Patents by Inventor Stephen A. Empedocles
Stephen A. Empedocles 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: 7888292Abstract: Methods of detecting a component of interest, a change in charge, a pH, a cellular response using nanosensors are provided. Nanosensors, including nanowires and nanowire arrays comprising functionalized and/or non-functionalized nanowires are provided. Nanosensors are used for detection in cellular fragmentation, multiple concentration analysis, glucose detection, and intracellular analysis.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: Larry Bock, R. Hugh Daniels, Stephen Empedocles, John C. Owicki
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Patent number: 7851841Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic substrate having a plurality of semiconductor devices is described. A thin film of nanowires is formed on a substrate. The thin film of nanowires is formed to have a sufficient density of nanowires to achieve an operational current level. A plurality of semiconductor regions are defined in the thin film of nanowires. Contacts are formed at the semiconductor device regions to thereby provide electrical connectivity to the plurality of semiconductor devices. Furthermore, various materials for fabricating nanowires, thin films including p-doped nanowires and n-doped nanowires, nanowire heterostructures, light emitting nanowire heterostructures, flow masks for positioning nanowires on substrates, nanowire spraying techniques for depositing nanowires, techniques for reducing or eliminating phonon scattering of electrons in nanowires, and techniques for reducing surface states in nanowires are described.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: Xiangfeng Duan, Chunming Niu, Stephen A. Empedocles, Linda T. Romano, Jian Chen, Vijendra Sahi, Lawrence Bock, David P. Stumbo, J. Wallace Parce, Jay L. Goldman
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Publication number: 20100261013Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods to harvest, integrate and exploit nanomaterials, and particularly elongated nanowire materials. The invention provides methods for harvesting nanowires that include selectively etching a sacrificial layer placed on a nanowire growth substrate to remove nanowires. The invention also provides methods for integrating nanowires into electronic devices that include placing an outer surface of a cylinder in contact with a fluid suspension of nanowires and rolling the nanowire coated cylinder to deposit nanowires onto a surface. Methods are also provided to deposit nanowires using an ink-jet printer or an aperture to align nanowires. Additional aspects of the invention provide methods for preventing gate shorts in nanowire based transistors. Additional methods for harvesting and integrating nanowires are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.Inventors: Xiangfeng Duan, Chunming Niu, Stephen A. Empedocles, David P. Stumbo
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Publication number: 20100233585Abstract: The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2006Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: Chunming Niu, Calvin Y.H. Chow, Stephen A. Empedocles, J. Wallace Parce
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Publication number: 20100210472Abstract: Devices, systems, kits, and methods for detecting and/or identifying a plurality of spectrally labeled bodies well-suited for performing multiplexed assays. By spectrally labeling the beads with materials which generate identifiable spectra, a plurality of beads may be identified within the fluid. Reading of the beads is facilitated by restraining the beads in arrays, and/or using a focused laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Stephen A. EMPEDOCLES, Andrew R. Watson, Jian Jin
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Patent number: 7750235Abstract: Nanocomposite photovoltaic devices are provided that generally include semiconductor nanocrystals as at least a portion of a photoactive layer. Photovoltaic devices and other layered devices that comprise core-shell nanostructures and/or two populations of nanostructures, where the nanostructures are not necessarily part of a nanocomposite, are also features of the invention. Varied architectures for such devices are also provided including flexible and rigid architectures, planar and non-planar architectures and the like, as are systems incorporating such devices, and methods and systems for fabricating such devices. Compositions comprising two populations of nanostructures of different materials are also a feature of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: Erik C. Scher, Mihai Buretea, Calvin Y. H. Chow, Stephen A. Empedocles, Andreas P. Meisel, J. Wallace Parce
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Publication number: 20100155696Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic substrate having a plurality of semiconductor devices is described. A thin film of nanowires is formed on a substrate. The thin film of nanowires is formed to have a sufficient density of nanowires to achieve an operational current level. A plurality of semiconductor regions are defined in the thin film of nanowires. Contacts are formed at the semiconductor device regions to thereby provide electrical connectivity to the plurality of semiconductor devices. Furthermore, various materials for fabricating nanowires, thin films including p-doped nanowires and n-doped nanowires, nanowire heterostructures, light emitting nanowire heterostructures, flow masks for positioning nanowires on substrates, nanowire spraying techniques for depositing nanowires, techniques for reducing or eliminating phonon scattering of electrons in nanowires, and techniques for reducing surface states in nanowires are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2007Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.Inventors: Xiangfeng Duan, Chunming Niu, Stephen Empedocles, Linda T. Romano, Jian Chen, Vijendra Sahi, Lawrence Bock, David Stumbo, J. Wallace Parce, Jay L. Goldman
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Publication number: 20100139770Abstract: Nanocomposite photovoltaic devices are provided that generally include semiconductor nanocrystals as at least a portion of a photoactive layer. Photovoltaic devices and other layered devices that comprise core-shell nanostructures and/or two populations of nanostructures, where the nanostructures are not necessarily part of a nanocomposite, are also features of the invention. Varied architectures for such devices are also provided including flexible and rigid architectures, planar and non-planar architectures and the like, as are systems incorporating such devices, and methods and systems for fabricating such devices. Compositions comprising two populations of nanostructures of different materials are also a feature of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2006Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: Erik Scher, Mihai A. Buretea, Calvin Chow, Stephen Empedocles, Andreas Meisel, J. Wallace Parce
