Patents Assigned to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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Patent number: 11855573Abstract: An efficient, large dynamic range electric motor system and method of operating same, including a frame, at least a first rotor-stator pair, together having a first dynamic range, and a second rotor-stator pair, having a second dynamic range, with the first and second pairs mounted within the frame for rotation about a common central axis of an output shaft, mounted for rotation about the first axis and configured to transfer torque from the first and second pairs. A clutch is configured to isolate at least one of the first and second pairs away from the output shaft, thereby establishing an at least one isolated pair, and preventing torque transfer between the at least one isolated pair and the output shaft. A controller is connected to the first and second pairs and is configured to control power delivery to the first and second pairs.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventor: Andrew S. Billings
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Publication number: 20230314314Abstract: A system for the identification of sample types and method of using same. The system and method including an optical mechanism, and a detector. The system accepts a sample, directs input light from the optical mechanism onto that sample, producing output light that is received by the detector. The detector produces a sample-derived spectrum for classification. The present disclosure provides for a classification method to classify spectrum into one of many sample types, preferably plastic types.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2021Publication date: October 5, 2023Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventor: Anna MICHEL
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Patent number: 11709262Abstract: A device, system and method of use for the relative navigation in a fluid medium, the device having a receiver and a controller, the receiver capable of receiving signals through the fluid medium. The signals, produced by a source, are capable of undergoing Doppler shift, and the controller is capable of determining the Doppler shift of the signals and determining the bearing between the device and the source of the signals. The system further having a first vehicle capable of producing the signals and a second vehicle having the device and wherein the device determines the bearing of the second vehicle in relation to the first vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Erin Fischell, Peter Traykovski
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Publication number: 20230217906Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of use for capturing data on an environment and determining a parameter of that environment. The apparatus having a housing, a sensor, and a controller, the sensor capturing data pertaining to the environment, the controller processing, by a data processing pipeline, the data to determine or estimate a parameter of the environment. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus captures data on aquaculture environments and estimates parameters relating to underwater creature such as fish biomass, fish feeding state, or fish satiation score.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2021Publication date: July 13, 2023Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventor: Yogesh Girdhar
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Publication number: 20230221246Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are provided; the apparatus having at least a degasser, a hollow core fiber HCF, an optical mechanism, a detector, and circuitry. The degasser enables gasses to permeate out of a liquid into the degasser interior. The propagator establishes a low-pressure area that helps to pull the gas from the degasser interior into the HCF interior, where the optical mechanism delivers electromagnetic radiation EMR that interacts with the gas. The detector determines EMR absorption, producing output signals which are sent to the circuitry. Circuitry controls the optical mechanism and analyzes the output signals to quantify the concentration of gas in the HCF and in the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2022Publication date: July 13, 2023Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Jason KAPIT, Anna MICHEL
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Patent number: 11634738Abstract: 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: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignees: 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: 11579335Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods for large-scale processing of weather-related data. For one such system, the system comprises a database of weather-related data providing from a plurality of weather monitoring stations and a plurality of interconnected processors for coordinating a data processing job for processing a set of input weather-related data from the database. Accordingly, the input data comprises sensor data from an array of weather monitoring stations positioned on an open shoreline during a hydrodynamic event, weather model data for the hydrodynamic event, and at least one of air-craft reconnaissance data or satellite reconnaissance data regarding the hydrodynamic event, wherein the plurality of interconnected processors are configured to assimilate the input data and generate, using machine learning, an improved weather prediction model for the hydrodynamic event. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Clarkson University, Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Forrest J. Masters, Pedro L. Fernandez-Caban, Brian M. Phillips, Christopher C. Ferraro, Britt Raubenheimer, Wei-Ting Lu
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Patent number: 11558125Abstract: Provided herein are hybrid optical/acoustic wireless communications platforms for aquatic environments, the platforms comprising: an optical communications system configured to send and receive optical communications signals along a bed of the aquatic environment; an optical/acoustic communications signal converter; and an acoustic communications system configured to send and receive acoustic communications signals between the bed of the aquatic environment and a surface of the aquatic environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignees: THAYERMAHAN, INC., WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Michael Joseph Connor, Norman Farr
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Patent number: 11506591Abstract: A system for the differentiation of plastic and non-plastic particles in suspension in a liquid, and the method of use thereof. The system having a channel for constraining and presenting the liquid to a detector, the detector having at least one transmit electrode for emitting electrical current to at least one receive electrode. Circuitry provides the current input and received electrical signals measurement capacities. Particles passing the receive electrodes alter the received electrical current according to the particle's dielectric properties, the circuitry records the received signals and discerns a particle's nature, most often plastic from non-plastic, from the differential signal of these received signals as a function of frequency.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Anna Pauline Miranda Michel, Beckett Colson
