Patents by Inventor David R. Wheeler
David R. Wheeler 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: 11873301Abstract: Curatives and their resulting thermosets and other crosslinked polymers can reduce thermal expansion mismatch between an encapsulant and objects that are encapsulated. This can be accomplished by incorporating a negative CTE moiety into the thermoset resin or polymer backbone. The negative CTE moiety can be a thermal contractile unit that shrinks as a result of thermally induced conversion from a twist-boat to chair or cis/trans isomerization upon heating. Beyond CTE matching, other potential uses for these crosslinked polymers and thermosets include passive energy generation, energy absorption at high strain rates, mechanophores, actuators, and piezoelectric applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2023Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Erica M. Redline, Chad L. Staiger, David R. Wheeler, Leah N. Appelhans, Jeffrey C. Foster
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Patent number: 11739092Abstract: Curatives and their resulting thermosets and other crosslinked polymers can reduce thermal expansion mismatch between an encapsulant and objects that are encapsulated. This can be accomplished by incorporating a negative CTE moiety into the thermoset resin or polymer backbone. The negative CTE moiety can be a thermal contractile unit that shrinks as a result of thermally induced conversion from a twist-boat to chair or cis/trans isomerization upon heating. Beyond CTE matching, other potential uses for these crosslinked polymers and thermosets include passive energy generation, energy absorption at high strain rates, mechanophores, actuators, and piezoelectric applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Erica Marie Redline, Chad Staiger, David R. Wheeler, Leah Appelhans, Jeffrey C. Foster
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Publication number: 20230250099Abstract: Curatives and their resulting thermosets and other crosslinked polymers can reduce thermal expansion mismatch between an encapsulant and objects that are encapsulated. This can be accomplished by incorporating a negative CTE moiety into the thermoset resin or polymer backbone. The negative CTE moiety can be a thermal contractile unit that shrinks as a result of thermally induced conversion from a twist-boat to chair or cis/trans isomerization upon heating. Beyond CTE matching, other potential uses for these crosslinked polymers and thermosets include passive energy generation, energy absorption at high strain rates, mechanophores, actuators, and piezoelectric applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Erica M. Redline, Chad L. Staiger, David R. Wheeler, Leah N. Appelhans, Jeffrey C. Foster
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Patent number: 11554369Abstract: The present invention relates to encapsulated microfluidic packages and methods thereof. In particular embodiments, the package includes a device, a cradle configured to support the device, and a lid having a bonding surface configured to provide a fluidic seal between itself and the device and/or cradle. Other package configurations, as well as methods for making such fluidic seals, are described herein.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2020Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Darren W. Branch, Philip R. Miller, Thayne L. Edwards, David R. Wheeler
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Patent number: 11203702Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalized polymers useful for coating surfaces, such as the internal bore of a column. In particular embodiments, such functionalized polymers provide a selective stationary phase useful for separating and detecting organophosphorous agents. Methods of using such polymers are also described herein.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Joshua J. Whiting, David R. Wheeler, Robert J. Simonson, Douglas Read, Leah Appelhans
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Publication number: 20210387987Abstract: Curatives and their resulting thermosets and other crosslinked polymers can reduce thermal expansion mismatch between an encapsulant and objects that are encapsulated. This can be accomplished by incorporating a negative CTE moiety into the thermoset resin or polymer backbone. The negative CTE moiety can be a thermal contractile unit that shrinks as a result of thermally induced conversion from a twist-boat to chair or cis/trans isomerization upon heating. Beyond CTE matching, other potential uses for these crosslinked polymers and thermosets include passive energy generation, energy absorption at high strain rates, mechanophores, actuators, and piezoelectric applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Erica Marie Redline, Chad Staiger, David R. Wheeler, Leah Appelhans, Jeffrey C. Foster
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Patent number: 11167250Abstract: A membrane assembly is provided. The membrane assembly includes a non-metallic, porous substrate. A graphene oxide membrane is formed over the non-metallic, porous substrate. A chemical linker interface covalently binds the graphene oxide membrane to the non-metallic, porous substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Michael Hibbs, Laura Biedermann, Kevin R. Zavadil, David R. Wheeler
