Patents Assigned to Princeton University
  • Patent number: 9099195
    Abstract: A hybrid nanotube, high-performance, dynamically reconfigurable architecture, NATURE, is provided, and a design optimization flow method and system, NanoMap. A run-time reconfigurable architecture is provided by associating a non-volatile universal memory to each logic element to enable cycle-by-cycle reconfiguration and logic folding, while remaining CMOS compatible. Through logic folding, significant logic density improvement and flexibility in performing area-delay tradeoffs are possible. NanoMap incorporates temporal logic folding during the logic mapping, temporal clustering and placement steps. NanoMap provides for automatic selection of a best folding level, and uses force-direct scheduling to balance resources across folding stages. Mapping can thereby target various optimization objectives and user constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Niraj K. Jha, Li Shang
  • Patent number: 9090976
    Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide using advanced aromatic amine heterocyclic catalysts are disclosed. A method for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte, a catalyst, and a cathode. The catalyst may include at least two aromatic amine heterocycles that are at least one of (a) fused or (b) configured to become electronically conjugated upon one electron reduction. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient for the cathode to reduce the carbon dioxide to a product mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignees: The Trustees of Princeton University, University of Richmond
    Inventors: Andrew Bocarsly, Prasad Lakkaraju, Amanda Morris, Raymond Dominey
  • Patent number: 9084773
    Abstract: A novel small molecule antagonizes two types of acyl homoserine lactone receptors: membrane-bound and cytoplasmic. A focused library of analogs and derivatives of the original antagonist was synthesized. Analog and derivative molecules harbor a range of activities. The novel small molecule and most potent antagonist protects the eukaryote Caenorhabditis elegans from quorum-sensing-mediated killing by the bacterial pathogen Chromobacterium violaceum. The saving of C. elegans demonstrates the use of these molecules as small molecule antimicrobials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Bonnie L. Bassler, Lee R. Swem, Scott M. Ulrich, Colleen T. O'Loughlin
  • Publication number: 20150197801
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for DNA barcoding of designer mononucleosome and polynucleosome (chromatin array) libraries for use, for example, for the profiling of chromatin readers, writers, erasers, and modulators thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Tom W. Muir, Uyen T.T. Nguyen, Manuel M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 9072789
    Abstract: Oxide, oxysulfide, or phosphate host particles with a self-assembled organo-phosphonate monolayer covalently bonded thereto are disclosed. Methods for coating the host particles and use of rare earth ion-doped particles in imaging methods and photodynamic therapy methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schwartz, Christopher A. Traina
  • Patent number: 9070942
    Abstract: Nanocomposite materials comprising a metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene material. The nanocomposite materials exhibit a specific capacity of at least twice that of the metal oxide material without the graphene at a charge/discharge rate greater than about 10 C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignees: Battelle Memorial Institute, The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Ilhan A. Aksay, Daiwon Choi, Donghai Wang, Zhenguo Yang
  • Patent number: 9068940
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for differential optical dispersion using a first sample and a second sample are disclosed. The apparatus includes a single frequency chirped laser source configured to generate a single frequency chirped laser beam. A first beam splitter is configured to split the single frequency chirped laser beam into first and second optical branches, the first sample being located in the first optical branch, the second sample being located in the second optical branch. A frequency shifter is located in the second optical branch, downstream of the second sample. A second beam splitter is configured to combine the first and second optical branches and generate a chirp-modulated mixed light beam. A square law detector is configured to detect the chirp-modulated mixed light beam and generate a heterodyne beatnote signal. A demodulator is configured for detection of the heterodyne beatnote signal to generate a transmission/differential optical dispersion spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Michal Nikodem, Gerard Wysocki
  • Publication number: 20150173188
    Abstract: A conductive circuit containing a polymer composite, which contains at least one polymer and a modified graphite oxide material, containing thermally exfoliated graphite oxide having a surface area of from about 300 m2/g to 2600 m2/g, and a method of making the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Robert K. PRUD'HOMME, Ilhan A. Aksay
  • Patent number: 9056154
    Abstract: Polymer surfaces coated with organometallic layers, wherein the organometallic layers and polymer surfaces have functional groups that react to bond the organometallic layer to the polymer surface with organometallic functional groups remaining unreacted for the subsequent covalent attachment of organic overlayers. Coating methods and coated articles are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schwartz, T. Joseph Dennes
  • Patent number: 9054497
    Abstract: A quantum cascade laser and method of making are disclosed. The quantum cascade laser includes a plurality stages configured in a cascade structure, each stage having a quantum well emission layer and an injection layer, each stage having an upper laser level and a lower laser level. A scattering barrier is located in the quantum well emission layer, the scattering barrier being positioned such that interface roughness (IFR) scattering at the lower laser level is greater than IFR scattering at the upper laser level. The scattering barrier may be located to maximize IFR scattering for the lower laser level and/or minimize IFR scattering for the upper laser level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignees: The Trustees of Princeton University, The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Claire Gmachl, YenTing Chiu, Yamac Dikmelik, Jacob B. Khurgin
  • Publication number: 20150155404
    Abstract: A high surface area scaffold to be used for a solar cell, made of a three-dimensional percolated network of functionalized graphene sheets. It may be used in the preparation of a high surface area electrode by coating with a semiconductive material. Electronic devices can be made therefrom, including solar cells such as dye-sensitized solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Joseph ROY-MAYHEW, Ilhan A. Aksay
  • Patent number: 9045476
    Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying molecules that can be used to positively and negatively manipulate quorum-sensing-mediated communication to control bacterial behavior. Small-molecule antagonists that disrupt quorum-sensing-mediated activities are identified. Methods are provided for disrupting detection of acyl-homoserine lactone autoinducer in Gram-negative bacteria by contacting the bacteria with the antagonists. Methods of inhibiting quorum sensing-mediated activity in Gram-negative bacteria are provided wherein the activity is pathogenicity, bioluminescence, siderophore production, type III secretion, or metalloprotease production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Bonnie Bassler, Lee Swem
  • Patent number: 9040318
    Abstract: There is disclosed a modular lamination approach for processing organic photosensitive devices that allows the individual processing of device components, that once processed are brought together in a final step to make electrical contact. The disclosed method of preparing a laminated photosensitive device having at least one donor-acceptor heterojunction comprises: preparing a top electrode by depositing a functional material on a flexible substrate, such as an elastomer; optionally processing the functional material to obtain desired properties prior to lamination; preparing a bottom portion by depositing a second functional material over a substrate; optionally processing the second functional material to obtain desired properties prior to lamination; and coupling the top electrode to said bottom portion to form a laminated photosensitive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Yueh-Lin Loo, Jong Bok Kim
  • Patent number: 9042367
    Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing the phases and frequencies of devices in multi-user, wireless communications systems are provided. A primary beacon signal is transmitted by a destination node in a wireless communications network to a plurality of source nodes. Secondary beacon signals are also exchanged between the source nodes. Using the primary and secondary beacon signals, the nodes generate local phase and frequency estimates which are used to control local phases and frequencies of the source nodes. The source nodes then transmit common information to the destination at carrier frequencies based on the estimated local frequencies and phases, so that the phases and frequencies of the transmitted information are synchronized to facilitate coherent combining of the bandpass signals at the destination. Phase and frequency synchronization can be applied to wireless communications systems having any number of source nodes, and effects of Doppler shifts and moving platforms are accounted for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: The Trustees of Princeton University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Donald Richard Brown, H. Vincent Poor, Boyang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9039938
    Abstract: Coatings are provided containing functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. In one embodiment, the coatings are electrically conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: The Trustees of Princeton University, VORBECK MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John M. Crain, John S. Lettow, Ilhan A. Aksay, Robert K. Prud'Homme, Sibel Korkut
  • Patent number: 9041851
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a an organic imaging device having organic detectors on a curved surface. The device may be used for imaging applications such as photography, lightweight camera systems, very high-resolution imaging, lightweight “night vision”, robotic vision, and others. A concave housing with a deformable lens is provided. The deformable lens allows for a range of fields of view and focal lengths. The invention may be configured to detect a range of electromagnetic radiation. It may then provide input to a computer, display, or other device for processing or display of the detected radiation as an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventor: Stephen Forrest
  • Publication number: 20150136601
    Abstract: Nanochannel arrays that enable high-throughput macromolecular analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing nanochannel arrays and nanofluidic chips. Methods of analyzing macromolecules, such as entire strands of genomic DNA, are also disclosed, as well as systems for carrying out these methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Robert H. Austin, Zhaoning Yu, Jonas O. Tegenfeldt, Stephen Y. Chou, Han Cao
  • Patent number: 9029413
    Abstract: Alterations of certain metabolite concentrations and fluxes that occur in response to viral infection are described. Host cell enzymes in the involved metabolic pathways are selected as targets for intervention; i.e., to restore metabolic flux to disadvantage viral replication, or to further derange metabolic flux resulting in “suicide” of viral-infected cells (but not uninfected cells) to limit viral propagation. While any of the enzymes in the relevant metabolic pathway can be selected, pivotal enzymes at key control points in these metabolic pathways are preferred as candidate antiviral drug targets. Inhibitors of these enzymes are used to reverse, or redirect, the effects of the viral infection. Drug candidates are tested for antiviral activity using screening assays in vitro and host cells, and in animal models. Animal models are then used to test efficacy of candidate compounds in preventing and treating viral infections. Antiviral activity of enzyme inhibitors is demonstrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Josh Munger, Bryson Bennett, Thomas Shenk, Joshua Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 9029168
    Abstract: A biosensor and method of making are disclosed. The biosensor is configured to detect a target and may include a peptide immobilized on a sensing component, the sensing component having an anode and a cathode. The immobilized peptide may comprise an antimicrobial peptide binding motif for the target. The sensing component has an electrical conductivity that changes in response to binding of the immobilized peptide to the target. The immobilized peptide may bind one or more targets selected from the list consisting of: bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, pathogens, protozoa, fungi, viruses, and cancerous cells. The biosensor may have a display with a readout that is responsive to changes in electrical conductivity of the sensing component. The display unit may be wirelessly coupled to the sensing component. A resonant circuit with an inductive coil may be electrically coupled to the sensing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Michael C. McAlpine, Manu Sebastian Mannoor
  • Patent number: 9025163
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting refractive index variations in a sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a multi frequency laser source configured to generate a mixed laser beam having at least two optical frequencies. A sinusoidal function generator is configured to modulate the optical frequencies to generate a chirp-modulated mixed laser beam. The chirp-modulated mixed laser beam being configured to pass through the sample. A detector is configured to detect the chirp-modulated mixed beam. A signal processer is configured to process the detected chirp-modulated mixed beam to measure refractive index variations in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustess of Princeton University
    Inventors: Gerard Wysocki, Michal Nikodem