Patents by Inventor Brian L. Wardle

Brian L. Wardle 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: 11578404
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is related to the growth of carbon-based nanostructures and associated systems and products. Certain embodiments are related to carbon-based nanostructure growth using active growth materials comprises at least two components that are capable of forming a eutectic composition with each other. In some embodiments, the growth of carbon-based nanostructures is performed using active growth materials comprising at least two types of cations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Kehang Cui, Brian L. Wardle
  • Patent number: 11458718
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Anastasios John Hart, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Patent number: 11438973
    Abstract: A multifunctional assembly having a resistive element a conductive element in electrical communication with the resistive element, the conductive element defining at least one of a plurality of multifunctional zones of the resistive element, wherein the conductive element is configured to direct a flow of electricity across at least one of the plurality of multifunctional zones of the resistive element in a preselected manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Metis Design Corporation
    Inventors: Seth S. Kessler, Gregory A. Thomas, Christopher T. Dunn, Michael Borgen, Brian L. Wardle
  • Publication number: 20220196542
    Abstract: A structural electronics wireless sensor node is provided that includes layers of electronic components fabricated from patterned nanostructures embedded in an electrically conductive matrix. In some aspects, the structural electronics wireless sensor node includes a plurality of nanostructure layers that each form individual electronic components of the structural electronics wireless sensor node. In certain embodiments, the structural electronics wireless sensor node includes electronic components such as a resistor, a inductor, a capacitor, and/or an antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicants: Analog Devices, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Yosef Stein, Estelle Cohen, Michael Murray
  • Publication number: 20220191978
    Abstract: A multifunctional assembly having a resistive element a conductive element in electrical communication with the resistive element, the conductive element defining at least one of a plurality of multifunctional zones of the resistive element, wherein the conductive element is configured to direct a flow of electricity across at least one of the plurality of multifunctional zones of the resistive element in a preselected manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Seth S. Kessler, Gregory A. Thomas, Christopher T. Dunn, Michael Borgen, Brian L. Wardle
  • Publication number: 20220177656
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the fabrication of composite materials are generally described. Certain inventive methods and systems can be used to fabricate composite materials with few or no defects. According to certain embodiments, composite materials are fabricated without the use of an autoclave. In some embodiments, composite materials are fabricated in low pressure environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jeonyoon Lee, Brian L. Wardle, Diana Jean Lewis
  • Publication number: 20220041450
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation and/or growth of elongated carbon-based nanostructures on copper-containing substrates, are generally described. Inventive articles comprising elongated carbon-based nanostructures and copper-containing substrates are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Luiz Acauan
  • Publication number: 20220041451
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the fabrication of elongated carbon-based nanostructures on metallic substrates, including aluminum-containing substrates, are generally described. Inventive articles comprising elongated carbon-based nanostructures and metallic substrates are also described. Also described herein are articles that absorb a relatively large percentage of electromagnetic radiation over relatively broad ranges of wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Kehang Cui
  • Publication number: 20210328307
    Abstract: The use of elongated nanostructures in separators and associated devices and methods, including devices and methods for energy storage and/or use, are generally described. According to certain embodiments, the elongated nanostructures can extend from a first solid substrate to a second solid substrate. In some embodiments, the nanostructures penetrate a surface of the first solid substrate (e.g., a first electrode) and/or a surface of the second solid substrate (e.g., a second electrode). The elongated nanostructures can, according to certain embodiments, provide structural reinforcement between two substrates (e.g., between two electrodes) while maintaining electronic insulation between the two substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Luiz Acauan, Yue Zhou
  • Publication number: 20210300009
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Anastasios John Hart, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Patent number: 11031657
    Abstract: The use of elongated nanostructures in separators and associated devices and methods, including devices and methods for energy storage and/or use, are generally described. According to certain embodiments, the elongated nanostructures can extend from a first solid substrate to a second solid substrate. In some embodiments, the nanostructures penetrate a surface of the first solid substrate (e.g., a first electrode) and/or a surface of the second solid substrate (e.g., a second electrode). The elongated nanostructures can, according to certain embodiments, provide structural reinforcement between two substrates (e.g., between two electrodes) while maintaining electronic insulation between the two substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Luiz Acauan, Yue Zhou
  • Patent number: 10988382
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is related to the growth of carbon-based nanostructures and associated systems and products. Certain embodiments are related to carbon-based nanostructure growth using active growth materials comprising alkali metals and/or alkaline earth metals. In some embodiments, the growth of carbon-based nanostructures is performed at relatively low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Richard Li, Erica Freire Antunes, Andrew H. Liotta
  • Patent number: 10906285
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Anastasios John Hart, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Publication number: 20200365335
    Abstract: Systems and methods involving nanomaterial-based electrodes, such as supercapacitor and battery electrodes that can be flexible, are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen K. Gleason, Brian L. Wardle, Estelle Cohen, Yue Zhou, Xiaoxue Wang, Yosef Stein
  • Publication number: 20200309674
    Abstract: A structural electronics wireless sensor node is provided that includes layers of electronic components fabricated from patterned nanostructures embedded in an electrically conductive matrix. In some aspects, the structural electronics wireless sensor node includes a plurality of nanostructure layers that each form individual electronic components of the structural electronics wireless sensor node. In certain embodiments, the structural electronics wireless sensor node includes electronic components such as a resistor, a inductor, a capacitor, and/or an antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicants: Analog Devices, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Yosef Stein, Estelle Cohen, Michael Murray
  • Publication number: 20200299135
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is related to the growth of carbon-based nanostructures and associated systems and products. Certain embodiments are related to carbon-based nanostructure growth using active growth materials comprising alkali metals and/or alkaline earth metals. In some embodiments, the growth of carbon-based nanostructures is performed at relatively low temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Richard Li, Erica Freire Antunes, Andrew H. Liotta
  • Publication number: 20200123652
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is related to the growth of carbon-based nanostructures and associated systems and products. Certain embodiments are related to carbon-based nanostructure growth using active growth materials comprises at least two components that are capable of forming a eutectic composition with each other. In some embodiments, the growth of carbon-based nanostructures is performed using active growth materials comprising at least two types of cations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Kehang Cui, Brian L. Wardle
  • Publication number: 20200061985
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Anastasios John Hart, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Publication number: 20190336948
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Anastasios John Hart, Brian L. Wardle, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Patent number: 10399316
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Anastasios John Hart, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum