Patents Assigned to The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama
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Patent number: 11620108Abstract: A random number generation system may generate one or more random numbers based on the repeated programming of a memory, such as a flash memory. As an example, a control system may repeatedly store a sequence to a block of flash memory to force a plurality of cells into a random state such that, at any given instant, the values in the cells may be random. The control system may identify which of the cells contain random values and then generate based on the identified values a number that is truly random.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Biswajit Ray, Aleksander Milenkovic
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Patent number: 11600329Abstract: A system performs analog memory sanitization by forcing voltage levels in memory cells to substantially the same voltage level so that they are indistinguishable regardless of the data that has been previously stored in the cells. In some embodiments, a special programming operation for sanitizing a plurality of memory cells forces the charge in the cells to approximately the same voltage level by increasing the voltage level of all cells regardless of the data currently stored in the cells. As an example, each cell may be programmed to a logical high bit value (e.g., a “0”) by increasing the charge in each cell to a voltage level that is greater than the voltage level for writing the same logical bit value in a normal programming operation. Thus, after the programming operation is performed, the voltage levels of cells storing one logical bit value (e.g., a “0”) prior to the programming operation may be indistinguishable from voltage levels of cells storing a different logical bit value (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Biswajit Ray
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Patent number: 11585013Abstract: An Fe—Co—Al alloy magnetic thin film contains, in terms of atomic ratio, 20% to 30% Co and 1.5% to 2.5% Al. The Fe—Co—Al alloy magnetic thin film has a crystallographic orientation such that the (100) plane is parallel to a substrate surface and the <100> direction is perpendicular to the substrate surface. The Fe—Co—Al alloy magnetic thin film has good magnetic properties, that is, a magnetization of 1440 emu/cc or more, a coercive force of less than 100 Oe, a damping factor of less than 0.01, and an FMR linewidth ?H at 30 GHz of less than 70 Oe.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2018Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignees: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, TDK CORPORATIONInventors: Takao Suzuki, Tim Mewes, Gary Mankey, Isao Kanada, Yusuke Ariake
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Patent number: 11572355Abstract: The present disclosure provide synthetic methods for the synthesis of N-substituted vinylidene and alkene compounds in addition to compounds formed from such methods.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: The Board of Trustees of The University of AlabamaInventors: Jason Edward Bara, Kathryn Elizabeth O'Harra
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Patent number: 11564623Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring food intake include an air pressure sensor for detecting ear canal deformation, according to some implementations. For example, the air pressure sensor detects a change in air pressure in the ear canal resulting from mandible movement. Other implementations include systems and methods for monitoring food intake that include a temporalis muscle activity sensor for detecting temporalis muscle activity, wherein at least a portion of the temporalis muscle activity sensor is coupled adjacent a temple portion of eyeglasses and disposed between the temple tip and the frame end piece. The temporalis muscle activity sensor may include an accelerometer, for example, for detecting movement of the temple portion due to mandibular movement from chewing.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: The Board of Trustees of The University of AlabamaInventors: Edward Sazonov, Muhammad Farooq
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Patent number: 11559457Abstract: A rotational swing system is used for providing vestibular stimulation. The rotational swing system may include a rotational swing that is actuated by a motor. The system has a support frame arranged so that the motor does not need to bear the weight of the swing, thereby reducing the cost of the motor. When the system is used in a classroom to provide vestibular stimulation to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the automatic actuation of the swing by the motor helps to free the teacher's attention for addressing the needs of the other children in the classroom.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Deana Jo Aumalis, Stephanie Rose Krueger, Haley B. Brunick, Chris Kelley, Scott Banwell, Michael E. Langley, Jr., Christina Carmen
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Patent number: 11554244Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to combine multiple stimulation modalities to significantly increase the effectiveness of non-invasive stimulation. Multiple sensor and stimulation devices and modalities can be combined into a single, compact unit that minimizes the need for additional sensors or stimulation devices. The system features several subunits, referred to as sensory and stimulation devices (SSD), that are integrated into a headphone setup. The system is controlled by a centralized controller that communicates with all of the SSDs and with an external computer system that delivers learning material synchronized with the delivery of stimulations and the collection of user responses based on physiological signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2020Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Emil Jovanov
