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: 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
  • Patent number: 10350837
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to composite articles comprising non-linear elongated nanostructures and associated systems and methods. In certain embodiments, collections of carbon nanotubes or other elongated nanostructures can be used to provide mechanical reinforcement along multiple directions within a composite article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Saab AB
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Pontus Nordin
  • Publication number: 20190189988
    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: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Luiz Acauan, Yue Zhou
  • Patent number: 10265683
    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: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Anastasios John Hart, Brian L. Wardle, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Publication number: 20190085138
    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: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jeonyoon Lee, Brian L. Wardle
  • Publication number: 20180332666
    Abstract: Various applications for structured CNT-engineered materials are disclosed herein. In one application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of providing its own structural feedback. In another application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of generating heat. In yet another application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of functioning as an antenna, for example, for receiving, transmitting, absorbing and/or dissipating a signal. In still another application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of serving as a conduit for thermal or electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Seth S. Kessler, Ajay Raghavan, Brian L. Wardle
  • Patent number: 10087079
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation of carbon-based nanostructures are generally described. In some embodiments, the nanostructures may be formed on a nanopositor. The nanopositor can comprise, in some embodiments, at least one of metal atoms in a non-zero oxidation state and metalloid atoms in a non-zero oxidation state. For example, the nanopositor may comprise a metal oxide, a metalloid oxide, a metal chalcogenide, a metalloid chalcogenide, and the like. The carbon-based nanostructures may be grown by exposing the nanopositor, in the presence or absence of a growth substrate, to a set of conditions selected to cause formation of carbon-based nanostructures on the nanopositor. In some embodiments, metal or metalloid atoms in a non-zero oxidation state are not reduced to a zero oxidation state during the formation of the carbon-based nanostructures. In some cases, metal or metalloid atoms in a non-zero oxidation state do not form a carbide during the formation of the carbon-based nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen A. Steiner, III, Brian L. Wardle
  • Patent number: 10035706
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation of nanostructures, including carbon-based nanostructures, are generally described. In certain embodiments, substrate configurations and associated methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen A. Steiner, III, Brian L. Wardle, Richard Li
  • Publication number: 20180086641
    Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides methods for the production of materials comprising a plurality of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) and related articles. The plurality of nanostructures may be provided such that their long axes are substantially aligned and, in some cases, continuous from end to end of the sample. For example, in some cases, the nanostructures may be fabricated by uniformly growing the nanostructures on the surface of a substrate, such that the long axes are aligned and non-parallel to the substrate surface. The nanostructures may be, in some instances, substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface. In one set of embodiments, a force with a component normal to the long axes of the nanostructures may be applied to the substantially aligned nanostructures. The application of a force may result in a material comprising a relatively high volume fraction or mass density of nanostructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Enrique J. Garcia, Anastasios John Hart, Diego S. Saito, Brian L. Wardle, Hulya Cebeci
  • Patent number: 9839073
    Abstract: Various applications for structured CNT-engineered materials are disclosed herein. In one application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of providing its own structural feedback. In another application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of generating heat. In yet another application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of functioning as an antenna, for example, for receiving, transmitting, absorbing and/or dissipating a signal. In still another application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of serving as a conduit for thermal or electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignees: Metis Design Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Seth S. Kessler, Ajay Raghavan, Brian L. Wardle
  • Publication number: 20170341316
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to composite articles comprising non-linear elongated nanostructures and associated systems and methods. In certain embodiments, collections of carbon nanotubes or other elongated nanostructures can be used to provide mechanical reinforcement along multiple directions within a composite article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Saab AB
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Pontus Nordin