Patents by Inventor Carter Kittrell

Carter Kittrell 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: 12012336
    Abstract: Methods that expand the properties of laser-induced graphene (LIG) and the resulting LIG having the expanded properties. Methods of fabricating laser-induced graphene from materials, which range from natural, renewable precursors (such as cloth or paper) to high performance polymers (like Kevlar). With multiple lasing, however, highly conductive PEI-based LIG could be obtained using both multiple pass and defocus methods. The resulting laser-induced graphene can be used, inter alia, in electronic devices, as antifouling surfaces, in water treatment technology, in membranes, and in electronics on paper and food Such methods include fabrication of LIG in controlled atmospheres, such that, for example, superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic LIG surfaces can be obtained. Such methods further include fabricating laser-induced graphene by multiple lasing of carbon precursors. Such methods further include direct 3D printing of graphene materials from carbon precurors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignees: William Marsh Rice University, B.G. NEGEV TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS, LTD. AT BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Yieu Chyan, Christopher John Arnusch, Swatantra Pratap Singh, Yilun Li, Duy X. Luong, Carter Kittrell, Ruquan Ye, Jordan Miller, Ian Kinstlinger, Savannah Cofer
  • Publication number: 20240120506
    Abstract: Method and system for flash recycling of batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, other metal (sodium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and aluminum)-ion batteries, metal batteries, batteries having all metal oxide cathodes, and batteries having graphite-containing anodes. The method and system include a solvent-free and water-free flash Joule heating (FJH) method performed upon a mixture that includes materials from the batteries done in millisecond for recycling the materials. In some embodiments, the FJH method is combined with magnetic separation to recover lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese with high yields up to 98%. In some embodiments, the FJH method is followed by rinsing with dilute acid, such a 0.01 M HCl. In other embodiments, the FJH method is utilized to purify the graphite in the battery, such as for use in the anode of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James Mitchell TOUR, Weiyin CHEN, Duy X. LUONG, Carter KITTRELL
  • Publication number: 20230262845
    Abstract: Systems and methods for flash joule heating carbon with variable frequency drives, for the production of graphene. The system includes a flash joule heating system, and a variable frequency drive system for driving the flash joule heating system, wherein the variable frequency drive system is coupled to the flash joule heating system, and is configured to output a pulse-width modulated current. The system and methods may further include sample temperature feedback, to adjust the output of variable frequency drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: James Mitchell Tour, Duy X Luong, Carter Kittrell, Tyler Cooksey, Zhiyong Zhang, Vladimir Mancevski
  • Publication number: 20220267153
    Abstract: Methods that expand the properties of laser-induced graphene (LIG) and the resulting LIG having the expanded properties. Methods of fabricating laser-induced graphene from materials, which range from natural, renewable precursors (such as cloth or paper) to high performance polymers (like Kevlar). With multiple lasing, however, highly conductive PEI-based LIG could be obtained using both multiple pass and defocus methods. The resulting laser-induced graphene can be used, inter alia, in electronic devices, as antifouling surfaces, in water treatment technology, in membranes, and in electronics on paper and food Such methods include fabrication of LIG in controlled atmospheres, such that, for example, superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic LIG surfaces can be obtained. Such methods further include fabricating laser-induced graphene by multiple lasing of carbon precursors. Such methods further include direct 3D printing of graphene materials from carbon precurors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicants: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY, B.G. NEGEV TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS LTD. AT BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Yieu Chyan, Christopher John Arnusch, Swatantra Pratap Singh, Yilun Li, Duy X. Luong, Carter Kittrell, Ruquan Ye, Jordan Miller, Ian Kinstlinger, Savannah Cofer
  • Patent number: 11161744
