Patents Assigned to Institute of Technology
  • Systems and Methods for Implementing Bulk Metallic Glass-Based Strain Wave Gears and Strain Wave Gear Components
    Publication number: 20160186850
    Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement bulk metallic glass-based strain wave gears and strain wave gear components. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a strain wave gear includes: shaping a BMG-based material using a mold in conjunction with one of a thermoplastic forming technique and a casting technique; where the BMG-based material is shaped into one of: a wave generator plug, an inner race, an outer race, a rolling element, a flexspline, a flexspline without a set of gear teeth, a circular spline, a circular spline without a set of gear teeth, a set of gear teeth to be incorporated within a flexspline, and a set of gear teeth to be incorporated within a circular spline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Douglas C. Hofmann, Brian H. Wilcox
  • Systems and Methods of Network Analysis and Characterization
    Publication number: 20160191335
    Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing networks are disclosed. In several embodiments, a network analyzer applies a network analysis to a network that replaces components of the network in a model of the network with equivalent or bounding models. The network analyzer can then characterize the simplified model of the network and an assessment can be made concerning the accuracy of the characterization of the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michelle Effros, Tracey C. Ho, Ralf Koetter, Shirin Jalall
  • In-Fiber Filament Production
    Publication number: 20160187578
    Abstract: In a fiber there is provided a fiber matrix material having a fiber length. A circumferential array of in-fiber filaments extend the fiber length. Each filament in the array is separated from other filaments in the array by the fiber matrix material. The filaments in the array are regularly spaced around a circumference at a radius in a cross section of the fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Daosheng Deng, Nicholas D. Orf, Ayman F. Abouraddy, Yoel Fink
  • Spectral Analysis Device Based on Brillouin Dynamic Grating and Analysis Method Thereof
    Publication number: 20160187198
    Abstract: A spectroscopic analysis device based on Brillouin dynamic grating and its analysis method, which provides high resolution and large measuring range at the same time. The device includes a laser device (1), a fiber optic coupler device (2), a first fiber amplifier device (3), a first isolator (4), a first polarization controller (5), a second polarization controller (6), a single-sideband modulation modulator (7), a second fiber amplifier device (8), a second isolator (9), a third polarization controller (10), a single-mode fiber (11), a polarization beam splitter (12), a circulator (13), a photodetector (14), a data acquisition card (15), a fourth polarization controller (16) and a microwave source (17). The method utilizes the Brillouin scattering of two beams of pump light in optical fiber forming Brillouin dynamic gratings as the spectral element and achieve a sub-MHz resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: Harbin Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yongkang DONG, Taofei JIANG, Dengwang ZHOU, Zhiwei LV
  • ENGINEERED MICROBES AND METHODS FOR MICROBIAL OIL OVERPRODUCTION FROM CELLULOSIC MATERIALS
    Publication number: 20160186163
    Abstract: The invention relates to engineering microbial cells for utilization of cellulosic materials as a carbon source, including xylose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Gregory Stephanopoulos, Mitchell Tai
  • Compositions and methods for producing benzylisoquinoline alkaloids
    Patent number: 9376696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to host cells that produce compounds that are characterized as benzylisoquinolines, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof. The host cells comprise one, two or more heterologous coding sequences wherein each of the heterologous coding sequences encodes an enzyme involved in the metabolic pathway of a benzylisoquinoline, or its precursors or intermediates from a starting compound. The invention also relates to methods of producing the benzylisoquinoline, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof by culturing the host cells under culture conditions that promote expression of the enzymes that produce the benzylisoquinoline or precursors or intermediates thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Christina D. Smolke, Kristy M. Hawkins
  • Power converter and method for controlling same
    Patent number: 9379632
    Abstract: A power converter 100 includes a DC capacitor C, semiconductor switch groups each of which includes semiconductor switches connected in series to each other, bridge-cells 11u-j, 11v-j, and 11w-j each of which includes the DC capacitor C and two semiconductor switch groups connected in parallel to the DC capacitor C, a delta connection unit 10 including delta-connected bridge-cells and a integrated control unit 1 for controlling a circulating current flowing in the delta connection unit such that each of DC-capacitor by-phase average values follows a DC-capacitor three-phase average value, each of the DC-capacitor by-phase average values being obtained by averaging voltage values of the DC capacitors at a corresponding phase of three phases, and the DC-capacitor three-phase average value being obtained by averaging voltage values of the DC capacitors at all of the three phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hirofumi Akagi, Makoto Hagiwara
