National Institute of Standards and Technology Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140338074 | MICROSCOPE PROBE AND METHOD FOR USE OF SAME - A microscope probe includes a substrate; an optical resonator disposed on the substrate and including an optical resonance property; a displacement member disposed on the substrate and separated from the optical resonator, the displacement member including: a first end disposed distal to the optical resonator; and a second end disposed proximate to the optical resonator; and a coupling member disposed on the substrate and connecting the displacement member to the substrate, wherein the first end is configured to probe a sample and to be displaced in response to a condition of the sample, the displacement member is configured to communicate displacement of the first end to the second end, and the second end is configured to change the optical resonance property in response to displacement of the second end | 11-13-2014 |
20140332673 | RADIOMETER AND METHOD FOR USE OF SAME - A radiometer includes a substrate; a radiation absorber disposed on the substrate to absorb radiation; a thermal member disposed on the substrate to change electrical resistance in response to a change in temperature of the radiometer; and a thermal link to connect the radiometer to a thermal reference, wherein the radiation absorber, the thermal member, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes, the carbon nanotubes being mutually aligned with respect to the substrate, and the radiometer being configured to detect optical power. | 11-13-2014 |
20140331368 | PROBE MODULE, METHOD FOR MAKING AND USE OF SAME - A probe module includes a mount; a cantilever disposed on the mount; an electrode disposed on the mount and opposing the cantilever, and a primary fastener disposed on the mount to mechanically separate the cantilever and the electrode at a primary distance. In the probe module, the cantilever is detachably disposed on the mount, the electrode is detachably disposed on the mount, or a combination thereof. | 11-06-2014 |
20140321502 | OPTICAL TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND USE OF SAME - A thermometer includes a substrate; an optical resonator disposed on the substrate and including an optical resonance, the optical resonator being configured to receive a resonant frequency corresponding to the optical resonance; and a waveguide disposed on the substrate proximate to the optical resonator to receive input light, to communicate the resonant frequency to the optical resonator, and to transmit output light; wherein an aperture is interposed between: the substrate and the optical resonator, the substrate and the waveguide, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, and the thermometer is configured to change the optical resonance in response to a change in temperature of the optical resonator. | 10-30-2014 |
20140320003 | LAMP, PROCESS FOR MAKING AND USE OF SAME - A lamp to produce white light includes an envelope; and a composition disposed in the envelope and including an initiator; a primary halide; and a secondary halide, wherein the primary halide, in a presence of the secondary halide, has a vapor pressure that is greater than a vapor pressure in an absence of the secondary halide, and the composition is configured to emit white light in a presence of an electrical discharge in the envelope. | 10-30-2014 |
20140318978 | PHOTOACTIVE ARTICLE, PROCESS FOR MAKING, AND USE OF SAME - A photoactive article includes a substrate including a semiconductor to absorb light and to produce a plurality of charge carriers; a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate; a conductive member disposed on the dielectric layer and opposing the substrate such that the dielectric layer is exposed by the conductive member, the conductive member to receive a portion of the plurality of charge carriers from the substrate; and an electrolyte disposed on the dielectric layer and the conductive member. Making a photoactive article includes forming a dielectric layer on a substrate by rapid thermal oxidation, the dielectric layer comprising an oxide of a semiconductor; and forming a conductive member disposed on the dielectric layer. | 10-30-2014 |
20140307253 | OPTICAL METER AND USE OF SAME - An optical meter includes a force member to receive a force and a reflector disposed on the force member to receive radiation and to communicate a pressure of the radiation to the force member. The reflector includes a reflective surface, and the force member is configured to be displaced in response to receiving the force comprising the pressure. The optical meter is configured to measure a power of the radiation, an energy of the radiation, or a combination thereof based on the pressure. A process for measuring a property of radiation includes receiving radiation by the reflector, reflecting radiation from the reflective surface, communicating a pressure from the reflector to the force member, and displacing the force member. | 10-16-2014 |