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Publication number: 20200316596Abstract: The present invention relates to encapsulated microfluidic packages and methods thereof. In particular embodiments, the package includes a device, a cradle configured to support the device, and a lid having a bonding surface configured to provide a fluidic seal between itself and the device and/or cradle. Other package configurations, as well as methods for making such fluidic seals, are described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Inventors: Darren W. Branch, Philip R. Miller, Thayne L. Edwards, David R. Wheeler
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Patent number: 10717079Abstract: The present invention relates to encapsulated microfluidic packages and methods thereof. In particular embodiments, the package includes a device, a cradle configured to support the device, and a lid having a bonding surface configured to provide a fluidic seal between itself and the device and/or cradle. Other package configurations, as well as methods for making such fluidic seals, are described herein.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Darren W. Branch, Philip R. Miller, Thayne L. Edwards, David R. Wheeler
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Patent number: 10570010Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to formation of carbon micromechanical systems (CMEMS), wherein the CMEMS comprise multiple layers of carbon structures and are formed using a plurality of photoresist precursors that are processed to form carbon. The various embodiments can be utilized in producing a plurality of CMEMS with full production level fabrication, e.g., 6 inch wafers can be processed. A pyrolyzed layer of carbon is lithographically defined after pyrolysis, wherein the post-pyrolysis etch process can produce carbon structures having repeatable and accurate device geometries, with straight sidewalls. A sacrificial layer can be applied to facilitate separation of a first carbon layer from a second carbon layer, wherein, upon pyrolysis to form the second carbon layer and lithography thereof, the sacrificial layer is removed to form a CMEMS comprising a first carbon layer (e.g., comprising bottom contacts) located beneath a second carbon layer (e.g., a mechanical layer).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Patrick Sean Finnegan, Cody M. Washburn, David Bruce Burckel, David R. Wheeler, Timothy N. Lambert, Lee Taylor Massey, Jennifer Marie Strong, Christopher Dyck
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Publication number: 20180338713Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for detecting one or more markers in a sample. In particular, such devices integrate a plurality of hollow needles configured to extract or obtain a fluid sample from a subject, as well as transducers to detect a marker of interest (e.g., an electrolyte). In some embodiments, the needles are provided as a disposable cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2014Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: Ronen Polsky, Philip Rocco Miller, Matthew W. Moorman, Susan M. Brozik, Ronald P. Manginell, David R. Wheeler, Thayne L. Edwards
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Patent number: 10096536Abstract: Various technologies presented herein relate to forming one or more heat dissipating structures (e.g., heat spreaders and/or heat sinks) on a substrate, wherein the substrate forms part of an electronic component. The heat dissipating structures are formed from graphene, with advantage being taken of the high thermal conductivity of graphene. The graphene (e.g., in flake form) is attached to a diazonium molecule, and further, the diazonium molecule is utilized to attach the graphene to material forming the substrate. A surface of the substrate is treated to comprise oxide-containing regions and also oxide-free regions having underlying silicon exposed. The diazonium molecule attaches to the oxide-free regions, wherein the diazonium molecule bonds (e.g., covalently) to the exposed silicon. Attachment of the diazonium plus graphene molecule is optionally repeated to enable formation of a heat dissipating structure of a required height.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Cody M. Washburn, Timothy N. Lambert, David R. Wheeler, Christopher T. Rodenbeck, Tarak A. Railkar
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Patent number: 9862608Abstract: A patterned graphene or graphitic body is produced by providing a three-dimensionally patterned carbonaceous body; coating the body with a catalytic metal whereby is formed a coating having an inner surface proximal the body and an outer surface distal the body; and annealing the coated body under time and temperature conditions effective to form a graphene or graphitic layer on the outer surface of the catalytic metal coating.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Ronen Polsky, Xiaoyin Xiao, David Bruce Burckel, David R. Wheeler, Susan M. Brozik, Thomas Edwin Beechem