  • Suspension processing device using ultrasonic waves
    Patent number: 9375662
    Abstract: A suspension processing method using ultrasonic waves has problems in that movement of solids in liquid do not follow movement of the sound field. Accordingly, application to a field that requires a high suspension processing performance or a high flow rate process is difficult. In order to achieve the high suspension processing performance, a design of adopting a long and large oscillator and the like is required. A suspension processing device (30) of separating and concentrating a component of solids in suspension (1a) using ultrasonic waves, includes: at least one supply port (32) for supplying the suspension (1a) into the device; a channel (31) through which the suspension flows; at least two outlet ports (33 and 34) for discharging processed suspension (1a); an oscillator (35) for emitting ultrasonic waves; and a reflection plate (36) for reflecting the emitted ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Takuya Kambayashi, Kentaro Nakamura
  • Systems and methods for model-based estimation of cardiac output and total peripheral resistance
    Patent number: 9375160
    Abstract: The methods and systems for estimating cardiac output and total peripheral resistance include observing arterial blood pressure waveforms to determine intra-beat and inter-beat variability in arterial blood pressure and estimating from the variability a time constant for a lumped parameter beat-to-beat averaged Windkessel model of the arterial tree. Uncalibrated cardiac output and uncalibrated total peripheral resistance may then be calculated from the time constant. Calibrated cardiac output and calibrated total peripheral resistance may be computed using calibration data, assuming an arterial compliance that is either constant or dependent on mean arterial blood pressure. The parameters of the arterial compliance may be estimated in a least-squares manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Tushar A. Parlikar, Gireeja V. Ranade, Thomas Heldt, George C. Verghese
  • Compositions including polymers aligned via interchain interactions
    Patent number: 9376623
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, devices and methods related to the alignment of materials including polymers. In some cases, the present invention comprises the assembly of molecules (e.g., polymers) via intermolecular interactions to produce extended networks, which may have enhanced properties relative to the individual molecules. Such networks may be advantageous for use in electronics, photovoltaics, sensor applications, and the like. In some embodiments, the present invention may enhance the performance of certain optical devices, such as liquid crystal displays (e.g., color liquid crystal displays) by providing enhanced contrast ratio, faster response times, and/or lower operating voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Timothy M. Swager, Johan T. V. Hoogboom
  • Methods and apparatus for light field photography
    Patent number: 9380221
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a light field camera uses a light field dictionary to reconstruct a 4D light field from a single photograph. The light field includes both angular and spatial information and has a spatial resolution equal to the spatial resolution of the imaging sensor. Light from a scene passes through a coded spatial light modulator (SLM) before reaching an imaging sensor. Computer processors reconstruct a light field. This reconstruction includes computing a sparse or compressible coefficient vector using a light field dictionary matrix. Each column vector of the dictionary matrix is a light field atom. These light field atoms each, respectively, comprise information about a small 4D region of a light field. Reconstruction quality may be improved by using an SLM that is as orthogonal as possible to the dictionary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Kshitij Marwah, Gordon Wetzstein, Ramesh Raskar
  • Methods and apparatus for artificial olfaction
    Patent number: 9377447
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, an electronic olfactor determines whether a scent being tested matches the scent of a positive control. The electronic olfactor can perform this scent matching even in a changing olfactory environment, and even if the positive control scent is a combination of hundreds or thousands of different odorants. No prior training is needed, and no attempt is made to identify a single odorant that is unambiguously responsible for a scent. Instead, a computer compares the total scent pattern of a positive control sample with the total scent pattern of a test sample, across a sweep of many permutations of electrical inputs to scent sensors, to try to find any condition under which the total scent patterns do not match. If such a condition cannot be found, then the computer declares a match between the test and target scents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Andreas Mershin, Asmamaw Wassie, Yael Maguire, David Kong, Shuguang Zhang, Patrick Moran, Karolina Corin
  • Odor generator
    Patent number: 9377786