20140210473 | ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE SPECTROMETER AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - An electron spin resonance spectrometer includes a bridge to transmit an excitation frequency and to receive a signal frequency; a probe electrically connected to the bridge and comprising: a first conductor in electrical communication with the bridge to transmit the signal frequency to the bridge; a shorting member electrically connected to the first conductor to transmit the excitation frequency to a sample, to produce the signal frequency, and to transmit the signal frequency to the first conductor; and a second conductor electrically connected to the shorting member; and a magnet disposed proximate to the probe. | 07-31-2014 |
20140174991 | Fractionating nanomaterials by a liquid multiphase composition - A process for fractionating a nanoparticle composition, the process includes combining a first polymer, a second polymer, and a solvent to form a fluid and contacting the nanoparticle composition with the fluid. The nanoparticle composition includes a plurality of first nanoparticles, a plurality of second nanoparticles, and a dispersant disposed on an exterior surface of the first nanoparticles and the second nanoparticles. Fractionating the nanoparticle composition also includes forming a multiphase composition that includes a first phase and a second phase by partitioning the first polymer and the second polymer such that a concentration of the first polymer is greater than a concentration of the second polymer in the first phase, and the concentration of the second polymer is greater than the first polymer in the second phase, wherein the solvent is present in the first phase and the second phase. Additionally, the process includes apportioning the first nanoparticles and the second nanoparticles among the first phase and the second phase to fractionate the nanoparticle composition, based on a relative affinity of the first nanoparticles and the second nanoparticles for the first polymer and the second polymer, wherein the first nanoparticles are present in the first phase and substantially absent in the second phase, and the second nanoparticles are present in the second phase and substantially absent in the first phase. | 06-26-2014 |
20140170711 | NUCLEOTIDE ANALOGS AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME ENZYME - A process for making a nucleotide analog includes combining a first substrate that includes a linker and a base with a second substrate to form a substrate composition. An enzyme contacts the substrate composition and catalyzes formation of the nucleotide analog from the first substrate and the second substrate. Additionally, a composition includes the first substrate, second substrate, the enzyme, the nucleotide analog, and optional additives. | 06-19-2014 |
20140162868 | IRON-NICKEL CORE-SHELL NANOPARTICLES - Core-shell nanoparticles and techniques for their synthesis are described herein. Generally, the nanoparticles comprise a core that includes iron and at least one shell disposed about the core that includes nickel. In certain versions, the nanoparticles are free of precious metals. | 06-12-2014 |
20140069203 | MULTIPLE SPECIMEN TESTING - Systems and methods are described for concurrently applying loads to multiple test specimens. The systems and methods are useful for cyclical tensile loading of specimens such as in fatigue strength evaluations. The systems and methods are also useful for low frequency cyclical loading evaluations. | 03-13-2014 |
20140064324 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE OF SMALL VOLUMES - Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of small volumes such as yoctoliter volumes, are described. The systems include one or more plasmonic nanostructures attached at or near a nanopore. Upon excitation of the plasmonic nanostructures, such as for example by exposure to laser light, the nanoparticles are rapidly heated thereby causing a change in the ionic conductance along the nanopore. The temperature change is determined from the ionic conductance. These temperature changes can be used to control rapid thermodynamic changes in molecular analytes as they interact with the nanopore. | 03-06-2014 |
20140057361 | HEADSPACE SAMPLING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SAMPLING - A device and method for headspace sampling is disclosed herein. The headspace sampling device comprises a sample holding device configured to be sealed in a vial. The sample holding device has a pair of electrodes gap spaced from one another and a basket extending between the electrodes configured to hold a sample. The basket is configured to heat a sample held therewith and volatize at least a portion of the sample upon an electrical current being passed through the electrodes and the basket. | 02-27-2014 |
20140021270 | VAPOR CAPTURE AND RELEASE SYSTEMS - Systems for selectively capturing and/or releasing particular vapors or odors are described. The systems utilize polymeric substrates such as in the shape of disks that can be infused with one or more target vapors or odors. The systems also utilize enclosures having one or more defined orifices. After placement of infused polymeric substrates within the interior of an enclosure, target agents evaporate or otherwise vapor transfer from the interior of the enclosure through the defined orifice(s) in a controlled and quantifiable manner. | 01-23-2014 |
20130341901 | FINGERPRINT LIFTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BIOMETRICS AND CHEMICAL ANALYSIS - Fingerprint lifting systems and related methods are described which enable the collected print(s) to be subjected to analytical techniques that employ relatively high temperatures. The fingerprint lifting systems include a thin layer of a heat resistant pressure sensitive adhesive. | 12-26-2013 |
