Patents by Inventor Robert T. Graff
Robert T. Graff 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).
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Patent number: 10020235Abstract: In various approaches room-temperature gamma detector longevity may be improved by selectively removing, or selectively incorporating, alternate halogen component(s) from select surfaces of the detector. According to one embodiment, a method of improving operational longevity of a thallium bromide (TlBr)-based detector includes: selectively treating one or more surfaces of the TlBr-based detector to produce a surface substantially comprising pure TlBr. Similar techniques may be employed to restore a degraded or failed detector. According to another embodiment, a method of forming a TlBr-based detector exhibiting improved operational longevity includes: selectively treating one or more surfaces of the TlBr-based detector to replace Br therein with one or more alternate halogen components while also substantially avoiding replacing some or all of the Br in other surfaces of the TlBr-based detector with the one or more alternate halogen components.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Lars Voss, Adam Conway, Robert T. Graff, Art Nelson, Rebecca J. Nikolic, Stephen A. Payne, Erik Lars Swanberg, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180122713Abstract: In various approaches room-temperature gamma detector longevity may be improved by selectively removing, or selectively incorporating, alternate halogen component(s) from select surfaces of the detector. According to one embodiment, a method of improving operational longevity of a thallium bromide (TlBr)-based detector includes: selectively treating one or more surfaces of the TlBr-based detector to produce a surface substantially comprising pure TlBr. Similar techniques may be employed to restore a degraded or failed detector. According to another embodiment, a method of forming a TlBr-based detector exhibiting improved operational longevity includes: selectively treating one or more surfaces of the TlBr-based detector to replace Br therein with one or more alternate halogen components while also substantially avoiding replacing some or all of the Br in other surfaces of the TlBr-based detector with the one or more alternate halogen components.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2016Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Lars Voss, Adam Conway, Robert T. Graff, Art Nelson, Rebecca J. Nikolic, Stephen A. Payne, Erik Lars Swanberg, Jr.
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Patent number: 9000384Abstract: A method of fabricating a mixed ionic-electronic conductor (e.g. TlBr)-based radiation detector having halide-treated surfaces and associated methods of fabrication, which controls polarization of the mixed ionic-electronic MIEC material to improve stability and operational lifetime.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Adam Conway, Patrick R. Beck, Robert T. Graff, Art Nelson, Rebecca J. Nikolic, Stephen A. Payne, Lars Voss, Hadong Kim
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Patent number: 8829460Abstract: Three-dimensional boron particle loaded thermal neutron detectors utilize neutron sensitive conversion materials in the form of nano-powders and micro-sized particles, as opposed to thin films, suspensions, paraffin, etc. More specifically, methods to infiltrate, intersperse and embed the neutron nano-powders to form two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional charge sensitive platforms are specified. The use of nano-powders enables conformal contact with the entire charge-collecting structure regardless of its shape or configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Rebecca J. Nikolic, Adam M. Conway, Robert T. Graff, Joshua D. Kuntz, Catherine Reinhardt, Lars F. Voss, Chin Li Cheung, Daniel Heineck
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Patent number: 8715882Abstract: A phosphoric acid fuel cell according to one embodiment includes an array of microchannels defined by a porous electrolyte support structure extending between bottom and upper support layers, the microchannels including fuel and oxidant microchannels; fuel electrodes formed along some of the microchannels; and air electrodes formed along other of the microchannels. A method of making a phosphoric acid fuel cell according to one embodiment includes etching an array of microchannels in a substrate, thereby forming walls between the microchannels; processing the walls to make the walls porous, thereby forming a porous electrolyte support structure; forming anode electrodes along some of the walls; forming cathode electrodes along other of the walls; and filling the porous electrolyte support structure with a phosphoric acid electrolyte. Additional embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Lawrene Livermore National Security, LLC.Inventors: David A. Sopchak, Jeffrey D. Morse, Ravindra S. Upadhye, Jack Kotovsky, Robert T. Graff
