Patents by Inventor Sarah J. Vella

Sarah J. Vella 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: 11932769
    Abstract: A printable flexible overcoat ink composition that can be digitally printed is disclosed. For example, the printable flexible overcoat ink composition includes a mixture of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and a solvent. The mixture is mixed to have a viscosity of 1 centipoise to 2,000 centipoise to allow the mixture to be digitally printed via an inkjet printhead or an aerosol jet printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah J. Vella, Yujie Zhu, Biby Esther Abraham, Kurt I. Halfyard
  • Patent number: 11905427
    Abstract: Provided herein is a composition for eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles having an average particle size ranging from about 0.5 nanometers to less than about 5000 nanometers and at least one organoamine stabilizer. Also provided herein is a process for preparing eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles comprising mixing at least one organic polar solvent, at least one organoamine stabilizer, and a eutectic metal alloy to create a mixture; sonicating the mixture at a temperature above the melting point of the eutectic metal alloy; and collecting a composition comprising a plurality of eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles having an average particle size ranging from about 0.5 nanometers to less than about 5000 nanometers. Further disclosed herein are hybrid conductive ink compositions comprising a component comprising a plurality of metal nanoparticles and a component comprising a plurality of eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guiqin Song, Sarah J. Vella, Barkev Keoshkerian
  • Publication number: 20230357566
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a polymer or other component present therein. Printed parts having piezoelectric properties may be formed using compositions comprising a polymer matrix comprising a first polymer material and a second polymer material that are immiscible with each other, and a plurality of piezoelectric particles located in at least a portion of the polymer matrix. The piezoelectric particles may remain substantially non-agglomerated when combined with the polymer matrix. The compositions may define an extrudable material that is a composite having a form factor such as a composite filament, a composite pellet, a composite powder, or a composite paste. Additive manufacturing processes using the compositions may comprise forming a printed part by depositing the compositions layer-by-layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicants: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Sarah J. VELLA, Alexandros VASILEIOU, Yujie ZHU, Edward G. ZWARTZ, Chantal PAQUET, Silvio E. KRUGER, Mohammad RAFIEE, Yujie ZHANG, Thomas LACELLE, Derek ARANGUREN VAN EGMOND, Claudie ROY
  • Publication number: 20230323146
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a component present therein. Composite filaments suitable for additive manufacturing may comprise a continuous polymer phase of a first thermoplastic polymer and a second thermoplastic polymer that are immiscible with one another, and electrically conductive particles distributed in the continuous polymer phase, such as microparticles, nanoparticles, or any combination thereof. The first thermoplastic polymer is dissolvable or degradable and the second thermoplastic polymer is insoluble or non-degradable under specified conditions. Removal of the first thermoplastic polymer from a printed part may introduce porosity thereto, thereby inducing or enhancing piezoresistivity within the printed part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Yujie ZHU, Sarah J. VELLA, Alexandros VASILEIOU
  • Publication number: 20230212405
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a polymer or other component present therein. Printed parts having piezoelectric properties may be formed using compositions comprising a plurality of piezoelectric particles and a polymer material comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one thermally curable polymer precursor. At a sufficient temperature, the at least one thermally curable polymer precursor may undergo a reaction, optionally also undergoing a reaction with the piezoelectric particles, and form an at least partially cured printed part. The piezoelectric particles may be mixed with the polymer material and remain substantially non-agglomerated when combined with the polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicants: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Sarah J. VELLA, Alexandros VASILEIOU, Yujie ZHU, Edward G. ZWARTZ, Chantal PAQUET
  • Publication number: 20230193054
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a polymer or other component present therein. Printed parts having piezoelectric properties may be formed using compositions that are extrudable and comprise a plurality of piezoelectric particles and a plurality of carbon nanomaterials dispersed in at least a portion of a polymer material. The piezoelectric particles may remain substantially non-agglomerated when combined with the polymer material. The polymer material may comprise at least one thermoplastic polymer, optionally further containing at least one polymer precursor. The compositions may define an extrudable material that is a composite having a form factor such as a composite filament, a composite pellet, a composite powder, or a composite paste. Additive manufacturing processes using the compositions may comprise forming a printed part by depositing the compositions layer-by-layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicants: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Sarah J. VELLA, Alexandros VASILEIOU, Yujie ZHU, Edward G. ZWARTZ, Chantal PAQUET
  • Publication number: 20230182363
