Patents by Inventor Robert H. Blick

Robert H. Blick 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: 11864465
    Abstract: Piezoelectrically actuated devices constructed from thin semiconductor membranes bonded directly to piezoelectric substrates are provided. Methods for fabricating these devices are also provided. The bonding of the semiconductor to the piezoelectric material does not require the use of any intermediate layers, such as bonding agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Max G. Lagally, Abhishek Bhat, Frank Steele Flack, Shelley Ann Scott, Robert H. Blick
  • Patent number: 11711984
    Abstract: Josephson junctions (JJ) based on bilayers of azimuthally misaligned two-dimensional materials having superconducting states are provided. Also provided are electronic devices and circuits incorporating the JJs as active components and methods of using the electronic devices and circuits. The JJs are formed from bilayers composed of azimuthally misaligned two-dimensional materials having a first superconducting segment and a second superconducting segment separated by a weak-link region that is integrated into the bilayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Max G. Lagally, Robert H. Blick
  • Publication number: 20220005998
    Abstract: Josephson junctions (JJ) based on bilayers of azimuthally misaligned two-dimensional materials having superconducting states are provided. Also provided are electronic devices and circuits incorporating the JJs as active components and methods of using the electronic devices and circuits. The JJs are formed from bilayers composed of azimuthally misaligned two-dimensional materials having a first superconducting segment and a second superconducting segment separated by a weak-link region that is integrated into the bilayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Max G. Lagally, Robert H. Blick
  • Publication number: 20210367138
    Abstract: Piezoelectrically actuated devices constructed from thin semiconductor membranes bonded directly to piezoelectric substrates are provided. Methods for fabricating these devices are also provided. The bonding of the semiconductor to the piezoelectric material does not require the use of any intermediate layers, such as bonding agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Max G. Lagally, Abhishek Bhat, Frank Steele Flack, Shelley Ann Scott, Robert H. Blick
  • Patent number: 10715939
    Abstract: A transducer supported by the eardrum provides a piezoelectric material exchanging energy with the eardrum through a nanoscale membrane, the latter serving to boost the coupling between the piezoelectric material and the eardrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignees: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, University of Hamburg
    Inventors: Max Lagally, Abhishek Bhat, Frank Flack, Shelley Scott, Robert H. Blick
  • Patent number: 10605800
    Abstract: A molecule sequencer uses a planar nanochannel for aligning molecules to flow past impedance interrogation electrodes mounted across the channel for rapid sequencing. The electrodes may be fixed to the channel walls to provide improved registration by co-fabrication with the channel. Extended channel length over normally used nanopores can provide improved control of longer molecules and allow parallel sequencers to be readily fabricated on a single substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignees: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, University of Hamburg
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Abhishek Bhat, Paul Gwozdz
  • Publication number: 20200092666
    Abstract: A transducer supported by the eardrum provides a piezoelectric material exchanging energy with the eardrum through a nanoscale membrane, the latter serving to boost the coupling between the piezoelectric material and the eardrum
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Max Lagally, Abhishek Bhat, Frank Flack, Shelley Scott, Robert H. Blick
  • Publication number: 20190293623
    Abstract: A molecule sequencer uses a planar nanochannel for aligning molecules to flow past impedance interrogation electrodes mounted across the channel for rapid sequencing. The electrodes may be fixed to the channel walls to provide improved registration by co-fabrication with the channel. Extended channel length over normally used nanopores can provide improved control of longer molecules and allow parallel sequencers to be readily fabricated on a single substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Abhishek Bhat, Paul Gwozdz
  • Patent number: 10330631
    Abstract: A nanoscale-sized pore positioned between two reservoirs may sequence biomolecules by detecting changes in the emitted light due to a change in charge of portions of the biomolecules as they pass through the pore such as affect an emission frequency of a quantum structure proximate to the pore opening. The nanopores may be fabricated using local droplet etching whose randomness is accommodated by lowering the droplet density to permit isolation of nanopores in tiles that may be adhered to an underlying supporting substrate having an aligned opening. The nanopore-tiles may be integrated with commonly applied glass chips and may be employed in microfluidic circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Paul H. Gwozdz, Abhishek Bhat, Wolfgang Hansen, Christian Heyn
  • Patent number: 10151741
    Abstract: An electrically conductive nanoscale pore may be employed as an antenna to provide precise localized measurements of the impedance-altering characteristics of a molecule such as DNA or RNA or the like passing through the pore. The use of radiofrequency measurements promises high-speed analysis of long molecules (polymers).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Abhishek Bhat, Paul Gwozdz
