Patents by Inventor George Gruner

George Gruner 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).

  • Publication number: 20110261502
    Abstract: Provided is a new charge storage device structure, incorporating a double layer supercapacitor (DLS) material, electrochemical supercapacitor (ECS) material and/or battery material. More specifically, the DLS material, ECS material and/or battery material may form multilayer electrode structures. Additionally or alternatively, the DLS material, ECS material and/or battery material may form electrode structures in which the DLS material, ECS material and/or battery material are in contact with both a common current collector and electrolyte. The present invention can be generalized towards other energy storage devices, opening a new avenue for a large spectrum of device applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: George Gruner
  • Publication number: 20110255214
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to charge storage devices with at least one electrode having combined double layer supercapacitor, electrochemical supercapacitor and/or battery functionalities. In some embodiments, the electrode, may be composed of an ECS material, a highly-structured DLS material and a less-structured DLS material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: George Gruner, Ian O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20110240338
    Abstract: The present invention describes supercapacitors with enhanced energy density and power density, achieved largely through use of electrodes that incorporate ternary oxide(s). Ternary oxide(s) are ternary nanostructures have the formula AxByOz, wherein x ranges from 0.25 to 24, and y ranges from 0.5 to 40, and z ranges from 2 to 100, and wherein A and B are independently selected from groups of elements specified in this application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: AMPERICS INC.
    Inventors: George Gruner, Ian O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20110154648
    Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for detecting the presence of pathogenic agents with sensors containing functionalized nanostructures integrated into circuits on silicon chips. The nanostructures are functionalized with molecular transducers that recognize and bind targeted analytes which are diagnostic of the pathogenic agent of interest. The molecular transducer includes a receptor portion, which binds the analyte, and an anchor portion that attaches to the nanostructure. Upon binding of the analyte, a change in molecular configuration represented by the newly formed receptor-analyte complex creates a force that is transmitted to the nanostructure via the anchor portion of the transducer. The effect of the force transmitted to the nanostructure is to alter its conductivity. The change in conductivity of the nanotube thus represents a signal that indicates the presence of the pathogenic agent of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: NANOMIX, INC.
    Inventors: Jean Christophe Gabriel, George Gruner, Philip Collins, Basil Swanson, Fred Wudl
  • Patent number: 7956525
    Abstract: A flexible electronic device is made up of nanostructures. Specifically, the device includes a flexible substrate, a film of nanostructures in contact with the flexible substrate, a first conducting element in contact with the film of nanostructures, and a second conducting element in contact with the film of nanostructures. The nanostructures may comprise nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes disposed along the flexible substrate, such as an organic or polymer substrate. The first and second conductive elements may serve as electrical terminals, or as a source and drain. In addition, the electronic device may include a gate electrode that is in proximity to the nanotubes and not in electrical contact with the nanotubes. In this configuration, the device can operate as a transistor or a FET. The device may also be operated in a resistive mode as a chemical sensor (e.g., for sensing NH3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Nanomix, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: N. Peter Armitage, Keith Bradley, Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel, George Grüner
  • Publication number: 20110080355
    Abstract: Touch screen displays comprising at least one nanostructure-film, and fabrication methods thereof, are discussed. Nanostructure-films may comprise, for example, a network(s) of nanotubes, nanowires, nanoparticles and/or graphene flakes. Such films are preferably at least semi-transparent and relatively flexible, making them well-suited for use in a variety of touch screen applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: George GRÜNER, Liangbing HU
  • Publication number: 20110003698
