Patents Assigned to The University of Michigan
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Publication number: 20250233541Abstract: Techniques are presented for fabricating optoelectronic devices with integrated air bridges for improved efficiency. The optoelectronic device includes: a reflector disposed on the substrate; a spacer layer disposed on the reflector; and a thermophotovoltaic cell disposed on to the spacer layer, such that the spacer layer is arranged between the reflector and the thermophotovoltaic cell and the spacer layer includes a cavity which extends between the reflector and the thermophotovoltaic cell. Of note, the thermophotovoltaic cell is comprised of silicon material with one or more lateral p-n junctions formed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2023Publication date: July 17, 2025Applicant: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Dejiu FAN, Tobias BURGER, Byungjun LEE, Andrej LENERT, Stephen R. FORREST
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Patent number: 12334638Abstract: Low-profile radar reflectors are provided for reradiating when illuminated by a vertically-polarized incident wave generated by an automotive radar. One example reflector includes a ground plane, a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, and radiating elements positioned on the substrate. Each radiating element includes opposing vertical metallic side segments connected to the ground plane, and a horizontal metallic segment extending between the opposing vertical metallic side segments and along the top surface of the substrate. The horizontal metallic segment of each radiating element has a defined length such that, when the radiating element is illuminated by a vertically-polarized incident wave from an automotive radar, each radiating element is at its resonance causing currents in the opposing vertical metallic side segments to flow in the same direction and reradiates back to the automotive radar.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2022Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Kamal Sarabandi, Tanner Douglas
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Publication number: 20250189988Abstract: A robot control system is presented for a monitored environment. The control system includes: a central computer; and a plurality of sensors in data communication with the central computer. Each sensor is at a fixed location in the monitored environment and is configured to detect location of objects in the monitored environment. A plurality of robots also resides in the monitored environment. Each robot is comprised of a wireless communication receiver, a regulator, an actuator and a power source, such that the regulator receives motion commands directly from the central computer via the wireless communication receiver. It is noted that the robots are not configured with sensors to help navigate the robot.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2024Publication date: June 12, 2025Applicant: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Bogdan EPUREANU, Koji SHIONO
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Patent number: 12326534Abstract: An image reconstruction algorithm system for hazardous source mapping. The algorithm system can be used to automate and optimize the search path of a movable vehicle (such as a UAV), equipped with detection capability. The algorithm allows the vehicle to localize hazardous sources in multiple scenarios effectively. Hazard mapping is formulated as an inverse problem and solved either with a deconvolution or a reconstruction algorithm, according to the problem complexity. The algorithms can use the Maximum a Posteriori (MAP) and the least square regression algorithm, respectively. However, alternative algorithms can be used as set forth herein. The source mapping algorithms are able to provide a quantitative estimation of the hazard source magnitude. A non-negative version of the least square algorithm is used to reconstruct the map at each step of the navigation algorithm of the vehicle. The navigation algorithm correctly located single and multiples simulated hazardous sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: June 10, 2025Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventor: Kimberlee Jane Kearfott
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Patent number: 12318861Abstract: A method of joining a first component and a second component that are made of dissimilar metals. In some embodiments, the method comprises applying friction between the first component and the second component sufficient to generate a layer of quasi-liquid metal and produce shear localization within the quasi-liquid metal at a dissimilar metal interface between the first component and the second component and terminating the application of friction at a predetermined time after generation of the quasi-liquid metal. In some embodiments, the method comprises applying amorphous metal between at least a portion of the first component and the second component at a dissimilar metal interface, heating the amorphous metal to a temperature between its glass transition temperature (Tg) and the lowest melting temperature of the components involved, and applying compression pressure to generate thermoplastic deformation of the amorphous metal.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Fengchao Liu, Pingsha Dong, Wei Lu, Alan Taub
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Patent number: 12323184Abstract: A communication system comprising a light source associated with a first item of interest; a visible light communications system operably coupled to the light source of the first item of interest, the visible light communications system configured to process information as an encoded signal and output the encoded signal via the light source; and a receiver associated with a second item of interest, the receiver configured to receive the encoded signal from the light source and process the encoded signal to obtain the information.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2022Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Russell Andres, Michael William Putty, Sridhar Lakshmanan
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Publication number: 20250168045Abstract: A system includes a module configured to operate in accordance to a wireless protocol that is different than a WiFi protocol and emulate direct transmission and reception of WiFi signals to and from an unmodified WiFi device, without payload selection or precoding on the unmodified WiFi device. The module includes a receiver configured to receive, from the unmodified WiFi device, an unmodified first WiFi signal having an arbitrary data packet, and a transmitter configured to transmit, to the unmodified WiFi device, a second WiFi signal. The receiver includes a narrowband filter configured to extract portions of the spectrum of the unmodified first WiFi signal from the unmodified WiFi device, and a narrowband demodulator configured to convert the extracted portions of the unmodified first WiFi signal into a plurality of bits to allow the receiver to recover the data packet from the unmodified first WiFi signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2023Publication date: May 22, 2025Applicant: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Kang G. SHIN, Hsun-Wei CHO
