Patents by Inventor Robert J. Lauf
Robert J. Lauf 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).
-
Patent number: 9768333Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, the method comprising: (a) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbially-mediated formation of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprises i) anaerobic microbes, ii) a culture medium suitable for sustaining said anaerobic microbes, iii) a metal component comprising at least one type of metal ion, iv) a non-metal component comprising at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and As, and v) one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said anaerobic microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said anaerobic microbes; and (b) isolating said non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, which contain at least one of said metal ions and at least one of said non-metals.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignees: UT-BATTELLE, LLC, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Tommy J. Phelps, Robert J. Lauf, Ji-Won Moon, Adam Justin Rondinone, Lonnie J. Love, Chad Edward Duty, Andrew Stephen Madden, Yiliang Li, Ilia N. Ivanov, Claudia Jeanette Rawn
-
Publication number: 20140220654Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, the method comprising: (a) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbially-mediated formation of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprises i) anaerobic microbes, ii) a culture medium suitable for sustaining said anaerobic microbes, iii) a metal component comprising at least one type of metal ion, iv) a non-metal component comprising at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and As, and v) one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said anaerobic microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said anaerobic microbes; and (b) isolating said non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, which contain at least one of said metal ions and at least one of said non-metals.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventors: Tommy J. Phelps, Robert J. Lauf, Ji-Won Moon, Adam Justin Rondinone, Lonnie J. Love, Chad Edward Duty, Andrew Stephen Madden, Yiliang Li, Ilia N. Ivanov, Claudia Jeanette Rawn
-
Patent number: 8759053Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, the method comprising: (a) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbially-mediated formation of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprises i) anaerobic microbes, ii) a culture medium suitable for sustaining said anaerobic microbes, iii) a metal component comprising at least one type of metal ion, iv) a non-metal component containing at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and As, and v) one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said anaerobic microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said anaerobic microbes; and (b) isolating said non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, which contain at least one of said metal ions and at least one of said non-metals.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignees: UT-Battelle, LLC, University of Tennessee Research FoundationInventors: Tommy J. Phelps, Robert J. Lauf, Ji Won Moon, Adam J. Rondinone, Lonnie J. Love, Chad Edward Duty, Andrew Stephen Madden, Yiliang Li, Ilia N. Ivanov, Claudia Jeanette Rawn
-
Patent number: 8075145Abstract: Display screen shades for mobile devices are provided. According to a representative embodiment, a display screen shade includes a bracket assembly configured for attachment to a mobile device. Further, the display screen shade includes a light valve for covering a display screen of the mobile device. The display screen shade also includes a hinge attached to the bracket assembly and the light valve. The hinge is configured to permit movement of the light valve between a first position and second position when the bracket assembly is attached to the mobile device. In the first position, the light valve substantially covers the display screen in the first position. In the second position, the light valve is positioned further from the display screen than in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Inventors: James A. Engblom, Raymond A. Engblom, Robert J. Lauf
-
Publication number: 20110216415Abstract: Display screen shades for mobile devices are provided. According to a representative embodiment, a display screen shade includes a bracket assembly configured for attachment to a mobile device. Further, the display screen shade includes a light valve for covering a display screen of the mobile device. The display screen shade also includes a hinge attached to the bracket assembly and the light valve. The hinge is configured to permit movement of the light valve between a first position and second position when the bracket assembly is attached to the mobile device. In the first position, the light valve substantially covers the display screen in the first position. In the second position, the light valve is positioned further from the display screen than in the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: James A. Engblom, Raymond A. Engblom, Robert J. Lauf
-
Publication number: 20100330367Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, the method comprising: (a) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbially-mediated formation of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprises i) anaerobic microbes, ii) a culture medium suitable for sustaining said anaerobic microbes, iii) a metal component comprising at least one type of metal ion, iv) a non-metal component comprising at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and As, and v) one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said anaerobic microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said anaerobic microbes; and (b) isolating said non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, which contain at least one of said metal ions and at least one of said non-metals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Tommy J. Phelps, Robert J. Lauf, Ji Won Moon, Adam J. Rondinone, Lonnie J. Love, Chad Edward Duty, Andrew Stephen Madden, Yiliang Li, Ilia N. Ivanov, Claudia Jeanette Rawn
