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).
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Patent number: 11031657Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Brian L. Wardle, Luiz Acauan, Yue Zhou
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Patent number: 10988382Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Brian L. Wardle, Richard Li, Erica Freire Antunes, Andrew H. Liotta
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Patent number: 10906285Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Brian L. Wardle, Anastasios John Hart, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
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Publication number: 20200365335Abstract: Systems and methods involving nanomaterial-based electrodes, such as supercapacitor and battery electrodes that can be flexible, are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Karen K. Gleason, Brian L. Wardle, Estelle Cohen, Yue Zhou, Xiaoxue Wang, Yosef Stein
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Publication number: 20200309674Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Applicants: Analog Devices, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Brian L. Wardle, Yosef Stein, Estelle Cohen, Michael Murray
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Publication number: 20200299135Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2017Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Brian L. Wardle, Richard Li, Erica Freire Antunes, Andrew H. Liotta
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Publication number: 20200123652Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2018Publication date: April 23, 2020Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Kehang Cui, Brian L. Wardle
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Publication number: 20200061985Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Brian L. Wardle, Anastasios John Hart, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
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Publication number: 20190336948Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Anastasios John Hart, Brian L. Wardle, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
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Patent number: 10399316Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Brian L. Wardle, Anastasios John Hart, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
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Patent number: 10350837Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Saab ABInventors: Brian L. Wardle, Pontus Nordin
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Publication number: 20190189988Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2018Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Brian L. Wardle, Luiz Acauan, Yue Zhou
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Patent number: 10265683Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Anastasios John Hart, Brian L. Wardle, Enrique J. Garcia, Alexander H. Slocum
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Publication number: 20190085138Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Jeonyoon Lee, Brian L. Wardle
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Publication number: 20180332666Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2017Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Seth S. Kessler, Ajay Raghavan, Brian L. Wardle
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Patent number: 10087079Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Stephen A. Steiner, III, Brian L. Wardle
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Patent number: 10035706Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Stephen A. Steiner, III, Brian L. Wardle, Richard Li
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Publication number: 20180086641Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Enrique J. Garcia, Anastasios John Hart, Diego S. Saito, Brian L. Wardle, Hulya Cebeci
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Patent number: 9839073Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignees: Metis Design Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Seth S. Kessler, Ajay Raghavan, Brian L. Wardle
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Publication number: 20170341316Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Saab ABInventors: Brian L. Wardle, Pontus Nordin