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Publication number: 20250155287Abstract: A phase-modulated approach for ultrabroadband Fourier transform electronic spectroscopy is presented. To overcome the bandwidth limitations and spatial chirp introduced by acousto-optic modulators (AOMs), pulses from a 1 ?m laser are modulated using AOMs prior to continuum generation. This phase modulation is transferred to the continuum generated in an Yttrium Aluminum Garnet crystal. Separately generated phase-modulated continua in two arms of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer interfere at the difference of their modulation frequencies, enabling physical under-sampling of the signal and the suppression of low-frequency noise. By interferometrically tracking the relative time delay of the continua, one can perform continuous, rapid-scanning Fourier transform electronic spectroscopy with a high signal-to-noise ratio and spectral resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2024Publication date: May 15, 2025Applicant: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventor: Jennifer OGILVIE
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Publication number: 20250146987Abstract: A first-dimension-guided differential scaling algorithm of the contour plot in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (2D GC) system is developed by incorporating both 1D and 2D chromatograms obtained by first and second detectors. This differential scaling method is shown to significantly improve 2D GC results in terms of retention time accuracy and consistency, peak width and hence peak capacity, and analyte quantification accuracy, which are inevitably affected by the modulation period and phase shift in modulation when the conventional contour plot reconstruction methods. Furthermore, the differential scaling method is shown to better handle the coelution and missing peak issues often encountered in the conventional methods. Finally, the differential scaling method exhibits high versatility in detector selection, which greatly broadens the 2D GC utility and can be easily adapted to other 2D chromatography systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2024Publication date: May 8, 2025Applicant: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Xudong FAN, Wenzhe Zang, Xiaheng Huang, Ruchi Sharma
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Publication number: 20250145852Abstract: A durable solid and liquid repellant material is provided having an elastomeric matrix with a plurality of lubricating domains distributed therein formed by a partial crosslinking reaction between an elastomeric precursor having a first reactive functional group and a polyol having a second reactive functional group. The polyol has a limited solubility circle. The first reactive functional group is selected from the group consisting of: alkene, amine, carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, isocyanate, and combinations thereof and the second reactive group is selected from the group consisting of: amine, carboxylic acid, hydroxyl group, and combinations thereof. The partially crosslinked elastomeric matrix has a crosslink density of greater than or equal to about 200 mol/m3 and less than or equal to about 2,000 mol/m3. Methods for forming the durable solid and liquid repellant material are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2023Publication date: May 8, 2025Applicant: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Anish TUTEJA, Jing WANG, Neil P. DASGUPTA
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Patent number: 12287352Abstract: A motion sensing system uses high-voltage biasing to achieve high resolution with ultra-low power. The motion sensing system consists of a motion sensor, a readout circuit, and a high-voltage bias circuit to generate the optimized bias voltage for the motion sensor. By using the high-voltage bias, the signal from the motion sensor is raised above the readout circuit's noise floor, eliminating the power-hungry amplifier and signal-chopping used in conventional motion sensing systems. The bias circuit, while producing the programmable bias voltages for the motion sensor, also compensates for the process mismatch raised by the high voltage biases.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2022Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Yimai Peng, David Blaauw, Dennis Sylvester, David Kyojin Choo
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Patent number: 12280159Abstract: Protein-based nanoparticles for treating cancer, such as those characterized by intracranial tumors, and methods of forming such protein-based nanoparticles via electrohydrodynamic jetting methods are provided. The nanoparticle may comprise a water-soluble protein having an average molecular weight of ?about 8 kDa and ?about 700 kDa. In certain variations, the water-soluble protein is cross-linked (e.g., with an optional crosslinking agent) and defines a mesh structure having an average linear mesh size of ?about 1 nm to ?about 4 nm. The nanoparticle may have a transcription factor such as a therapeutic nucleic acid in the mesh structure. Methods of making such nanoparticles may include jetting a liquid comprising the water-soluble protein through a nozzle, followed by exposing the liquid to an electric field sufficient to solidify the liquid and form the protein-based nanoparticles described above.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2021Date of Patent: April 22, 2025Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Joerg Lahann, Nahal Habibi, Jason V. Gregory, Maria Castro, Pedro Lowenstein, Ava Mauser, Padma Kadiyala, Daniel F. Quevedo, Felipe Nunez
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Publication number: 20250108677Abstract: A stochastic Model Predictive Control approach is developed to efficiently optimize the thermal management of electric vehicles and accommodate scenarios with multiple routes. To account for the uncertainties, the cost function is constructed to minimize the expected cost across all possible routes over the prediction horizon. Thermal constraints are treated as soft constraints using slack variables. This approach allows for flexibility in satisfying the constraints while optimizing the performance. Through simulations, the performance of the proposed method is evaluated using a fleet of vehicles. In this way, the proposed method achieves a good trade-off between multiple competing performance metrics. Furthermore, an adaptation strategy is introduced, which dynamically adjusts the penalty weight value. This adaptive approach eliminates the need for offline calibration and further enhances performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2024Publication date: April 3, 2025Applicant: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Mohammad Reza AMINI, Quihao Hu, Ilya Kolmanovsky, Jing Sun
