Patents Assigned to The Massachusetts Institute Technology
  • Patent number: 10501344
    Abstract: A method reuses produced water resulting from a fossil fuel extraction operation. The method includes providing the produced water as an input to an electrodialysis system. The method also includes running the electrodialysis system to produce a diluate and a concentrate. The diluate is contaminated so as to have a conductivity of no less than 0.1 Siemens/meter. The method also includes reformulating the diluate to produce fossil fuel extraction fluid. The method also includes using the produced fossil fuel extraction fluid in the fossil fuel extraction operation. An electrodialysis system includes first and second stacks. The electrodialysis system also includes first and second voltage sources, coupled to the first and second stacks, so as to apply a first voltage to the first stack lower by at least about 10% than a second voltage to the second stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: John H. Lienhard, Ronan Killian McGovern, Lige Sun, Adam Michael Weiner, Syed M. Zubair
  • Patent number: 10505334
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating Smith-Purcell radiation having at least one spectral component at a wavelength ? includes a periodic structure including a dielectric material and an electron source, in electromagnetic communication with the periodic structure, to emit an electron beam propagating within about 5? from a surface of the periodic structure to induce emission of the Smith-Purcell radiation. The electron beam has an electron energy tunable between about 0.5 keV and about 40 keV so as to change a wavelength of the Smith-Purcell radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yi Yang, Aviram Massuda, Charles Roques-Carmes, Nicholas H. Rivera, Tena Dubcek, John D. Joannopoulos, Karl Kimon Berggren, Ido E. Kaminer, Marin Soljacic, Yujia Yang, Steven E. Kooi, Phillip Donald Keathley
  • Patent number: 10502846
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring a series of medical images includes acquiring imaging data, identifying double coincidence events and multiple detection (MD) coincidence events from the imaging data, and storing the double coincidence events and the MD coincidence events in a first dataset and a second dataset, respectively. The method also includes applying a normalization correction to the first dataset and/or the second dataset using normalization values based on double coincidence events and/or MD coincidence events to obtain at least one normalized dataset, and reconstructing a series of medical images of the subject from the at least one normalized dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Eduardo M. Lage, Joaquin L. Herraiz, Vicente J. Parot, Shivang R. Dave
  • Patent number: 10503865
    Abstract: A photonic design automation (PDA) tool to facilitate design of semiconductor photonic devices is described. In one example, the PDA tool includes a process design library including one or more photonics parameterized cells (pCells), a plurality of processor-executable photonics design functions including a design rule check (DRC) violation removal function, and a semiconductor technology-dependent parameter file including a plurality of design rules that define allowed semiconductor design patterns to be converted to a plurality of semiconductor fabrication mask designs in a first semiconductor technology. The PDA tool supports a graphical user interface (GUI) to provide access to the library of photonic pCells to create intuitive physical property layers for a photonic device, and processes the physical property layers using the DRC violation removal function and the design rules to automatically generate a plurality of mask design layers for a “DRC clean” physical layout of the photonics device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Luca Alloatti
  • Patent number: 10505094
    Abstract: Superconducting nanowire avalanche photodetectors (SNAPs) have using meandering nanowires to detect incident photons. When a superconducting nanowire absorbs a photon, it switches from a superconducting state to a resistive state, producing a change in voltage that can be measured across the nanowire. A SNAP may include multiple nanowires in order to increase the fill factor of the SNAP's active area and the SNAP's detection efficiency. But using multiple meandering nanowires to achieve high fill-factor in SNAPs can lead to current crowding at bends in the nanowires. This current crowding degrades SNAP performance by decreasing the switching current, which the current at which the nanowire transitions from a superconducting state to a resistive state. Fortunately, staggering the bends in the nanowires reduces current crowding, increasing the nanowire switching current, which in turn increases the SNAP dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Kristen Ann Sunter, Faraz Najafi, Adam Nykoruk McCaughan, Karl Kimon Berggren
  • Publication number: 20190368073
    Abstract: An article can have a surface with selected wetting properties for various liquids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicants: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Government of the United States as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Anish Tuteja, Wonjae Chol, Gareth H. McKinley, Robert E. Cohen, Joseph Mark Mabry
  • Publication number: 20190365645