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Patent number: 11493391Abstract: A gradient sensing probe system, and method of using same, including a sensing segment which includes a plurality of sensors, a support structure, and an electrical interface having first and second faces. The system further includes a housing, a power source, and an electronics package including a controller and disposed within the housing. The sensing segment is configured to measure external gradients and to exchange data with the controller. The power source is connected energetically to provide power to the sensing segment and the electronics package, and is controlled by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Richard Sanger, Paul D. Fucile, Maurice Tivey
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Publication number: 20220329179Abstract: A rotational feedback control system, and method of using same, including a rotating element, a sensor and a digital controller. The system capable of monitoring, setting, and adjusting the inter-rotational angular velocity within a single revolution of the rotating element. The digital controller implementing a control system with control parameters based on angular position, nominal angular velocity and steering angular velocity.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2020Publication date: October 13, 2022Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Jeffrey Kaeli, Frederic Jaffre
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Patent number: 11325685Abstract: A passive ballast device, system and method of using same, configured for use with a submersible vehicle in a liquid environment, including a chamber having at least one rigid wall to define at least a portion of a chamber volume, and a passively movable compensator having at least first and second surfaces, the first surface configured to be exposed to the liquid environment, the second surface excluded from the liquid environment, and forming, together with the at least one wall of the chamber, a fluid-tight seal to establish the remainder of the chamber volume, to exclude the liquid environment from the chamber volume and configured to adjust the chamber volume to at least a first chamber volume and a second chamber volume.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Jeffrey Kaeli, Robin Littlefield
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Patent number: 11280820Abstract: A system and method for detecting electrical events, often a corona associated with an impending lightning strike, including a coupling mechanism configured to establish an electromagnetic connection with a conductive substrate to receive signals intercepted by the conductive substrate. A detector circuit converts and discriminates the received signals into output signals. An output mechanism records and/or transmits the output signals, as well as determines if the output signal represents a qualified event signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Edward C. Brainard, II, Hans J. Weedon
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Publication number: 20210361546Abstract: 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 antimicrobials.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Applicants: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Western Washington UniversityInventors: Gregory W. O'Neil, Christopher M. Reddy
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Publication number: 20210355512Abstract: 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: July 29, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicants: 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: 11142473Abstract: Described herein is a system to provide continuously measurements of an analyte present in a fluid sample, particularly dissolved oxygen in wastewater. The system comprises a sample chamber absent of ambient light to contain the sample and in many embodiments employs a non-invasive method of measuring the analyte and determining the change over time in the concentration of the analyte. It is also an aspect of the invention to deliver analyte measurements in real-time and provides the operator with feedback in substantially less time after sample collection than previously accomplished in the field. It is another aspect of the invention to simultaneously or at least in a substantially short period of time thereafter measure temperature to remove initial error encountered at the start of analyte measurement at least until the sample chamber reaches thermal equilibrium.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Benjamin Van Mooy, Paul D. Fucile, Glenn E. McDonald
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Patent number: 11118199Abstract: 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 28, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignees: 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: 11110043Abstract: 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 antimicrobials.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignees: WWU, Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Gregory W. O'Neil, Christopher M. Reddy
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Publication number: 20210130144Abstract: A lightweight winch has the motor assembly centered with a housing within the winch drum where it may be easily accessed and removed from the winch drum. The winch comprises an improved, non-load bearing level wind mechanism for evenly winding cable about the winch drum. And a small-footprint level wind system having elongate support, a leadscrew, a guide substantially supported by the support, the guide adapted to accept a tension member. The guide designed to move along the support and to transfer tension member forces onto the support. Further comprising a motor, adapted to apply a motive onto the leadscrew, a shuttle connected the guide and leadscrew and adapted to transfer the motive force to the guide, moving the guide along the support. Also provides direct tension member metering and load sensing within the guide, and a load-bearing leadscrew having a direct connection between guide and leadscrew.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: James A. Haley, Joshua A. Eaton
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Publication number: 20210072137Abstract: A system for the differentiation of plastic and non-plastic particles in suspension in a liquid, and the method of use thereof. The system having a channel for constraining and presenting the liquid to a detector, the detector having at least one transmit electrode for emitting electrical current to at least one receive electrode. Circuitry provides the current input and received electrical signals measurement capacities. Particles passing the receive electrodes alter the received electrical current according to the particle's dielectric properties, the circuitry records the received signals and discerns a particle's nature, most often plastic from non-plastic, from the differential signal of these received signals as a function of frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Anna Pauline Miranda Michel, Beckett Colson