Patents by Inventor Neil O. Shotton

Neil O. Shotton 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: 11551879
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide a liquid or gel separator utilized to separate and space apart first and second conductors or electrodes of an energy storage device, such as a battery or a supercapacitor. A representative liquid or gel separator comprises a plurality of particles, typically having a size (in any dimension) between about 0.5 to about 50 microns; a first, ionic liquid electrolyte; and a polymer. In another representative embodiment, the plurality of particles comprise diatoms, diatomaceous frustules, and/or diatomaceous fragments or remains. Another representative embodiment further comprises a second electrolyte different from the first electrolyte; the plurality of particles are comprised of silicate glass; the first and second electrolytes comprise zinc tetrafluoroborate salt in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidalzolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid; and the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol (“PVA”) or polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVFD”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Printed Energy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Patent number: 10910166
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide a composition for printing a liquid or gel separator utilized to separate and space apart first and second conductors or electrodes of an energy storage device, such as a battery or a supercapacitor. A representative composition comprises a plurality of particles, typically having a size (in any dimension) between about 0.5 to about 50 microns; a first, ionic liquid electrolyte; and a polymer or polymeric precursor. In another representative embodiment, the plurality of particles comprise diatoms, diatomaceous frustules, and/or diatomaceous fragments or remains. Another representative embodiment further comprises a second electrolyte different from the first electrolyte; the plurality of particles are comprised of silicate glass; the first and second electrolytes comprise zinc tetrafluoroborate salt in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidalzolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid; and the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol (“PVA”) or polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVFD”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Printed Energy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Publication number: 20200176197
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide a liquid or gel separator utilized to separate and space apart first and second conductors or electrodes of an energy storage device, such as a battery or a supercapacitor. A representative liquid or gel separator comprises a plurality of particles, typically having a size (in any dimension) between about 0.5 to about 50 microns; a first, ionic liquid electrolyte; and a polymer. In another representative embodiment, the plurality of particles comprise diatoms, diatomaceous frustules, and/or diatomaceous fragments or remains. Another representative embodiment further comprises a second electrolyte different from the first electrolyte; the plurality of particles are comprised of silicate glass; the first and second electrolytes comprise zinc tetrafluoroborate salt in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidalzolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid; and the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol (“PVA”) or polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVFD”).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Publication number: 20200123398
    Abstract: A representative printable composition comprises a liquid or gel suspension of a plurality of conductive particles; a first solvent comprising a polyol or mixtures thereof, such as glycerin, and a second solvent comprising a carboxylic or dicarboxylic acid or mixtures thereof, such as glutaric acid. In various embodiments, the conductive particles are comprised of a metal, a semiconductor, an alloy of a metal and a semiconductor, or mixtures thereof, and may have sizes between about 5 nm to about 1.5 microns in any dimension. A representative conductive particle ink can be printed and annealed to produce a conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Tricia Youngbull, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Patent number: 10573468
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide a liquid or gel separator utilized to separate and space apart first and second conductors or electrodes of an energy storage device, such as a battery or a supercapacitor. A representative liquid or gel separator comprises a plurality of particles, typically having a size (in any dimension) between about 0.5 to about 50 microns; a first, ionic liquid electrolyte; and a polymer. In another representative embodiment, the plurality of particles comprise diatoms, diatomaceous frustules, and/or diatomaceous fragments or remains. Another representative embodiment further comprises a second electrolyte different from the first electrolyte; the plurality of particles are comprised of silicate glass; the first and second electrolytes comprise zinc tetrafluoroborate salt in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidalzolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid; and the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol (“PVA”) or polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVFD”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Printed Energy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Patent number: 10516073
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
  • Publication number: 20190035561