    Abstract: An electronic system for selectively detecting and identifying a plurality of chemical species, which comprises an array of nanostructure sensing devices, is disclosed. Within the array, there are at least two different selectivities for sensing among the nanostructure sensing devices. Methods for fabricating the electronic system are also disclosed. The methods involve modifying nanostructures within the devices to have different selectivity for sensing chemical species. Modification can involve chemical, electrochemical, and self-limiting point defect reactions. Reactants for these reactions can be supplied using a bath method or a chemical jet method. Methods for using the arrays of nanostructure sensing devices to detect and identify a plurality of chemical species are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: NANOMIX, INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel, Philip G. Collins, Keith Bradley, George Gruner
  • Publication number: 20100231242
    Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for detecting the presence of pathogenic agents with sensors containing functionalized nanostructures integrated into circuits on silicon chips. The nanostructures are functionalized with molecular transducers that recognize and bind targeted analytes which are diagnostic of the pathogenic agent of interest. The molecular transducer includes a receptor portion, which binds the analyte, and an anchor portion that attaches to the nanostructure. Upon binding of the analyte, a change in molecular configuration represented by the newly formed receptor-analyte complex creates a force that is transmitted to the nanostructure via the anchor portion of the transducer. The effect of the force transmitted to the nanostructure is to alter its conductivity. The change in conductivity of the nanotube thus represents a signal that indicates the presence of the pathogenic agent of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Christophe Gabriel, George Gruner, Philip Collins, Basil Swanson, Fred Wudl
  • Patent number: 7785557
    Abstract: A transparent and conductive film comprising at least one network of graphene flakes is described herein. This film may further comprise an interpenetrating network of other nanostructures, a polymer and/or a functionalization agent(s). A method of fabricating the above device is also described, and may comprise depositing graphene flakes in solution and evaporating solvent therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Unidym, Inc.
    Inventors: George Gruner, David Hecht, Liangbing Hu
  • Publication number: 20100178543
    Abstract: An energy storage device includes a nanostructured network and an electrolyte in contact with the nanostructured network. The nanostructured network is an electrically conducting nanostructured network that provides combined functions of an electrode and a charge collector of the energy storage device. An electrical device includes an energy storage device that includes a nanostructured network and an electrolyte in contact with the nanostructured network, and a load-bearing electrical circuit electrically connected to the electrical energy storage device. The energy storage device is suitable to power the electrical device while in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: George Gruner, Martti Kaempgen, Andreas Kiebele
  • Publication number: 20100137731
    Abstract: A capnometer adaptor includes a nanostructure sensor configured to selectively respond to a gaseous constituent of exhaled breath, such as to carbon dioxide. In certain embodiments, the adaptor includes an airway adaptor having at least one channel configured for the passage of respiratory gas; at least one nanostructure sensor in fluid communication with the passage, the sensor configured to selectively respond to at least one gaseous constituent of exhaled breath comprising carbon dioxide; and electronic hardware connected to the nanostructure sensor and configured to provide a signal indicative of a response of the sensor to the at least one gaseous constituent of exhaled breath. The sensor may be provided as a compact and solid-state device, and may be adapted for a variety of respiratory monitoring applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Star, Jeffery Wyatt, Vikram Joshi, Joseph R. Stetter, George Gruner
  • Publication number: 20100127241
    Abstract: An electronic device has a source electrode, a drain electrode spaced apart from said source electrode, and at least one of a conducting material, dielectric material and a semiconductor material disposed between said source electrode and said drain electrode. At least one of the source electrode, the drain electrode and the semiconductor material includes at least one nanowire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: George Gruner, Erika K. Artukovic, David S. Hecht
  • Publication number: 20100096004
    Abstract: A solar cell comprising at least one nanostructure-film electrode is discussed. The solar cell may further comprise a different conducting material, such as a conducting polymer, to fill pores in the nanostructure-film. Additionally or alternatively, the solar cell may comprise an electrode grid superimposed on the nanostructure-film. Likewise, the solar cell may have a single or multiple active layer(s), wherein nanostructure-film(s) may form at least semi-transparent anode(s) and/or cathode(s) through use of buffer layer(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: UNIDYM, INC.
