Patents by Inventor John T. Fourkas

John T. Fourkas 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: 20230181799
    Abstract: The invention provides method of guiding unidirectional movement of a cell comprising exposing the cell to a surface comprising an asymmetric, three-dimensional pattern of one or a plurality of topographical elements for a time period sufficient to bias actin polymerization within the cell. The invention also provides methods of inducing directional movement of a cell, and methods of harnessing an actin wave within a cell. In addition, the invention provides compositions comprising a contact side, wherein at least a portion of the contact side comprises a cell contact portion comprising an asymmetric, three-dimensional pattern of one or a plurality of topographical elements, and methods of inducing healing of a wound of a subject comprising contacting the wound with the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Wolfgang Losert, John T. Fourkas, Meghan Driscoll, Floyd Bates, II, Xiaoyu Sun, Can Guven, Joshua Parker
  • Patent number: 10584141
    Abstract: Highly active, recoverable and recyclable transition metal-based metathesis catalysts and their organometallic complexes including dendrimeric complexes are disclosed, including a Ru complex bearing a 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene and styrenyl ether ligand. The heterocyclic ligand significantly enhances the catalytic activity, and the styrenyl ether allows for the easy recovery of the Ru complex. Derivatized catalysts capable of being immobilized on substrate surfaces are also disclosed. The present catalysts can be used to catalyze ring-closing metathesis (RCM), ring-opening (ROM) and cross metatheses (CM) reactions, and promote the efficient formation of various trisubstituted olefins at ambient temperature in high yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF BOSTON COLLEGE
    Inventors: Amir H. Hoveyda, Jason Kingsbury, Steven Garber, Brian L. Gray, John T. Fourkas
  • Patent number: 10459337
    Abstract: The present invention relates to photoresist compositions comprising a base resin such as a monomer capable of radical polymerization upon photoinitiation, and photoinitiator molecules such as a diketone, and multicolor photolithography methods. Photoresist compositions comprise photoinitiator molecules that are exposed to a first radiation source, thereby exciting the photoinitiator molecules from a ground state to a pre-activated state. The pre-activated state molecules are then exposed to a second radiation source in selected locations, thereby deactivating the pre-activated state molecules in the selected locations. Any remaining pre-activated state molecules are exposed to a third radiation source, exciting such remaining pre-activated state photoinitiator molecules to an activated state. Polymerization of the base resin is then initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: University of Maryland, College Park
    Inventors: John T. Fourkas, Daniel E. Falvey, Zuleykhan Tomova, Steven Wolf, Katie Brennan
  • Publication number: 20190309001
    Abstract: Highly active, recoverable and recyclable transition metal-based metathesis catalysts and their organometallic complexes including dendrimeric complexes are disclosed, including a Ru complex bearing a 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene and styrenyl ether ligand. The heterocyclic ligand significantly enhances the catalytic activity, and the styrenyl ether allows for the easy recovery of the Ru complex. Derivatized catalysts capable of being immobilized on substrate surfaces are also disclosed. The present catalysts can be used to catalyze ring-closing metathesis (RCM), ring-opening (ROM) and cross metatheses (CM) reactions, and promote the efficient formation of various trisubstituted olefins at ambient temperature in high yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Amir H. Hoveyda, Jason Kingsbury, Steven Garber, Brian L. Gray, John T. Fourkas
  • Patent number: 10336781
    Abstract: Highly active, recoverable and recyclable transition metal-based metathesis catalysts and their organometallic complexes including dendrimeric complexes are disclosed, including a Ru complex bearing a 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene and styrenyl ether ligand. The heterocyclic ligand significantly enhances the catalytic activity, and the styrenyl ether allows for the easy recovery of the Ru complex. Derivatized catalysts capable of being immobilized on substrate surfaces are also disclosed. The present catalysts can be used to catalyze ring-closing metathesis (RCM), ring-opening (ROM) and cross metatheses (CM) reactions, and promote the efficient formation of various trisubstituted olefins at ambient temperature in high yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF BOSTON COLLEGE
    Inventors: Amir H. Hoveyda, Jason Kingsbury, Steven Garber, Brian L. Gray, John T. Fourkas
  • Publication number: 20170216479
    Abstract: The invention provides method of guiding unidirectional movement of a cell comprising exposing the cell to a surface comprising an asymmetric, three-dimensional pattern of one or a plurality of topographical elements for a time period sufficient to bias actin polymerization within the cell. The invention also provides methods of inducing directional movement of a cell, and methods of harnessing an actin wave within a cell. In addition, the invention provides compositions comprising a contact side, wherein at least a portion of the contact side comprises a cell contact portion comprising an asymmetric, three-dimensional pattern of one or a plurality of topographical elements, and methods of inducing healing of a wound of a subject comprising contacting the wound with the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: University of Maryland, College Park
