Patents by Inventor Michael F. Rubner

Michael F. Rubner 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: 11400114
    Abstract: Uniform, functional polymer patches can be attached to a fraction of the surface area of living individual cells. These surface-modified cells can cross the blood-brain barrier while remaining viable after attachment of the functional patch. Functional payloads carried by the patch can include a drug. The patch can include one or more polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignees: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
    Inventors: Roberta Polak, Robert E. Cohen, Michael F. Rubner, Elena V. Batrakova, Matthew J. Haney, Natalia L. Klyachko, Yuling Zhao
  • Patent number: 11149154
    Abstract: A simple spray coating process can be utilized to create epoxy/HNT nanocomposites with vertically aligned nanotubes. Important mechanical properties such as modulus and hardness values can be optimized and enhanced by controlling the level of nanotube dispersion during processing and the final orientation of the nanotubes. Thus, a technologically relevant processing scheme can be used to fabricate HNT nanocomposites with a high level of control over nanotube alignment and the resulting mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignees: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, KHALIFA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Robert E. Cohen, Michael F. Rubner, Dayong Chen, Roberta Polak, Kenan Song, Khalid Askar
  • Patent number: 10478802
    Abstract: Titania-based porous nanoparticle coatings are mechanically robust, with low haze, which exhibit short time scales for decomposition of fingerprint oils under ultraviolet light. The mechanism by which a typical dactylogram is consumed combines wicking of the sebum into the nanoporous titania structure followed by photocatalytic degradation. These TiO2 nanostructured surfaces are also anti-fogging, anti-bacterial, and compatible with flexible glass substrates and remain photocatalytically active in natural sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Robert E. Cohen, Michael F. Rubner, Gareth H. McKinley, George Barbastathis, Hyungryul Johnny Choi, Kyu Chul Park, Hyo Min Lee
  • Patent number: 10036833
    Abstract: A superhydrophilic coating on a substrate can be antireflective and antifogging. The coating can remain antireflective and antifogging for extended periods. The coating can include oppositely charge inorganic nanoparticles, and can be substantially free of an organic polymer. The coating can be made mechanically robust by a hydrothermal calcination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Zekeriyya Gemici, Michael F. Rubner, Robert E. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20180002550
    Abstract: A simple spray coating process can be utilized to create epoxy/HNT nanocomposites with vertically aligned nanotubes. Important mechanical properties such as modulus and hardness values can be optimized and enhanced by controlling the level of nanotube dispersion during processing and the final orientation of the nanotubes. Thus, a technologically relevant processing scheme can be used to fabricate HNT nanocomposites with a high level of control over nanotube alignment and the resulting mechanical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert E. Cohen, Michael F. Rubner, Dayong Chen, Roberta Polak, Kenan Song, Khalid Askar
  • Publication number: 20170266317
    Abstract: Uniform, functional polymer patches can be attached to a fraction of the surface area of living individual cells. These surface-modified cells can cross the blood-brain barrier while remaining viable after attachment of the functional patch. Functional payloads carried by the patch can include a drug. The patch can include one or more polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Roberta Polak, Robert E. Cohn, Michael F. Rubner, Elena V. Batrakova, Matthew J. Haney, Natalya L. Klyachko, Yuling Zhao
  • Publication number: 20150315562
    Abstract: Uniform, functional polymer patches can be attached to a fraction of the surface area of living individual cells. These surface-modified cells remain viable after attachment of the functional patch. The patch does not completely occlude the cellular surface from the surrounding environment. Functional payloads carried by the patch may include, for example, drugs or other small molecules, peptides, proteins, thermally responsive polymers, and nanoparticles, or any other material that can be incorporated in a polymer patch of subcellular dimensions. The patch can include one or more polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Albert J. Swiston, Michael F. Rubner, Robert E. Cohen, Darrell J. Irvine
  • Patent number: 8986848
    Abstract: A hydrophilic coating can be applied to virtually any surface to produce a long-lasting, durable antifog effect. The coating includes a molecular-level blend of hydrophilic polymers. The coating can be assembled using a layer-by-layer assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nuerxiati Nueraji, Albert J. Swiston, Michael F. Rubner, Robert E. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140336039
    Abstract: Titania-based porous nanoparticle coatings are mechanically robust, with low haze, which exhibit short time scales for decomposition of fingerprint oils under ultraviolet light. The mechanism by which a typical dactylogram is consumed combines wicking of the sebum into the nanoporous titania structure followed by photocatalytic degradation. These TiO2 nanostructured surfaces are also anti-fogging, anti-bacterial, and compatible with flexible glass substrates and remain photocatalytically active in natural sunlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Robert E. COHEN, Michael F. RUBNER, Gareth H. MCKINLEY, George BARBASTATHIS, Hyungryul Johnny CHOI, Kyoo Chul PARK, Hyomin LEE
  • Publication number: 20140127774
    Abstract: Uniform, functional polymer patches can be attached to a fraction of the surface area of living individual cells. These surface-modified cells remain viable after attachment of the functional patch. The patch does not completely occlude the cellular surface from the surrounding environment. Functional payloads carried by the patch may include, for example, drugs or other small molecules, peptides, proteins, thermally responsive polymers, and nanoparticles, or any other material that can be incorporated in a polymer patch of subcellular dimensions. The patch can include one or more polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Albert J. Swiston, Michael F. Rubner, Robert E. Cohen, Darrell J. Irvine
  • Publication number: 20140112994
