Patents Assigned to The Massachusetts Institute Technology
  • Methods and apparatus for additive manufacturing of glass
    Publication number: 20150307385
    Abstract: In illustrative implementations of this invention, a crucible kiln heats glass such that the glass becomes or remains molten. A nozzle extrudes the molten glass while one or more actuators actuate movements of the nozzle, a build platform or both. A computer controls these movements such that the extruded molten glass is selectively deposited to form a 3D glass object. The selective deposition of molten glass occurs inside an annealing kiln. The annealing kiln anneals the glass after it is extruded. In some cases, the actuators actuate the crucible kiln and nozzle to move in horizontal x, y directions and actuate the build platform to move in a z-direction. In some cases, fluid flows through a cavity or tubes adjacent to the nozzle tip, in order to cool the nozzle tip and thereby reduce the amount of glass that sticks to the nozzle tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: John Klein, Giorgia Franchin, Michael Stern, Markus Kayser, Chikara Inamura, Shreya Dave, Neri Oxman, Peter Houk
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS EMPLOYING LIQUID-IMPREGNATED SURFACES
    Publication number: 20150306642
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention is directed to apparatus comprising a liquid-impregnated surface, said surface comprising an impregnating liquid and a matrix of solid features spaced sufficiently close to stably contain the impregnating liquid therebetween or therewithin, and methods thereof. In some embodiments, one or both of the following holds: (i) 0<??0.25, where ? is a representative fraction of the projected surface area of the liquid-impregnated surface corresponding to non-submerged solid at equilibrium; and (ii) Sow(a)<0, where Sow(a) is spreading coefficient, defined as ?wa??wo??oa, where ? is the interfacial tension between the two phases designated by subscripts w, a, and o, where w is water, a is air, and o is the impregnating liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: J. David Smith, Sushant Anand, Srinivas Prasad Bengaluru Subramanyam, Konrad Rykaczewski, Kripa Kiran Varanasi
  • ELECTRODES FORMED BY OXIDATIVE CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION AND RELATED METHODS AND DEVICES
    Publication number: 20150311444
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electrodes formed by oxidative chemical vapor deposition and related methods and devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Miles C. Barr, Rachel M. Howden, Karen K. Gleason, Vladimir Bulovic
  • CARBON-DIOXIDE COMPOUND AND CATALYST
    Publication number: 20150306590
    Abstract: Tetrahedral [MoO4]2? readily binds CO2 to produce a robust [MoO3(?2-CO3)]2? that can affect the reduction of CO2 to formate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ioana Aron, Christopher C. Cummins
  • APPLICATIONS OF CONTACT-TRANSFER PRINTED MEMBRANES
    Publication number: 20150309306
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide sensitive pixel arrays formed using solvent-assisted or unassisted release processes. Exemplary devices include detectors arrays, tunable optical instruments, deflectable minors, digital micro-mirrors, digital light processing chips, tunable optical micro-cavity resonators, acoustic sensors, acoustic actuators, acoustic transducer devices and capacitive zipper actuators to name a few.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Apoorva MURARKA, Vladimir BULOVIC, Annie I-Jen WANG, Jeffrey Hastings LANG
  • Engine reformer systems for lower cost, smaller scale manufacturing of liquid fuels
    Patent number: 9169773
    Abstract: A reformer-liquid fuel manufacturing system that utilizes an engine to generate hydrogen-rich gas is disclosed. The engine operates at very rich conditions, such as 2.5<?<4.0. In doing so, it creates an exothermic reaction, which results in the production of syngas. In addition, the system utilizes the energy from the exothermic reaction to rotate a shaft and also utilizes the heat in the syngas to heat the reactants. A mechanical power plant is in communication with the rotating shaft and can be used to produce oxygen, provide electricity or operate a compressor, as require. The hydrogen-rich gas is supplied to a chemical reactor, which converts the gas into a liquid fuel, such as methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, William H. Green, Alexander Sappok, Daniel R. Cohn, Amrit Jalan
  • Enhanced sensors in three dimensional scanning system
    Patent number: 9170199
    Abstract: Various improvements to three dimensional imaging systems having inflatable membranes are disclosed. These improvements include, among other things, a proximity sensor that can be used to warn a user of the device when approaching a feature in a cavity, such as an eardrum in an ear canal; or optical sensors with an optical coating matching the refractive index of the medium in which the optical sensors are deployed, to improve data acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Douglas P. Hart, Federico Frigerio, Douglas M. Johnston, Manas C. Menon, Daniel Vlasic
  • Inflatable membrane with hazard mitigation
    Patent number: 9170200
    Abstract: Various improvements to inflatable membranes are disclosed. These improvements include, among other things, features on the membrane that can mitigate hazards such as bubble formation or frictional damage during inflation of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Douglas P. Hart, Federico Frigerio, Douglas M. Johnston, Manas C. Menon, Daniel Vlasic
  • Solid phase peptide synthesis processes and associated systems
    Patent number: 9169287
    Abstract: Systems and processes for performing solid phase peptide synthesis are generally described. Solid phase peptide synthesis is a known process in which amino acid residues are added to peptides that have been immobilized on a solid support. In certain embodiments, the inventive systems and methods can be used to perform solid phase peptide synthesis quickly while maintaining high yields. Certain embodiments relate to processes and systems that may be used to heat, transport, and/or mix reagents in ways that reduce the amount of time required to perform solid phase peptide synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Mark David Simon, Bradley L. Pentelute, Andrea Adamo, Patrick Louis Heider, Klavs F. Jensen
  • Epoxidation catalysts
    Patent number: 9169277