    Abstract: The present invention provides an odor generator capable of providing a wide range of odors including the odor of a low volatile fragrance ingredient. The odor generator comprises a plurality of electroosmotic flow pumps, each of which typically includes a storage section for storing a liquid containing a volatile fragrance ingredient, and an outlet section having a porous material arranged for discharging the stored liquid through the porous material when a voltage is applied to the porous material and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) or other element for atomizing or vaporizing the liquid discharged from the outlet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignees: Tokyo Institute of Technology, Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takamichi Nakamoto, Yossiri Ariyakul
  • Systems and Methods Related to Optical Nanosensors Comprising Photoluminescent Nanostructures
    Publication number: 20160178597
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to optical nanosensors comprising photoluminescent nanostructures are generally described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael S. Strano, Daniel A. Heller, George W. Pratt, Jingqing Zhang
  • Systems and Methods for Implementing Robust Gearbox Housings
    Publication number: 20160178047
    Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention efficaciously implement robust gearbox housings. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a gearbox housing includes: providing an alloy composition from which the gearbox housing will be fabricated from; casting the alloy composition around a solid body so as to form a part characterized by the inclusion of a cavity, where the cast part includes a metallic glass-based material; and nondestructively separating the cast part from the solid body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Andrew Kennett, Douglas C. Hofmann, John Paul C. Borgonia
  • Self-lubricating surfaces for food packaging and food processing equipment
    Patent number: 9371173
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention relates to an article having a liquid-impregnated surface. The surface includes a matrix of solid features (e.g., non-toxic and/or edible features) spaced sufficiently close to stably contain a liquid therebetween or therewithin, wherein the liquid is non-toxic and/or edible. The article may contain, for example, a food or other consumer product, such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jonathan David Smith, Rajeev Dhiman, Adam T. Paxson, Christopher J. Love, Brian R. Solomon, Kripa K. Varanasi
  • Assisted surveillance of vehicles-of-interest
    Patent number: 9373033
    Abstract: A computer-implemented image processing method includes accessing image data representing a plurality of images of a plurality of vehicles and reading a data model representing a predefined vehicle attribute. The method further includes processing a portion of the image data to detect a vehicle feature of at least one of the vehicles represented in at least one of the images based on the predefined vehicle attribute, and processing the portion of the image data to generate vehicle data representing the detected vehicle feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael T. Chan, Jason R. Thornton, Aaron Z. Yahr, Heather Zwahlen
  • Aspect-ratio independent, multimedia capture and editing systems and methods thereof
    Patent number: 9372530
    Abstract: A multimedia capture system includes a plurality of imaging systems and one or more detection systems. The plurality of imaging systems capture image areas of a scene from at least partially different locations. The one or more detection systems determine a relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the different locations of the scene from where the image areas are captured. The relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems and the captured image areas are used to generate a multimedia presentation of the scene. The capture system may be worn by an individual or may be on a stationary or mobile support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ian Gatley, Mitchell Rosen, James Meyer, Robert A. Clark, Jonathan Schull
  • Compositions and methods of treating head and neck cancer
    Patent number: 9370551
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods related to the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its associated premalignant lesions. In particular, the invention features methods which may specifically target HNSCC-associated genes and alter gene expression to treat or alleviate a symptom of HNSCC, or its related premalignant lesions. These methods may involve decreasing the function of an HNSCC-associated gene with aberrant gain-of-function; or increasing the function of an HNSCC-associated gene with aberrant loss-of-function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: The Broad Institute, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, President and Fellows of Harvard College, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc., University of Pittsburgh-Of The Commonwealth of Higher Education, Instituto Carlos Slim de la Salud, A.C.
    Inventors: Le Cong, Ann Marie Egloff, Levi A. Garraway, Jennifer Rubin Grandis, Eric S. Lander, Nicholas Stransky, Aaron D. Tward, Feng Zhang
  • Stacked switched capacitor energy buffer circuit architecture
    Patent number: 9374020
    Abstract: Described herein is a stacked switched capacitor (SSC) energy buffer circuit architecture and related design and control techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: David J. Perreault, Khurram K. Afridi, Minjie Chen, Steven B. Leeb, Arthur Hsu Chen Chang