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The use of Web-based educational products utilizing third-party servers to store student information is growing at a rapid rate in American colleges and universities. Federal FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) regulations, however, prohibit the storage of students' academic and personal information on third-party-servers. Smart Alias® software offers a simple solution to this problem by assigning each student an alias for use on the server, which is then converted back to the student's actual information. Overview

Components, such as microprocessors, generate heat which needs to be removed to keep the device operational. Current methods use flowing air or liquid, with liquid typically performing better. However, today’s electronic devices have ever increasing power density requirements, and associated increased heat generation challenges. Two phase heat transfer, wherein liquids are turned to vapor in the course of removing heat, demonstrate better thermal performance but introduce new challenges. These technologies offer possible solutions to those challenges. Improved Microchannel Heat Sink Design for Cooling of High Powered Electronics:
Overview | U.S. Patent Application
Pumpless System for Two-Phase Cooling of High Powered Electronics:
Overview

A semiconductor die is attached to a packaging substrate by a patterned layer of conductive metal that includes voids. The voids provide a space into which the metal may expand when heated in order to avoid placing mechanical stress on the bonds caused by high temperatures. This technology has applications for electronics to be used in extreme environments.  These patents are co-owned by Auburn University and the Boeing Company.  U.S. Patent 7,786,602 | U.S. Patent 7,939,376

Cell towers and other large antennas are expensive infrastructure that remain highly vulnerable to vandalism, terrorism and natural disasters. This invention embodies antennas consisting of nonwoven textiles with embedded metallic or other wave carrying fibers. These textiles would serve the needed purpose of the textile, such as geotextiles for road bed protection, while adding the functionality of electronic transmission. This could also be applied to other exterior building surfaces such as roofs and bridges. For road applications, geotextile antennas would be considerably less vulnerable to damage and likely much less expensive than the current infrastructure. Transmission through asphalt has been demonstrated at the prototype level. Overview | U.S. Patent 8,009,120

This invention filters mechanical vibrations in MEMS devices.  Based on comb drive actuators, it provides multi-dimensional vibration isolation and tunable dampening of vibrations at less cost and/or with better performance than current alternatives. Overview | U.S. Patent 7,355,318

This invention embodies a novel direct digital synthesis (DDS) architecture using high-order ΔΣ interpolators to remove quantization error. The presented DDS can achieve very low phase noise with small size and fine resolution, and thus provide a low cost and high performance means of frequency synthesis. Overview | U.S. Patent 7,577,695

The current manual analog testing process for high-speed RFICs is time consuming and costly, rising to as much as 50 percent of the manufacturing cost. As a result, only a small sample of RF circuitry is currently tested. This invention could, for the first time, make complete testing of RFIC chips economically feasible. Overview | U.S. Patent 7,428,683

This invention provides a cost effective way to identify latent defects in integrated circuits. The methodology is founded on the fact that manufacturing defects tend to cluster in scattered regions of the wafer, and on the related proven assumption that the probability of defects in a die correlates with the defect rate in neighboring dies. Overview | U.S. Patent 7,194,366 | U.S. Patent 7,409,306

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This technology is capable of detecting otherwise imperceptible defects and anomalies in transparent materials. The technology is cost effective, easy to implement and can be used to quantify defects over a large area. Potential applications for this technology include manufacturing quality control and static or impact testing. Some commercial products that can use this approach are window panes, windshields, lenses, transparent armor, and other optical materials. Overview

This technology combines carbon nanotubes and biomolecules to produce robust films with biological activity. Such films exhibit strong mechanical properties to stand up to long-term use and wear, while retaining the incorporated biological activity such as antimicrobial properties or enzymatic activity. This technology has potential applications in consumer products, medical equipment, and the defense industry. Overview | U.S. Patent Application

Syntactic foams are widely used in structural, marine and automotive applications. They demonstrate good compression response, energy absorption and impact resistance while reducing the overall weight. This invention is an improved syntactic foam with weight similar to epoxy syntactic foams but superior strength properties comparable to metal syntactic foams. Overview | U.S. Patent Application