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide a liquid or gel separator utilized to separate and space apart first and second conductors or electrodes of an energy storage device, such as a battery or a supercapacitor. A representative liquid or gel separator comprises a plurality of particles, typically having a size (in any dimension) between about 0.5 to about 50 microns; a first, ionic liquid electrolyte; and a polymer. In another representative embodiment, the plurality of particles comprise diatoms, diatomaceous frustules, and/or diatomaceous fragments or remains. Another representative embodiment further comprises a second electrolyte different from the first electrolyte; the plurality of particles are comprised of silicate glass; the first and second electrolytes comprise zinc tetrafluoroborate salt in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidalzolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid; and the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol (“PVA”) or polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVFD”).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Patent number: 10161615
    Abstract: An exemplary printable composition of a liquid or gel suspension of diodes generally includes a plurality of diodes, a first solvent and/or a viscosity modifier. An exemplary apparatus may include: a plurality of diodes; at least a trace amount of a first solvent; and a polymeric or resin film at least partially surrounding each diode of the plurality of diodes. Various exemplary diodes have a lateral dimension between about 10 to 50 microns and about 5 to 25 microns in height. Other embodiments may also include a plurality of substantially chemically inert particles having a range of sizes between about 10 to about 50 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc
    Inventors: Mark David Lowenthal, William Johnstone Ray, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Brad Oraw, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Jeffrey Baldridge, Eric Anthony Perozziello
  • Patent number: 10121608
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide a liquid or gel separator utilized to separate and space apart first and second conductors or electrodes of an energy storage device, such as a battery or a supercapacitor. A representative liquid or gel separator comprises a plurality of particles, typically having a size (in any dimension) between about 0.5 to about 50 microns; a first, ionic liquid electrolyte; and a polymer. In another representative embodiment, the plurality of particles comprise diatoms, diatomaceous frustules, and/or diatomaceous fragments or remains. Another representative embodiment further comprises a second electrolyte different from the first electrolyte; the plurality of particles are comprised of silicate glass; the first and second electrolytes comprise zinc tetrafluoroborate salt in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidalzolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid; and the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol (“PVA”) or polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVFD”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Printed Energy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Publication number: 20180261404
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide a composition for printing a liquid or gel separator utilized to separate and space apart first and second conductors or electrodes of an energy storage device, such as a battery or a supercapacitor. A representative composition comprises a plurality of particles, typically having a size (in any dimension) between about 0.5 to about 50 microns; a first, ionic liquid electrolyte; and a polymer or polymeric precursor. In another representative embodiment, the plurality of particles comprise diatoms, diatomaceous frustules, and/or diatomaceous fragments or remains. Another representative embodiment further comprises a second electrolyte different from the first electrolyte; the plurality of particles are comprised of silicate glass; the first and second electrolytes comprise zinc tetrafluoroborate salt in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidalzolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid; and the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol (“PVA”) or polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVFD”).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Patent number: 10018449
    Abstract: An active target has a target face that is backlit by LEDs, where a detection layer behind the target face detects a new projectile hole in the target, such as from a gun or an arrow. The detection layer may be formed of one or more resistive layers, and the detected increase in resistance due to a new projectile hole being created is sensed and correlated to an XY position of the hole. The location of the new hole is transmitted via an RF signal to the shooter's portable device, such as a smartphone, and the shooter sees the location of the hit relative to the target face in real time. The LEDs may be dynamically controlled. The target is disposable and is supported by a support base containing the control electronics and transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Nthdegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Baldridge, Alexander Ray, Bradley Whaley, Darin Wagner, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Shelby Jueden, Steven Roach, Larry Todd Biggs, Eric Kahrs
  • Patent number: 9972449
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide a composition for printing a liquid or gel separator utilized to separate and space apart first and second conductors or electrodes of an energy storage device, such as a battery or a supercapacitor. A representative composition comprises a plurality of particles, typically having a size (in any dimension) between about 0.5 to about 50 microns; a first, ionic liquid electrolyte; and a polymer or polymeric precursor. In another representative embodiment, the plurality of particles comprise diatoms, diatomaceous frustules, and/or diatomaceous fragments or remains. Another representative embodiment further comprises a second electrolyte different from the first electrolyte; the plurality of particles are comprised of silicate glass; the first and second electrolytes comprise zinc tetrafluoroborate salt in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidalzolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid; and the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol (“PVA”) or polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVFD”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Printed Energy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Patent number: 9972450