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Publication number: 20130075848Abstract: Three-dimensional boron particle loaded thermal neutron detectors utilize neutron sensitive conversion materials in the form of nano-powders and micro-sized particles, as opposed to thin films, suspensions, paraffin, etc. More specifically, methods to infiltrate, intersperse and embed the neutron nano-powders to form two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional charge sensitive platforms are specified. The use of nano-powders enables conformal contact with the entire charge-collecting structure regardless of its shape or configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLcInventors: Rebecca J. Nikolic, Adam M. Conway, Robert T. Graff, Joshua D. Kuntz, Catherine Reinhardt, Lars F. Voss, Chin Li Cheung, Daniel Heineck
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Publication number: 20130026364Abstract: A method of fabricating a mixed ionic-electronic conductor (e.g. TlBr)-based radiation detector having halide-treated surfaces and associated methods of fabrication, which controls polarization of the mixed ionic-electronic MIEC material to improve stability and operational lifetime.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicants: Lawrence Livermore National Security LLCInventors: Adam Conway, Patrick R. Beck, Robert T. Graff, Art Nelson, Rebecca J. Nikolic, Stephen A. Payne, Lars Voss, Hadong Kim
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Patent number: 8314400Abstract: Methods for fabricating three-dimensional PIN structures having conformal electrodes are provided, as well as the structures themselves. The structures include a first layer and an array of pillars with cavity regions between the pillars. A first end of each pillar is in contact with the first layer. A segment is formed on the second end of each pillar. The cavity regions are filled with a fill material, which may be a functional material such as a neutron sensitive material. The fill material covers each segment. A portion of the fill material is etched back to produce an exposed portion of the segment. A first electrode is deposited onto the fill material and each exposed segment, thereby forming a conductive layer that provides a common contact to each the exposed segment. A second electrode is deposited onto the first layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Rebecca J. Nikolic, Adam M. Conway, Robert T. Graff, Catherine Reinhardt, Lars F. Voss, Qinghui Shao
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Publication number: 20120043632Abstract: Methods for fabricating three-dimentional PIN structures having conformal electrodes are provided, as well as the structures themselves. The structures include a first layer and an array of pillars with cavity regions between the pillars. A first end of each pillar is in contact with the first layer. A segment is formed on the second end of each pillar. The cavity regions are filled with a fill material, which may be a functional material such as a neutron sensitive material. The fill material covers each segment. A portion of the fill material is etched back to produce an exposed portion of the segment. A first electrode is deposited onto the fill material and each exposed segment, thereby forming a conductive layer that provides a common contact to each the exposed segment. A second electrode is deposited onto the first layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Rebecca J. Nikolic, Adam M. Conway, Robert T. Graff, Catherine Reinhardt, Lars F. Voss, Qinghui Shao
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Patent number: 7931993Abstract: Described herein are processes for fabricating microfluidic fuel cell systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are formed by bonding layers of DuPont Kapton™ polyimide laminate. A microfluidic fuel cell system fabricated using this process is also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Jeffrey D. Morse, Alan Jankowski, Robert T. Graff, Kerry Bettencourt
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Publication number: 20100323278Abstract: A phosphoric acid fuel cell according to one embodiment includes an array of microchannels defined by a porous electrolyte support structure extending between bottom and upper support layers, the microchannels including fuel and oxidant microchannels; fuel electrodes formed along some of the microchannels; and air electrodes formed along other of the microchannels. A method of making a phosphoric acid fuel cell according to one embodiment includes etching an array of microchannels in a substrate, thereby forming walls between the microchannels; processing the walls to make the walls porous, thereby forming a porous electrolyte support structure; forming anode electrodes along some of the walls; forming cathode electrodes along other of the walls; and filling the porous electrolyte support structure with a phosphoric acid electrolyte. Additional embodiments are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: David A. Sopchak, Jeffrey D. Morse, Ravindra S. Upadhye, Jack Kotovsky, Robert T. Graff