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for the synthesis of catalysts, including epoxidation catalysts, and related compounds and catalyst compositions. Embodiments described herein may provide efficient processes for providing catalysts (e.g., epoxidation catalysts) in large quantities and using simplified methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Timothy F. Jamison, Yutaka Ikeuchi
  • Harmonic generation for activation of species and/or delivery of species to a target environment
    Patent number: 9168389
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the activation of species and/or the delivery of species to a target environment using harmonic generation materials are generally described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Children's Medical Center Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Langer, Daniel S. Kohane, Aoune Barhoumi
  • USE OF ANTAGONISTS OF GHRELIN OR GHRELIN RECEPTOR TO PREVENT OR TREAT STRESS-SENSITIVE PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS
    Publication number: 20150297691
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of protecting against chronic stress in a subject and treating stress sensitive disorders in a subject by antagonizing ghrelin or ghrelin receptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
    Inventors: Ki Ann Goosens, Retsina Michele Meyer
  • ATTITUDE DETERMINATION USING INFRARED EARTH HORIZON SENSORS
    Publication number: 20150298827
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for attitude determination using infrared Earth horizon sensors (EHSs) with Gaussian response characteristics. Attitude information is acquired by detecting Earth's infrared electromagnetic radiation and, subsequently, determining the region obscured by Earth in the sensors' fields of view to compute a nadir vector estimation in the spacecraft's body frame. The method can be applied when two sensors, each with known and distinct pointing directions, detect the horizon, which is defined as having their fields of view partially obscured by Earth. The method can be implemented compactly to provide high-accuracy attitude within small spacecraft, such as CubeSat-based satellites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Tam Nguyen Thuc Nguyen, Kerri L. Cahoy, Meghan K. Quadrino
  • Systems for Filling a Sample Array by Droplet Dragging
    Publication number: 20150298089
    Abstract: A method and an array filling system for loading a plurality of disparate sample containers, the sample containers comprising an integral structure. Each receptacle is characterized by a hydrophilic surface,, and the receptacles are separated by a hydrophobic surface. The system has a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid and adapted for motion to cause sequential communication of liquid held in the liquid transfer device with successive receptacles of the array by dragging the liquid across the hydrophobic surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ian Hunter, Colin J.H. Brenan, Tanya S. Kanigan
  • Methods and Apparatus for Demultiplexing Illumination
    Publication number: 20150304534
    Abstract: In illustrative implementations of this invention, an imaging system includes multiple light sources that illuminate a scene, and also includes a lock-in time of flight camera. While the scene is illuminated by these light sources, each of the light sources is amplitude-modulated by a different modulation pattern, and a reference signal is applied to the lock-in time-of-flight camera. The modulation patterns and the reference signal are carefully chosen such that the imaging system is able to disentangle, in real time, the respective contributions of the different light sources, and to compute, in real-time, depth of the scene. In some cases, the modulation signals for the light sources are orthogonal to each other and the reference signal is broadband. In some cases, the modulation codes for the light sources and the reference code are optimal codes that are determined by an optimization algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Achuta Kadambi, Ayush Bhandari, Ramesh Raskar
  • RAPID RECONSTITUTION PACKAGES FOR MIXING AND DELIVERY OF DRUGS
    Publication number: 20150297458
    Abstract: Rapid reconstitution package. The package includes a substantially cylindrical structure including a diluent chamber and a drug chamber communicating through a valve. The cylindrical structure is configured to retract under an axial force causing the valve to open to allow the diluent to flow through the valve into the drug chamber for mixing and reconstitution of the drug. The drug chamber shape is tuned to enhance mixing. In another aspect, the invention is a method for designing a rapid reconstitution package using computational fluid dynamics techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Noel M. Elman
  • COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS COMPRISING RHENIUM FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANCERS
    Publication number: 20150299233
    Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising rhenium are provided. In some embodiments, the rhenium compounds comprise a bidentate ligand. In some embodiments, the rhenium compounds are used in method for treating cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lippard, Julia Elaine Page, Kogularamanan Suntharalingam
  • Light-activated fusion proteins and uses therefor
    Patent number: 9163094
    Abstract: The invention, in some aspects relates to synthetic, light-activated fusion proteins and their encoding polynucleotide molecules. In some aspects the invention additionally includes expression of the light-activated fusion proteins in cells and their use in methods such as therapeutic methods and candidate compound screening methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Daniel Schmidt, Edward Boyden
  • Three-dimensional photoresists via functionalization of polymer thin films fabricated by iCVD
    Patent number: 9163307
    Abstract: Disclosed are simple, efficient, and scalable methods of patterning polymeric or metallic microstructures on planar or non-planar surfaces. The methods utilize initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) technology. Also disclosed are patterned articles produced by these methods, and methods of using the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Karen K. Gleason, Christy D. Petruczok
  • Highly luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals
    Patent number: 9162882
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor nanocrystal can include contacting an M-containing compound with an X donor having the formula X(Y(R)3)3, where X is a group V element and Y is a group IV element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Daniel Harris, Moungi G. Bawendi