20130299116 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERLOCKING LOAD CARRYING ELEMENTS - A method for interlocking structural steel components with a metal-filled interlock is disclosed herein. The method comprises placing a mold about aligned contoured portions of structural steel components and attaching a crucible and a spout to the mold. The crucible is charged with exothermic reactive metals which are ignited, forming a molten metal filler. The molten metal filler melts a metal plug in the crucible or spout and the molten metal filler flows into the mold and about the aligned contoured portions of the structural steel components. Cooling of the molten metal filler forms a metal-filled interlock. Molds for performing the disclosed method are also disclosed herein. | 11-14-2013 |
20130201544 | PLASMONIC ENHANCEMENT OF MATERIAL PROPERTIES - Various plasmonic structures in the form of electrochromic optical switches are described which exhibit relatively high optical switching contrast. The switches generally include a collection of nanoslits formed in a thin electrically conductive film. An electrochromic material is disposed on the conductive film and along the sidewalls of the nanoslit(s). | 08-08-2013 |
20130068998 | TWO-COMPONENT STRUCTURES PROVIDING FAST-LOW TEMPERATURE CHARGING OF Mg WITH HYDROGEN - A hydrogen storage material is provided, the hydrogen storage material comprises a hydride-forming solid disposed in a film, a hydrogen-diffusing solid media disposed in the film with the hydride-forming solid, and a high density of interfaces between the hydride-forming solid and the hydrogen-diffusing solid media in the film. The hydrogen storage material may be made by co-depositing the hydride-forming solid and the hydrogen-diffusing solid media to form the film having different solid phases of the hydride-forming solid and the hydrogen-diffusing solid media and a high density of interfaces therebetween. | 03-21-2013 |
20130068293 | SUBSTRATE GEOMETRY FOR THREE DIMENSIONAL PHOTOVOLTAICS FABRICATION - A thin film photovoltaic device with back contacts is disclosed. The thin film photovoltaic device may comprise 1) a first contact disposed in a first layer and having an upper surface and a lower surface; 2) a first semiconductor disposed in a second layer and having a lower surface disposed on the upper surface of the first contact; 3) an insulator or second semiconductor disposed in a third layer and on an upper surface of the first semiconductor; 4) a second contact disposed in a fourth layer and on the insulator or second semiconductor; and 5) an absorber disposed in a fifth layer and about the second contact. The absorber may comprise a p-type or a n-type semiconductor and the first semiconductor may comprise the other of the p-type and n-type semiconductor. The second contact may be patterned. | 03-21-2013 |
20130003064 | Dynamic Spectral Radiance Calibration Source - Systems and methods for measuring spectral distribution of an illumination source and providing desired output spectral radiance are described. The systems include a user defineable light source, an integrating sphere, and one or more light detectors. | 01-03-2013 |
20120106024 | ELECTROSTATICALLY-ASSISTED CENTRIFUGATION APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS - A particle transfer apparatus and system are described. The apparatus and system enable convenient transfer of particle populations from one substrate to another substrate. The particle transfer system includes components for centrifuging and establishing electrical charges on certain components of the transfer apparatus. The apparatus and system are well suited for transfer of particles from a fibrous matrix to a smooth substrate for subsequent analysis. | 05-03-2012 |
20120009694 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING PRECURSOR FLUX - An apparatus and method for monitoring precursor flux is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises an optical cell configured for electromagnetic radiation spectroscopy and has a precursor reservoir or deposition chamber configured to provide a flow of a vapor deposition precursor therethrough, a first inner window sealing a first optical opening in the precursor reservoir or deposition chamber, a first outer window in optical communication with the first inner window, a first vacuum chamber disposed between the first inner window and the first outer window, a second inner window sealing a second optical opening in the precursor reservoir or deposition chamber, a second outer window in optical communication with the second inner window, a second vacuum chamber disposed between the second inner window and the second outer window. Each window being disposed to be in optical communication with one another, a electromagnetic radiation or light source, and an optical detector. A method of monitoring precursor flux comprises directing electromagnetic radiation through an outer window, a vacuum chamber, a first inner window, a volume within a cell body, and out of the cell body through a second inner window; and receiving the electromagnetic radiation from the second inner window with a sensor and sensing at least one parameter of a gas within the cell body. | 01-12-2012 |
