with the solder pads. At least one thermoformable polymeric film is joined to the flex-circuit substrate. Each said solder pad comprises a solder composition that, after an initial melt, has a melting point that lies above at least a portion of the temperature range for thermoforming the polymeric film.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2018Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Jeffrey S. Nelson, Michael Hibbs, Gregory N. Nielson, Murat Okandan, Jose Luis Cruz-Campa, Paul J. Resnick, Carlos Anthony Sanchez, Vipin P. Gupta, Peggy J. Clews
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Patent number: 11167250Abstract: A membrane assembly is provided. The membrane assembly includes a non-metallic, porous substrate. A graphene oxide membrane is formed over the non-metallic, porous substrate. A chemical linker interface covalently binds the graphene oxide membrane to the non-metallic, porous substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Michael Hibbs, Laura Biedermann, Kevin R. Zavadil, David R. Wheeler
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Patent number: 10243095Abstract: A method is provided for making a molded photovoltaic module. The module includes a flexible polymeric flex-circuit substrate having an electrically conductive printed wiring pattern and solder pads defined on it. Small photovoltaic cells are affixed to the flex-circuit substrate by back-surface contacts in electrical contact with the solder pads. At least one thermoformable polymeric film is joined to the flex-circuit substrate. Each said solder pad comprises a solder composition that, after an initial melt, has a melting point that lies above at least a portion of the temperature range for thermoforming the polymeric film.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2018Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Jeffrey S. Nelson, Michael Hibbs, Gregory N. Nielson, Murat Okandan, Jose Luis Cruz-Campa, Paul J. Resnick, Carlos Anthony Sanchez, Vipin P. Gupta, Peggy J. Clews
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Patent number: 10186740Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrochemical half-cell comprising: an electrolyte, an anode; and an ionomeric barrier positioned between the electrolyte and the anode. The anode may comprise a multi-electron vanadium phosphorous. The electrochemical half-cell is configured to oxidize the vanadium and phosphorous alloy to release electrons. A method of mitigating corrosion in an electrochemical cell includes disposing an ionomeric barrier in a path of electrolyte or ion flow to an anode and mitigating anion accumulation on the surface of the anode.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Timothy N. Lambert, Michael Hibbs
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Publication number: 20180323325Abstract: A method is provided for making a molded photovoltaic module. The module includes a flexible polymeric flex-circuit substrate having an electrically conductive printed wiring pattern and solder pads defined on it. Small photovoltaic cells are affixed to the flex-circuit substrate by back-surface contacts in electrical contact with the solder pads. At least one thermoformable polymeric film is joined to the flex-circuit substrate. Each said solder pad comprises a solder composition that, after an initial melt, has a melting point that lies above at least a portion of the temperature range for thermoforming the polymeric film.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey S. Nelson, Michael Hibbs, Gregory N. Nielson, Murat Okandan, Jose Luis Cruz-Campa, Paul J. Resnick, Carlos Anthony Sanchez, Vipin P. Gupta, Peggy J. Clews
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Publication number: 20180323324Abstract: A moldable photovoltaic module is provided. The module includes a flexible polymeric flex-circuit substrate having an electrically conductive printed wiring pattern and solder pads defined on it. Small photovoltaic cells are affixed to the flex-circuit substrate by back-surface contacts in electrical contact with the solder pads. At least one thermoformable polymeric film is joined to the flex-circuit substrate. Each said solder pad comprises a solder composition that, after an initial melt, has a melting point that lies above at least a portion of the temperature range for thermoforming the polymeric film.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey S. Nelson, Michael Hibbs, Gregory N. Nielson, Murat Okandan, Jose Luis Cruz-Campa, Paul J. Resnick, Carlos Anthony Sanchez, Vipin P. Gupta, Peggy J. Clews
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Patent number: 10038113Abstract: A moldable photovoltaic module is provided. The module includes a flexible polymeric flex-circuit substrate having an electrically conductive printed wiring pattern and solder pads defined on it. Small photovoltaic cells are affixed to the flex-circuit substrate by back-surface contacts in electrical contact with the solder pads. At least one thermoformable polymeric film is joined to the flex-circuit substrate. Each said solder pad comprises a solder composition that, after an initial melt, has a melting point that lies above at least a portion of the temperature range for thermoforming the polymeric film.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Jeffrey S. Nelson, Michael Hibbs, Gregory N. Nielson, Murat Okandan, Jose Luis Cruz-Campa, Paul J. Resnick, Carlos Anthony Sanchez, Vipin P. Gupta, Peggy J. Clews