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Patent number: 11529291Abstract: A feeding bottle includes a bottle enclosure defining a hollow bottle chamber, wherein the enclosure defines a feeding outlet at a first end and an attachment structure 26 at a second end. A bottom housing defines an instrument compartment extending between a closed exterior portion of the bottom housing and a separation surface within the bottom housing, wherein the bottom housing is configured for detachable connection to the attachment structure 26 of the bottle enclosure. A relief valve is positioned within the separation surface of the bottom housing. A pressure sensor is positioned adjacent the separation surface of the bottom housing and connected by a passageway to the instrument compartment in the bottom housing, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to detect changes of pressure in the bottle enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, The UAB Research FoundationInventors: Eduard S. Sazonov, Ariel A. Salas, Paula Catherine Chandler-Laney
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Patent number: 11532946Abstract: A power electronics charge coupler (PECC) unit allows vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) energy transfer by forming a bidirectional buck/boost converter for supplying rapid energy transfer with wide input-output battery voltage and battery voltage levels. The PECC unit embeds DC-DC converter modules into the charging handles of the PECC unit. Each of the charging handles includes a half-bridge of the DC-DC converter and parasitic inductance of a cable between charging handles is utilized as a portion of the filter inductor for the converter. The PECC unit handles are each configured to connect to an electric vehicle and are dynamically configurable in one of four modes of operation based on the battery voltage of the electric vehicles to which the PECC unit is connected and based on which of the electric vehicles is designated as the receiver vehicle and which is designated as the supplier vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: The Board of Trustees of The University of AlabamaInventors: Mithat Kisacikoglu, Andrew Lemmon
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Patent number: 11527955Abstract: An example method for controlling a DC/DC converter or a standalone DC microgrid comprises an artificial neural network (ANN) based control method integrated with droop control. The ANN is trained to implement optimal control based on approximate dynamic programming. In one example, Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm is used to train the ANN, where the Jacobian matrix needed by LM algorithm is calculated via a Forward Accumulation Through Time algorithm. The ANN performance is evaluated by using power converter average and switching models. Performance evaluation shows that a well-trained ANN controller has a strong ability to maintain voltage stability of a standalone DC microgrid and manage the power sharing among the parallel distributed generation units. Even in dynamic and power converter switching environments, the ANN controller shows an ability to trace rapidly changing reference commands and tolerate system disturbances, and operate the DC/DC converter or the microgrid in standalone conditions.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMAInventors: Shuhui Li, Xingang Fu, Weizhen Dong
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Patent number: 11495886Abstract: Satellites require a suitable antenna for line of sight microwave communication with the ground. Disclosed here is an Archimedean spiral antenna backed by a copper cavity containing quadruple conical perturbations. The antenna meets the required size, mass, transmitting power, bandwidth, and circular polarization for a satellite (e.g., CubeSat) environment while providing immunity to the mounting position.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of AlabamaInventors: Yang-Ki Hong, Woncheol Lee, Katelyn Isbell, Nikolaus Luhrs
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Patent number: 11484866Abstract: Disclosed herein are composite materials and methods of making and use thereof. The composite materials disclosed herein can comprise: a first metal oxide particle having a thermal stability and a specific reversible oxygen storage capacity, wherein the first metal oxide particle comprises a first metal oxide comprising a transition metal oxide; and a second metal oxide disposed on the first metal oxide particle; wherein the composite material has a thermal stability and a specific reversible oxygen storage capacity; and wherein the thermal stability of the composite material is greater than the thermal stability of the first metal oxide particle. The methods of use of the composite materials described herein can comprise using the composite material as a catalyst, as an oxygen carrier, as a catalyst support, in a fuel cell, in a catalytic converter, or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: The Board of Trustees of The University of AlabamaInventors: Qing Peng, Ruigang Wang, Haoming Yan, Zhongqi Liu
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Patent number: 11485633Abstract: Phase-changing fuel compositions which can generate hydrogen are provided herein. The compositions can comprise a hydrogen carrier at least partially dissolved in a polar organic solvent. The hydrogen carrier includes ammonia borane and an alkylamine borane such as methylamine borane or methylenediamine bisborane. The hydrogen carrier act as the primary fuel source in the compositions and can be present in an amount of at least 60% by weight, based on the weight of the hydrogen generation composition. The hydrogen generation compositions are a liquid at temperatures of 5° C. or greater or 25° C. or greater. Methods for the production of hydrogen from the hydrogen generation compositions are further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignees: The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama, The Sentient CorporationInventors: David A. Dixon, Alice DeSimone, Matthew Confer, Hope Burnham, Shane Street, Kent Key
