Patents by Inventor Brian Argo

Brian Argo 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).

  • Patent number: 8906733
    Abstract: A method for creating a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes depositing material in a template for forming an array of nanocables; removing only a portion of the template such that the template forms an insulating layer between the nanocables; and forming at least one layer over the nanocables. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes a nanocable having a roughened outer surface and a solid core. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables each having a roughened outer surface and a solid core, the roughened outer surface including reflective cavities; and at least one layer formed over the roughened outer surfaces of the nanocables, the at least one layer creating a photovoltaically active p-n junction. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Q1 Nanosystems, Inc., The Regents Of The University Of California
    Inventors: Ruxandra Vidu, Brian Argo, John Argo, Pieter Stroeve, Saif Islam, Jie-Ren Ku, Michael Chen
  • Patent number: 8895350
    Abstract: A method for forming a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes creating a hole in an insulating layer positioned over an electrically conductive layer; and forming a nanocable in the hole such that the nanocable extends through the hole in the insulating layer and protrudes therefrom, the nanocable being in communication with the electrically conductive layer. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Q1 Nanosystems, Inc, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Brian Argo, Ruxandra Vidu, Pieter Stroeve, John Argo, Saif Islam, Jie-Ren Ku, Michael Chen
  • Patent number: 8877541
    Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the nanocables in the array being characterized as having a spacing and surface texture defined by inner surfaces of voids of a template; an electrically insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables. A nanostructure according to another embodiment includes a substrate; a portion of a template extending along the substrate, the template being electrically insulative; an array of nanocables extending from the template, portions of the nanocables protruding from the template being characterized as having a spacing, shape, and surface texture defined by previously-present inner surface of voids of the template; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Q1 Nanosystems, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Brian Argo, Ruxandra Vidu, Pieter Stroeve, John Argo, Jie-Ren Ku
  • Publication number: 20130014799
    Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the nanocables in the array being characterized as having a spacing and surface texture defined by inner surfaces of voids of a template; an electrically insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables. A nanostructure according to another embodiment includes a substrate; a portion of a template extending along the substrate, the template being electrically insulative; an array of nanocables extending from the template, portions of the nanocables protruding from the template being characterized as having a spacing, shape and surface texture defined by previously-present inner surfaces of voids of the template; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Ruxandra Vidu, Brian Argo, John Argo, Pieter Stroeve, Jie-Ren Ku
  • Patent number: 8344241
    Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the nanocables in the array being characterized as having a spacing and surface texture defined by inner surfaces of voids of a template; an electrically insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables. A nanostructure according to another embodiment includes a substrate; a portion of a template extending along the substrate, the template being electrically insulative; an array of nanocables extending from the template, portions of the nanocables protruding from the template being characterized as having a spacing, shape and surface texture defined by previously-present inner surfaces of voids of the template; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Q1 Nanosystems Corporation, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Ruxandra Vidu, Brian Argo, John Argo, Pieter Stroeve, Jie-Ren Ku
  • Publication number: 20110036395
    Abstract: A method for creating a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes depositing material in a template for forming an array of nanocables; removing only a portion of the template such that the template forms an insulating layer between the nanocables; and forming at least one layer over the nanocables. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes a nanocable having a roughened outer surface and a solid core. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables each having a roughened outer surface and a solid core, the roughened outer surface including reflective cavities; and at least one layer formed over the roughened outer surfaces of the nanocables, the at least one layer creating a photovoltaically active p-n junction. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicants: The Regents Of The University Of California, Q1 Nanosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Argo, Ruxandra Vidu, Pieter Stroeve, John Argo, Saif Islam, Jie-Ren Ku, Michael Chen
  • Publication number: 20100319759
    Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. Method for creating nanostructures are also presented. A method according to one embodiment includes adding a template to a substrate; depositing conductive material in the template thereby forming an array of conductive nanocables on the substrate; removing at least part of the template; and depositing at least one layer of photovoltaic material on exposed portions of the conductive nanocables. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the array of nanocables having physical characteristics of having been formed using an at least partially removed template; an insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer of photovoltaic material overlaying portions of the nanocables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: John Fisher, Larry Bawden, Vincent Evelsizer, Brian Argo, John Argo, Ruxandra Vidu
  • Patent number: 7847180
    Abstract: A photovoltaic nanostructure according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrically conductive nanocable coupled to a first electrode, a second electrode extending along at least two sides of the nanocable, and a photovoltaically active p-n junction formed between the nanocable and the second electrode. A photovoltaic array according to one embodiment includes a plurality of photovoltaic nanostructures as recited above. Methods for forming nanostructures are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Q1 Nanosystems, Inc., The Regents Of The University of California
    Inventors: Brian Argo, Ruxandra Vidu, Pieter Stroeve, John Argo, Saif Islam, Jie-Ren Ku, Michael Chen
  • Publication number: 20100112748
    Abstract: A method for forming a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes creating a hole in an insulating layer positioned over an electrically conductive layer; and forming a nanocable in the hole such that the nanocable extends through the hole in the insulating layer and protrudes therefrom, the nanocable being in communication with the electrically conductive layer. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Ruxandra Vidu, Brian Argo, John Argo, Pieter Stroeve, Saif Islam, Jie-Ren Ku, Michael Chen
  • Publication number: 20100078055
    Abstract: A photovoltaic nanostructure according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrically conductive nanocable coupled to a first electrode, a second electrode extending along at least two sides of the nanocable, and a photovoltaically active p-n junction formed between the nanocable and the second electrode. A photovoltaic array according to one embodiment includes a plurality of photovoltaic nanostructures as recited above. Methods for forming nanostructures are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Ruxandra Vidu, Brian Argo, John Argo, Pieter Stroeve, Saif Islam, Jie-Ren Ku, Michael Chen
  • Publication number: 20080107716
    Abstract: A non-irritating antimicrobial multi-layer or multi-ply tissue product made by treating an inner layer or ply or an inner surface of an inner layer or ply with one or more antimicrobial agents and treating the one or more outer layers or plies or the outer surfaces of the layers or plies with one or more irritation-inhibiting agents, and methods of making and using the same. The antimicrobial agent will remain confined to the inner portion of the tissue product, thereby preventing irritation to the user, and the irritation-inhibiting composition treated layer(s) or ply(s) provides a pleasing, soothing, non-irritating tactile quality to the tissue product. The non-irritating antimicrobial multi-layer or multi-ply tissue product further comprises an absorption enhancing agent. In one embodiment, the irritation-inhibiting composition comprises an oil, in which case the tissue product will also entrap any absorbed contaminant, holding it in contact with the antimicrobial agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Argo, Timothy McFarland, Pamela Thompson
  • Publication number: 20070254825
    Abstract: Self-warming cleaning products, such as wet wipes, include a cleaning solution containing a nonionic surfactant having a cloud point from about 10° C. below to about 2° C. above the maximum temperature of the cleaning product during normal use. By incorporating such nonionic surfactants into the cleaning solution, the effectiveness of the cleaning solution can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Shannon, Brian Argo, Mary Holt
  • Publication number: 20070202184
    Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: John Amundson, Michael Daley, Wael Joseph, Brian Argo, David Musil, William Hendrickson, Hal LaFleur, David Drath, Christopher Rueb, John Finney
  • Publication number: 20070148459
    Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Wael Joseph, David Musil, Michael Daley, John Amundson, Brian Argo, Duane Krzysik, David Drath, Christopher Rueb, John Finney, Hal LaFleur, William Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20070149435
    Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David Koenig, Michael Brunner, Doug Hoffman, Wael Joseph, David Musil, Michael Daley, Alan Wright, John Amundson, Brian Argo, Duane Krzysik, David Drath, William Hendrickson, Hal LaFleur, Christopher Rueb
  • Publication number: 20070145326
    Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Wael Joseph, David Musil, Michael Daley, John Amundson, Brian Argo, Duane Krzysik, David Drath, John Finney, Hal LaFleur, William Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20070148446
    Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Brown, Michael Daley, John Amundson, Frank Abuto, Alan Wright, Wael Joseph, David Musil, Jeffrey Shelley, Brian Argo, David Drath, William Hendrickson, Hal LaFleur, Duane Krzysik
  • Publication number: 20070148448
    Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Wael Joseph, David Musil, Michael Daley, Alan Wright, Frank Abuto, John Amundson, Brian Argo, David Drath, William Hendrickson, Hal LaFleur, John Finney, Christopher Rueb, Duane Krzysik
  • Publication number: 20070148447
    Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Amundson, Alan Wright, Frank Abuto, Michael Brunner, Wael Joseph, Larry Brown, David Musil, Michael Daley, Jeffrey Shelley, Brian Argo, David Drath, William Hendrickson, Hal LaFleur, Duane Krzysik
  • Publication number: 20070134045
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides an applicator for applying a substance, the applicator including an application side and an opposed reactive side, the application side including an application substance and the reactive side including a reaction substance, wherein the application and reaction substances react with each other when the application and reactive sides of the applicator are sequentially wiped on a target surface. Also provided is a method for treating a target surface, the method including contacting the target surface with an application side of an applicator including an application substance, whereby the application substance is deposited onto the target surface; and thereafter contacting the target surface with a reactive side of the applicator including a reaction substance, whereby the reaction substance reacts with the application substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Mary Holt, Brian Argo, Thomas Shannon