These self-plasticizing copolymers allow for the assessment of a wide variety of ions without experiencing the negative effects of leaching, typically caused from using plasticizers. The key application for these sensors are for the detection of low levels of ions in bodily fluids for medical testing and research. Overview | Parent U.S. Patents: 7,201,876; 7,678,252; 7,247,489

Phase change materials are materials with high heats of fusion, meaning that they are capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy when they melt or solidify.  These nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials (NEPCM) show enhanced thermal conductivity and higher heat release rates over standard materials.  This suggests superior performance for thermal management applications, including insulation, energy storage and medical therapies.  A 2007 article on NEPCMs has made ScienceDirect's TOP25 Hottest Articles list and continued to be listed in the third quarter of 2009. U.S. Patent Application | Press Release on ScienceDirect

This new form of non-crystalline cellulose exhibits physical properties drastically different from a-cellulose and MCC. These unique properties include changes in morphology, surface area, porosity, crystallinity, bioavailability and viscosity in the wet form and density, melting point, reactivity, and water absorption in the dry form. Potential applications include use as a novel pharmaceutical excipient. NCCI Business Plan Executive Summary | U.S. Patent 7,977,473 (excipient applications)

This work is the first demonstration of the use of landscape phage as recognition elements for biosensors. As superior substitutes for antibodies, phage exhibit many features such as high affinity, field stability, and low cost that show utility in a variety of real-time applications. Overview | U.S. Patent 7,267,993 | U.S. Patent 7,670,765 | Related U.S. Patent: 7,138,238

This piezoelectric sensor allows for the detection of ligand-peptide interactions directly in tissue samples. Numerous sensing applications exist with this technology, including identification and detection of ligands specific to various organs, tissues, and cell types. U.S. Patent No. 7,138,238

This novel technique allows for controlled deposition of particles, resulting in more consistent nanoparticle thin films with fewer defects than films made using standard solvent evaporation techniques. This technology has applications in optical devices, sensors, catalysis and semiconductors. Overview | U.S. Patent 7,384,879

This high-performance, low cost electroactive co-polymer (EAP) can achieve a higher electrostrictive strain than similar EAPs, and has a wide range of potential applications, including actuators, transducers, artificial organs, and artificial muscles. Overview | U.S. Patent No. 7,608,976

This technology enables the microwave plasma-based growth of high quality diamond crystals and films using a liquid feedstock, creating a cheaper, easier, safer and more flexible process. Overview | U.S. Patent 7,622,151

With this efficient and economical polishing process, diamond surface roughness can be quickly brought down to 2-5 microns, with up to 30 microns of material removed in a 5 minute span. The simple technique provides for reduced diamond loss and can also be used to shape non-planar diamond structures. Overview | U.S. Patent No. 6,284,315

A composite is described having a 3D distribution of carbon nanotubes. The critical aspect of such composites is a nonwoven network of randomly oriented metallic fibers connected at their junctions to afford macropores in the spaces between the fibers. The composite has quite desirable properties for cold field electron emission and other electrode applications. This technology is available for license in certain fields of use. U.S. Patent No. 6,495,258

This rechargeable system keeps fabrics, paints and other surfaces of hospitals, clinics, day cares, and homes free of contaminations for an extended period of time. The n-halamine formulations inactivate bacteria and viruses on contact, and can be recharged using diluted household bleach. The treated surfaces also fight the build-up of mold and mildew, reducing problems associated with malodors, stains, and allergies. General Overview | U.S. Patent 7,335,373 | U.S. Patent Application #1
Overview of compound optimized for latex paints | U.S. Patent Application #2

There is a continuing need for more rapid and increasingly sensitive tools to detect and quantify the presence of dangerous pathogens. Further, with the advent of nanotechnology, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are becoming more prevalent in the environment, which raises potential health concerns. This novel method provides both improved gene detection and an enabling detection of CNTs in water. Overview

Current biodiesel production requires a lengthy heating step that consumes significant amounts of energy. With this invention, the heating step can be shortened by as much as 95%, significantly lowering the energy input required. Raw material and downstream processing costs are also reduced. This process has been demonstrated in the lab with canola oil and beef tallow, and is expected to be scalable. Overview | U.S. Patent Application

