Patents by Inventor Thomas Boland

Thomas Boland 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: 6943417
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a memory device having very high storage density capability. In general, the memory device includes an array of individual memory cells which store information that is assigned a value based on the molecular contents of the memory cell. In a preferred embodiment, the molecules utilized for storing information in the memory cells may be single-strand polynucleotides, for instance single-strand oligonucleotides of between about 5 and about 20 monomer units. The present invention is also directed to methods and systems useful for writing and reading the molecular-based memory devices. In particular, the devices may be written and read via modified atomic force microscopy processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Thomas Boland, Thomas E. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040237822
    Abstract: A method for forming an array of viable cells is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises ink-jet printing a cellular composition containing cells onto a substrate. Upon printing, at least about 25% of the cells remain viable after incubation for 24 hours at 37° C. in a 5% CO2/95% O2 environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Thomas Boland, William Crisp Wilson, Tao Xu
  • Publication number: 20040217345
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a memory device having very high storage density capability. In general, the memory device includes an array of individual memory cells which store information that is assigned a value based on the molecular contents of the memory cell. In a preferred embodiment, the molecules utilized for storing information in the memory cells may be single-strand polynucleotides, for instance single-strand oligonucleotides of between about 5 and about 20 monomer units. The present invention is also directed to methods and systems useful for writing and reading the molecular-based memory devices. In particular, the devices may be written and read via modified atomic force microscopy processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Thomas Boland, Thomas E. Wagner