Patents by Inventor Wei-Heng Shih
Wei-Heng Shih 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: 8241569Abstract: This invention relates to lead-free piezoelectric ceramic films and a method of making thereof. Specifically, the invention is directed to a method for fabricating lead-free piezoelectric free standing films having enhanced piezoelectric properties. The films may be used for a number of applications including incorporation in microelectronic devices such as energy harvesting devices and sensor technologies.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Wei-Heng Shih, Wan Y. Shih, Huidong Li
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Patent number: 8197757Abstract: A novel, economical electrical insulation method for the production of ultra-thin insulation layers using a solution coating method. Thin hydrophobic self-assembled bi-functional layers of less than 10 nm thick were deposited by a simple solution method and demonstrated to electrically insulate micro-/nano-devices for in-water detection applications. The insulation layer includes a hydrophobic group which repels water and permits superb insulation properties of the ultra-thin layers. The insulation layer has the additional advantages that it binds to a metal or metal oxide surface and to sensing receptors by covalent bonding using standard silane chemistry.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Wan Y. Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Joseph Capobianco
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Publication number: 20120119625Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvesting device (PEHD) comprising a driving element, conducting element, piezoelectric layer and non-piezoelectric layer capable of converting ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from PMN-PT or PZT having a thickness of about 1-150 ?m. The PEHD may be used to generate about 1 W. The harvested energy may be stored and used to power microelectronic devices and rechargeable battery technologies.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: WEI-HENG SHIH, WAN Y. SHIH, HAKKI YEGINGIL
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Publication number: 20120053489Abstract: A PEFS (Piezoelectric Finger Sensor) acts as an “electronic finger” capable of accurately and non-destructively measuring both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus of tissues with gentle touches to the surface. The PEFS measures both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus variations in tissue generating a less than one-millimeter spatial resolution up to a depth of several centimeters. This offers great potential for in-vivo early detection of diseases. A portable hand-held device is also disclosed. The PEF offers superior sensitivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: WAN Y. SHIH, WEI-HENG SHIH, ANNA MARKIDOU, STEVEN T. SZWECZYK, HAKKI YEGINGIL
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Patent number: 8110964Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvesting device (PEHD) comprising a driving element, conducting element, piezoelectric layer and non-piezoelectric layer capable of converting ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from PMN-PT or PZT having a thickness of about 1-150 ?m. The PEHD may be used to generate about 1 W. The harvested energy may be stored and used to power microelectronic devices and rechargeable battery technologies.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Wei-Heng Shih, Wan Y. Shih, Hakki Yegingil
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Patent number: 8080229Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Wei-Heng Shih, Wan Y. Shih, Hui Li, Melissa Colleen Schillo
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Publication number: 20110260109Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: WEI-HENG SHIH, WAN Y. SHIH, HUI LI, MELISSA COLLEEN SCHILLO
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Publication number: 20110265227Abstract: The invention is direct to a piezoelectric microcantilever for static contact and dynamic noncontact atomic force microscopy which may be carried out in solution. The piezoelectric microcantilever, which includes a piezoelectric layer and a non-piezoelectric layer is capable of self actuation and detection. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from a lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3)0.65—(PbTiO3)0.35(PMN0.65-PT0.35) (PMN-PT), zirconate titanate (PZT)/SiO2 or from any lead-free piezoelectric materials such as doped sodium-potassium niobate-lithium niobate. The piezoelectric layers of the microcantilevers may have dielectric constants of from 1600-3000 and thicknesses below 10 ?m. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating microcantilever sensors and methods for atomic force microscopy employing the microcantilevers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: WAN Y. SHIH, WEI-HENG SHIH, ZUYAN SHEN, QING ZHU
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Patent number: 8033185Abstract: A PEFS (Piezoelectric Finger Sensor) acts as an “electronic finger” capable of accurately and non-destructively measuring both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus of tissues with gentle touches to the surface. The PEFS measures both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus variations in tissue generating a less than one-millimeter spatial resolution up to a depth of several centimeters. This offers great potential for in-vivo early detection of diseases. A portable hand-held device is also disclosed. The PEF offers superior sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Wan Y. Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Anna Markidou, Steven T. Szweczyk, Hakki Yegingil
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Patent number: 7992431Abstract: The invention is direct to a piezoelectric microcantilever for static contact and dynamic noncontact atomic force microscopy which may be carried out in solution. The piezoelectric microcantilever, which includes a piezoelectric layer and a non-piezoelectric layer is capable of self actuation and detection. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from a lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3)0.65—(PbTiO3)0.35(PMN0.65-PT0.35)(PMN-PT), zirconate titanate (PZT)/SiO2 or from any lead-free piezoelectric materials such as doped sodium-potassium niobate-lithium niobate. The piezoelectric layers of the microcantilevers may have dielectric constants of from 1600-3000 and thicknesses below 10 ?m. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating microcantilever sensors and methods for atomic force microscopy employing the microcantilevers.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Wan Y. Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Zuyan Shen, Qing Zhu
