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).

  • Patent number: 11873301
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Erica M. Redline, Chad L. Staiger, David R. Wheeler, Leah N. Appelhans, Jeffrey C. Foster
  • Patent number: 11739092
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Erica Marie Redline, Chad Staiger, David R. Wheeler, Leah Appelhans, Jeffrey C. Foster
  • Publication number: 20230250099
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Erica M. Redline, Chad L. Staiger, David R. Wheeler, Leah N. Appelhans, Jeffrey C. Foster
  • Patent number: 11554369
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Darren W. Branch, Philip R. Miller, Thayne L. Edwards, David R. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 11203702
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua J. Whiting, David R. Wheeler, Robert J. Simonson, Douglas Read, Leah Appelhans
  • Publication number: 20210387987
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Erica Marie Redline, Chad Staiger, David R. Wheeler, Leah Appelhans, Jeffrey C. Foster
  • Patent number: 11167250
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hibbs, Laura Biedermann, Kevin R. Zavadil, David R. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20200316596
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Darren W. Branch, Philip R. Miller, Thayne L. Edwards, David R. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 10717079
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Darren W. Branch, Philip R. Miller, Thayne L. Edwards, David R. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 10570010
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Sean Finnegan, Cody M. Washburn, David Bruce Burckel, David R. Wheeler, Timothy N. Lambert, Lee Taylor Massey, Jennifer Marie Strong, Christopher Dyck
  • Publication number: 20180338713
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Ronen Polsky, Philip Rocco Miller, Matthew W. Moorman, Susan M. Brozik, Ronald P. Manginell, David R. Wheeler, Thayne L. Edwards
  • Patent number: 10096536
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Cody M. Washburn, Timothy N. Lambert, David R. Wheeler, Christopher T. Rodenbeck, Tarak A. Railkar
  • Patent number: 9862608
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Ronen Polsky, Xiaoyin Xiao, David Bruce Burckel, David R. Wheeler, Susan M. Brozik, Thomas Edwin Beechem
  • Patent number: 9847149
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Erik David Spoerke, Jon Ihlefeld, Karen Waldrip, Jill S. Wheeler, Harlan James Brown-Shaklee, Leo J. Small, David R. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20170216840
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Darren W. Branch, Philip R. Miller, Thayne L. Edwards, David R. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 9721867
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: 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
  • Patent number: 9533887
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Ronen Polsky, Xiaoyin Xiao, David Bruce Burckel, David R. Wheeler, Susan M. Brozik, Thomas Edwin Beechem
  • Patent number: 9513554
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: David Bruce Burckel, Cody M. Washburn, Timothy N. Lambert, Patrick Sean Finnegan, David R. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 9387444
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Leo J. Small, Erik David Spoerke, David R. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20160196888
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Erik David Spoerke, Jon Ihlefeld, Karen Waldrip, Jill S. Wheeler, Harlan James Brown-Shaklee, Leo J. Small, David R. Wheeler