Possessing Nonosized Surface Openings That Extend Partially Into Or Completely Through The Host Material Patents (Class 977/781)
  • Patent number: 9029290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite of a porous substrate and one-dimensional nanomaterial, which is manufactured by a hydrothermal method. The method for manufacturing the composite of the present invention is simple and low-cost, and the one-dimensional nanomaterial is homogeneously distributed on the porous substrate with tight binding at the interface. The present invention also relates to a surface-modified composite and a method for preparing the same. The composite of the present invention which is hydrophobically modified at the surface can adsorb organic solvents such as toluene, dichlorobenzene, petroleum ether and the like, and greases such as gasoline, lubricating oil, motor oil, crude oil and the like, with a weight adsorption ratio of >10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Chunsing Lee, Shuittong Lee, Yongbing Tang, Mankeung Fung, Chiuyee Chan
  • Publication number: 20150124306
    Abstract: An ultrathin plasmonic subtractive color filter in one embodiment includes a transparent substrate and an ultrathin nano-patterned film formed on the substrate. A plurality of elongated parallel nanoslits is formed through the film defining a nanograting. The nanoslits may be spaced apart at a pitch selected to transmit a wavelength of light. The film is formed of a material having a thickness selected, such that when illuminated by incident light, surface plasmon resonances are excited at top and bottom surfaces of the film which interact and couple to form hybrid plasmon modes. The film changes between colored and transparent states when alternatingly illuminated with TM-polarized light or TE-polarized light, respectively. In one configuration, an array of nanogratings may be disposed on the substrate to form a transparent display system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: FILBERT JOSEPH BARTOLI, YONGKANG GAO, BEIBEI ZENG
  • Patent number: 8999716
    Abstract: Provided herein are artificial membranes of mycolic acids. The membranes may be unsupported or tethered. These membranes are long lived and highly resistant to electroporation, demonstrating their general strength. The mycolic acid membranes are suitable for controlled studies of the mycobacterial outer membrane and can be used in other experiments, such as nanopore analyte translocation experiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Jens Gundlach, Ian M. Derrington, Kyle W. Langford
  • Patent number: 8986980
    Abstract: A technique is provided for a structure. A substrate has a nanopillar vertically positioned on the substrate. A bottom layer is formed beneath the substrate. A top layer is formed on top of the substrate and on top of the nanopillar, and a cover layer covers the top layer and the nanopillar. A window is formed through the bottom layer and formed through the substrate, and the window ends at the top layer. A nanopore is formed through the top layer by removing the cover layer and the nanopillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Deqiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8944257
    Abstract: The invention provides modified polysulfones substituted in one or more of the phenyl rings by functional groups and membranes composed of the modified polysulfones. Also provided are methods for the preparation of monodispersed nanoporous polymeric membranes. The membranes are useful for reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration, particularly for purification of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventors: Moris S. Eisen, Raphael Semiat, Natalia Vainrot
  • Patent number: 8887926
    Abstract: Provided is a carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film in which a carbon nanostructure-metal composite is coated on one surface or both surfaces of a membrane support having micro- or nano-sized pores. A method for manufacturing a carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film, includes: dispersing a carbon nanostructure-metal composite in a solvent at the presence of a surfactant and coating the carbon nanostructure-metal composite on one surface or both surfaces of a membrane support; and fusing the metal on the membrane support by heating the coated membrane support. The metal in carbon nanostructure-metal composite nanoporous film melts at a low temperature since a size of a metal of the carbon nanostructure-metal composite is several nm to several-hundred nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Bioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Han Oh Park, Jae Ha Kim, Myung Kuk Jin
  • Patent number: 8889226
    Abstract: A method of bonding a metal to a substrate is disclosed herein. The method involves forming a nano-brush on a surface of the substrate, where the nano-brush includes a plurality of nano-wires extending above the substrate surface. In a molten state, the metal is introduced onto the substrate surface, and the metal surrounds the nano-wires. Upon cooling, the metal surrounding the nano-wires solidifies, and during the solidifying, at least a mechanical interlock is formed between the metal and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Bob R. Powell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140336295