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Publication number: 20110172565Abstract: A sensor system for measuring an elastic modulus and a shear modulus and a method for evaluating a tissue. The invention pertains to a method for determining the presence of and/or characterizing abnormal growths, using a piezoelectric finger sensor (PEFS) system. The PEFS system may be particularly useful for screening for tumors and various forms of cancer. Additionally, the PEFS system may be useful for various dermatological applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: Wan Y. Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Hakki Yegingil, Ari D. Brooks
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Patent number: 7976819Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Wei-Heng Shih, Wan Y. Shih, Hui Li, Melissa Colleen Schillo
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Publication number: 20110124124Abstract: A method for enhancing the detection sensitivity of a piezoelectric microcantilever sensor. The method may involve providing a piezoelectric microcantilever and inducing a change in the Young's modulus during detection of a species of interest. The change in the Young's modulus may be induced or enhanced by the application of a DC bias electric field to the piezoelectric layer that enhances non-180° polarization domain switching of the piezoelectric layer. The change in the Young's modulus may also result from binding of the species of interest to the piezoelectric microcantilever sensor or a combination of binding and application of a DC bias electric field Significantly enhanced detection sensitivity results from the changed Young's modulus of the piezoelectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: Wan Y. Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Qing Zhu
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Publication number: 20110086368Abstract: A method for detecting one or more immunological response factors that is expressed in response to a therapeutic treatment and/or disease using a piezoelectric microcantilever sensor (PEMS) to assess a patient's immunological response. The method involves measuring a frequency shift of the PEMS caused by binding the immunological response factors to one or more receptors on the PEMS. The method may be used to determine the effectiveness of a prescribed therapeutic treatment and/or monitor the progress of a disease.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: WAN Y. SHIH, JOSEPH CAPOBIANCO, WEI-HENG SHIH, HOSSEIN BORGHAEI
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Publication number: 20110086435Abstract: A method for determining the dissociation constant (Kd) by plotting resonance frequency shift as a function of time for various target analyte concentrations. From this graph, the fraction of saturation, i.e. equilibrium fraction of bound binding sites out of all available binding sites on the sensor surface may be estimated by taking the ratio of the equilibrium resonance frequency shift at a selected concentration to the equilibrium frequency shift of the sensor. The dissociation constant is the inverse slope of the line produced by graphing the fraction of saturation as a function of concentration. This method is particularly useful for the study of protein-protein and protein-mRNA interactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: WAN Y. SHIH, JOSEPH CAPOBIANCO, WEI-HENG SHIH
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Publication number: 20110001092Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: WEI-HENG SHIH, WAN Y. SHIH, HUI LI, MELISSA COLLEEN SCHILLO
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Publication number: 20100281962Abstract: A PEFS (Piezoelectric Finger Sensor) acts as an “electronic finger” capable of accurately and non-destructively measuring both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus of tissues with gentle touches to the surface. The PEFS measures both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus variations in tissue generating a less than one-millimeter spatial resolution up to a depth of several centimeters. This offers great potential for in-vivo early detection of diseases. A portable hand-held device is also disclosed. The PEF offers superior sensitivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: WAN Y. SHIH, WEI-HENG SHIH, ANNA MARKIDOU, STEVEN T. SZWECZYK, HAKKI YEGINGIL
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Patent number: 7824653Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Wei-Heng Shih, Wan Y. Shih, Hui Li, Melissa Colleen Schillo
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Publication number: 20100239463Abstract: This invention relates to lead-free piezoelectric ceramic films and a method of making thereof. Specifically, the invention is directed to a method for fabricating lead-free piezoelectric free standing films having enhanced piezoelectric properties. The films may be used for a number of applications including incorporation in microelectronic devices such as energy harvesting devices and sensor technologies.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: Wei-Heng Shih, Wan Y. Shih, Huidong Li
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Publication number: 20100224818Abstract: A method to produce low-temperature sinterable powders which are then subsequently used to fabricate freestanding piezoelectric films with very large electric-field-enhanced piezoelectric response is provided. The ?d31 coefficient for PMN-PT layers can be as high as 2000 pm/V, larger than that of commercial single crystalline PMN-PT bulk materials, at 10 kV/cm (or 20 V over the 20-micron film thickness). In contrast to single crystals, the polycrystalline freestanding films are easy to fabricate and can be made into any size. The films are also easily miniaturized. The method can be applied to nearly any piezoelectric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: Wei-Heng Shih, Hongyu Luo, Christian Martorano, Wan Y. Shih