Patents Assigned to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
  • Patent number: 9234012
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cobalamin acquisition protein, compositions containing the cobalamin acquisition protein, and the use of such compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Makoto Saito, Erin Marie Bertrand
  • Patent number: 9231708
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventors: Norman E. Farr, Jonathan Ware, Clifford T. Pontbriand
  • Patent number: 9188512
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Benjamin A. S. Van Mooy, Richard G. Keil
  • Patent number: 8953944
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Casey Machado, Lee Freitag, Andy Bowen, Norman E. Farr
  • Patent number: 8838393
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Ananya Sen Gupta, Christopher M. Reddy, Robert Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140171608
    Abstract: In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for producing polymers from alkenone-producing algae, such as algae species of the Isochrysis family.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: Marine Biological Laboratory, WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventors: Scott R. Lindell, Christopher M. Reddy
  • Publication number: 20140078584
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Norman Erwin Farr, Clifford Thomas Pontbriand, Timothy Goodwin Peters
  • Patent number: 8670293
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventor: Andrey K. Morozov
  • Patent number: 8557514
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Kay Daniel Bidle, Assaf Vardi, Benjamin A. S. Van Mooy, Helen F. Fredricks, Liti Haramaty
  • Patent number: 8535906
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventor: Christopher M. Reddy
  • Patent number: 8448493
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Cameron P. McIntyre, Sean P. Sylva
  • Publication number: 20130060477
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventors: Ananya Sen Gupta, Christopher M. Reddy, Robert Nelson
  • Publication number: 20130040515
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Walter Paul, Donald B. Peters
  • Patent number: 8340526
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Richard Camilli, Frederick Sonnichsen, Albert M. Bradley, Steven A. Lerner
  • Patent number: 8299424
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventor: Richard Camilli
  • Publication number: 20120269037
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventor: Andrey K. Morozov
  • Patent number: 8279714
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Walter Paul, Donald B. Peters
  • Publication number: 20120170935
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventors: Casey Machado, Lee Freitag, Andy Bowen, Norman E. Farr
  • Patent number: 7997148
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein allow for intercepting submarine groundwater discharge to be used as a supply source for desalination processes. In one practice a dye-dilution seepage meter is employed as a device for locating water sources. These meters can be placed in estuaries and other locations that may be candidate locations to test for flows of groundwater. In areas of suspected SGD, the meters can be deployed to quantify the potential yield and quality (e.g. salt content) of the resource. Regarding the water quality, it is important to note that even brackish water sources can greatly reduce the energy needed to achieve potable water by desalination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventor: Matthew Charette
  • Publication number: 20110129851
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicants: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION, RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
    Inventors: Kay Daniel Bidle, Assaf Vardi, Benjamin A. S. Van Mooy, Helen F. Fredricks, Liti Haramaty