    Abstract: A porous body consists essentially of a plurality of ceramic particles having an average size ranging from 8 to 100 nm. The ceramic particles are bonded to adjacent ceramic particles with a strength sufficient to render the porous body self-supporting. The porosity ranges from 30 to 70 vol. % and the average pore size ranges from 5 to 50 nm. The porous body may be manufactured by preparing a dispersion comprising the ceramic particles and a polymer matrix material in a solvent, removing the solvent by heating and/or evaporation, forming a preform of the dried material, and firing the preform to remove the polymer matrix material and bond the ceramic particles to each other. The porous body is useful as a filter element in a system adapted to remove nanoscale particles from a fluid stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: CHANGZAI CHI, JEFFREY SCOTT METH
  • Publication number: 20140318962
    Abstract: A nanosensor for detecting molecule characteristics includes a membrane having an opening configured to permit a charged molecule to pass but to block a protein molecule attached to a ligand connecting to the charged molecule, the opening being filled with an electrolytic solution. An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field relative to the opening to drive the charged molecule through the opening. A sensor circuit is coupled to the electric field generator to sense current changes due to charged molecules passing into the opening. The current changes are employed to trigger a bias field increase to cause separation between the ligand and the protein to infer an interaction strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Binquan Luan, Ruhong Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140318970
    Abstract: A nanosensor for detecting molecule characteristics includes a membrane having an opening configured to permit a charged molecule to pass but to block a protein molecule attached to a ligand connecting to the charged molecule, the opening being filled with an electrolytic solution. An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field relative to the opening to drive the charged molecule through the opening. A sensor circuit is coupled to the electric field generator to sense current changes due to charged molecules passing into the opening. The current changes are employed to trigger a bias field increase to cause separation between the ligand and the protein to infer an interaction strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: BINQUAN LUAN, RUHONG ZHOU
  • Patent number: 8865455
    Abstract: An apparatus for investigating a molecule comprising a channel provided in a substrate, a metallic moiety capable of plasmon resonance which is associated with the channel in a position suitable for the electromagnetic field produced by the metallic moiety to interact with a molecule passing therethrough, means to induce a molecule to pass through the channel, means to induce surface plasmon resonance in the metallic moiety; and means to detect interaction between the electromagnetic field produced by the metallic moiety and a molecule passing through the channel. Methods of investigating molecules are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Base4 Innovation Limited
    Inventor: Cameron Frayling
  • Publication number: 20140174929
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for ratcheting a double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is driven into a Y-channel of a membrane by a first voltage pulse. The Y-channel includes a stem and branches, and the branches are connected to the stem at a junction. The double strand molecule is slowed at the junction of the Y-channel based on the first voltage pulse being weaker than a force required to break a base pair of the double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is split into a first single strand and a second single strand by driving the double strand molecule into the junction of the Y-channel at a second voltage pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Binquan Luan, Ruhong Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140174930
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for ratcheting a double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is driven into a Y-channel of a membrane by a first voltage pulse. The Y-channel includes a stem and branches, and the branches are connected to the stem at a junction. The double strand molecule is slowed at the junction of the Y-channel based on the first voltage pulse being weaker than a force required to break a base pair of the double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is split into a first single strand and a second single strand by driving the double strand molecule into the junction of the Y-channel at a second voltage pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Binquan Luan, Ruhong Zhou
  • Patent number: 8748221
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a nanoball solution coating method and applications thereof. The method comprises steps: using a scraper to coat a nanoball solution on a substrate to attach a plurality of nanoballs on the substrate; flushing or flowing through the substrate with a heated volatile solution to suspend the nanoballs unattached to the substrate in the volatile solution; and using the scraper to scrape off the volatile solution carrying the suspended nanoballs, whereby is simplified the process to coat nanoballs. The method can be used to fabricate nanoporous films, organic vertical transistors, and large-area elements and favors mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Hsin-Fei Meng, Hsiao-Wen Zan, Yen-Chu Chao, Kai-Ruei Wang, Yung-Hsuan Hsu