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide a liquid or gel separator utilized to separate and space apart first and second conductors or electrodes of an energy storage device, such as a battery or a capacitor. A representative liquid or gel separator comprises a plurality of particles selected from the group consisting of: diatoms, diatomaceous frustules, diatomaceous fragments, diatomaceous remains, and mixtures thereof; a first, ionic liquid electrolyte; and a polymer or, in the printable composition, a polymer or a polymeric precursor. Another representative embodiment further comprises a second electrolyte different from the first electrolyte; the first and second electrolytes comprise zinc tetrafluoroborate salt in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidalzolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid; and the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol (“PVA”) or polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVFD”). Additional components, such as additional electrolytes and solvents, may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Printed Energy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Publication number: 20180102457
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicants: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc., U.S. Government as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Spac
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
  • Publication number: 20180022953
    Abstract: A representative printable composition comprises a liquid or gel suspension of a plurality of metallic particles; a plurality of semiconductor particles; and a first solvent. The pluralities of particles may also be comprised of an alloy of a metal and a semiconductor. The composition may further comprise a second solvent different from the first solvent. In a representative embodiment, the first solvent comprises a polyol or mixtures thereof, such as glycerin, and the second solvent comprises a carboxylic or dicarboxylic acid or mixtures thereof, such as glutaric acid. In various embodiments, the metallic particles and the semiconductor particles are nanoparticles between about 5 nm to about 1.5 microns in any dimension. A representative metallic and semiconductor particle ink can be printed and annealed to produce a conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Vera Nicholaevna Lockett, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, William Johnstone Ray, Tricia Youngbull, Theodore I. Kamins
  • Publication number: 20180023793
    Abstract: An exemplary printable composition of a liquid or gel suspension of diodes generally includes a plurality of diodes, a first solvent and/or a viscosity modifier. An exemplary apparatus may include: a plurality of diodes; at least a trace amount of a first solvent; and a polymeric or resin film at least partially surrounding each diode of the plurality of diodes. Various exemplary diodes have a lateral dimension between about 10 to 50 microns and about 5 to 25 microns in height. Other embodiments may also include a plurality of substantially chemically inert particles having a range of sizes between about 10 to about 50 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Mark David Lowenthal, William Johnstone Ray, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Brad Oraw, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Jeffrey Baldridge, Eric Anthony Perozziello
  • Patent number: 9865767
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
  • Patent number: 9777914
    Abstract: An exemplary printable composition of a liquid or gel suspension of diodes generally includes a plurality of diodes, a first solvent and/or a viscosity modifier. An exemplary apparatus may include: a plurality of diodes; at least a trace amount of a first solvent; and a polymeric or resin film at least partially surrounding each diode of the plurality of diodes. Various exemplary diodes have a lateral dimension between about 10 to 50 microns and about 5 to 25 microns in height. Other embodiments may also include a plurality of substantially chemically inert particles having a range of sizes between about 10 to about 50 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Mark David Lowenthal, William Johnstone Ray, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Brad Oraw, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Jeffrey Baldridge, Eric Anthony Perozziello
  • Publication number: 20170018049
    Abstract: On a flexible substrate is printed, LEDs, a battery, a flasher, and an actuator. The actuator may be a photo-switch that causes the battery and flasher to periodically energize the LEDs when a sufficient ambient light impinges on the actuator. The substrate may be an insert in a transparent package containing a product, such as a razor. When the package is in the front of a display in a store, the ambient light causes the LEDs to flash, such as every 10-30 seconds to attract consumers to the product. The substrate may also form part of the outer surface of the package. The flasher may simply flash the LEDs or create a dynamic display by energizing different groups of the LEDs at different times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander S. Ray, Richard A. Blanchard, Bradley S. Oraw, Shawn Barber, Mark D. Lowenthal, William J. Ray, Neil O. Shotton, David Moffenbeier, Vera N. Lockett
  • Patent number: 9534772
    Abstract: An exemplary printable composition of a liquid or gel suspension of diodes comprises a plurality of diodes, a first solvent and/or a viscosity modifier. An exemplary apparatus comprises: a plurality of diodes; at least a trace amount of a first solvent; and a polymeric or resin film at least partially surrounding each diode of the plurality of diodes. Various exemplary diodes have a lateral dimension between about 10 to 50 microns and about 5 to 25 microns in height. Other embodiments may also include a plurality of substantially chemically inert particles having a range of sizes between about 10 to about 50 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc
    Inventors: Mark David Lowenthal, William Johnstone Ray, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Brad Oraw, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Jeffrey Baldridge, Eric Anthony Perozziello