Patents by Inventor Wilfred M. Bates

Wilfred M. Bates 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: 10794828
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Michael J. Rust
  • Publication number: 20200099916
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Bo Huang, Wilfred M. Bates, Wenqin Wang
  • Patent number: 10412366
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Bo Huang, Wilfred M. Bates, Wenqin Wang
  • Publication number: 20190242823
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Michael J. Rust
  • Patent number: 10073035
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Michael J. Rust
  • Publication number: 20180160099
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Bo Huang, Wilfred M. Bates, Wenqin Wang
  • Patent number: 9712805
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Bo Huang, Wilfred M. Bates, Wenqin Wang
  • Publication number: 20160370295
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Michael J. Rust
  • Publication number: 20160202185
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Bo Huang, Wilfred M. Bates, Wenqin Wang
  • Patent number: 9137516
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the position in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In some cases, the z positions may be determined using one of a variety of techniques that uses intensity information or focal information (e.g., a lack of focus) to determine the z position. Non-limiting examples of such techniques include astigmatism imaging, off-focus imaging, or multi-focal plane imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Bo Huang, Wilfred M. Bates, Wenqin Wang
  • Patent number: 9077975
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In some cases, the z positions may be determined using one of a variety of techniques that uses intensity information or focal information (e.g., a lack of focus) to determine the z position. Non-limiting examples of such techniques include astigmatism imaging, off-focus imaging, or multi-focal-plane imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Bo Huang, Wenqin Wang
  • Publication number: 20140326922
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Michael J. Rust
  • Publication number: 20140063194
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In some cases, the z positions may be determined using one of a variety of techniques that uses intensity information or focal information (e.g., a lack of focus) to determine the z position. Non-limiting examples of such techniques include astigmatism imaging, off-focus imaging, or multi-focal-plane imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Bo Huang, Wilfred M. Bates, Wenqin Wang
  • Publication number: 20140038201
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In some cases, the z positions may be determined using one of a variety of techniques that uses intensity information or focal information (e.g., a lack of focus) to determine the z position. Non-limiting examples of such techniques include astigmatism imaging, off-focus imaging, or multi-focal-plane imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Bo Huang, Wenqin Wang
  • Patent number: 8564792
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In some cases, the z positions may be determined using one of a variety of techniques that uses intensity information or focal information (e.g., a lack of focus) to determine the z position. Non-limiting examples of such techniques include astigmatism imaging, off-focus imaging, or multi-focal-plane imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Bo Huang, Wilfred M. Bates, Wenqin Wang
  • Publication number: 20130001436
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Michael J. Rust
  • Publication number: 20120009589
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Michael J. Rust, Bo Huang, Graham Thomas Dempsey
  • Publication number: 20110002530
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Bo Huang, Wilfred M. Bates, Wenqin Wang
  • Publication number: 20100316269
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Michael J. Rust
  • Publication number: 20100297777
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Xiaowei Zhuang, Wilfred M. Bates, Michael J. Rust, Bo Huang, Graham Thomas Dempsey