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Patent number: 12265285Abstract: Traveling-wave modulation is a form of space-time modulation which has been shown to enable unique electromagnetic phenomena such as non-reciprocity, beam-steering, frequency conversion, and amplification. The capability to accurately simulate spatially-discrete traveling-wave modulated structures is critical to design. However, simulating these structures is challenging due to the complex space-time dependence of the constituent unit cells. Thus, an interpath relation is derived for spatially-discrete traveling-wave modulated structures. The interpath relation reveals that the field within a single time-modulated unit cell (rather than an entire spatial period) is sufficient to determine the field solution throughout space. It is shown that the interpath relation can be incorporated into existing periodic method of moments solvers simply by modifying the source basis functions.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2022Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Anthony Grbic, Cody Scarborough
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Publication number: 20250077068Abstract: Touchscreen devices, designed with an assumed range of user abilities and interaction patterns, often present challenges for individuals with diverse abilities to operate independently. Prior efforts to improve accessibility through tools or algorithms necessitated alterations to touchscreen hardware or software, making them inapplicable for the large number of existing legacy devices. This disclosure introduces a hardware interaction proxy that performs physical interactions on behalf of users while allowing them to continue utilizing accessible interfaces, such as screen readers and assistive touch on smartphones, for interface exploration and command input. The proxy maintains an interface model for accurate target localization and utilizes exchangeable actuators for physical actuation across a variety of device types, effectively reducing user workload and minimizing the risk of mistouch.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2024Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Anhong GUO, Alanson SAMPLE, Ruijie GENG, Thomas KROLIKOWSKI, Yasha IRAVANTCHI, Chen LIANG
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Patent number: 12233189Abstract: An artificial lung system for a patient having a membrane lung system having an gas inlet, a blood inlet, a blood outlet, and an exhaust; a gas system operably coupled to the gas inlet of the membrane lung system; a gas phase CO2 sensor disposed downstream of the exhaust of the membrane lung system and monitoring an exhaust gas CO2 (EGCO2) level and/or an blood oxygen saturation sensor disposed upstream of the blood inlet of the membrane lung system and monitoring a blood oxygen saturation level; and a feedback controller receiving the CO2 signal and/or blood oxygen saturation signal and outputting a control signal to control gas flow and/or blood flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignees: The Regents of The University of Michigan, United States Government As Represented by the Department of Veterans AffairsInventors: Joseph Potkay, Robert H. Bartlett, Alvaro Rojas-Pena
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Patent number: 12227190Abstract: A grip force sensing and shape-changing steering wheel configured to serve as an intuitive means of communication between a human driver and automatic driving system or driver assist system.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2021Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Brent Gillespie, Akshay Bhardwaj
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Patent number: 12220244Abstract: A short wave infrared (SWIR) imaging system and method of using the same is provided for assessing a tissue damage depth and/or readiness for reconstruction and/or debridement. The SWIR imaging system includes a light source for illuminating the wound or burn, an image light-registering camera system having at least one narrow-band SWIR filter to image the wound or burn and output imaging information, and a detection system for receiving the imaging information and processing the imaging information to determine a tissue damage depth and/or readiness for reconstruction and/or debridement assessment.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Benjamin Levi, Omer Berenfeld, Michael D. Morris
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Patent number: 12225044Abstract: One commonality among most vehicular security attacks reported to date is that they ultimately require write access to the CAN bus. In order to cause targeted and intentional changes in the vehicle behavior, malicious CAN injection attacks require knowledge of the CAN message format. However, since this format is proprietary to OEMs and can differ even among different models of a single make of vehicle, one must manually reverse-engineer the CAN message format of each vehicle they target. To mitigate this difficulty, an automated CAN message translator is presented.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2020Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Kang G. Shin, Mert Dieter Pese
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Patent number: 12216043Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting chiral properties from a sample are provided. Light may be directed towards a sample in contact with a chiral nanoparticle. Third harmonic Mie scattering (THMS) optical activity generated by the chiral nanoparticle in contact with the sample can then be detected. A device for detecting chiral properties of a sample is also contemplated that includes Nat least one microwell having a volume of ?about 1 microliter configured to hold a chiral nanoparticle capable of generating third harmonic Mie scattering (THMS) optical activity and a sample to be analyzed. The device includes a source of light configured to generate and direct light toward the at least one microwell containing the chiral nanoparticle and the sample and at least one detector configured to detect third harmonic Mie scattering (THMS) generated by the chiral nanoparticle in the microwell.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2022Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignees: The Regents of The University of Michigan, University of BathInventors: Nicholas A. Kotov, Ventsislav Valev, Lukas Ohnoutek, Ji-Young Kim