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Patent number: 9685684Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrochemical half-cell comprising: an electrolyte, an anode; and an ionomeric barrier positioned between the electrolyte and the anode. The anode may comprise a multi-electron vanadium phosphorous alloy, such as VPx, wherein x is 1-5. The electrochemical half-cell is configured to oxidize the vanadium and phosphorous alloy to release electrons. A method of mitigating corrosion in an electrochemical cell includes disposing an ionomeric barrier in a path of electrolyte or ion flow to an anode and mitigating anion accumulation on the surface of the anode.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Timothy N. Lambert, Michael Hibbs
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Patent number: 8557031Abstract: This invention relates to methods for chemically grafting and attaching ceragenin molecules to polymer substrates; methods for synthesizing ceragenin-containing copolymers; methods for making ceragenin-modified water treatment membranes and spacers; and methods of treating contaminated water using ceragenin-modified treatment membranes and spacers. Ceragenins are synthetically produced antimicrobial peptide mimics that display broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. Alkene-functionalized ceragenins (e.g., acrylamide-functionalized ceragenins) can be attached to polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using amine-linking, amide-linking, UV-grafting, or silane-coating methods. In addition, silane-functionalized ceragenins can be directly attached to polymer surfaces that have free hydroxyls.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Michael Hibbs, Susan J. Altman, Howland D. T. Jones, Paul B. Savage
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Patent number: 8530002Abstract: This invention relates to methods for chemically grafting and attaching ceragenin molecules to polymer substrates; methods for synthesizing ceragenin-containing copolymers; methods for making ceragenin-modified water treatment membranes and spacers; and methods of treating contaminated water using ceragenin-modified treatment membranes and spacers. Ceragenins are synthetically produced antimicrobial peptide mimics that display broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. Alkene-functionalized ceragenins (e.g., acrylamide-functionalized ceragenins) can be attached to polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using amine-linking, amide-linking, UV-grafting, or silane-coating methods. In addition, silane-functionalized ceragenins can be directly attached to polymer surfaces that have free hydroxyls.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Michael Hibbs, Susan J. Altman, Howland D. T. Jones, Paul B. Savage
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Patent number: 8529681Abstract: This invention relates to methods for chemically grafting and attaching ceragenin molecules to polymer substrates; methods for synthesizing ceragenin-containing copolymers; methods for making ceragenin-modified water treatment membranes and spacers; and methods of treating contaminated water using ceragenin-modified treatment membranes and spacers. Ceragenins are synthetically produced antimicrobial peptide mimics that display broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. Alkene-functionalized ceragenins (e.g., acrylamide-functionalized ceragenins) can be attached to polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using amine-linking, amide-linking, UV-grafting, or silane-coating methods. In addition, silane-functionalized ceragenins can be directly attached to polymer surfaces that have free hydroxyls.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Michael Hibbs, Susan J. Altman, Howland D. T. Jones, Paul B. Savage
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Patent number: 8292492Abstract: An array of airfoil-shaped micro-mixers that enhances fluid mixing within permeable membrane channels, such as used in reverse-osmosis filtration units, while minimizing additional pressure drop. The enhanced mixing reduces fouling of the membrane surfaces. The airfoil-shaped micro-mixer can also be coated with or comprised of biofouling-resistant (biocidal/germicidal) ingredients.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Clifford K. Ho, Susan J. Altman, Paul G. Clem, Michael Hibbs, Adam W. Cook
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Patent number: 8110636Abstract: Improved multi-block sulfonated poly(phenylene) copolymer compositions, methods of making the same, and their use as proton exchange membranes (PEM) in hydrogen fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, in electrode casting solutions and electrodes. The multi-block architecture has defined, controllable hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments. These improved membranes have better ion transport (proton conductivity) and water swelling properties.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Cy H. Fujimoto, Michael Hibbs, Andrea Ambrosini
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Patent number: 7888397Abstract: A poly(phenylene) compound of copolymers that can be prepared with either random or multiblock structures where a first polymer has a repeat unit with a structure of four sequentially connected phenyl rings with a total of 2 pendant phenyl groups and 4 pendant tolyl groups and the second polymer has a repeat unit with a structure of four sequentially connected phenyl rings with a total of 6 pendant phenyl groups. The second polymer has chemical groups attached to some of the pendant phenyl groups selected from CH3, CH2Br, and CH2N(CH3)3Br groups. When at least one group is CH2N(CH3)3Br, the material functions as an anion exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Michael Hibbs, Christopher J. Cornelius, Cy H. Fujimoto