    Abstract: Drug delivery articles, resident articles, and retrieval systems e.g., for gram-level dosing, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the articles are configured for transesophageal administration, transesophageal retrieval, and/or gastric retention to/in a subject. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal administration with a gastric resident system. In some cases, the article may be configured to control drug release e.g., with zero-order drug kinetics with no potential for burst release for weeks to months. In some embodiments, the articles described herein comprise biocompatible materials and/or are safe for gastric retention. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal retrieval. In some cases, the articles described herein may comprise relatively large doses of drug (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 gram).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlo Giovanni Traverso, Robert S. Langer, Michael J. Cima, Malvika Verma, Niclas Roxhed, Christoph Winfried Johannes Steiger, Karan Vishwanath
  • Publication number: 20190367964
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods of disaggregating a tissue sample into single cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicants: DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE, INC., THE BROAD INSTITUTE, INC., MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Benjamin Izar, Levi Garraway, Asaf Rotem, Aviv Regev, Alexander Shalek, Marc Wadsworth, Sanjay Prakadan, Orit Rozenblatt-Rosen, Itay Tirosh
  • Publication number: 20190372038
    Abstract: Embodiments related to interlayers (e.g., interlayers comprising a transition metal oxide, a transition metal oxynitride, and/or a transition metal nitride) and associated systems, devices (e.g., photovoltaic devices), and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for exciton transfer includes a substrate including an inorganic semiconductor. An interlayer may be disposed on the substrate, and a layer including a material that undergoes singlet exciton fission when exposed to electromagnetic radiation may be disposed on the interlayer. The interlayer may be disposed between the substrate and the layer. In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a system for exciton transfer involves depositing an interlayer onto a substrate that includes an inorganic semiconductor. The method may also include depositing a layer including a material that undergoes singlet exciton fission when exposed to electromagnetic radiation onto the interlayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Baldo, Tony Wu, Markus Einzinger
  • Publication number: 20190367950
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are engineered cells and cell-free systems, compositions, and methods for conversion of isopentenols to isoprenoid precursors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Steven McBride Edgar, Alkiviadis Orfefs Chatzivasileiou, Valerie Ward, Gregory Stephanopoulos
  • Publication number: 20190366064
    Abstract: Drug delivery articles, resident articles, and retrieval systems e.g., for gram-level dosing, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the articles are configured for transesophageal administration, transesophageal retrieval, and/or gastric retention to/in a subject. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal administration with a gastric resident system. In some cases, the article may be configured to control drug release e.g., with zero-order drug kinetics with no potential for burst release for weeks to months. In some embodiments, the articles described herein comprise biocompatible materials and/or are safe for gastric retention. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal retrieval. In some cases, the articles described herein may comprise relatively large doses of drug (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 gram).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlo Giovanni Traverso, Robert S. Langer, Andrew Bellinger, Tyler Grant, Malvika Verma, Taylor Bensel, Daniel Minahan
  • Publication number: 20190367743
    Abstract: Methods and materials for providing corrosion protection for atomically thin materials are described. In some embodiments, an atomically thin material may have a coating that includes one or more alkyl amine species. The coating may cover at least a portion of the atomically thin material, and the coating may form a corrosion protection layer. Depending on the particular materials, a coating may be ionically bonded to at least a portion of an atomically thin material. In some embodiments, a method of forming a corrosion protection layer on at least a portion of an atomically thin material may involve exposing at least a portion of an atomically thin material that corrodes under normal atmospheric conditions to an alkyl amine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ju Li, Zongyou Yin, Cong Su
  • Publication number: 20190365418
    Abstract: Drug delivery articles, resident articles, and retrieval systems e.g., for gram-level dosing, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the articles are configured for transesophageal administration, transesophageal retrieval, and/or gastric retention to/in a subject. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal administration with a gastric resident system. In some cases, the article may be configured to control drug release e.g., with zero-order drug kinetics with no potential for burst release for weeks to months. In some embodiments, the articles described herein comprise biocompatible materials and/or are safe for gastric retention. In certain embodiments, the article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal retrieval. In some cases, the articles described herein may comprise relatively large doses of drug (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 gram).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlo Giovanni Traverso, Robert S. Langer, Malvika Verma, Niclas Roxhed, Feyisope Eweje, Macy Castaneda
  • Patent number: 10496376