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Patent number: 11483967Abstract: An automated lawn mower has a frame that is attached to a conventional lawn mower to retrofit the conventional lawn mower for automated lawn cutting operations. In some embodiments, one or more wheels of the conventional lawn mower are removed, and the frame is coupled to the lawn mower at one or more connection points for the removed wheels. The frame is coupled to a motor, a controller, and a plurality of wheels. During operation, the motor drives the wheels under the control of the controller in order to move the automated lawn mower over a lawn for grass cutting operations.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Gavyn Grove, Joseph Martin, Matthew L'Antigua, Rahul Rameshbabu, Tyler Oliger, Farbod Fahimi
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Patent number: 11453892Abstract: The present disclosure relates to CRISPR-Cas10 systems and methods for phage genome editing.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2018Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: The Board of Trustees of The University of AlabamaInventor: Asma Hatoum
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Patent number: 11452969Abstract: Methods of reducing acid gas from a stream, comprising contacting the stream with a solvent system comprising a glycerol derivative are described herein. Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a glycerol derivative and an acid gas. A method for sweetening a natural gas stream comprising contacting a solvent system comprising a glycerol derivative with a natural gas stream is described herein.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of AlabamaInventors: Jason E. Bara, Brian Flowers, Max Mittenthal
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Patent number: 11444245Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of annealing a perovskite layer, comprising irradiating the perovskite layer with a light source, wherein the light source emits radiation consisting essentially of wavelengths within 50 nm of the wavelength of maximum absorbance (?max) of the perovskite layer, thereby annealing the perovskite layer. Also disclosed herein are semiconducting devices and articles of manufacture comprising an annealed perovskite layer made by any of the methods described herein, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, thin-film transistors, and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: The Board of Trustees of The University of AlabamaInventors: Dawen Li, Zhongliang Ouyang
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Patent number: 11415950Abstract: A system is described herein for controlling an inverter comprising an artificial neural network (ANN) and a space vector pulse-width modulation converter. The ANN comprises an input layer, plurality of hidden layers, an output layer, and a processor. The ANN receives a plurality of input signals and produces output signals that control a SVPWM converter. The ANN is trained to minimize a cost function and to implement optimal control based on ADP. Further, the ANN can be configured to handle rated current and PWM saturation constraints in providing volt/VAR control functions. Finally, the ANN uses averaged feedback signals instead of instantaneous feedback signals to improve volt/VAR control performance of parallel inverters. Performance evaluation shows that an ANN controller has a strong ability to maintain volt and VAR control at the grid edge and prevent fighting between inverters thereby allowing an inverter to work effectively in parallel with other ANN-controlled inverters.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2019Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMAInventors: Shuhui Li, Yang Sun, Malek Ramezani, Yang Xiao
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Patent number: 11396314Abstract: A motorized robotic walker is capable of moving automatically with the user through an algorithmic process using a 3D camera image processing system. The image processing system can measure relative motion of the user versus the robotic walker and a microprocessor can generate PWM signal to drive motors of the robotic walker so that the robotic walker can follow the user's motion automatically and provide assistance if needed.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMAInventors: Xiangrong Shen, Tao Shen, Md Rayhan Afsar, Cang Ye
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Patent number: 11383410Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a method of curing an ionic liquid epoxy mixture using an electromagnetic signal. First, an ionic liquid epoxy resin comprising ionic liquid epoxide monomers and, optionally, diluent epoxy resins and powdered fillers, is combined with a curing agent to form an ionic liquid epoxy mixture. The mixture is then applied as a coating onto a surface of a material. The coating is placed in contact with a second surface of the same material or a surface of another material. An electromagnetic signal, which in some instances is a microwave signal, is applied to the coating. Following application of the signal, the ionic liquid epoxide monomers polymerize and the mixture cures, adhering the surfaces together. Alternately, the epoxy mixture is applied to a surface and cured with microwaves to form a protective coating as in cladding or paint.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: William Felix Kaukler