Patents by Inventor Michael Atwater

Michael Atwater 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: 11939688
    Abstract: Photoelectrochemical (PEC) technology for the conversion of solar energy into chemicals may require cost-effective photoelectrodes to efficiently and stably drive anodic and/or cathodic half-reactions to complete the overall reactions for storing solar energy in chemical bonds. Apparatus and systems incorporating effectively transparent metal catalysts enable the design and/or implementation of PEC devices for light harvesting. Triple-junction photocathodes with the triangular catalyst grids are provided to improve the efficiency of the photocathodes to generate renewable fuel from sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Wen-Hui Cheng, Harry A. Atwater, Rebecca Saive, Matthias H. Richter, Sisir Yalamanchili, Michael D. Kelzenberg, Kelly McKenzie
  • Patent number: 7708980
    Abstract: Propellants comprising a combination of: (a) a liquid component that is soluble in the organic chemical-based material; (b) a soluble gas component that has a solubility of at least about 3% by weight in the organic chemical-based material; and, (c) a substantially insoluble gas component that has a solubility of less than about 3% by weight of the organic chemical-based material are effective for a wide range of airless applications. Adjustment of the ratios of (a) to (b) to (c) can lead to propellants that provide excellent spray patterns for a wide range of organic chemical-based formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Atwater, Donald R. Williams, Frederick P. Walnut, Keith D. Begin
  • Publication number: 20070272768
    Abstract: A system for spraying an aqueous composition, the system comprising: a container having an inner wall and at least one entry port; a valve connected to the entry port, wherein the container and valve are adapted to contain pressurized materials within the container; an inner layer that is resistant to corrosion from contact with water, wherein the inner layer is in contact with, and at least substantially covers, the inner wall; an aqueous composition; and, at least one propellant, wherein the aqueous composition and the propellant are each disposed within the container and are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Donald R. Williams, Michael Atwater
  • Publication number: 20070190093
    Abstract: Propellants comprising a combination of: (a) a liquid component that is soluble in the organic chemical-based material; (b) a soluble gas component that has a solubility of at least about 3% by weight in the organic chemical-based material; and, (c) a substantially insoluble gas component that has a solubility of less than about 3% by weight of the organic chemical-based material are effective for a wide range of airless applications. Adjustment of the ratios of (a) to (b) to (c) can lead to propellants that provide excellent spray patterns for a wide range of organic chemical-based formulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Atwater, Donald Williams, Frederick Walnut, Keith Begin