Patents Assigned to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Patent number: 9235048Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for reducing fouling of a surface of an optically transparent element with a light source. According to one aspect, the invention is a system including an LED for emitting UV-C radiation, a mount for directing emitted UV-C radiation toward the optically transparent element, and control circuitry for driving the LED. The system may be used to remove a desired amount of biofilm.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Norman Erwin Farr, Clifford Thomas Pontbriand, Timothy Goodwin Peters
-
Patent number: 9234012Abstract: The present invention relates to a cobalamin acquisition protein, compositions containing the cobalamin acquisition protein, and the use of such compositions.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Makoto Saito, Erin Marie Bertrand
-
Patent number: 9231708Abstract: A system and method to broadcast an optical signal through an amorphous medium, including a primary emitter capable of producing a primary optical signal during at least one broadcast period and capable of transmitting the primary optical signal through the amorphous medium. A secondary emitter, separate from the primary emitter and in operation during at least a portion of the broadcast period, produces a secondary emission detectable by a detector during the broadcast period. A signal entrainment controller, in communication with the primary emitter and the secondary emitter, synchronizes the secondary emitter with the primary emitter to generate a resultant signal of higher intensity than the primary signal by itself.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Norman E. Farr, Jonathan Ware, Clifford T. Pontbriand
-
Patent number: 9188512Abstract: 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: May 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Benjamin A. S. Van Mooy, Richard G. Keil
-
Patent number: 8953944Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide a reconfigurable, long-range, optical modem-based underwater communication network. In particular, the network provides a low power, low cost, and easy to deploy underwater optical communication system capable of being operated at long distances. Optical modem-based communication offer high data rate, omni-directional spatial communication in the visual spectrum. The omni-directional aspect of communication is advantageous because precise alignment of communication units may not be required. The optical modems may be deployed via unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and physically connected by tethers.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Casey Machado, Lee Freitag, Andy Bowen, Norman E. Farr
-
Patent number: 8838393Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide a scientific and analytical basis for the following: (a) collective interpretation of the entire spectrum of chromatographic data, e.g., GC×GC two-dimensional data, with capability of operating at multi-resolution over bigger or smaller sub-regions of the two-dimensional data, (b) given two or more samples that are from the same source, and some samples from clearly different sources, quantitatively estimate where the fingerprint of the source lies, (c) given a source signature template, an unknown sample can be compared to decide whether it is related to, and if so, to what degree, to this source, and (d) given two source signature templates, the templates can be compared to determine how related is one source to the other.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Ananya Sen Gupta, Christopher M. Reddy, Robert Nelson
-
Publication number: 20140171608Abstract: In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for producing polymers from alkenone-producing algae, such as algae species of the Isochrysis family.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicants: Marine Biological Laboratory, WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Scott R. Lindell, Christopher M. Reddy
-
Publication number: 20140078584Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for reducing fouling of a surface of an optically transparent element with a light source. According to one aspect, the invention is a system including an LED for emitting UV-C radiation, a mount for directing emitted UV-C radiation toward the optically transparent element, and control circuitry for driving the LED. The system may be used to remove a desired amount of biofilm.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Norman Erwin Farr, Clifford Thomas Pontbriand, Timothy Goodwin Peters
-
Patent number: 8670293Abstract: The systems described include a light-weight, low frequency (200 Hz-1000 Hz), broadband underwater sound sources that comprise an inner resonator tube with thin walls tuned to a certain frequency surrounded by a shorter, larger-diameter, lower frequency tuned outer resonator tube that has an acoustic source suspended off-center inside the inner resonator tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventor: Andrey K. Morozov
-
Patent number: 8557514Abstract: Phytoplankton represent a potential source of bioactive compounds. The present disclosure provides, inter alia, methods for identifying glycerolipids and apoptosis-inducing sphingosine-like lipids from virally-infected phytoplankton.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignees: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyInventors: Kay Daniel Bidle, Assaf Vardi, Benjamin A. S. Van Mooy, Helen F. Fredricks, Liti Haramaty
