Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Rothfuss

Christopher J. Rothfuss 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: 10226055
    Abstract: A phase change system and methods of making a phase change system are disclosed. A multiple phase change system is also disclosed. The system may include at least one phase change material and at least one chemical reactant encapsulated within the phase change material. The chemical reactant may react with another chemical reactant or the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rothfuss, Bradley Kirk Roberts
  • Patent number: 10144152
    Abstract: Feedstocks for additive manufacturing are provided. The feedstock may include a matrix material, and one or more capsules disposed in the matrix material, wherein the one or more capsules are configured to be removable from a surface portion when the matrix material is solidified to form one or more cavities in the surface portion. Methods of depositing the feedstocks and objects formed from the feedstocks are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Patent number: 10109852
    Abstract: Electrodes that include at least one active material layer, and at least one graphitized carbon structure layer are disclosed. The active material layer may include an active metal ion complex. The at least one active material layer may form an active material stack that includes a positive active material layer, a negative active material layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the positive active material layer and the negative active material layer. The electrode may be configured as an energy storage structure. The energy storage structure may include a first graphitized carbon structure layer, a second graphitized carbon structure layer, and an active material stack disposed between the first graphitized carbon structure layer and the second graphitized carbon structure layer. Methods of making energy storage structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Madden, Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Patent number: 10026030
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying information related to an object. A radiation emitter is configured to direct radiation toward an object, the object including one or more diffraction gratings including encoded information related to the object. A detector is configured to receive modified radiation from the one or more diffraction gratings on the object and transfer the received modified radiation to a processing device operably connected to the detector. The processing device is configured to process the modified radiation and decode the information related to the object encoded in the one or more diffraction gratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Wei Chen, Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Patent number: 9988517
    Abstract: Microsphere compositions containing a mixture of at least two materials with same or differing phases are described. The materials have differing optical dispersion curves that intersect at at least one particular wavelength exhibiting the Christiansen effect. The materials may be encompassed by a microsphere, which may also include a separation entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Wei Chen, Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Patent number: 9907540
    Abstract: A method of detecting liquid in animal tissue is disclosed. The method comprises providing an electromagnetic radiation generator, and applying electromagnetic radiation to a tissue region using the electromagnetic radiation generator. The characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation are selected so as to cause differential heating in a tissue region based on liquid content in the tissue region, differential expansion of matter in the tissue region, and thereby generation of ultrasound signals that vary according to the liquid content. The method also comprises providing an ultrasound detector, detecting the ultrasound signals using the ultrasound detector, and using the detected ultrasound signals to produce an indication of concentration of liquid in the tissue region and a determination as to whether a change in liquid concentration in the tissue region has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Robert Kery, John Gal, Sung-Wei Chen, Christopher J Rothfuss
  • Publication number: 20170291327
    Abstract: Feedstocks for additive manufacturing are provided. The feedstock may include a matrix material, and one or more capsules disposed in the matrix material, wherein the one or more capsules are configured to be removable from a surface portion when the matrix material is solidified to form one or more cavities in the surface portion. Methods of depositing the feedstocks and objects formed from the feedstocks are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Patent number: 9764304
    Abstract: Methods and systems for concentrating and allowing for separation of nanoparticles from fluids use acoustically driven nanoparticle concentrators which have an aerogel as the reflecting material and include tuning capabilities to alter the location at which the particles are being concentrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Wei Chen, Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Patent number: 9757880
    Abstract: A matrix material dispersed with one or more susceptor structures can be formed into a feedstock for an additive manufacturing process. The one or more susceptor structures can be excited by an energy field such as an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, or any combination thereof, to produce heat. The heat that is produced can be transferred to the matrix material that surrounds the one or more susceptor structures to provide heat treatment to the matrix material. The heat treatment can improve the material and mechanical properties of three dimensional objects formed from the feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rothfuss, Vincenzo Casasanta, III, Michael Keoni Manion
  • Patent number: 9586371