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a polymer or other component present therein. Printed parts having piezoelectric properties may be formed using compositions comprising a plurality of piezoelectric particles dispersed in at least a portion of a polymer matrix comprising first polymer material and a sacrificial material, the sacrificial material being removable from the polymer matrix to define a plurality of pores in the polymer matrix. The piezoelectric particles may remain substantially non-agglomerated when combined with the polymer matrix. The sacrificial material may comprise a second polymer material. The compositions may define a composite having a form factor such as a composite filament, a composite pellet, a composite powder, or a composite paste. Additive manufacturing processes may comprise forming a printed part by depositing the compositions layer-by-layer and introducing porosity therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicants: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Sarah J. VELLA, Alexandros VASILEIOU, Yujie ZHU, Edward G. ZWARTZ, Chantal PAQUET
  • Publication number: 20230150202
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a polymer or other component present therein. Printed parts having piezoelectric properties may be formed using compositions comprising a polymer material comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, and a plurality of piezoelectric covalently bonded to the at least one thermoplastic polymer and dispersed in at least a portion of the polymer material. The compositions are extrudable and may be pre-formed into a form factor suitable for extrusion. Additive manufacturing processes using the compositions may comprise forming a printed part by depositing the compositions layer-by-layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicants: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Sarah J. VELLA, Alexandros VASILEIOU, Yujie ZHU, Edward G. ZWARTZ, Chantal PAQUET
  • Publication number: 20230151210
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a polymer or other component present therein. Printed parts having piezoelectric properties may be formed using compositions comprising a polymer matrix comprising a first polymer material and a second polymer material that are immiscible with each other, and a plurality of piezoelectric particles substantially localized in one of the first polymer material or the second polymer material. The piezoelectric particles may remain substantially non-agglomerated when combined with the polymer matrix. The compositions may define a form factor such as a composite filament, a composite pellet, or an extrudable composite paste. Additive manufacturing processes using the compositions may comprise forming a printed part by depositing the compositions layer-by-layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicants: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Sarah J. VELLA, Alexandros VASILEIOU, Yujie ZHU, Edward G. ZWARTZ, Chantal PAQUET
  • Publication number: 20230150188
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a polymer or other component. Printed parts having piezoelectric properties may be formed using compositions comprising a plurality of piezoelectric particles non-covalently interacting with at least a portion of a polymer material via ?-? bonding, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions stronger than van der Waals interactions, or any combination thereof. The piezoelectric particles may be dispersed in the polymer material and remain substantially non-agglomerated when combined with the polymer material. The polymer material may comprise at least one thermoplastic polymer, optionally further including a polymer precursor. The compositions may define an extrudable material that is a composite having a form factor such as a composite filament, a composite pellet, a composite powder, or a composite paste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicants: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Sarah J. VELLA, Alexandros VASILEIOU, Yujie ZHU, Edward G. ZWARTZ, Chantal PAQUET
  • Publication number: 20230135112
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a polymer or other component present therein. Printed parts having piezoelectric properties may be formed using compositions comprising a plurality of piezoelectric particles and a polymer material comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one photocurable polymer precursor. The at least one photocurable polymer precursor may undergo a reaction in the presence of electromagnetic radiation, optionally undergoing a reaction with the piezoelectric particles, in the course of forming the printed part. The piezoelectric particles may be mixed with the polymer material and remain substantially non-agglomerated when combined with the polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicants: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Sarah J. VELLA, Alexandros VASILEIOU, Yujie ZHU, Edward G. ZWARTZ, Chantal PAQUET
  • Publication number: 20230122929
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a polymer or other component present therein. Printed parts having piezoelectric properties may be formed using compositions comprising a plurality of piezoelectric particles located in a polymer matrix comprising a first polymer material and a sacrificial material that are immiscible with each other. The sacrificial material, which may comprise a second polymer material, may be removable from the first polymer material under specified conditions. The piezoelectric particles may remain substantially non-agglomerated when combined with the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix may be treated to remove the sacrificial material to introduce a plurality of pores. The compositions may have a form factor such as a composite filament, a composite pellet, a composite powder, or a composite paste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicants: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Sarah J. VELLA, Alexandros VASILEIOU, Yujie ZHU, Edward G. ZWARTZ, Chantal PAQUET, Silvio E. KRUGER, Mohammad RAFIEE, Yujie ZHANG, Thomas LACELLE, Derek ARANGUREN VAN EGMOND, Claudie ROY
  • Patent number: 11545278
    Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a conductive polymer composite. The method includes forming a mixture. The mixture includes a first thermoplastic polymer, a second thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of metal particles. The first thermoplastic polymer and the second thermoplastic polymer are immiscible with each other. The plurality of metal particles include at least one metal that is immiscible with both the first thermoplastic polymer and the second thermoplastic polymer. The method includes heating the mixture to a temperature greater than or equal to a melting point of the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rachel Prestayko, Sarah J. Vella, Carolyn Moorlag, Barkev Keoshkerian, Jordan H. Wosnick