    Abstract: A novel system for generating random numbers is disclosed. The radioactive source emits photons, which causes the release of electrons on the surface of the detector. The detector is configured as a two dimensional array having a plurality of pixels. This release of electrons creates a splatter pattern on the detector, which is then read by the processor. Subsequent photon emissions create a second splatter pattern, which is then read by the processor. The processor compares these two splatter patterns, and generates random numbers based on these two splatter patterns. In certain embodiments, the processor creates a difference matrix which represents a comparison of the two splatter patterns. The processor then classifies each pixel in the difference matrix in accordance with certain rules. In certain embodiments, these classification rules may vary as a function of time or as a function of where on the detector the pixel is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Harry R. Clark, Theodore M. Lyszczarz
  • Patent number: 10492989
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for reconstitution and delivery of an injectable pharmaceutical. A diluent is provided in a pressurized reservoir, while separately a syringe with a needle contains a pharmaceutical such as a lyophilized drug. When the pressurized reservoir is coupled to the interior of the syringe, such as by piercing the pressurized reservoir with the needle, the pressurized reservoir forces the diluent into the syringe where the diluent can mix with and reconstitute the pharmaceutical. A variety of techniques are disclosed for pressurizing the reservoir and fluidly coupling the reservoir with the syringe. The techniques disclosed herein may, for example, be adapted for use with a conventional syringe and needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Xiang Li, Benjamin E. Maimon, Ho-Jun Suk, John Robert Lewandowski, Adam David Sachs
  • Patent number: 10495703
    Abstract: A nonlinear terahertz (THz) spectroscopy technique uses a sample illuminated by two THz pulses separately. The illumination generates two signals BA and BB, corresponding to the first and second THz pulse, respectively, after interaction with the sample. The interaction includes excitation of at least one ESR transition in the sample. The sample is also illuminated by the two THz pulses together, with an inter-pulse delay ?, generating a third signal BAB. A nonlinear signal BNL is then derived via BNL=BAB?BA?BB. This nonlinear signal BNL can be then processed (e.g., Fourier transform) to study the properties of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Harold Young Hwang, Jian Lu, Yaqing Zhang, Benjamin K. Ofori-Okai, Keith A. Nelson, Xian Li
  • Patent number: 10493031
    Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods of delivering mRNA in vivo, including administering to a subject in need of delivery a composition comprising an mRNA encoding a protein, encapsulated within a liposome such that the administering of the composition results in the expression of the protein encoded by the mRNA in vivo, wherein the liposome comprises a cationic lipid of formula I-c: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignees: Translate Bio, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael Heartlein, Daniel Anderson, Yizhou Dong, Frank DeRosa
  • Patent number: 10498342
    Abstract: A system and method for producing discretely assembled logic blocks where the logic block assemblies are a 3-dimensional representation of the normal digital design hierarchy. The blocks contain embedded logical functions that are built up from only a few basic 2-dimensional parts that are assembled into a 3-dimensional structure that realizes a particular logic or computing element. These structures can be combined to produce more complex digital structures and even processors. The two basic structural parts are a node and a strut with the strut typically including an embedded logic function. These are combined to produce spatially distributed structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: William Kai Langford, Amanda Ghassaei, Neil Gershenfeld
  • Patent number: 10498017
    Abstract: Miniature multifunctional antennas and related techniques are disclosed that are capable of wide bandwidth operation. In some embodiments, the antennas are capable of being reconfigured in the field for optimal performance in different frequency band configurations (e.g., a single wide instantaneous bandwidth, multiple smaller bands, etc.) and/or for purposes of self healing. In some embodiments, the antennas can be reconfigured in the field to achieve different polarizations (e.g., vertical, horizontal, circular). The antennas can be implemented in a very compact manner making them ideal for use in devices and platforms where size and weight are a concern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Raoul Ouatagom Ouedraogo, Eric Phelps, Jeremy Muldavin, Todd Addison Thorsen, Carl O. Bozler, Christopher Cherry
  • Patent number: 10494621
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are mutation(s) or modification(s) of the CRISPR enzyme, for example a Cas enzyme such as a Cas9, which obtain an improvement, for instance a reduction, as to off-target effects of a CRISPR-Cas or CRISPR-enzyme or CRISPR-Cas9 system or complex containing or including such a mutated or modified Cas or CRISPR enzyme or Cas9. Methods for making and using and uses of such mutated or modified Cas or CRISPR enzyme or Cas9 and systems or complexes containing the same and products from such methods and uses are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignees: THE BROAD INSTITUTE, INC., MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Feng Zhang, Linyi Gao, Bernd Zetsche, Ian Slaymaker