20110287559 | METHOD OF CHARACTERIZING GLYCANS ATTACHED TO GLYCOPROTEINS - A method of characterizing glycans attached to glycoproteins is disclosed herein. The method comprises a first step of immobilizing the glycoproteins on colloidal particles forming glycoprotein/colloidal particles. The glycans on the glycoproteins may then be characterized, for example the composition and/or structure of glycans may be characterized or the glycans attached to proteins may be identified. Characterization may be accomplished by either binding the glycoprotein/colloidal particles with one or more binding agents and assessing the aggregation of the glycoprotein/colloidal particles or by cleaving glycans from the glycoprotein/colloidal particles with a cleaving agent and analyzing the glycans. | 11-24-2011 |
20110180150 | FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM - A fluid delivery system is described which provides stable flow rates over a range of different flow rates and while multiple fluids are being concurrently delivered. The delivery system includes one or more reservoirs each containing a respective fluid to be transferred. The reservoir(s) are positioned within a secondary fluid selected such that the reservoir(s) and their contents, i.e. the fluids to be transferred, float within the secondary fluid. One end of a flow conduit is submerged in each fluid to be transferred. A pressure differential is then induced in the flow conduit whereby fluid flow therein occurs. | 07-28-2011 |
20110041899 | Three Dimensionally Structured Thin Film Photovoltaic Devices with Self-Aligned Back Contacts - A process for producing three dimensionally structured thin film photovoltaic devices with self-aligned back contacts. The photovoltaic device is constructed using electrodeposition on micrometer-scale interdigitated electrodes on an insulating substrate. During fabrication, these interdigitated electrodes serve as the active electrodes for deposition of materials including semiconductors. After fabrication, these interdigitated electrodes serve as back contacts for carrier collection when the device is in use. The process can be used to fabricate homojunction, heterojunction and multijunction photovoltaic devices. | 02-24-2011 |
20100322826 | MAGNETIC CONNECTORS FOR MICROFLUIDIC APPLICATIONS - A magnetic connector assembly for microfluidic devices comprises a first magnetic connector with at least one orifice extending therethrough and a second magnetic connector. The first and second connectors are configured to magnetically attract each other. In one aspect, the first magnetic connector is configured to sealingly engage a surface of a microfluidic chip with the second magnetic connector disposed on an opposite side of the microfluidic chip. The first magnetic connector is configured to seal with the microfluidic chip about a channel opening in the microfluidic chip and provide flow communication between the channel opening and the orifice in the first magnetic connector. In at least one other aspect, the first magnetic connector and second magnetic connector each have at least one orifice and are configured to change a flow communication therebetween upon a rotation of the first or second magnetic connector with respect to the other magnetic connector. | 12-23-2010 |
20090320560 | RECIRCULATING TEMPERATURE WAVE FOCUSING CHROMATOGRAPHY - Systems and methods for performing chromatography separations or analyses are disclosed. The methods are based upon an equilibrium gradient focusing mode in contrast to conventional transient migration-based modes. By matching the migration speed of one or more analyte(s) of interest to the wave speed of a thermal gradient induced to travel along a region in which chromatographic partitioning occurs, significant improvements in detection limits are achieved. In particular, a temperature gradient focusing strategy is described in which analyte(s) of interest are circulated around a continuous chromatography system in order to focus the analyte(s). Also described are various devices and systems that can be used in the methods described herein. | 12-31-2009 |
20080296483 | MAGNETO-OPTICAL TRAP ION SOURCE - A system and method are disclosed for producing a source of ions, and particularly, a focused ion beam. The system and method use a magneto-optical trap (MOT) to produce a population of neutral atoms. A laser is then utilized to ionize atoms and produce a population of ions. An extraction element is then used to transfer the ions so that they can be used in a wide array of applications. | 12-04-2008 |
20080290007 | CENTRIFUGAL LENGTH SEPARATION OF CARBON NANOTUBES - Processes for separating carbon nanotubes according to their length are described. The processes involve forming highly dispersed systems of the nanotubes followed by creating an array of layers in a centrifugation vessel. Each layer contains dispersed nanotubes with varying proportions of a density adjusting agent. The vessel array includes a first layer containing the nanotubes to be separated, and one or more layers of lesser density disposed above the first layer. Upon centrifuging for a sufficient period of time, a series of liquid fractions form in the vessel. The average length of nanotubes in a respective fraction is different than the average length of nanotubes in the other fractions. | 11-27-2008 |