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Patent number: 9847149Abstract: A purification method that uses ion-selective ceramics to electrochemically filter waste products from a molten salt. The electrochemical method uses ion-conducting ceramics that are selective for the molten salt cations desired in the final purified melt, and selective against any contaminant ions. The method can be integrated into a slightly modified version of the electrochemical framework currently used in pyroprocessing of nuclear wastes.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Erik David Spoerke, Jon Ihlefeld, Karen Waldrip, Jill S. Wheeler, Harlan James Brown-Shaklee, Leo J. Small, David R. Wheeler
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Publication number: 20170216840Abstract: The present invention relates to encapsulated microfluidic packages and methods thereof. In particular embodiments, the package includes a device, a cradle configured to support the device, and a lid having a bonding surface configured to provide a fluidic seal between itself and the device and/or cradle. Other package configurations, as well as methods for making such fluidic seals, are described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Darren W. Branch, Philip R. Miller, Thayne L. Edwards, David R. Wheeler
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Patent number: 9721867Abstract: Various technologies presented herein relate to forming one or more heat dissipating structures (e.g., heat spreaders and/or heat sinks) on a substrate, wherein the substrate forms part of an electronic component. The heat dissipating structures are formed from graphene, with advantage being taken of the high thermal conductivity of graphene. The graphene (e.g., in flake form) is attached to a diazonium molecule, and further, the diazonium molecule is utilized to attach the graphene to material forming the substrate. A surface of the substrate is treated to comprise oxide-containing regions and also oxide-free regions having underlying silicon exposed. The diazonium molecule attaches to the oxide-free regions, wherein the diazonium molecule bonds (e.g., covalently) to the exposed silicon. Attachment of the diazonium plus graphene molecule is optionally repeated to enable formation of a heat dissipating structure of a required height.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignees: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, Qorvo US, Inc.Inventors: Cody M. Washburn, Timothy N. Lambert, David R. Wheeler, Christopher T. Rodenbeck, Tarak A. Railkar
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Patent number: 9533887Abstract: A patterned graphene or graphitic body is produced by providing a three-dimensionally patterned carbonaceous body; coating the body with a catalytic metal whereby is formed a coating having an inner surface proximal the body and an outer surface distal the body; and annealing the coated body under time and temperature conditions effective to form a graphene or graphitic layer on the outer surface of the catalytic metal coating.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Ronen Polsky, Xiaoyin Xiao, David Bruce Burckel, David R. Wheeler, Susan M. Brozik, Thomas Edwin Beechem
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Patent number: 9513554Abstract: A microporous carbon scaffold is produced by lithographically patterning a carbon-containing photoresist, followed by pyrolysis of the developed resist structure. Prior to exposure, the photoresist is loaded with a nanoparticulate material. After pyrolysis, the nanonparticulate material is dispersed in, and intimately mixed with, the carbonaceous material of the scaffold, thereby yielding a carbon composite structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: David Bruce Burckel, Cody M. Washburn, Timothy N. Lambert, Patrick Sean Finnegan, David R. Wheeler
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Patent number: 9387444Abstract: A pressure-based chemical etch method is used to shape polymer nanopores into cones. By varying the pressure, the pore tip diameter can be controlled, while the pore base diameter is largely unaffected. The method provides an easy, low-cost approach for conically etching high density nanopores.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Leo J. Small, Erik David Spoerke, David R. Wheeler
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Publication number: 20160196888Abstract: A purification method that uses ion-selective ceramics to electrochemically filter waste products from a molten salt. The electrochemical method uses ion-conducting ceramics that are selective for the molten salt cations desired in the final purified melt, and selective against any contaminant ions. The method can be integrated into a slightly modified version of the electrochemical framework currently used in pyroprocessing of nuclear wastes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2016Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Erik David Spoerke, Jon Ihlefeld, Karen Waldrip, Jill S. Wheeler, Harlan James Brown-Shaklee, Leo J. Small, David R. Wheeler