    Abstract: Methods that expand the properties of laser-induced graphene (LIG) and the resulting LIG having the expanded properties. Methods of fabricating laser-induced graphene from materials, which range from natural, renewable precursors (such as cloth or paper) to high performance polymers (like Kevlar). With multiple lasing, however, highly conductive PEI-based LIG could be obtained using both multiple pass and defocus methods. The resulting laser-induced graphene can be used, inter alia, in electronic devices, as antifouling surfaces, in water treatment technology, in membranes, and in electronics on paper and food Such methods include fabrication of LIG in controlled atmospheres, such that, for example, superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic LIG surfaces can be obtained. Such methods further include fabricating laser-induced graphene by multiple lasing of carbon precursors. Such methods further include direct 3D printing of graphene materials from carbon precursors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignees: William Marsh Rice University, B.G. Negev Technologies and Applications, Ltd., at Ben-Gurion University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Yieu Chyan, Christopher John Arnusch, Swatantra Pratap Singh, Yilun Li, Duy X. Luong, Carter Kittrell, Ruquan Ye, Jordan Miller, Ian Kinstlinger, Savannah Cofer
  • Publication number: 20200112026
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of producing a graphene material by exposing a polymer to a laser source. In some embodiments, the exposing results in formation of a graphene from the polymer. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of separating the formed graphene from the polymer to form an isolated graphene. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of incorporating the graphene material or the isolated graphene into an electronic device, such as an energy storage device. In some embodiments, the graphene is utilized as at least one of an electrode, current collector or additive in the electronic device. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the graphene materials, isolated graphenes, and electronic devices that are formed by the methods of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Jian Lin, Zhiwei Peng, Carter Kittrell
  • Patent number: 10505193
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of producing a graphene material by exposing a polymer to a laser source. In some embodiments, the exposing results in formation of a graphene from the polymer. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of separating the formed graphene from the polymer to form an isolated graphene. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of incorporating the graphene material or the isolated graphene into an electronic device, such as an energy storage device. In some embodiments, the graphene is utilized as at least one of an electrode, current collector or additive in the electronic device. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the graphene materials, isolated graphenes, and electronic devices that are formed by the methods of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Jian Lin, Zhiwei Peng, Carter Kittrell
  • Publication number: 20190330064
    Abstract: Methods that expand the properties of laser-induced graphene (LIG) and the resulting LIG having the expanded properties. Methods of fabricating laser-induced graphene from materials, which range from natural, renewable precursors (such as cloth or paper) to high performance polymers (like Kevlar). With multiple lasing, however, highly conductive PEI-based LIG could be obtained using both multiple pass and defocus methods. The resulting laser-induced graphene can be used, inter alia, in electronic devices, as antifouling surfaces, in water treatment technology, in membranes, and in electronics on paper and food Such methods include fabrication of LIG in controlled atmospheres, such that, for example, superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic LIG surfaces can be obtained. Such methods further include fabricating laser-induced graphene by multiple lasing of carbon precursors. Such methods further include direct 3D printing of graphene materials from carbon precurors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicants: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY, BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James M. TOUR, Yieu CHYAN, Christopher John ARNUSCH, Swatantra Pratap SINGH, Yilun LI, Duy X. LUONG, Carter KITTRELL, Ruquan YE, Jordan MILLER, Ian KINSTLINGER, Savannah COFER
  • Publication number: 20170062821
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of producing a graphene material by exposing a polymer to a laser source. In some embodiments, the exposing results in formation of a graphene from the polymer. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of separating the formed graphene from the polymer to form an isolated graphene. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of incorporating the graphene material or the isolated graphene into an electronic device, such as an energy storage device. In some embodiments, the graphene is utilized as at least one of an electrode, current collector or additive in the electronic device. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the graphene materials, isolated graphenes, and electronic devices that are formed by the methods of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Jian Lin, Zhiwei Peng, Carter Kittrell
  • Publication number: 20120219029