    Inventors: Liangbing Hu, David Hecht, George Gruner
  • Publication number: 20100047901
    Abstract: A nanoelectronic device is combined with a cellular membrane component to provide a sensor for biomolecules or to provide information about the structure of the membrane. The nanoelectronic device may comprise a network of randomly-oriented nanotubes, or other nanostructure, arranged on a substrate with adjacent electrodes so as to operate as a field-effect transistor sensor or as a capacitive sensor. A cellular membrane is disposed over the nanostructure element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Bradley, Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel, George Grüner, Alexander Star, Eugene Tu, Christian Valcke
  • Patent number: 7575933
    Abstract: An electronic system for selectively detecting and identifying a plurality of chemical species, which comprises an array of nanostructure sensing devices, is disclosed. Within the array, there are at least two different selectivities for sensing among the nanostructure sensing devices. Methods for fabricating the electronic system are also disclosed. The methods involve modifying nanostructures within the devices to have different selectivity for sensing chemical species. Modification can involve chemical, electrochemical, and self-limiting point defect reactions. Reactants for these reactions can be supplied using a bath method or a chemical jet method. Methods for using the arrays of nanostructure sensing devices to detect and identify a plurality of chemical species are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel, Philip G. Collins, Keith Bradley, George Gruner
  • Publication number: 20090165533
    Abstract: A nanostructure sensing device includes a substrate, a nanotube disposed over the substrate, and at least two conductive elements electrically connected to the nanotube. A electric current on the order of about 10 ?A, or greater, is passed through the conductive elements and the nanotube. As a result, the nanotube heats up relative to the substrate. In the alternative, some other method may be used to heat the nanotube. When operated as a sensor with a heated nanotube, the sensor's response and/or recovery time may be markedly improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: NANOMIX, INC.
    Inventors: Tzong-Ru Han, Alexander Star, Philip G. Collins, Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel, George Gruner, Keith Bradley
  • Patent number: 7547931
    Abstract: A capnometer adaptor includes a nanostructure sensor configured to selectively respond to a gaseous constituent of exhaled breath, such as to carbon dioxide. In certain embodiments, the adaptor includes an airway adaptor having at least one channel configured for the passage of respiratory gas; at least one nanostructure sensor in fluid communication with the passage, the sensor configured to selectively respond to at least one gaseous constituent of exhaled breath comprising carbon dioxide; and electronic hardware connected to the nanostructure sensor and configured to provide a signal indicative of a response of the sensor to the at least one gaseous constituent of exhaled breath. The sensor may be provided as a compact and solid-state device, and may be adapted for a variety of respiratory monitoring applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Star, Jeffrey Wyatt, Vikram Joshi, Joseph R. Stetter, George Grüner
  • Publication number: 20090129004
    Abstract: A network of nanowires has a plurality of interconnected nanowires. Each interconnected nanowire includes a metal in its composition. The network of nanowires is electrically conducting and substantially transparent to visible light. An electronic or electro-optic device has a network of nanowires. The network of nanowires has a plurality of interconnected nanowires, each interconnected nanowire including a metal in its composition. The network of nanowires is electrically conducting and substantially transparent to visible light. A metal-oxide nanowire has a metal oxide doped with a second metal in a composition thereof. The metal-oxide nanowire is electrically conducting and substantially transparent to visible light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: George Gruner
  • Publication number: 20090017211
    Abstract: A transparent and conductive film comprising at least one network of graphene flakes is described herein. This film may further comprise an interpenetrating network of other nanostructures, a polymer and/or a functionalization agent(s). A method of fabricating the above device is also described, and may comprise depositing graphene flakes in solution and evaporating solvent therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: UNIDYM, INC.
    Inventors: George Gruner, Liangbing Hu, David Hecht
  • Publication number: 20080317982
    Abstract: A coated substrate comprising a nanostructure film formed on a non-planar substrate is described. The coated substrate may further be compliant, optically transparent and/or electrically conductive. Fabrication methods thereof are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: UNIDYM, INC.
    Inventors: David Hecht, Liangbing Hu, Jeffrey Jue, George Gruner