Patents Assigned to Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution
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Patent number: 10106237Abstract: A submersible thruster, and methods of optimizing and using same, including selecting a motor with an efficiency of greater than 75 percent when operated at 250 rpm immersed in a pressure-resistant fluid, the motor having a drive shaft with a rotor and a stator matched to the rotor, the rotor and the stator being immersed in the pressure-resistant fluid and being separated by a gap less than or equal to 1 mm. The motor is disposed in a housing to isolate the motor components from a liquid environment. A rear portion of the drive shaft extends through a low-friction shaft seal beyond the housing to drive at least one propeller within the liquid environment. Movement of the drive shaft is constrained to a radial and axial play each of less than 0.75 mm. The method further includes operating the motor at less than 50 percent of peak power, wherein said thruster operates at greater than 30 percent end-to-end thrust efficiency within the liquid environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Carl Kaiser, Andrew Billings
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Publication number: 20180296451Abstract: The use of long-chain alkenones to impart desired characteristics in personal care compositions for topical applications is described. The preparation of mixtures long-chain alkenones and synthetic derivatives thereof is presented. Examples of compositions include abrasive soaps, with alkenones serving as natural exfoliating agents. Alkenones and their derivatives can serve as emollients, occlusive agents, encapsulating agents, stabilizing agents, binding agents, thickening agents, surfactants, and anti-microbials.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2016Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicants: Western Washington University, Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Gregory W. O'Neil, Christopher M. Reddy
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Patent number: 10078050Abstract: In an in situ interrogation system for multiple wavelength interferometers a fringe spectrum that includes non-quadrature-spaced radiation-intensity samples is analyzed to obtain a high resolution relative phase measurement of the optical path length difference associated with the fringe spectrum. The fringe spectrum can be analyzed to obtain a fringe number and a quadrant as well, which can be combined with the relative phase measurement to obtain a high precision measurement of the absolute optical path length difference. An environmental condition corresponding to the absolute optical path length difference can be measured using the measurement of the absolute optical path length difference including salinity, pressure, density, and refractive index of a medium.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Jason A. Kapit, Raymond W. Schmitt, Norman E. Farr
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Publication number: 20180230501Abstract: A method comprising a series of selective extraction techniques for the parallel production of biodiesel and isolation of several valuable co-products including an alkenone hydrocarbon mixture of the kerosene/jet fuel range (primarily C10-, C12-, and C17-hydrocarbons) and fucoxanthin, a high-valued carotenoid, from the marine alkenone-producing microalgae Isochrysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Applicants: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Western Washington UniversityInventors: Christopher M. Reddy, Gregory W. O'Neil
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Patent number: 9970034Abstract: A method comprising a series of selective extraction techniques for the parallel production of biodiesel and isolation of several valuable co-products including an alkenone hydrocarbon mixture of the kerosene/jet fuel range (primarily C10-, C12-, and C17-hydrocarbons) and fucoxanthin, a high-valued carotenoid, from the marine alkenone-producing microalgae Isochrysis.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignees: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Western Washington University, Marine Biological LaboratoryInventors: Christopher M. Reddy, Gregory W. O'Neil, Scott R. Lindell
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Patent number: 9945831Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention relates to an aquatic sample analysis system adapted for in situ use. The system includes an incubation chamber having an optically clear portion and forming an opening for receiving a fluidic sample and apparatus for sealing the opening. The system also includes a sensor for sensing at least one parameter associated with the sample inside the chamber, a control module in communication with the sensor, and a power source.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignees: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, University of Washington Center for CommercializationInventors: Benjamin A. S. Van Mooy, Richard G. Keil
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Patent number: 9879288Abstract: In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for producing polymers from alkenone-producing algae, such as algae species of the Isochrysis family.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignees: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Western Washington UniversityInventors: Scott R. Lindell, Christopher M. Reddy, Gregory W. O'Neil
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Patent number: 9874298Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to an improved stretchable hose apparatus which enables the transmission of high-throughput signals along several conductors within a conductor cable. In particular, the stretchable hose enables consistent high speed communications and high power transmission between a buoyant object and an optional underwater device in all weather conditions by permitting compression of the conductor cable in a first range of hose extensions and limiting elastic elongation of the conductor cable in a second greater range up to full hose extension.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventor: Donald B. Peters
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Patent number: 9873499Abstract: An asymmetric propulsion mechanism capable of providing both axial thrust as well as lateral maneuverability from a single axis of rotation is described. The mechanism may be used on aquatic vehicles to minimize cost and maximize reliability and endurance. The mechanism comprises one or more propeller blades disposed asymmetrically around a rotating hub under the guidance of a control system including a motor capable of driving the propeller at various radial speeds throughout the course of a single revolution.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Thomas Austin, Michael Purcell, Frederic Jaffre, Jeffrey Kaeli, Ben Allen, Robin Littlefield
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Patent number: 9828068Abstract: A flexible lifting tether system for lifting a marine vehicle or object is described which is capable of significantly improving the primary characteristics of an existing cable by enhancing load-carrying capabilities (e.g. in air), modifying the tether to have altered specific gravities in water, and relieving torsional stresses when in operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Andrew Bowen, Robert McCabe, Matthew Heintz