  • Publication number: 20140131201
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process of making ammonia gas indicator, using single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)/alumina (Al2O3) composite thick film, comprising the steps of (a) preparing a nanoporous SWCNTs/Al2O3 composite thick film of thickness in the range of 60 to 65?m prepared by sol-gel process; (b) curing the film at a temperature in the range of 450° C. to 500° C. for a time period in the range 0.5 to 2 hour to obtain a cured sample; (c) providing thick film planar electrodes of Ag—Pd paste on same side of the cured sample by screen printing; and (d) heat treating the resultant cured sample with electrodes at a temperature in the range of 800° C. to 850° C. for a time period in the range of 0.5 to 2 hours to obtain a gas indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicants: Jamia Millia Islamia, Department of Electronics & Information Technology
    Inventors: Prabhash Mishra, Saikh Saiful Islam, Kamalendu Sengupta
  • Publication number: 20140131202
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for capturing a molecule via an integrated system. An alternating voltage is applied to a Paul trap device in an electrically conductive solution to generate electric fields. The Paul trap device is integrated with a nanopore device to form the integrated system. Forces from the electric fields of the Paul trap device position the molecule to a nanopore in the nanopore device. A first voltage is applied to the nanopore device to capture the molecule in the nanopore of the nanopore device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Deqiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20140116936
    Abstract: The manufacturing method of nano porous material according to an example of the present invention comprises: a preparing step to prepare a substrate; and a manufacturing step to prepare nano porous material with a network structure in which nanoclusters are connected to each other using plasma deposition through over 300 mTorr of working pressure. Using the manufacturing method, it is possible to form a nano porous material having desired surface energy without formation of additional coating layer as well as pores distributed both within and on the surface of the nano porous material with only one deposition process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Seong Jin KIM, Myoung Woon MOON, Kwang Ryeol LEE, Won Kyung SEONG, Wei DAI
  • Patent number: 8702944
    Abstract: A method for wetting a nanopore device includes filling a first cavity of the nanopore device with a first buffer solution having a first potential hydrogen (pH) value, filling a second cavity of the nanopore device with a second buffer solution having a second pH value, wherein the nanopore device includes a transistor portion having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an orifice communicative with the first surface and the second surface, the first surface partially defining the first cavity, the second surface partially defining the second cavity, applying a voltage in the nanopore device, and measuring a current in the nanopore device, the current having a current path partially defined by the first cavity, the second cavity, and the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Venkat K. Balagurusamy
  • Publication number: 20140091032
    Abstract: This invention relates to heterogenous pore polymer nanotube membranes useful in filtration, such as reverse osmosis desalination, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and gas separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Nagare Membranes, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy V. Ratto, Jason K. Holt, Alan W. Szmodis
  • Publication number: 20140061051
    Abstract: A filtering film structure includes a film, a conductive layer and a dielectric layer. The film includes a plurality of holes. The conductive layer is disposed on the inner surface of the holes, and the dielectric layer is disposed on the conductive layer. When applying a voltage to the conductive layer, an electrical charge layer forms on the surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Fan-Gang Tseng, Yu-Lun Chueh, Chia-Jung Chang, Wen-Chih Chang, Yu-Sheng Huang
  • Publication number: 20140056763
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for sensing molecules. A twin-nanopore probe includes a first channel and a second channel. A first pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the first channel to generate a positive pressure. A second pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the second channel to generate a negative pressure. A container includes ionic solvent with molecules, and a tip of the twin-nanopore probe is submerged in the container of the ionic fluid with the molecules. The first channel, the second channel, the first pressure-controlled reservoir, and the second pressure-controlled reservoir are filled with the ionic fluid. The first pressure-controlled reservoir drives the ionic fluid out of the first channel and the second pressure-controlled reservoir draws in the ionic fluid with the molecules and solvent through the second channel. A flow of ionic current in the twin-nanopore probe is measured to differentiate the molecules that flow through the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hongbo Peng
