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