-
Publication number: 20100193752Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, the method comprising: (a) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbially-mediated formation of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprises i) anaerobic microbes, ii) a culture medium suitable for sustaining said anaerobic microbes, iii) a metal component comprising at least one type of metal ion, iv) a non-metal component containing at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and As, and v) one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said anaerobic microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said anaerobic microbes; and (b) isolating said non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, which contain at least one of said metal ions and at least one of said non-metals.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Tommy J. Phelps, Robert J. Lauf, Ji Won Moon, Adam J. Rondinone, Lonnie J. Love, Chad Edward Duty, Andrew Stephen Madden, Yiliang Li, Ilia N. Ivanov, Claudia Jeanette Rawn
-
Patent number: 7666818Abstract: A combinatorial library includes a gelcast substrate defining a plurality of cavities in at least one surface thereof; and a plurality of gelcast test materials in the cavities, at least two of the test materials differing from the substrate in at least one compositional characteristic, the two test materials differing from each other in at least one compositional characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Robert J. Lauf, Claudia A. Walls, Lynn A. Boatner
-
Patent number: 7135288Abstract: A combinatorial library includes a gelcast substrate defining a plurality of cavities in at least one surface thereof; and a plurality of gelcast test materials in the cavities, at least two of the test materials differing from the substrate in at least one compositional characteristic, the two test materials differing from each other in at least one compositional characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Robert J. Lauf, Claudia A. Walls, Lynn A. Boatner
-
Patent number: 7060473Abstract: A method for producing mixed metal oxide compounds includes the steps of: providing a supply of a metal reducing bacteria; providing a culture medium suitable for growth of the bacteria; providing a first mixed metal oxide phase comprising at least a first and a second metal, at least one of the first and second metal being reducible from a higher to a lower oxidation state by the bacteria; and, combining the bacteria, the culture medium, the first mixed metal oxide, and at least one electron donor in a reactor, wherein the bacteria reduces at least one of the first metal and the second metal from the higher to the lower oxidation state to form a second mixed metal oxide phase.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Tommy J. Phelps, Robert J. Lauf, Ji-Won Moon, Yul Roh
-
Patent number: 6899827Abstract: Sintered, translucent ceramic microbeads, preferably alumina, titania, zirconia, yttria, zirconium phosphate, or yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) are doped with one or more optically active species. The beads may be added to substances such as explosives in order to create a distinctive optical signature that identifies a manufacturer, lot number, etc. in the event of the need for forensic analysis. Because the beads have a generally spherical surface, the radius of curvature provides an additional distinguishing characteristic by which a particular sample may be identified. The beads could also be formulated into paints if needed to create distinctive optical signatures for camouflage, decoys, or other countermeasures and could also be applied as a dust to track the movement of personnel, vehicles, etc.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Robert J. Lauf, Kimberly K. Anderson, Frederick C. Montgomery
-
Patent number: 6821474Abstract: The invention allows the fabrication of small, dense beads of dielectric materials with selected compositions, which are incorporated into a polymeric matrix for use in capacitors, filters, and the like. A porous, generally spherical bead of hydrous metal oxide containing titanium or zirconium is made by a sol-gel process to form a substantially rigid bead having a generally fine crystallite size and correspondingly finely distributed internal porosity. The resulting gel bead may be washed and hydrothermally reacted with a soluble alkaline earth salt (typically Ba or Sr) at elevated temperature and pressure to convert the bead into a mixed hydrous titanium- or zirconium-alkaline earth oxide while retaining the generally spherical shape. Alternatively, the gel bead may be made by coprecipitation. This mixed oxide bead is then washed, dried and calcined to produce the desired (BaTiO3, PbTiO3, SrZrO3) structure. The sintered beads are incorporated into a selected polymer matrix.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Robert J. Lauf, Kimberly K. Anderson, Frederick C. Montgomery, Jack L. Collins, John J. Felten
-
Patent number: 6744027Abstract: An apparatus for thawing a frozen material includes: a microwave energy source; a microwave applicator which defines a cavity for applying microwave energy from the microwave source to a material to be thawed; and a shielded region which is shielded from the microwave source, the shielded region in fluid communication with the cavity so that thawed material may flow from the cavity into the shielded region.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Robert J. Lauf, April D. McMillan