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technology called Pulse-Multiline Excitation or PME. This technology provides a novel approach to fluorescence detection with application for high-throughput identification of informative SNPs, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis of inherited disease, better prognosis of risk susceptibilities, or identification of sporadic mutations. The PME technology has two main advantages that significantly increase fluorescence sensitivity: (1) optimal excitation of all fluorophores in the genomic assay and (2) “color-blind” detection, which collects considerably more light than standard wavelength resolved detection. Successful implementation of the PME technology will have broad application for routine usage in clinical diagnostics, forensics, and general sequencing methodologies and will have the capability, flexibility, and portability of targeted sequence variation assays for a large majority of the population.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Graham B. I. Scott, Carter Kittrell, Robert F. Curl, Michael Metzker
  • Patent number: 8089628
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technology called Pulse-Multiline Excitation or PME. This technology provides a novel approach to fluorescence detection with application for high-throughput identification of informative SNPs, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis of inherited disease, better prognosis of risk susceptibilities, or identification of sporadic mutations. The PME technology has two main advantages that significantly increase fluorescence sensitivity: (1) optimal excitation of all fluorophores in the genomic assay and (2) “color-blind” detection, which collects considerably more light than standard wavelength resolved detection. Successful implementation of the PME technology will have broad application for routine usage in clinical diagnostics, forensics, and general sequencing methodologies and will have the capability, flexibility, and portability of targeted sequence variation assays for a large majority of the population.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignees: Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University
    Inventors: Graham B. I. Scott, Carter Kittrell, Robert F. Curl, Michael L. Metzker
  • Publication number: 20090156429
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technology called Pulse-Multiline Excitation or PME. This technology provides a novel approach to fluorescence detection with application for high-throughput identification of informative SNPs, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis of inherited disease, better prognosis of risk susceptibilities, or identification of sporadic mutations. The PME technology has two main advantages that significantly increase fluorescence sensitivity: (1) optimal excitation of all fluorophores in the genomic assay and (2) “color-blind” detection, which collects considerably more light than standard wavelength resolved detection. Successful implementation of the PME technology will have broad application for routine usage in clinical diagnostics, forensics, and general sequencing methodologies and will have the capability, flexibility, and portability of targeted sequence variation assays for a large majority of the population.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Graham B.I. Scott, Carter Kittrell, Robert F. Curl, Michael Metzker
  • Patent number: 7511811
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technology called Pulse-Multiline Excitation or PME. This technology provides a novel approach to fluorescence detection with application for high-throughput identification of informative SNPs, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis of inherited disease, better prognosis of risk susceptibilities, or identification of sporadic mutations. The PME technology has two main advantages that significantly increase fluorescence sensitivity: (1) optimal excitation of all fluorophores in the genomic assay and (2) “color-blind” detection, which collects considerably more light than standard wavelength resolved detection. This technology differs significantly from the current state-of-the-art DNA sequencing instrumentation, which features single source excitation and color dispersion for DNA sequence identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University
    Inventors: Graham B. I. Scott, Carter Kittrell, Robert F. Curl, Michael L. Metzker
  • Publication number: 20060139634
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technology called Pulse-Multiline Excitation or PME. This technology provides a novel approach to fluorescence detection with application for high-throughput identification of informative SNPs, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis of inherited disease, better prognosis of risk susceptibilities, or identification of sporadic mutations. The PME technology has two main advantages that significantly increase fluorescence sensitivity: (1) optimal excitation of all fluorophores in the genomic assay and (2) “color-blind” detection, which collects considerably more light than standard wavelength resolved detection. This technology differs significantly from the current state-of-the-art DNA sequencing instrumentation, which features single source excitation and color dispersion for DNA sequence identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: Graham Scott, Carter Kittrell, Robert Curl, Michael Metzker
  • Patent number: 6995841