  • Patent number: 8641877
    Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method are provided for cutting a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore. A first voltage is applied to create an electric field in a first direction. A second voltage is applied to create an electric field in a second direction, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction. When the electric field in the first direction and the electric field in the second direction are applied to a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore, the linear charged polymer is cut at a location with predetermined accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Binquan Luan, Glenn J. Martyna, Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky
  • Publication number: 20140027287
    Abstract: A mechanism for capturing molecules is provided. A nanopore through a membrane separates a first chamber from a second chamber, and the nanopore, the first chamber, and the second chamber are filled with ionic buffer. A narrowed neck is at a middle area of the first chamber, and the narrowed neck is aligned to an entrance of the nanopore. The narrowed neck has a high intensity electric field compared to other areas of the first chamber having low intensity electric fields. The narrowed neck having the high intensity electric field concentrates the molecules at the middle area aligned to the entrance of the nanopore. Voltage applied between the first chamber and the second chamber drives the molecules, concentrated at the entrance of the nanopore, through the nanopore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Deqiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20140021047
    Abstract: A method and system for analyzing biomolecules using a high concentration electrolytic solution and a low concentration electrolytic solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20140014513
    Abstract: Techniques for characterizing a molecule are described herein. In one example, a portion of the molecule is trapped in a nanopore, a variable voltage is applied across the nanopore until the trapped portion of molecule is moved within the nanopore, and the molecule is characterized based on the electrical stimulus required to affect movement of at least a portion of the trapped portion of the molecule within the nanopore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Genia Technologies, inc.
    Inventors: Roger J.A. Chen, Randy Davis
  • Publication number: 20140017805
    Abstract: A method and device for enhanced capture of target analytes is disclosed. This invention relates to collection of chemicals for separations and analysis. More specifically, this invention relates to a solid phase microextraction (SPME) device having better capability for chemical collection and analysis. This includes better physical stability, capacity for chemical collection, flexible surface chemistry and high affinity for target analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Raymond S. Addleman, Xiaohong Shari Li, Wilaiwan Chouyyok, Anthony D. Cinson, John T. Bays, Krys Wallace
  • Publication number: 20130334048
    Abstract: A method for wetting a nanopore device includes filling a first cavity of the nanopore device with a first buffer solution having a first potential hydrogen (pH) value, filling a second cavity of the nanopore device with a second buffer solution having a second pH value, applying a voltage in the nanopore device, and measuring a current in the nanopore device, the current having a current path partially defined by the first cavity, the second cavity, and an orifice communicative with the first cavity and the second cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Venkat K. Balagurusamy
  • Publication number: 20130327645
    Abstract: Methods and devices for sequencing nucleic acids are disclosed herein. Devices are also provided herein for measuring DNA with nano-pores sized to allow DNA to pass through the nano-pore. The capacitance can be measured for the DNA molecule passing through the nano-pore. The capacitance measurements can be correlated to determine the sequence of base pairs passing through the nano-pore to sequence the DNA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sameer Walavalkar, Axel Scherer, Thomas A. Tombrello, Aditya Rajagopal, Andrew P. Homyk, Erika Garcia
  • Patent number: 8603303
    Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method are provided for cutting a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore. A first voltage is applied to create an electric field in a first direction. A second voltage is applied to create an electric field in a second direction, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction. When the electric field in the first direction and the electric field in the second direction are applied to a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore, the linear charged polymer is cut at a location with predetermined accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Binquan Luan, Glenn J. Martyna, Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitsky