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Patent number: 7701428Abstract: The present invention is directed to a display using nanowire transistors. In particular, a liquid crystal display using nanowire pixel transistors, nanowire row transistors, nanowire column transistors and nanowire edge electronics is described. A nanowire pixel transistor is used to control the voltage applied across a pixel containing liquid crystals. A pair of nanowire row transistors is used to turn nanowire pixel transistors that are located along a row trace connected to the pair of nanowire row transistors on and off. Nanowire column transistors are used to apply a voltage across nanowire pixel transistors that are located along a column trace connected to a nanowire column transistor. Displays including organic light emitting diodes (OLED) displays, nanotube field effect displays, plasma displays, micromirror displays, micoelectromechanical (MEMs) displays, electrochromic displays and electrophoretic displays using nanowire transistors are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: Dave Stumbo, Stephen Empedocles
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Publication number: 20090317044Abstract: This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.Inventors: Mihai Buretea, Stephen Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik C. Scher
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Patent number: 7603003Abstract: This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Nanosys, IncInventors: Mihai A. Bureatea, Stephen A. Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik C. Scher
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Patent number: 7559481Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and compositions of matter can track and/or identify a library of elements, particularly for use with fluids, particulates, cells, and the like. Signals from one or more semiconductor nanocrystals may be combined to define spectral codes. Separation of signal wavelengths within dedicated wavelength ranges or windows facilitates differentiation of spectral codes, while calibration signals within the spectral codes can avoid ambiguity. Modeling based on prior testing can help derive libraries of acceptable codes.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Life Technologies CorporationInventors: Joseph A. Treadway, Stephen A. Empedocles, Andrew R. Watson
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Publication number: 20090176221Abstract: The use of semiconductor nanocrystals as detectable labels in various chemical and biological applications is disclosed. The methods find use for detecting a single analyte, as well as multiple analytes by using more than one semiconductor nanocrystal as a detectable label, each of which emits at a distinct wavelength.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: INVITROGEN CORPORATIONInventors: Marcel P. Bruchez, R. Hugh Daniels, Stephen A. Empedocles, Vince E. Phillips, Edith Y. Wong, Donald A. Zehnder
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Patent number: 7515333Abstract: Nanomaterials for use in optoelectronic applications, and particularly nanocomposite optical amplifiers. nanocomposite optical amplifiers (NOAs), e.g., provided on integrated optical chips, for cost-effective broadband amplification across the entire clear-window of optical fiber. It is expected that such systems could provide a 15× increase in bandwidth over existing technology, while remaining compatible with all future advances in bit-rate and channel spacing.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Nanosy's, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Empedocles
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Publication number: 20090017363Abstract: The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.Inventors: Chunming Niu, Calvin Y.H. Chow, Stephen A. Empedocles, J. Wallace Parce
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Publication number: 20090010608Abstract: This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.Inventors: Mihai Buretea, Stephen Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik C. Scher
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Patent number: 7427328Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic substrate having a plurality of semiconductor devices is described. A thin film of nanowires is formed on a substrate. The thin film of nanowires is formed to have a sufficient density of nanowires to achieve an operational current level. A plurality of semiconductor regions are defined in the thin film of nanowires. Contacts are formed at the semiconductor device regions to thereby provide electrical connectivity to the plurality of semiconductor devices. Furthermore, various materials for fabricating nanowires, thin films including p-doped nanowires and n-doped nanowires, nanowire heterostructures, light emitting nanowire heterostructures, flow masks for positioning nanowires on substrates, nanowire spraying techniques for depositing nanowires, techniques for reducing or eliminating phonon scattering of electrons in nanowires, and techniques for reducing surface states in nanowires are described.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: Xiangfeng Duan, Chunming Niu, Stephen A. Empedocles, Linda T. Romano, Jian Chen, Vijendra Sahi, Lawrence A. Bock, David P. Stumbo, J. Wallace Parce, Jay L. Goldman
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Publication number: 20080105855Abstract: This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.Inventors: Mihai Buretea, Stephen Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik C. Scher
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Patent number: 7365395Abstract: Artificial dielectrics using nanostructures, such as nanowires, are disclosed. In embodiments, artificial dielectrics using other nanostructures, such as nanorods, nanotubes or nanoribbons and the like are disclosed. The artificial dielectric includes a dielectric material with a plurality of nanowires (or other nanostructures) embedded within the dielectric material. Very high dielectric constants can be achieved with an artificial dielectric using nanostructures. The dielectric constant can be adjusted by varying the length, diameter, carrier density, shape, aspect ratio, orientation and density of the nanostructures. Additionally, a controllable artificial dielectric using nanostructures, such as nanowires, is disclosed in which the dielectric constant can be dynamically adjusted by applying an electric field to the controllable artificial dielectric. A wide range of electronic devices can use artificial dielectrics with nanostructures to improve performance.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: David P. Stumbo, Stephen A. Empedocles, Francisco Leon, J. Wallace Parce
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Patent number: 7339184Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods to harvest, integrate and exploit nanomaterials, and particularly elongated nanowire materials. The invention provides methods for harvesting nanowires that include selectively etching a sacrificial layer placed on a nanowire growth substrate to remove nanowires. The invention also provides methods for integrating nanowires into electronic devices that include placing an outer surface of a cylinder in contact with a fluid suspension of nanowires and rolling the nanowire coated cylinder to deposit nanowires onto a surface. Methods are also provided to deposit nanowires using an ink-jet printer or an aperture to align nanowires. Additional aspects of the invention provide methods for preventing gate shorts in nanowire based transistors. Additional methods for harvesting and integrating nanowires are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Nanosys, IncInventors: Linda T. Romano, Jian Chen, Xiangfeng Duan, Robert S. Dubrow, Stephen A. Empedocles, Jay L. Goldman, James M. Hamilton, David L. Heald, Francesco Lemmi, Chunming Niu, Yaoling Pan, George Pontis, Vijendra Sahi, Erik C. Scher, David P. Stumbo, Jeffery A. Whiteford