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technology called Pulse-Multiline Excitation or PME. This technology provides a novel approach to fluorescence detection with application for high-throughput identification of informative SNPs, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis of inherited disease, better prognosis of risk susceptibilities, or identification of sporadic mutations. The PME technology has two main advantages that significantly increase fluorescence sensitivity: (1) optimal excitation of all fluorophores in the genomic assay and (2) “color-blind” detection, which collects considerably more light than standard wavelength resolved detection. Successful implementation of the PME technology will have broad application for routine usage in clinical diagnostics, forensics, and general sequencing methodologies and will have the capability, flexibility, and portability of targeted sequence variation assays for a large majority of the population.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignees: Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine
    Inventors: Graham B. I. Scott, Carter Kittrell, Robert F. Curl, Michael L. Metzker
  • Publication number: 20030058440
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technology called Pulse-Multiline Excitation or PME. This technology provides a novel approach to fluorescence detection with application for high-throughput identification of informative SNPs, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis of inherited disease, better prognosis of risk susceptibilities, or identification of sporadic mutations. The PME technology has two main advantages that significantly increase fluorescence sensitivity: (1) optimal excitation of all fluorophores in the genomic assay and (2) “color-blind” detection, which collects considerably more light than standard wavelength resolved detection. This technology differs significantly from the current state-of-the-art DNA sequencing instrumentation, which features single source excitation and color dispersion for DNA sequence identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Graham B. I. Scott, Carter Kittrell, Robert F. Curl, Michael L. Metzker
  • Publication number: 20020045811
    Abstract: A laser catheter is disclosed wherein optical fibers carrying laser light are mounted in a catheter for insertion into an artery to provide controlled delivery of a laser beam for percutaneous intravascular laser treatment of atherosclerotic disease. A transparent protective shield is provided at the distal end of the catheter for mechanically diplacing intravascular blood and protecting the fibers from the intravascular contents, as well as protecting the patient in the event of failure of the fiber optics. Multiple optical fibers allow the selection of tissue that is to be removed. A computer controlled system automatically aligns fibers with the laser and controls exposure time. Spectroscopic diagnostics determine what tissue is to be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: CARTER KITTRELL, ROBERT M. COTHREN, MICHAEL S. FELD
  • Patent number: 5693043
    Abstract: A laser catheter is disclosed wherein optical fibers carrying laser light are mounted in a catheter for insertion into an artery to provide controlled delivery of a laser beam for percutaneous intravascular laser treatment of atherosclerotic disease. A transparent protective shield is provided at the distal end of the catheter for mechanically diplacing intravascular blood and protecting the fibers from the intravascular contents, as well as protecting the patient in the event of failure of the fiber optics. Multiple optical fibers allow the selection of tissue that is to be removed. A computer controlled system automatically aligns fibers with the laser and controls exposure time. Spectroscopic diagnostics determine what tissue is to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Carter Kittrell, Robert M. Cothren, Jr., Michael S. Feld
  • Patent number: 5562100
    Abstract: A method for laser induced fluorescence of tissue in which laser radiation is used to illuminate and induce fluorescence in the tissue under study to determine the chemical composition or pathologic condition of tissue. The laser radiation and the retrieved fluorescing radiation can be conveyed through a catheter using an array of optical fiber. The fluorescence spectrum of the tissue can be displayed and analyzed to obtain information regarding the chemical composition and medical condition of the tissue inside the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Carter Kittrell, Robert M. Cothren, Michael S. Feld, Joseph J. Baraga, Kyungwon An, Rebecca Richards-Kortum, Richard P. Rava, Young D. Park, Anand V. Mehta, Paola Taroni, Lucene Tong, Ramachandra R. Dasari
  • Patent number: 5496305
    Abstract: A laser catheter is disclosed wherein optical fibers carrying laser light are mounted in a catheter for insertion into an artery to provide controlled delivery of a laser beam for percutaneous intravascular laser treatment of atherosclerotic disease. A transparent protective shield is provided at the distal end of the catheter for mechanically diplacing intravascular blood and protecting the fibers from the intravascular contents, as well as protecting the patient in the event of failure of the fiber optics. Multiple optical fibers allow the selection of tissue that is to be removed. A computer controlled system automatically aligns fibers with the laser and controls exposure time. Spectroscopic diagnostics determine what tissue is to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institue of Technology
    Inventors: Carter Kittrell, Robert M. Cothren, Jr., Michael S. Feld