  • Publication number: 20130270179
    Abstract: There is provided a membrane that includes a plurality of polyimide fibers encased in a fluoropolymer sheath, the plurality of fibers having a diameter of from about 10 nm to about 50 microns, wherein the plurality of fibers form a permeable non-woven mat. A method of manufacturing the membrane is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu Qi, Sandra J. Gardner, Qi Zhang, Carolyn P. Moorlag, Brynn M. Dooley, Guiqin Song, Nicoleta D. Mihai, Nan-Xing Hu
  • Publication number: 20130270112
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a polyamic acid represented by the following formula (I), and an electrode having an active layer made from the polyamic acid of formula (I).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Chang Gun University
    Inventors: Mu-Yi Hua, Yaw-Terng Chern, Hsiao-Chien Chen, Rung-Ywan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130271150
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer and insulating layers. The graphene layer is wired to first and second metal pads to form a graphene transistor in which transistor current flowing through the graphene transistor is modulated by charges or dipoles passing through the nanopore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Wenjuan Zhu
  • Publication number: 20130264204
    Abstract: A system and method employing at least one semiconductor device, or an arrangement of insulating and metal layers, having at least one detecting region which can include, for example, a recess or opening therein, for detecting a charge representative of a component of a polymer, such as a nucleic acid strand proximate to the detecting region, and a method for manufacturing such a semiconductor device. The system and method can thus be used for sequencing individual nucleotides or bases of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The semiconductor device includes at least two doped regions, such as two n-typed regions implanted in a p-typed semiconductor layer or two p-typed regions implanted in an n-typed semiconductor layer. The detecting region permits a current to pass between the two doped regions in response to the presence of the component of the polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jon R. Sauer, Bart J. van Zeghbroeck
  • Publication number: 20130264219
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. The nanodevice includes a fluidic cell, and a membrane dividing the fluidic cell. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore is coated with an organic compound. A first part of the organic compound binds to a surface of the nanopore and a second part of the organic compound is exposed freely inside of the nanopore. The second part of the organic compound is configured to be switched among a first neutral hydrophilic end group, a second negatively charged hydrophilic end group, and a third neutral hydrophobic end group based on a switching mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Stefan Harrer, Binquan Luan, Hongbo Peng, Gustavo A. Stolovitzky, Deqiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20130256154
    Abstract: A technique for a nanodevice is provided. A reservoir is separated into two parts by a membrane. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore connects the two parts of the reservoir. The nanopore and the two parts of the reservoir are filled with ionic buffer. The membrane includes a graphene layer or a graphene oxide layer. The nanopore could be oxidized to graphene oxide at an inner surface. The graphene or graphene oxide in the nanopore is coated with an organic layer configured to interact with biomolecules in a different way in order to differentiate the biomolecules. The organic layer enhances resolution and motion control of the biomolecules. A time trace of ionic current is monitored to identify the biomolecules based on a respective interaction of the biomolecules with the organic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hongbo Peng
  • Publication number: 20130260371
    Abstract: Described are devices and methods for forming one or more nanomembranes including electroactive nanomembranes within a nanowell or nanotube, or combinations thereof, in a support material. Nanopores/nanochannels can be formed by the electroactive nanomembrane within corresponding nanowells. The electroactive nanomembrane is capable of controllably altering a dimension, a composition, and/or a variety of properties in response to electrical stimuli. Various embodiments also include devices/systems and methods for using the nanomembrane-containing devices for molecular separation, purification, sensing, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: LUX BIO GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Gordon HOLT
  • Publication number: 20130233709
    Abstract: Provided is a device comprising an upper chamber, a middle chamber and a lower chamber, wherein the upper chamber is in communication with the middle chamber through a first pore, and the middle chamber is in communication with the lower chamber through a second pore, wherein the first pore and second pore are about 1 nm to about 100 nm in diameter, and are about 10 nm to about 1000 nm apart from each other, and wherein each of the chambers comprises an electrode for connecting to a power supply. Methods of using the device are also provided, in particular for sequencing a polynucleotide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: THE REGENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: William Dunbar, Jungsuk Kim
