Patents by Inventor Joshua T. Smith

Joshua T. Smith 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).

  • Clog-Resistant Serpentine Pillar Filters and Bladed Loading Structures for Microfluidics
    Publication number: 20180264472
    Abstract: Clog-resistant serpentine crossflow filters and blade loading structures for micro- and nano-fluidics are provided. In one aspect, a filter includes: a substrate; and at least one layer of pillars on the substrate, wherein the pillars are arranged adjacent to one another and groups of the pillars alternate between being perpendicular and parallel to a direction of fluid flow through the filter giving the filter a serpentine configuration having at least one downstream catch. A method of forming the filter as well as a system employing the filter in conjunction with a pillar sorting array and optionally a staged blade structure are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • DETERMINISTIC LATERAL DISPLACEMENT ARRAYS
    Publication number: 20180250676
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: HUAN HU, SUNG CHEOL KIM, JOSHUA T. SMITH, BENJAMIN H. WUNSCH
  • DETERMINISTIC LATERAL DISPLACEMENT ARRAYS
    Publication number: 20180250675
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: HUAN HU, SUNG CHEOL KIM, JOSHUA T. SMITH, BENJAMIN H. WUNSCH
  • DETERMINISTIC LATERAL DISPLACEMENT ARRAYS
    Publication number: 20180250673
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: HUAN HU, SUNG CHEOL KIM, JOSHUA T. SMITH, BENJAMIN H. WUNSCH
  • DETERMINISTIC LATERAL DISPLACEMENT ARRAYS
    Publication number: 20180250674
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: HUAN HU, SUNG CHEOL KIM, JOSHUA T. SMITH, BENJAMIN H. WUNSCH
  • THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE COMPONENTS FOR COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT SEATS
    Publication number: 20180244392
    Abstract: Described are thermoplastic composite parts (30, 110) made up of resin-based fiber composites for use in aircraft furnishings. The thermoplastic composite parts (30, 110) can be formed into various shapes including bends so as to be suitable for replacing heavier sheet-metal components (100), particularly in aircraft furnishings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Joshua T. Smith, Donald M. Lasell, Jean-marie Daout
  • Fluidic cell designs for interfacing microfluidic chips and nanofluidic chips
    Patent number: 10058861
    Abstract: A technique relates to a fluidic cell configured to hold a nanofluidic chip. A first plate is configured to hold the nanofluidic chip. A second plate is configured to fit on top of the first plate, such that the nanofluidic chip is held in place. The second plate has at least one first port and at least one second port. The second plate has an entrance hole configured to communicate with an inlet hole of the nanofluidic chip. The second port is angled above the first port, such that the first port and second port intersect to form a junction. The second port is formed to have a line-of-sight to the entrance hole, such that the second port is configured to receive input for extracting air trapped at a vicinity of the entrance hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. Pereira, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Continuous flow, size-based separation of entities down to the nanometer scale using nanopillar arrays
    Patent number: 10058895
    Abstract: A technique relates sorting entities. The entities are introduced into a nanopillar array. The entities include a first population and a second population, and the nanopillar array includes nanopillars arranged to have a gap separating one from another. The nanopillars are ordered to have an array angle relative to a fluid flow direction. The entities are sorted through the nanopillar array by transporting the first population of the entities less than a predetermined size in a first direction and by transporting the second population of the entities at least the predetermined size in a second direction different from the first direction. The nanopillar array is configured to employ the gap with a gap size less than 300 nanometers in order to sort the entities having a sub-100 nanometer size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yann A. Astier, Joshua T. Smith, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Chao Wang, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Pressurized sub-cooled cryogenic system
    Patent number: 10054262
    Abstract: A cryogenic system as well as a method of generating a pressurized, sub-cooled mixed-phase cryogen and a method of delivering such a cryogen to a cryoprobe are disclosed. In an embodiment, the cryogenic system includes a reservoir containing a liquid cryogen and a sub-cooling coil immersed in the liquid cryogen. The cryogen is supplied to the sub-cooling coil and is cooled under pressure to produce a pressurized mixed phase cryogen within the sub-cooling coil. This pressurized mixed phase cryogen is provided via supply line to a cryo-device for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: CPSI Holdings LLC
    Inventors: John M. Baust, Joshua T. Smith, Anthony T. Robilotto, Jennie F. McKain
  • AUTOMATED MACHINE FOR SORTING OF BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS
    Publication number: 20180231576
    Abstract: A technique relates to a machine for sorting. A removable cartridge includes a nanofluidic module. The removable cartridge includes an input port and at least two output ports. The nanofluidic module is configured to sort a sample fluid. A holder is configured to receive the removable cartridge. A pressurization system is configured to couple to the input port of the removable cartridge. The pressurization system is configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module for separation to the at least two output ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Huan Hu, Michael A. Pereira, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • LAYERED SILICON AND STACKING OF MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS
    Publication number: 20180229235
    Abstract: An apparatus for sorting macromolecules includes a first chip including a channel formed in a first side of the first chip and having at least one monolithic sorting structure for sorting macromolecules from the sample fluid. A first set of vias formed in the first chip has openings in a second side of the first chip, the sample fluid being provided to the sorting structure through the first set of vias. A second set of vias formed in the first chip has openings in the second side for receiving macromolecules in the sample fluid greater than or equal to a prescribed dimension sorted by the sorting structure. A third set of vias formed in the first chip has openings in the second side for receiving macromolecules in the sample fluid less than the prescribed dimension. The apparatus includes first and second seals covering the first and second sides, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Joshua T. Smith, Cornelia Tsang Yang, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Nanopillar microfluidic devices and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 10048204
