Patents by Inventor Alan C. West
Alan C. West has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240125865Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and other implementations, including a method for managing battery performance that includes measuring voltage response data for a lithium-ion battery in response to a current pulse perturbation injected into the lithium-ion battery, and determining in real-time, based on the measured voltage response data, resultant degradation data representative of estimated physical degradation of the lithium-ion battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Alan Gen Li, Alan C. West, Matthias Preindl
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Patent number: 8529738Abstract: Systems and methods for plating and/or etching of hard-to-plate metals are provided. The systems and methods are designed to overcome the deleterious effect of superficial coating or oxide layers that interfere with the plating or etching of certain metal substrates. The systems and methods involve in situ removal of coating materials from the surfaces of the metal substrates while the substrates are either submerged in plating or etching solutions, or are positioned in a proximate enclosure just prior to submersion in the plating or etching solutions. Further, the substrates can be in contact with a suitable patterning mask to obtain patterned oxide-free regions for plating or etching. This in situ removal of coating layers may be achieved by pulse heating or photoablation of the substrate and the inhibiting coating layers. Electrical energy or laser light energy may be used for this purpose. Additionally or alternatively, the coating materials may be removed by mechanical means.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Robert J. Von Gutfeld, Alan C. West
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Patent number: 8496799Abstract: Systems and methods for in-situ annealing of metal layers as they are being plated on a substrate by action of a chemical solution are provided. The in-situ annealing, in conjunction with controlled slow growth rates, allows control of the structure of the plated metal layers. The systems and methods are used for maskless plating of the substrates.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Robert J. Von Gutfeld, Alan C. West
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Patent number: 8491516Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The embodiments may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of small molecules, middle molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Nina C. Shapley, Zhongliang Tang
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Patent number: 8475642Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring electrolyte bath fluids are provided. The electrolyte bath fluids can be electroplating, electroless plating or etching solutions. The monitoring systems employ microfluidic devices, which have built in microfluidic channels and microfabricated thin-film electrodes. The devices are configured with fluid pumps to control the movement and mixing of test fluids through the microfluidic channels. The microfabricated thin-film electrodes are configured so that the plating or etching bath fluid composition can be characterized by electrochemical measurements. The monitoring methods and system provide faster measurement times, generate minimal waste, and occupy dramatically reduced physical space compared to conventional bath-monitor systems. The monitoring systems and method also provide low-cost system and methods for measuring or monitoring electroless plating bath rates.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Alan C. West, Mark J. Willey, Robert J. von Gutfeld
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Patent number: 8470180Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
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Patent number: 8435327Abstract: A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Alan C. West, Jennifer L. Wade
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Publication number: 20120292253Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian P. Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
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Patent number: 8308929Abstract: Methods and systems for screening for the effect of bath composition on the performance of electroplating, electroless-plating, electrochemical-etching, electropolishing, and chemical-etching processes are provided. The methods and systems use microfluidic channels that allow for etching or plating studies on an electrode exposed to a multitude of bath compositions at different positions on its surface. After deposition or etching, the electrode surface can be quickly and easily detached from the device for analysis of deposited or etched film properties.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventor: Alan C. West
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Patent number: 8257593Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
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Publication number: 20120219483Abstract: A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Alan C. West, Jennifer L. Wade
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Publication number: 20120103901Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: EDWARD F. LEONARD, Alan C. West, Christian P. Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
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Patent number: 8163065Abstract: A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Alan C. West, Jennifer L. Wade
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Publication number: 20120061304Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The embodiments may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of small molecules, middle molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Nina C. Shapley, Zhongliang Tang
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Patent number: 8097153Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
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Patent number: 8097162Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
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Patent number: 8092684Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
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Patent number: 8083706Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Nina C. Shapley, Zhongliang Tang
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Publication number: 20110268636Abstract: A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Alan C. West, Jennifer L. Wade
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Patent number: 8021318Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Nina C. Shapley, Zhongliang Tang