  • Publication number: 20130224872
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas sensor, including: a gas collecting chamber including: (a) a nanoporous wall including alumina, on a portion of the gas collecting chamber in the near vicinity of the solid propellant fuel; a micro pump attached to the gas collecting chamber; and a gas analysis device connected to the gas collecting chamber. The gas analysis device measures both type and concentration of gases collected in the gas collecting chamber via the nanoporous wall, the gases measured being selected from the group consisting of CO, CO2, NO, N2O, NO2 and combinations thereof. The present disclosure also relates to a method of sensing propellant degradation in solid fuel and a method of using a gas collecting chamber to sense such degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Christina L. Brantley, Eugene Edwards, Paul B. Ruffin, Fang Luo
  • Patent number: 8518276
    Abstract: A process for forming a porous nanoscale membrane is described. The process involves applying a nanoscale film to one side of a substrate, where the nanoscale film includes a semiconductor material; masking an opposite side of the substrate; etching the substrate, beginning from the masked opposite side of the substrate and continuing until a passage is formed through the substrate, thereby exposing the film on both sides thereof to form a membrane; and then simultaneously forming a plurality of randomly spaced pores in the membrane. The resulting porous nanoscale membranes, characterized by substantially smooth surfaces, high pore densities, and high aspect ratio dimensions, can be used in filtration devices, microfluidic devices, fuel cell membranes, and as electron microscopy substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Christopher C. Striemer, Philippe M. Fauchet, Thomas R. Gaborski, James L. McGrath
  • Publication number: 20130213870
    Abstract: A cooling tower blow-down, groundwater and wastewater re-use process and system is provided, which system may further include a cooling tower evaporation recovery system and process. Thus, blow-down from cooling equipment may be reused by appropriate treatment of the blow-down water, or treatment of other sources of water such as groundwater or wastewater, for use as make-up water in a cooling tower or other cooling equipment, and the capture of evaporation from cooling equipment is conducted to increase the efficiency and lower costs in the operation of such equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: TEMPEST ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Tempest Environmental Systems, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130192461
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a membrane that may incorporate a graphene layer perforated by a plurality of nanoscale pores. The membrane may also include a gas sorbent that may be configured to contact a surface of the graphene layer. The gas sorbent may be configured to direct at least one gas adsorbed at the gas sorbent into the nanoscale pores. The nanoscale pores may have a diameter that selectively facilitates passage of a first gas compared to a second gas to separate the first gas from a fluid mixture of the two gases. The gas sorbent may increase the surface concentration of the first gas at the graphene layer. Such membranes may exhibit improved properties compared to conventional graphene and polymeric membranes for gas separations, e.g., greater selectivity, greater gas permeation rates, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Empire Technology Development, LLC
    Inventors: Seth A. Miller, Gary L. Duerksen
  • Publication number: 20130196323
    Abstract: In one aspect, methods of nucleic acid analysis are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of nucleic acid analysis comprises providing a mixture of differing single-strand nucleic acid segments, including unamplified single-strand nucleic acid segments, combining the mixture of differing single-strand nucleic acid segments with a single-strand nucleic acid probe, contacting the mixture with a membrane comprising at least one nanopore, applying an electric field across the nanopore, and measuring change in current through the nanopore during one or more nucleic acid translocation events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: The University of North Carolina At Greensboro
    Inventor: The University of North Carolina At Greensboro
  • Publication number: 20130161194
    Abstract: A nanopore device including a nanopore formed by penetrating a thin layer, a nanochannel formed at an entrance of the nanopore, and a filler in the nanochannel, as well as a method of fabricating the nanopore device and an apparatus including the nanopore device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae-han JEON, Jeo-young SHIM, Kun-sun EOM, Dong-ho LEE, Hee-jeong JEONG
  • Publication number: 20130146457