  • Publication number: 20220305719
    Abstract: Parts made by additive manufacturing are often structural in nature, rather than having functional properties conveyed by a polymer or other component. Printed parts having piezoelectric properties may be formed using a composite filament comprising a plurality of piezoelectric particles dispersed in a thermoplastic polymer. The composite filaments may be formed through melt blending and extrusion. The composite filament is compatible with fused filament fabrication and has a length and diameter compatible with fused filament fabrication, and the piezoelectric particles are substantially non-agglomerated and dispersed along the length of the composite filament. The piezoelectric particles may remain substantially non-agglomerated when dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer through melt blending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah J. VELLA, Yujie ZHU
  • Patent number: 11261341
    Abstract: An ink composition comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane; particles comprising silver; and at least one diluent liquid. The thermoplastic polyurethane has the property of exhibiting an elongation at break ranging from about 200% to about 1500% at 23° C. when in pure polymer form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sarah J. Vella, Yujie Zhu, Gregory McGuire
  • Patent number: 11142671
    Abstract: Provided herein is conductive adhesive composition comprising at least one epoxy resin, at least one polymer chosen from polyvinyl phenols and polyvinyl butyrals, at least one melamine resin, a plurality of metal nanoparticle shaving an average particle size ranging from about 0.5 nanometers to about 100 nanometers, and at least one solvent. Also provided herein is an electronic device comprising a substrate, conductive features disposed on the substrate, a conductive electrical component disposed over the conductive features, and a conductive adhesive composition disposed between the conductive features and the conductive electrical component. Further disclosed herein are methods of making a conductive adhesive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sarah J. Vella, Guiqin Song, Chad Steven Smithson, Kurt Halfyard
  • Publication number: 20210308752
    Abstract: Provided herein is a composition for eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles having an average particle size ranging from about 0.5 nanometers to less than about 5000 nanometers and at least one organoamine stabilizer. Also provided herein is a process for preparing eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles comprising mixing at least one organic polar solvent, at least one organoamine stabilizer, and a eutectic metal alloy to create a mixture; sonicating the mixture at a temperature above the melting point of the eutectic metal alloy; and collecting a composition comprising a plurality of eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles having an average particle size ranging from about 0.5 nanometers to less than about 5000 nanometers. Further disclosed herein are hybrid conductive ink compositions comprising a component comprising a plurality of metal nanoparticles and a component comprising a plurality of eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guiqin Song, Sarah J. Vella, Barkev Keoshkerian
  • Patent number: 11096288
    Abstract: A method for producing flexible conductive printed circuit with a printed overcoat is disclosed. For example, the method includes forming conductive printed circuit lines on a flexible substrate, detecting locations on the flexible substrate where the conductive printed circuit lines are formed, and printing an overcoat over the conductive printed circuit lines at the locations that are detected on the flexible substrate, wherein the overcoat comprises a mixture of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and a solvent having a viscosity of 1 centipoise to 2,000 centipoise to allow the mixture to be printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah J. Vella, Yujie Zhu, Chad S. Smithson
  • Patent number: 11084090
    Abstract: Provided herein is a composition for eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles having an average particle size ranging from about 0.5 nanometers to less than about 5000 nanometers and at least one organoamine stabilizer. Also provided herein is a process for preparing eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles comprising mixing at least one organic polar solvent, at least one organoamine stabilizer, and a eutectic metal alloy to create a mixture; sonicating the mixture at a temperature above the melting point of the eutectic metal alloy; and collecting a composition comprising a plurality of eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles having an average particle size ranging from about 0.5 nanometers to less than about 5000 nanometers. Further disclosed herein are hybrid conductive ink compositions comprising a component comprising a plurality of metal nanoparticles and a component comprising a plurality of eutectic metal alloy nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guiqin Song, Sarah J. Vella, Barkev Keoshkerian
  • Patent number: 11085833
    Abstract: A temperature sensitive ink composition including a metal oxide nanoparticle; a binder; a solvent; an optional dispersant; and an optional surfactant; wherein the ink composition is a thermistor ink that exhibits a change in resistance which is dependent on temperature. A process for preparing the ink composition. A process including depositing the ink composition onto a substrate to form deposited features; and optionally, heating the deposited features on the substrate to form temperature sensitive features on the substrate, wherein depositing can include ink jet printing or aerosol jet printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah J. Vella, Guiqin Song, Chad Smithson, Yujie Zhu