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a medical device, preferably a contact lens, having an antimicrobial metal-containing LbL coating on a medical device, wherein the antimicrobial metal-containing LbL coating comprises at least one layer of a negatively charged polyionic material having —COOAg groups and/or silver nanoparticles formed by reducing Ag+ ions associated with the —COO? groups of the negatively charged polyionic material. In addition, the present invention provides a medical device prepared according to a method of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Michael F. Rubner, Sung Yun Yang, Yongxing Qiu Qiu, Lynn Cook Winterton, John Martin Lally
  • Patent number: 8701927
    Abstract: A superhydrophilic thin film is formed on a metal surface of a boiler vessel to alter the wettability and roughness of the surface, which, in turn, changes the boiling behavior at the surface. The superhydrophilic film is formed by depositing a layer of a first ionic species on the surface from a solution. A second ionic species having a charge opposite to the that of the first ionic species is then deposited from solution onto the surface to produce a bilayer of the first ionic species and the oppositely charged second ionic species. The depositions are then repeated to form a plurality of bilayers, on top of the preceding bilayer. The bilayers are then heated, leaving the second ionic species on the metal surface to form a superhydrophilic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael F. Rubner, Jacopo Buongiorno, Lin-wen Hu, Eric Christopher Forrest, Erik Howard Williamson, Robert E. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8637141
    Abstract: A superhydrophilic coating can be antireflective and antifogging. The coating can remain antireflective and antifogging for extended periods. The coating can have a graded refractive index. The coating for wafer-level optics can be for targeted capillary condensation in nanoparticle containing reflow-compatible coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Zekeriyya Gemici, Michael F. Rubner, Robert E. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8637071
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a medical device, preferably a contact lens, having an antimicrobial metal-containing LbL coating on a medical device, wherein the antimicrobial metal-containing LbL coating comprises at least one layer of a negatively charged polyionic material having —COOAg groups and/or silver nanoparticles formed by reducing Ag+ ions associated with the —COO? groups of the negatively charged polyionic material. In addition, the present invention provides a medical device prepared according to a method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Michael F. Rubner, Sung Yun Yang, Yongxing Qiu, Lynn Cook Winterton, John Martin Lally
  • Patent number: 8323637
    Abstract: Uniform, functional polymer patches can be attached to a fraction of the surface area of living individual cells. These surface-modified cells remain viable after attachment of the functional patch. The patch does not completely occlude the cellular surface from the surrounding environment. Functional payloads carried by the patch may include, for example, drugs or other small molecules, peptides, proteins, thermally responsive polymers, and nanoparticles, or any other material that can be incorporated in a polymer patch of subcellular dimensions. The patch can include one or more polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Albert J. Swiston, Michael F. Rubner, Robert E. Cohen, Darrell J. Irvine
  • Patent number: 8313798
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a structural color having ultraviolet reflectance is provided. The process includes providing an atomizing nozzle, a first nanoparticle solution and a second nanoparticle solution. The atomizing nozzle is used to spray a plurality of first nanoparticle solution layers, the plurality of first nanoparticle layers forming a low index of refraction stack. In some instances, a polymer solution can be sprayed before and/or after the spraying of each first nanoparticle solution layer. The atomizing nozzle is also used to spray a plurality of second nanoparticle solution layers, the plurality of second nanoparticle layers form a high index of refraction stack. Similar to the first nanoparticle solution layers, a polymer solution can be sprayed before and/or after the spraying of each second nanoparticle solution layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Grinia Michelle Nogueira, Debasish Banerjee, Michael F. Rubner, Robert E. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8309117
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a medical device, preferably a contact lens, having an antimicrobial metal-containing LbL coating on a medical device, wherein the antimicrobial metal-containing LbL coating comprises at least one layer of a negatively charged polyionic material having —COOAg groups and/or silver nanoparticles formed by reducing Ag+ ions associated with the —COO? groups of the negatively charged polyionic material. In addition, the present invention provides a medical device prepared according to a method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Novartis, AG
    Inventors: Michael F. Rubner, Sung Yun Yang, Yongxing Qiu, Lynn Cook Winterton, John Martin Lally
  • Patent number: 8153233
    Abstract: A surface with superhydrophobic and hydrophilic or superhydrophilic regions can be made. The hydrophilic or superhydrophilic regions can selective collect water on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Xiaoxia Sheng, Lei Zhai, Michael F. Rubner, Robert E. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20120058355
    Abstract: A hydrophilic coating can be applied to virtually any surface to produce a long-lasting, durable antifog effect. The coating can be biocompatible. The coating includes a molecular-level blend of hydrophilic polymers. The coating can be assembled using a layer-by-layer assembly process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Hyomin Lee, Michael F. Rubner, Robert E. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20110073003
    Abstract: A superhydrophilic coating on a substrate can be antireflective and antifogging. The coating can remain antireflective and antifogging for extended periods. The coating can include oppositely charge inorganic nanoparticles, and can be substantially free of an organic polymer. The coating can be made mechanically robust by a hydrothermal calcination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Zekeriyya Gemici, Michael F. Rubner, Robert E. Cohen