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems pertaining to sequencing units of analytes using nanopores. In general, arresting constructs are used to modify an analyte such that the modified analyte pauses in the opening of a nanopore. During such a pause, an ion current level is obtained that corresponds to a unit of the analyte. After altering the modified analyte such that the modified analyte advances through the opening, another arresting construct again pauses the analyte, allowing for a second ion current level to be obtained that represents a second unit of the analyte. This process may be repeated until each unit of the analyte is sequenced. Systems for performing such methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
    Inventors: Jens Gundlach, Ian M. Derrington, Marcus D. Collins
  • Patent number: 8461511
    Abstract: A photo-sensitive composite film is disclosed, which includes plural metal nano-particles and a porous anodized aluminum oxide film. The nanoparticles can be hollow or solid with unrestricted shapes of varying diameters and lengths. The plural metal nanoparticles are completely contained in holes and attached to the bottom of the holes of the anodized aluminum oxide film, and the electrical conductivity of the photo-sensitive anodized aluminum oxide film can be changed by light exposure on the metal nanoparticles from surfaces of the anodized aluminum oxide film. The structure of the photo-sensitive anodized aluminum oxide film of the present invention is uncomplicated and the manufacturing steps thereof are simple, and therefore the photo-sensitive anodized aluminum oxide film of the present invention is of great commercial value. Also, a method of manufacturing the above photo-sensitive composite film and a photo-switched device including the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventors: Yon-Hua Tzeng, Chih-Yi Liu, Kyaw-Oo Kyaw, Hsiang-Chen Chui, Chen-Han Huang, Hsing-Ying Lin
  • Patent number: 8440403
    Abstract: An apparatus for investigating a molecule comprising a channel provided in a substrate, a metallic moiety capable of plasmon resonance which is associated with the channel in a position suitable for the electromagnetic field produced by the metallic moiety to interact with a molecule passing therethrough, means to induce a molecule to pass through the channel, means to induce surface plasmon resonance in the metallic moiety; and means to detect interaction between the electromagnetic field produced by the metallic moiety and a molecule passing through the channel. Methods of investigating molecules are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Base4 Innovation Limited
    Inventor: Cameron Frayling
  • Publication number: 20130105417
    Abstract: A fluid deionizer includes at least one graphene sheet perforated with apertures dimensioned to allow a flow of fluid and to disallow at least one particular type of ion contained in the flow of fluid. A purge valve is placed in an open position so as to collect the at least one particular type of ion disallowed by the graphene sheet so as to clean off the at least one graphene sheet. Another embodiment provides a deionizer with graphene sheets in cylindrical form. A separation apparatus is also provided in a cross-flow arrangement where a pressurized source directs a medium along a path substantially parallel to at least one sheet of graphene from an inlet to an outlet. The medium flows through the plural perforated apertures while a remaining portion of the medium and the disallowed components in the medium flow out the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130091682
    Abstract: An article contains inorganic nanoporous particles bound together by water dispersible polyurethane, the article having 75 volume-percent or more inorganic nanoporous particles based on total article volume and having a density of 0.14 grams per cubic centimeter or less and a thermal conductivity of 25 milliWatts per meter*Kelvin or less and having a thickness of at least 0.5 centimeters. A process for preparing such an article includes dispersing inorganic nanoporous particles into an aqueous dispersion of dispersible polyurethane to form a dispersion, casting the dispersion into a mold, and drying to form an article. A method for using such an article includes placing the article in a structure between two areas that can differ in temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Yahong Zhang, Yanli Huo, Stéphane Costeux, Thomas H. Kalantar
  • Publication number: 20130078399
    Abstract: A method for making a housing of an electronic device comprises the following steps: providing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate; anodizing the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate to form an anodic oxide layer; screen printing ink on a portion of the surface of the anodic oxide layer and then drying the ink to form an ink layer; dying the anodic oxide layer to form a colorant layer on the surface of the anodic oxide layer not covered by the ink layer; and sealing the anodic oxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHAO-YI YU, XU LIU, TING DING
  • Publication number: 20130068623
    Abstract: By driving molecules electrophoretically through a nanopore, single molecule detection can be achieved. To enhance translocational control, functionalized and non-functionalized electrodes are strategically placed around or above a nanopore. Changes in transmission spectra and input voltage detected by electrodes allow accurate identification of single molecules as they pass through a nanopore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: California Institute of Technology