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Patent number: 7855018Abstract: A phosphoric acid fuel cell system comprising a porous electrolyte support, a phosphoric acid electrolyte in the porous electrolyte support, a cathode electrode contacting the phosphoric acid electrolyte, and an anode electrode contacting the phosphoric acid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: David A. Sopchak, Jeffrey D. Morse, Ravindra S. Upadhye, Jack Kotovsky, Robert T. Graff
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Publication number: 20100273090Abstract: A phosphoric acid fuel cell system comprising a porous electrolyte support, a phosphoric acid electrolyte in the porous electrolyte support, a cathode electrode contacting the phosphoric acid electrolyte, and an anode electrode contacting the phosphoric acid electrolyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: David A. Sopchak, Jeffrey D. Morse, Ravindra S. Upadhye, Jack Kotovsky, Robert T. Graff
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Patent number: 7776479Abstract: A phosphoric acid fuel cell system comprising a porous electrolyte support, a phosphoric acid electrolyte in the porous electrolyte support, a cathode electrode contacting the phosphoric acid electrolyte, and an anode electrode contacting the phosphoric acid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: David A. Sopchak, Jeffrey D. Morse, Ravindra S. Upadhye, Jack Kotovsky, Robert T. Graff
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Patent number: 7732086Abstract: Described herein are processes for fabricating microfluidic fuel cell systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are formed by bonding layers of DuPont Kapton™ polyimide laminate. A microfluidic fuel cell system fabricated using this process is also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Jeffrey D. Morse, Alan Jankowski, Robert T. Graff, Kerry Bettencourt
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Patent number: 7186352Abstract: Described herein is a process for fabricating microfluidic systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are molded into the polymeric material polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Micromachining is used to create a mold master and the liquid precursors for PDMS are poured over the mold and allowed to cure. The PDMS is then removed form the mold and bonded to another material such as PDMS, glass, or silicon after a simple surface preparation step to form sealed microchannels.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jeffrey D. Morse, Klint A Rose, Mariam Maghribi, William Benett, Peter Krulevitch, Julie Hamilton, Robert T. Graff, Alan Jankowski
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Patent number: 6960403Abstract: Described herein are processes for fabricating microfluidic fuel cell systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are formed by bonding layers of DuPont Kapton™ polyimide laminate. A microfluidic fuel cell system fabricated using this process is also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jeffrey D. Morse, Alan Jankowski, Robert T. Graff, Kerry Bettencourt
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Patent number: 6921603Abstract: Described herein is a process for fabricating microfluidic systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are molded into the polymeric material polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Micromachining is used to create a mold master and the liquid precursors for PDMS are poured over the mold and allowed to cure. The PDMS is then removed form the mold and bonded to another material such as PDMS, glass, or silicon after a simple surface preparation step to form sealed microchannels.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jeffrey D. Morse, Klint A Rose, Mariam Maghribi, William Benett, Peter Krulevitch, Julie Hamilton, Robert T. Graff, Alan Jankowski
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Publication number: 20040211054Abstract: Described herein is a process for fabricating microfluidic systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are molded into the polymeric material polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Micromachining is used to create a mold master and the liquid precursors for PDMS are poured over the mold and allowed to cure. The PDMS is then removed form the mold and bonded to another material such as PDMS, glass, or silicon after a simple surface preparation step to form sealed microchannels.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Jeffrey D. Morse, Klint A. Rose, Mariam Maghribi, William Benett, Peter Krulevitch, Julie Hamilton, Robert T. Graff, Alan Jankowski
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Publication number: 20040062965Abstract: Described herein are processes for fabricating microfluidic fuel cell systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are formed by bonding layers of DuPont Kapton™ polyimide laminate. A microfluidic fuel cell system fabricated using this process is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jeffrey D. Morse, Alan Jankowski, Robert T. Graff, Kerry Bettencourt