    Inventors: Wolfgang Losert, John T. Fourkas, Meghan Driscoll, Floyd Bates, II, Xiaoyu Sun, Can Guven, Joshua Parker
  • Publication number: 20170168392
    Abstract: The present invention relates to photoresist compositions comprising a base resin such as a monomer capable of radical polymerization upon photoinitiation, and photoinitiator molecules such as a diketone, and multicolor photolithography methods. Photoresist compositions comprise photoinitiator molecules that are exposed to a first radiation source, thereby exciting the photoinitiator molecules from a ground state to a pre-activated state. The pre-activated state molecules are then exposed to a second radiation source in selected locations, thereby deactivating the pre-activated state molecules in the selected locations. Any remaining pre-activated state molecules are exposed to a third radiation source, exciting such remaining pre-activated state photoinitiator molecules to an activated state. Polymerization of the base resin is then initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: University of Maryland, College Park
    Inventors: John T. Fourkas, Daniel E. Falvey, Zuleykhan Tomova, Steven Wolf, Katie Brennan
  • Patent number: 9656414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices that comprise a 3-D microfluidic network of microchannels of arbitrary complexity and to a method for fabricating such devices. In particular, the invention relates to a method of forming microfluidic devices having 3-D microfluidic networks that contain open or closed loop microchannels using a single-step molding process without the need for layer-by-layer fabrication, and to the resultant microfluidic devices. The networks of such microfluidic devices may comprise one or more microchannel circuits which may be discrete or interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: University of Maryland, College Park
    Inventors: John T. Fourkas, Christopher N. LaFratta
  • Patent number: 9370881
    Abstract: The invention features a method for producing replicas of a desired structure, a master and a mold obtained from it for use in such a method. The master includes a desired structure (200) to be reproduced and an additional structure (206, 208) that assists in removal of the master from a mold, e.g. by permitting portions of the mold on opposite sides of the additional structure to flex away from one another when the master is removed from the mold. The method includes immersing the master comprising the desired structure (200) and the additional structure (206, 208) in a molding material (142), solidifying the molding material (142) to make a mold, removing the master from the mold and using the mold to produce replicas of the desired structure (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: The Trustees of Boston College
    Inventors: John T. Fourkas, Christopher Lafratta
  • Publication number: 20160168181
    Abstract: Highly active, recoverable and recyclable transition metal-based metathesis catalysts and their organometallic complexes including dendrimeric complexes are disclosed, including a Ru complex bearing a 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene and styrenyl ether ligand. The heterocyclic ligand significantly enhances the catalytic activity, and the styrenyl ether allows for the easy recovery of the Ru complex. Derivatized catalysts capable of being immobilized on substrate surfaces are also disclosed. The present catalysts can be used to catalyze ring-closing metathesis (RCM), ring-opening (ROM) and cross metatheses (CM) reactions, and promote the efficient formation of various trisubstituted olefins at ambient temperature in high yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Amir H. Hoveyda, Jason Kingsbury, Steven Garber, Brian L. Gray, John T. Fourkas
  • Patent number: 8803094
    Abstract: Carbon nanotube compositions suitable for printing, methods of making carbon nanotube compositions, and substrates having a print thereon containing carbon nanotube compositions, and uses thereof. The carbon nanotubes of the compositions are individualized. The carbon nanotube compositions can be used in applications, such as document security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: University of Maryland, College Park
    Inventors: Jarrett Leeds, YuHuang Wang, John T. Fourkas
  • Publication number: 20140191438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices that comprise a 3-D microfluidic network of microchannels of arbitrary complexity and to a method for fabricating such devices. In particular, the invention relates to a method of forming microfluidic devices having 3-D microfluidic networks that contain open or closed loop microchannels using a single-step molding process without the need for layer-by-layer fabrication, and to the resultant microfluidic devices. The networks of such microfluidic devices may comprise one or more microchannel circuits which may be discrete or interconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK
    Inventors: Christopher T. Fourkas, John T. Fourkas
  • Patent number: 8674328