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Patent number: 7816482Abstract: An epoxy-crosslinked sulfonated poly(phenylene) copolymer composition used as proton exchange membranes, methods of making the same, and their use as proton exchange membranes (PEM) in hydrogen fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cell, in electrode casting solutions and electrodes, and in sulfur dioxide electrolyzers. These improved membranes are tougher, have higher temperature capability, and lower SO2 crossover rates.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Michael Hibbs, Cy H. Fujimoto, Kirsten Norman, Michael A. Hickner
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Publication number: 20100118642Abstract: An array of airfoil-shaped micro-mixers that enhances fluid mixing within permeable membrane channels, such as used in reverse-osmosis filtration units, while minimizing additional pressure drop. The enhanced mixing reduces fouling of the membrane surfaces. The airfoil-shaped micro-mixer can also be coated with or comprised of biofouling-resistant (biocidal/germicidal) ingredients.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Clifford K. Ho, Susan J. Altman, Paul G. Clem, Michael Hibbs, Adam W. Cook
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Publication number: 20070248257Abstract: An automated system for analyzing mask defects in a semiconductor manufacturing process is presented. This system combines results from an inspection tool and design layout data from a design data repository corresponding to each mask layer being inspected with a computer program and a predetermined rule set to determine when a defect on a given mask layer has occurred. Mask inspection results include the presence, location and type (clear or opaque) of defects. Ultimately, a determination is made as to whether to scrap, repair or accept a given mask based on whether the defect would be likely to cause product failure. Application of the defect inspection data to the design layout data for each mask layer being inspected prevents otherwise acceptable wafer masks from being scrapped when the identified defects are not in critical areas of the mask.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: James BRUCE, Orest BULA, Edward CONRAD, William LEIPOLD, Michael HIBBS, Joshua KRUEGER
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Publication number: 20070237384Abstract: An automated system for analyzing mask defects in a semiconductor manufacturing process is presented. This system combines results from an inspection tool and design layout data from a design data repository corresponding to each mask layer being inspected with a computer program and a predetermined rule set to determine when a defect on a given mask layer has occurred. Mask inspection results include the presence, location and type (clear or opaque) of defects. Ultimately, a determination is made as to whether to scrap, repair or accept a given mask based on whether the defect would be likely to cause product failure. Application of the defect inspection data to the design layout data for each mask layer being inspected prevents otherwise acceptable wafer masks from being scrapped when the identified defects are not in critical areas of the mask.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: James BRUCE, Orest BULA, Edward CONRAD, William LEIPOLD, Michael HIBBS, Joshua KRUEGER
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Publication number: 20070024831Abstract: In a projection apparatus for projecting optical images, an optical mask support stage having a pair of separated arms. Each arm being provided with a respective mask chucking bar that supports a respective edge of a thin glass mask and applies to the respective edge a bending moment away from the center of the mask to reduce or eliminate any gravitational induced sag in the center of the mask thereby improving the quality of the images projected by the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2005Publication date: February 1, 2007Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Hibbs, Max Levy, Kenneth Racette
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Publication number: 20050158889Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the thickness of a semiconductor wafer during a backside grinding process are disclosed. The present invention uses optical measurement of the wafer thickness during a backside grinding process to determine the endpoint of the grinding process. Preferred methods entail measuring light transmitted through or reflected by a semiconductor wafer as a function of angle of incidence or of wavelength. This information is then used, through the use of curve fitting techniques or formulas, to determine the thickness of the semiconductor wafer. Furthermore, the present invention may be used to determine if wedging of the semiconductor occurs and, if wedging does occur, to provide leveling information to the thinning apparatus such that a grinding surface can be adjusted to reduce or eliminate wedging.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2005Publication date: July 21, 2005Inventors: Donald Brouillette, Thomas Ference, Harold Linde, Michael Hibbs, Ronald Mendelson