    Abstract: Described herein are microfluidic devices and methods of detecting an analyte in a sample that includes flowing the sample though a microfluidic device, wherein the presence of the analyte is detected directly from the microfluidic device without the use of an external detector at an outlet of the microfluidic device. In a more specific aspect, detection is performed by incorporating functional nanopillars, such as detector nanopillars and/or light source nanopillars, into a microchannel of a microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yann Astier, Huan Hu, Ning Li, Devendra K. Sadana, Joshua T. Smith, William T. Spratt
  • Deterministic lateral displacement arrays
    Patent number: 10010883
    Abstract: A deterministic lateral displacement array that includes a channel, within a substrate, having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a channel length. A condenser portion that includes an entry port and an exit port. A first array of pillars is disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the condenser portion along the channel length, the first array of pillars operative to drive a first material particle and a second material particle towards the first sidewall of the channel. A separator portion that includes an entry port and an exit port, and a second array of pillars disposed between the entry port and the exit port of the separator portion along the channel length, the pillars operative to drive the first material particle towards the second sidewall of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Huan Hu, Sung Cheol Kim, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Clog-resistant serpentine pillar filters and bladed loading structures for microfluidics
    Patent number: 9993750
    Abstract: Clog-resistant serpentine crossflow filters and blade loading structures for micro- and nano-fluidics are provided. In one aspect, a filter includes: a substrate; and at least one layer of pillars on the substrate, wherein the pillars are arranged adjacent to one another and groups of the pillars alternate between being perpendicular and parallel to a direction of fluid flow through the filter giving the filter a serpentine configuration having at least one downstream catch. A method of forming the filter as well as a system employing the filter in conjunction with a pillar sorting array and optionally a staged blade structure are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
  • Cointegration of optical waveguides, microfluidics, and electronics on sapphire substrates
    Patent number: 9995682
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide on a sapphire substrate. The first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide each include a core portion of gallium nitride (GaN), and a cladding layer laterally surrounding the core portion. The cladding layer includes a material having a refractive index less than a refractive index of the sapphire substrate. The method further includes etching a portion of the cladding layer to form a microfluidic channel therein and forming a capping layer on a top surface of the first optical waveguide, the second optical waveguide and the microfluidic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yann A. N. Astier, Ning Li, Devendra K. Sadana, Joshua T. Smith, William T. Spratt
  • FLUIDIC CELL DESIGNS FOR INTERFACING MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS AND NANOFLUIDIC CHIPS
    Publication number: 20180154360
    Abstract: A technique relates to a fluidic cell configured to hold a nanofluidic chip. A first plate is configured to hold the nanofluidic chip. A second plate is configured to fit on top of the first plate, such that the nanofluidic chip is held in place. The second plate has at least one first port and at least one second port. The second plate has an entrance hole configured to communicate with an inlet hole of the nanofluidic chip. The second port is angled above the first port, such that the first port and second port intersect to form a junction. The second port is formed to have a line-of-sight to the entrance hole, such that the second port is configured to receive input for extracting air trapped at a vicinity of the entrance hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. PEREIRA, Joshua T. SMITH, Benjamin H. WUNSCH
  • Cointegration of optical waveguides, microfluidics, and electronics on sapphire substrates
    Patent number: 9989467
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide located on a sapphire substrate. The first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide each include a core portion of gallium nitride (GaN), and a cladding layer laterally surrounding the core portion. The cladding layer includes a material having a refractive index less than a refractive index of the sapphire substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yann A. N. Astier, Ning Li, Devendra K. Sadana, Joshua T. Smith, William T. Spratt
  • Cointegration of optical waveguides, microfluidics, and electronics on sapphire substrates
    Patent number: 9983133
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide on a sapphire substrate. The first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide each include a core portion of gallium nitride (GaN), and a cladding layer laterally surrounding the core portion. The cladding layer includes a material having a refractive index less than a refractive index of the sapphire substrate. The method further includes etching a portion of the cladding layer to form a microfluidic channel therein and forming a capping layer on a top surface of the first optical waveguide, the second optical waveguide and the microfluidic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yann A. N. Astier, Ning Li, Devendra K. Sadana, Joshua T. Smith, William T. Spratt
  • Nanoporous structures by reactive ion etching
    Patent number: 9977002
    Abstract: A metal structure including a first metal end region, a second metal end region, and an intermediate region between the first metal end region and the second metal end region, wherein the intermediate region comprises a metal nanostructure having a plurality of pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Yann Astier, Jingwei Bai, Robert L. Bruce, Aaron D. Franklin, Joshua T. Smith
  • Continuous flow, size-based separation of entities down to the nanometer scale using nanopillar arrays
    Patent number: 9975147
    Abstract: A technique relates sorting entities. The entities are introduced into a nanopillar array. The entities include a first population and a second population, and the nanopillar array includes nanopillars arranged to have a gap separating one from another. The nanopillars are ordered to have an array angle relative to a fluid flow direction. The entities are sorted through the nanopillar array by transporting the first population of the entities less than a predetermined size in a first direction and by transporting the second population of the entities at least the predetermined size in a second direction different from the first direction. The nanopillar array is configured to employ the gap with a gap size less than 300 nanometers in order to sort the entities having a sub-100 nanometer size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yann A. Astier, Joshua T. Smith, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Chao Wang, Benjamin H. Wunsch