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a nanodevice includes providing a nanowire having a first portion and a second portion. The nanowire has a polymer coating. A nanostructure is provided that is proximate to the second portion of the nanowire. Solely the first portion of the nanowire is irradiated with near-infrared radiation, thereby exciting the first portion to generate ultraviolet radiation. The generated ultraviolet radiation is guided from the first portion along the nanowire toward the second portion, so that a region of the polymer coating on the second portion is polymerized and bonds the nanostructure to the nanowire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: University of Maryland College Park
    Inventors: John T. Fourkas, Linjie Li, Sanghee Nah
  • Patent number: 8656949
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices that comprise a 3-D microfluidic network of microchannels of arbitrary complexity and to a method for fabricating such devices. In particular, the invention relates to a method of forming microfluidic devices having 3-D microfluidic networks that contain open or closed loop microchannels using a single-step molding process without the need for layer-by-layer fabrication, and to the resultant microfluidic devices. The networks of such microfluidic devices may comprise one or more microchannel circuits which may be discrete or interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: University of Maryland College Park
    Inventors: John T. Fourkas, Christopher N. LaFratta
  • Publication number: 20130306870
    Abstract: Carbon nanotube compositions suitable for printing, methods of making carbon nanotube compositions, and substrates having a print thereon containing carbon nanotube compositions, and uses thereof. The carbon nanotubes of the compositions are individualized. The carbon nanotube compositions can be used in applications, such as document security.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
    Inventors: Jarrett Leeds, YuHuang Wang, John T. Fourkas
  • Patent number: 8432533
    Abstract: A method and system for photolithography is provided. The system includes a photoresist comprising a photoinitiator and a prepolymer resin. The system further includes a first light source operable to generate at least a first beam of light which is focused on a first area of the photoresist. The first beam of light is configured to excite the photoinitiator. The system further includes a second light source operable to generate at least a second beam of light which is focused on a second area of the photoresist, the second beam of light configured to deactivate at least temporarily the photoinitiator excited by the first beam of light. The first area and second area overlap at least partially. A time difference of at least 10 ns exists between the photoinitiator being excited by the first beam of light and the photoinitiator initiating polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Univ. of MD. at College Park
    Inventors: John T. Fourkas, Erez H. Gershgoren, Linjie Li, Hana Hwang
  • Patent number: 8298445
    Abstract: Microstructures, microdevices and related methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The Trustees of Boston College
    Inventors: John T. Fourkas, Richard A. Farrer
  • Publication number: 20120119117
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a nanodevice includes providing a nanowire having a first portion and a second portion. The nanowire has a polymer coating. A nanostructure is provided that is proximate to the second portion of the nanowire. Solely the first portion of the nanowire is irradiated with near-infrared radiation, thereby exciting the first portion to generate ultraviolet radiation. The generated ultraviolet radiation is guided from the first portion along the nanowire toward the second portion, so that a region of the polymer coating on the second portion is polymerized and bonds the nanostructure to the nanowire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
    Inventors: John T. Fourkas, Linjie Li, Sanghee Nah
  • Publication number: 20110183140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers and their use in coating metal nanorods (especially gold nanorods), and to the coated nanorods compositions. In particular, the invention relates to a process for forming cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-coated gold nanorods and to such coated nanorods that additionally comprise an external cross-linked polymer coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
    Inventors: John T. Fourkas, Linjie Li, Sanghee Nah
  • Publication number: 20110039213
    Abstract: A method and system for photolithography is provided. The system includes a photoresist comprising a photoinitiator and a prepolymer resin. The system further includes a first light source operable to generate at least a first beam of light which is focused on a first area of the photoresist. The first beam of light is configured to excite the photoinitiator. The system further includes a second light source operable to generate at least a second beam of light which is focused on a second area of the photoresist, the second beam of light configured to deactivate at least temporarily the photoinitiator excited by the first beam of light. The first area and second area overlap at least partially. A time difference of at least 10 ns exists between the photoinitiator being excited by the first beam of light and the photoinitiator initiating polymerization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: John T. FOURKAS, Erez H. Gershgoren, Linjie LI, Hana Hwang