-
Patent number: 8535906Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed toward the use of radiocarbon analysis techniques in the manufacture of biofuel products. Among other things, methods and systems for using measured fossil-fuel-derived carbon content in biofuel products to guide the design and modification of biofuel manufacturing systems are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventor: Christopher M. Reddy
-
Patent number: 8448493Abstract: A gas chromatograph-combustion apparatus and method are disclosed in which the carrier gas type and flow rate is continuously exchanged to facilitate high speed, high sensitivity compound specific isotope analysis. Samples are injected into a gas chromatograph that uses H2 as the carrier gas. The gas stream exiting the gas chromatograph is passed through a combustion system in which H2 and the samples are combusted, simultaneously and totally, to oxidize the sample to CO2 and/or N2 gas, and to convert H2 gas to water vapor. Water vapor is removed using a water separator. Therefore, combustion serves the dual purpose of preparing the samples for isotopic analysis and converting H2 to water vapor, which can be easily separated out. A second carrier gas may be used to convey the CO2 and N2 to a mass spectrometer where the isotopic composition (e.g. 14C or 15N) is determined.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Cameron P. McIntyre, Sean P. Sylva
-
Publication number: 20130060477Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide a scientific and analytical basis for the following: (a) collective interpretation of the entire spectrum of chromatographic data, e.g., GC×GC two-dimensional data, with capability of operating at multi-resolution over bigger or smaller sub-regions of the two-dimensional data, (b) given two or more samples that are from the same source, and some samples from clearly different sources, quantitatively estimate where the fingerprint of the source lies, (c) given a source signature template, an unknown sample can be compared to decide whether it is related to, and if so, to what degree, to this source, and (d) given two source signature templates, the templates can be compared to determine how related is one source to the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Ananya Sen Gupta, Christopher M. Reddy, Robert Nelson
-
Publication number: 20130040515Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to a device which enables oceanographic surface buoy mooring systems to detect and monitor underwater noise at most sea state and weather conditions. In particular, the systems and methods described herein provide mooring systems that can support a hydrophone or other underwater listening devices connected to a surface buoy located at a deep sea position. As will be more fully described below, the mooring includes an expandable tether cable/hose that reduces noise generated underwater when the buoy moves in response to wave and weather.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Walter Paul, Donald B. Peters
-
Patent number: 8340526Abstract: Systems and methods for a reconfigurable, long-range, underwater data-communication network are described. The network provides a low cost, low power, lightweight, and easy to deploy underwater communication system capable of being operated at long distances. The network may include a cabled ocean observatory, which may be deployed underwater and connected to a surface buoy. The cabled ocean observatory may be connected to one or more removable underwater sensors via fiber optic cables. The underwater sensors may be disposed at underwater locations at long distances from the cabled ocean observatory. Fiber optic extension modules may be permanently connected to each end of the fiber optic cables. Each fiber optic extension module may include an optical transceiver, a power supply, and an inductive element for removably coupling an underwater sensor or the cabled ocean observatory to the fiber optic cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Richard Camilli, Frederick Sonnichsen, Albert M. Bradley, Steven A. Lerner
-
Patent number: 8299424Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include, among other things, systems capable of being deployed for long periods of time in oceanic, subsurface and atmospheric environments. The systems typically include mass spectrometers to measure low molecular weight gases dissolved in the water and volatile chemicals in air and water, and can move through the ocean, subsurface and atmospheric environment to take samples over a large geographic area. Additionally, these mass spectrometer devices are small and require little power and thereby facilitate the development of sample collection devices that can be placed at a remote location and operated for a substantial period of time from an on-board power supply such as a battery or a fuel cell. Such small and lightweight mass spectrometer devices when combined with low power AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and other manned and un-manned vehicles, can take samples over substantial distances and for a substantial period of time.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventor: Richard Camilli