    Abstract: Feedstocks for additive manufacturing are provided. The feedstock may include a matrix material, and one or more capsules disposed in the matrix material, wherein the one or more capsules are configured to be removable from a surface portion when the matrix material is solidified to form one or more cavities in the surface portion. Methods of depositing the feedstocks and objects formed from the feedstocks are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Publication number: 20160372965
    Abstract: A screen for an electronic device can include an intrascreen array of thin film photovoltaic cells embedded into a screen layer. The photovoltaic cells can be disposed at least substantially normal to a surface plane of the screen layer. The photovoltaic cells can thus be configured to capture light that is at least substantially off-normal to the surface plane of the screen layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. ROTHFUSS
  • Publication number: 20160324171
    Abstract: A phase change system and methods of making a phase change system are disclosed. A multiple phase change system is also disclosed. The system may include at least one phase change material and at least one chemical reactant encapsulated within the phase change material. The chemical reactant may react with another chemical reactant or the surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. ROTHFUSS, Bradley Kirk ROBERTS
  • Publication number: 20160285085
    Abstract: Electrodes that include at least one active material layer, and at least one graphitized carbon structure layer are disclosed. The active material layer may include an active metal ion complex. The at least one active material layer may form an active material stack that includes a positive active material layer, a negative active material layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the positive active material layer and the negative active material layer. The electrode may be configured as an energy storage structure. The energy storage structure may include a first graphitized carbon structure layer, a second graphitized carbon structure layer, and an active material stack disposed between the first graphitized carbon structure layer and the second graphitized carbon structure layer. Methods of making energy storage structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: THOMAS MADDEN, CHRISTOPHER J. ROTHFUSS
  • Publication number: 20160200011
    Abstract: A matrix material dispersed with one or more susceptor structures can be formed into a feedstock for an additive manufacturing process. The one or more susceptor structures can be excited by an energy field such as an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, or any combination thereof, to produce heat. The heat that is produced can be transferred to the matrix material that surrounds the one or more susceptor structures to provide heat treatment to the matrix material. The heat treatment can improve the material and mechanical properties of three dimensional objects formed from the feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rothfuss, Vincenzo Casasanta, III, Michael Keoni Manion
  • Patent number: 9331221
    Abstract: Separation layers, usable in devices for converting radiation energy to electrical energy, allow at least some of the components of the devices to be separated from one another for disposal thereof. A separation layer may be interposed between and bonded to adjoining layers, and when acted upon by application of an external source, may be degraded to release the layers from one another. Once released, the layers may be disposed of more efficiently and economically, including proper disposal of hazardous waste, and recycling of materials which may be re-usable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Wei Chen, Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Patent number: 9314885
    Abstract: A programmable shape device is described. The device comprises a wire grid made from a shape memory material. The grid is embedded in a transparent polymer. Under normal conditions, the device can be folded into any shape. Upon actuation, the device reverts back to a programmed parent shape. Such a device can be made into one shape during its desired use and another shape during storage or transportation. Methods of making and using a programmable shape device are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Wei Chen, Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Patent number: 9291607
    Abstract: A detectable taggant is described. The detectable taggant may include at least one nano-antenna having a resonant frequency of about 300 GHz to about 800 THz. The nano-antenna is adapted to be physically or chemically associated with an article of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Wei Chen, Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Publication number: 20160059496
    Abstract: Feedstocks for additive manufacturing are provided. The feedstock may include a matrix material, and one or more capsules disposed in the matrix material, wherein the one or more capsules are configured to be removable from a surface portion when the matrix material is solidified to form one or more cavities in the surface portion. Methods of depositing the feedstocks and objects formed from the feedstocks are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rothfuss
  • Publication number: 20160059206
    Abstract: Methods and systems for concentrating and allowing for separation of nanoparticles from fluids use acoustically driven nanoparticle concentrators which have an aerogel as the reflecting material and include tuning capabilities to alter the location at which the particles are being concentrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. ROTHFUSS
  • Publication number: 20160012935
    Abstract: A feedstock for additive manufacturing includes a matrix material, and one or more barbed fibers disposed within the matrix material. Each barbed fiber includes a central filament and one or more barbed structures configured to extend outwardly from the central filament after extrusion. Methods of making the feedstock and methods of using the feedstock to form three-dimensional objects are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rothfuss