Surface tension mediated conversion of light to work

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 8899044
APP PUB NO 20110272598A1
SERIAL NO

13069131

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for converting light energy to mechanical energy by modification of surface tension on a supporting fluid. The apparatus comprises an object which may be formed as a composite object comprising a support matrix and a highly light absorptive material. The support matrix may comprise a silicon polymer. The highly light absorptive material may comprise vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VANTs) embedded in the support matrix. The composite object is supported on a fluid. By exposing the highly light absorptive material to light, heat is generated, which changes the surface tension of the composite object, causing it to move physically within the fluid.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA1111 FRANKLIN STREET TWELFTH FLOOR OAKLAND CA 94607-5200

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Frechet, Jean M J Oakland, US 71 2589
Okawa, David Berkeley, US 24 186
Pastine, Stefan J San Francisco, US 19 67
Zettl, Alexander K Kensington, US 57 486

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation

Maintenance Fees

Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee due date
11.5 Year Payment $7400.00 $3700.00 $1850.00 Jun 2, 2026
Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee
Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable $700.00 $350.00 $175.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00