-
Publication number: 20040060730Abstract: The invention allows the fabrication of small, dense beads of dielectric materials with selected compositions, which are incorporated into a polymeric matrix for use in capacitors, filters, and the like. A porous, generally spherical bead of hydrous metal oxide containing titanium or zirconium is made by a sol-gel process to form a substantially rigid bead having a generally fine crystallite size and correspondingly finely distributed internal porosity. The resulting gel bead may be washed and hydrothermally reacted with a soluble alkaline earth salt (typically Ba or Sr) at elevated temperature and pressure to convert the bead into a mixed hydrous titanium- or zirconium-alkaline earth oxide while retaining the generally spherical shape. Alternatively, the gel bead may be made by coprecipitation. This mixed oxide bead is then washed, dried and calcined to produce the desired (BaTiO3, PbTiO3, SrZrO3) structure. The sintered beads are incorporated into a selected polymer matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Robert J. Lauf, Kimberly K. Anderson, Frederick C. Montgomery, Jack L. Collins, John J. Felten
-
Publication number: 20040062911Abstract: A combinatorial library includes a gelcast substrate defining a plurality of cavities in at least one surface thereof; and a plurality of gelcast test materials in the cavities, at least two of the test materials differing from the substrate in at least one compositional characteristic, the two test materials differing from each other in at least one compositional characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Robert J. Lauf, Claudia A. Walls, Lynn A. Boatner
-
Patent number: 6707018Abstract: A package for containing frozen liquids during an electromagnetic thawing process includes: a first section adapted for containing a frozen material and exposing the frozen material to electromagnetic energy; a second section adapted for receiving thawed liquid material and shielding the thawed liquid material from further exposure to electromagnetic energy; and a fluid communication means for allowing fluid flow between the first section and the second section.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Robert J. Lauf
-
Publication number: 20030192883Abstract: A package for containing frozen liquids during an electromagnetic thawing process includes: a first section adapted for containing a frozen material and exposing the frozen material to electromagnetic energy; a second section adapted for receiving thawed liquid material and shielding the thawed liquid material from further exposure to electromagnetic energy; and a fluid communication means for allowing fluid flow between the first section and the second section.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Robert J. Lauf
-
Publication number: 20030192884Abstract: An apparatus for thawing a frozen material includes: a microwave energy source; a microwave applicator which defines a cavity for applying microwave energy from the microwave source to a material to be thawed; and a shielded region which is shielded from the microwave source, the shielded region in fluid communication with the cavity so that thawed material may flow from the cavity into the shielded region.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Robert J. Lauf, April D. McMillan
-
Publication number: 20030162007Abstract: A graded composite energy converting article having a working surface of carbon-bonded carbon-fiber (CBCF) material that can absorb light, RF, microwaves, or other forms of energy and convert this energy to sensible heat. Conversely, CBCF can take sensible heat and convert it to radiative emissions of IR energy. Energy is conducted through the article by carbon foam to a secondary surface. The graded composite is made by first heating pitch under pressure to create the foam, which is then pyrolyzed and graphitized to create graphitic, open-cell foam. A slurry of chopped carbon fibers and organic binder in water or solvent is prepared and deposited on a working surface of the foam, preferably infiltrating the foam to some depth. The green body is dried, cured, and carbonized, creating a graded body of carbon foam in conductive thermal contact with a working surface of CBCF. Secondary surfaces of the foam may optionally be metal-infiltrated for added strength, brazability, or other purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: James W. Klett, Robert J. Lauf, Michael A. Acree
-
Patent number: 6600645Abstract: The invention allows the fabrication of small, dense beads of dielectric materials with selected compositions, which are incorporated into a polymeric matrix for use in capacitors, filters, and the like. A porous, generally spherical bead of hydrous metal oxide containing titanium or zirconium is made by a sol-gel process to form a substantially rigid bead having a generally fine crystallite size and correspondingly finely distributed internal porosity. The resulting gel bead may be washed and hydrothermally reacted with a soluble alkaline earth salt (typically Ba or Sr) at elevated temperature and pressure to convert the bead into a mixed hydrous titanium- or zirconium-alkaline earth oxide while retaining the generally spherical shape. Alternatively, the gel bead may be made by coprecipitation. This mixed oxide bead is then washed, dried and calcined to produce the desired (BaTiO3, PbTiO3, SrZrO3) structure. The sintered beads are incorporated into a selected polymer matrix.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignees: UT-Battelle, LLC, E. I. Dupont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Robert J. Lauf, Kimberly K. Anderson, Frederick C. Montgomery, Jack L. Collins, John J. Felten