  • Patent number: 9976120
    Abstract: A scaffold for neurons consists of tubes sized to promote neural growth through the tubes. The tubes may be fixed to a substrate providing electrical or optical paths out from the interior of the tubes from sensors or stimulating probes at one or more locations along the length of the coaxial axons. Steering electrodes at spaces between tubes may be used to selectively promote the growth of interconnections of different axons in a one, two, or three-dimensional fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Justin Williams, Minrui Yu, Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 9575021
    Abstract: A method of forming extremely small pores in a substrate may be used to produce, for example, an apparatus for the study of biological molecules, by providing a small pore in a piezoelectric substrate having electrodes, the latter that may be energized to change the pore dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Minrui Yu
  • Publication number: 20170029882
    Abstract: A nanoscale-sized pore positioned between two reservoirs may sequence biomolecules by detecting changes in the emitted light due to a change in charge of portions of the biomolecules as they pass through the pore such as affect an emission frequency of a quantum structure proximate to the pore opening. The nanopores may be fabricated using local droplet etching whose randomness is accommodated by lowering the droplet density to permit isolation of nanopores in tiles that may be adhered to an underlying supporting substrate having an aligned opening. The nanopore-tiles may be integrated with commonly applied glass chips and may be employed in microfluidic circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Paul H. Gwozdz, Abhisheka Bhat, Wolfgang Hansen, Christian Heyn
  • Publication number: 20170023545
    Abstract: An electrically conductive nanoscale pore may be employed as an antenna to provide precise localized measurements of the impedance-altering characteristics of a molecule such as DNA or RNA or the like passing through the pore. The use of radiofrequency measurements promises high-speed analysis of long molecules (polymers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Abhishek Bhat, Paul Gwozdz
  • Patent number: 9532150
    Abstract: A flexible membrane of piezoelectric material sized to be supported by and to conform to the eardrum. Electrodes on the membrane allow the membrane to function as an audio transducer stimulating the eardrum with an audio signal or detecting audio signals at the eardrum. Applications may include detecting a variety of pathophysiological and biomechanical features of the tissues of the tympanic membrane and regional integrated anatomy, detecting audio, physical and biological signals, and/or delivery a variety of therapeutic modalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Burke S. Richmond
  • Patent number: 9488600
    Abstract: An electrically conductive nanoscale sensor includes a nanoscale pore that may be employed as a first antenna to provide precise localized measurements of the impedance-altering characteristics of a molecule such as DNA or RNA or the like passing through the pore. The use of radiofrequency measurements via a second antenna communicating with the first antenna promises high-speed analysis of long molecules (polymers).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignees: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, University of Hamburg
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Abhishek Bhat, Paul Gwozdz
  • Patent number: 9329126
    Abstract: A detector suitable for mass spectroscopy uses a thin membrane that converts the kinetic energy of impinging molecules into corresponding photons, the latter detected with a suitable photosensor. The arrival of molecules at the membrane is detected by detection of the corresponding photons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignees: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, University of Hamburg, The University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Jonathan Rodriguez, Hyunseok Kim, Zlatan Aksamija, Wolfgang Hansen, Christian Heyn
  • Patent number: 9322820
    Abstract: A piezoelectric substrate having a nanopore opening that separates two reservoirs of conductive fluid may provide for sensitive biological measurements by allowing control of the size of the nanopore according to piezoelectric stimulation of the substrate. Multiple embodiments are provided of monolithic piezoelectric substrates and nanopores for this purpose as well as a control system for controlling the nanopore dimensions electrically using AC or DC waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Universitaet Hamburg
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Eric James Stava
  • Publication number: 20160054224
    Abstract: A detector suitable for mass spectroscopy uses a thin membrane that converts the kinetic energy of impinging molecules into corresponding photons, the latter detected with a suitable photosensor. The arrival of molecules at the membrane is detected by detection of the corresponding photons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Jonathan Rodriguez, Hyunseok Kim, Zlatan Aksamija, Wolfgang Hansen, Christian Heyn
  • Publication number: 20160025655
    Abstract: An electrically conductive nanoscale pore may be employed as an antenna to provide precise localized measurements of the impedance-altering characteristics of a molecule such as DNA or RNA or the like passing through the pore. The use of radiofrequency measurements promises high-speed analysis of long molecules (polymers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert H. Blick, Abhishek Bhat, Paul Gwozdz