Patents by Inventor Lawrence Barrett

Lawrence Barrett 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: 11292245
    Abstract: A device includes a nozzle including a discharge end for discharging a fluid, a shutter plate including an aperture, the shutter plate positioned at the discharge end of the nozzle, a plurality of tethers coupled to the shutter plate, and a plurality of electrostatic actuators. Each of the plurality of electrostatic actuators are coupled to one or more of the plurality of tethers. The plurality of electrostatic actuators are configured to move the shutter plate between an open position and a closed position relative the discharge end of the nozzle. In the open position, the aperture is in fluid communication with the discharge end of the nozzle to permit fluid from the discharge end of the nozzle to flow through the aperture. In the closed position, at least a portion of the shutter plate inhibits fluid from the discharge end of the nozzle from flowing through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignees: Trustees of Boston University, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: David J. Bishop, Lawrence Barrett, Stephen Forrest
  • Publication number: 20210206162
    Abstract: A device includes a nozzle including a discharge end for discharging a fluid, a shutter plate including an aperture, the shutter plate positioned at the discharge end of the nozzle, a plurality of tethers coupled to the shutter plate, and a plurality of electrostatic actuators. Each of the plurality of electrostatic actuators are coupled to one or more of the plurality of tethers. The plurality of electrostatic actuators are configured to move the shutter plate between an open position and a closed position relative the discharge end of the nozzle. In the open position, the aperture is in fluid communication with the discharge end of the nozzle to permit fluid from the discharge end of the nozzle to flow through the aperture. In the closed position, at least a portion of the shutter plate inhibits fluid from the discharge end of the nozzle from flowing through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: David J. Bishop, Lawrence Barrett, Stephen Forrest
  • Publication number: 20080040957
    Abstract: An image viewer in the shape of a physical relief of a pregnant woman is disclosed, the image viewer comprising a housing, the housing shaped as a physical relief of a pregnant woman and comprising a cavity, an aperture to the cavity; and an image holder, positioned to hold an image in line with the aperture. In some embodiments, the housing of the image viewer may be integral to a photograph album such that the housing forms the front cover of the photograph album. In some embodiments, the image viewer may further comprise a lighting system, comprising a light source disposed in the cavity, a light source switch electrically connected to the light source and disposed external of the cavity, and a light source power source electrically connected to the light source and the light source switch. The housing may also comprise clothing and a lens positioned in the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Denine Mary Wish, Robert Lawrence Barrett