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Patent number: 9820967Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of inhibiting an efflux pump in a bacteria, the method comprising contacting the bacteria with 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione, thereby inhibiting the efflux pump. Another aspect provides a method of inhibiting proliferation of a bacteria, the method comprising contacting the bacteria with 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione and an antibiotic, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of the bacteria. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of increasing the efficacy of an antibiotic, the method comprising contacting a bacteria with 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione and an antibiotic, thereby increasing the efficacy of the antibiotic. Another aspect provides a method of inhibiting development of antibiotic resistance in a bacteria, the method comprising contacting the bacteria with 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione and an antibiotic, thereby inhibiting development of resistance to the antibiotic.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Tracy Mincer, Kristen Whalen
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Patent number: 9778228Abstract: A self-contained monitor array for measuring at least one type of electromagnetic emission and at least one type of mechanical wave emission from a marine-based and/or terrestrial human activity or installation such as alternate energy sources. A multi-modal monitor system includes at least two such arrays, at least one clock, and at least one data storage unit. The monitor system is employed at the site of a turbine installation to measure at least one type of emission generated by the turbine and may comprise a controller to compare the emission signals with pre-determined acceptable value ranges and adjust the performance of the turbine accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Paul D. Fucile, Glenn E. McDonald, Edward L. Hobart
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Patent number: 9765120Abstract: The present invention relates to a cobalamin acquisition protein, compositions containing the cobalamin acquisition protein, and the use of such compositions.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Wood Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Makoto Saito, Erin M. Bertrand
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Patent number: 9758550Abstract: The present invention relates to a cobalamin acquisition protein, compositions containing the cobalamin acquisition protein, and the use of such compositions.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Makoto Saito, Erin M. Bertrand
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Publication number: 20170045628Abstract: A monitoring assembly and method to measure selected properties of water or other amorphous medium, including a carrier suitable for immersion in the medium and a sorbent module, held by the carrier and capable of being exposed to medium of interest, having at least one sorbent material capable of capturing at least a first, target item and a second, reference item from the medium during a sampling period. Preferably, a sensor module measures at least one parameter that is associated with the sampling period for the sorbent module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2015Publication date: February 16, 2017Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventor: Ken O. Buesseler
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Patent number: 9463849Abstract: A flexible lifting tether system for lifting a marine vehicle or object is described which is capable of significantly improving the primary characteristics of an existing cable by enhancing load-carrying capabilities (e.g. in air), modifying the tether to have altered specific gravities in water, and relieving torsional stresses when in operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Robert McCabe, Andrew Bowen, Matthew Heintz
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Patent number: 9441947Abstract: In an interrogation system for multiple wavelength interferometers a fringe spectrum that includes non-quadrature-spaced radiation-intensity samples is analyzed to obtain a high resolution relative phase measurement of the optical path-length difference associated with the fringe spectrum. The fringe spectrum can be analyzed to obtain a fringe number and a quadrant as well, which can be combined with the relative phase measurement to obtain a high precision measurement of the absolute optical path-length difference. An environmental condition corresponding to the absolute optical path-length difference can be measured using the measurement of the absolute optical path-length difference.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Jason A. Kapit, Norman E. Farr, Raymond W. Schmitt
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Patent number: 9395338Abstract: A self-contained monitor array for measuring at least one type of electromagnetic emission and at least one type of mechanical wave emission from a marine-based and/or terrestrial human activity or installation such as alternate energy sources. A multi-modal monitor system includes at least two such arrays, at least one clock, and at least one data storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic' InstitutionInventors: Paul Dominic Fucile, Glenn Elwin McDonald, Edward Leo Hobart
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Patent number: 9294201Abstract: An underwater system including at least one input device that is in sensory communication with water and generates input signals. The system further includes at least one optical transmitter and at least one optical receiver that allow omni-directional transmission and reception through water of optical signals representing the input signals, and allow data rates greater than 1 Mbps.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Norman E. Farr, Lee Freitag, James Preisig, Dana Yoerger, Sheri N. White, Alan D. Chave
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Publication number: 20160015686Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of inhibiting an efflux pump in a bacteria, the method comprising contacting the bacteria with 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione, thereby inhibiting the efflux pump. Another aspect provides a method of inhibiting proliferation of a bacteria, the method comprising contacting the bacteria with 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione and an antibiotic, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of the bacteria. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of increasing the efficacy of an antibiotic, the method comprising contacting a bacteria with 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione and an antibiotic, thereby increasing the efficacy of the antibiotic. Another aspect provides a method of inhibiting development of antibiotic resistance in a bacteria, the method comprising contacting the bacteria with 3,4-dibromopyrrole-2,5-dione and an antibiotic, thereby inhibiting development of resistance to the antibiotic.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2015Publication date: January 21, 2016Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Tracy Mincer, Kristen Whalen