Despite often being superior to other methods, copper catalysts typically are not used industrially for organic synthesis due to residual copper interfering with subsequent reaction steps and/or the negative impact of any downstream residual metal.  This solid-phase extraction technology enables the use of these catalysts for such applications, allowing for a sustainable and more efficient synthesis approach. Overview | U.S. Patent Application

This ligand system preferentially binds uranium, demonstrating a measurable color shift upon such binding. This would allow for the visual detection of uranium in a sample or in the environment. A variety of formulations, such as solutions or sprays, could be developed for different applications. The strong binding to uranium enables functionality as a remediation or long-term storage solution. Overview | U.S. Patent Application

These chip-based microfluidics systems enable the rapid study of the behavior of biological enzyme reactions on microliter, nanoliter, and picoliter scales. The Protein Kinetics Chip allows for faster and less expensive determination of enzyme kinetic parameters using much less material than conventional experiments. The Kinetic Landscaper increases throughput, scope, control and automation to create 3-D landscapes of an enzyme’s general kinetic parameters. Both could be adapted for use with other biological interactions, such as protein:protein binding. Protein Kinetics Chip Overview | Kinetics Landscaper Overview | U.S. Patent Application
Additional microfluidic technologies: US 7,906,074 | U.S. Patent Publication 20110056575

This method for improved size fractionation of nanoparticles relies on the use of a gaseous antisolvent. Multiple monodisperse particle populations can be rapidly fractionated by adjusting only the gas pressure and the liquid location on a surface, thereby eliminating the difficulties associated with other methods that are time and solvent intensive, expensive and/or have limited throughput. Overview | U.S. Patent 8,215,489 | U.S. Patent Application

A di-Ruthenium substituted polyoxometallate can be used as a catalyst for the efficient electrochemical generation of oxygen. Advantages include chemical stability (even under strong oxidizing conditions), the ability to substitute different transition metals into the active site, the simplicity of preparation, and the ability to apply the catalyst to surfaces in a straightforward fashion. U.S. Patent No. 7,208,244

Ion-exchange technology often produces large volumes of spent brine containing high concentrations of contaminant, which can be difficult or cost prohibitive to process. A new class of zero-valent iron nanoparticles stabilized with starch or cellulose can degrade perchlorate or nitrate in spent ion exchange brine in an environmentally safe manner, something not possible by current techniques. Overview | U.S. Patent 7,635,236

Iron nanoparticles of varying compositions are prepared by adding a very low-cost stabilizer to prevent agglomeration, thereby maintaining their high surface area and reactivity. These stabilized nanoparticles demonstrate much higher reactivity, allowing for quicker and more complete remediation. This may improve and possibly enable remediation of such inorganic contaminants as arsenate, nitrate, chromate and perchlorate and such heavy metals as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury. Overview | U.S. Patent 7,581,902 (Heavy Metals) | U.S. Patent 7,635,236 (Inorganics)

Bimetallic nanoparticles are prepared by adding a very low-cost stabilizer to prevent agglomeration, thereby maintaining their high surface area and reactivity. These stabilized nanoparticles demonstrate much higher reactivity, allowing for quicker and more complete remediation. Additionally, this may enable remediation of some compounds currently considered untreatable, including PCB and TCE. Overview | U.S. Patent 7,887,880

Continuing efforts in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction have consistently produced at least 2-3 viable product concepts per year related to the construction and do-it-yourself markets. These concepts have addressed known problems of potential customers, have been at least initially vetted by industry feedback, and are typically taken to the functional prototype stage. A list of these inventions, as well as a proposed business plan based on them, is available through the link below. View list of technologies related to the construction industry

Working with Auburn University's nationally ranked Swimming & Diving Team, a group of mechanical engineering students have devised two new products. The first is a simple conversion kit that allows existing starting blocks to be brought up to meet new track-style regulations, but at the fraction of what new blocks would cost. The second is a novel timing device that trains athletes to improve their starts, by both decreasing reaction time and increasing force of their push off. Starting block conversion kits have already been delivered to the Auburn team, and both products have potential use in competitive pools and swim programs around the world. Overview for Starting Block Conversion Kit
Overview for Timing & Training Device

This ladder is designed as a safe, simple to understand, and easy to operate rescue device. Climbers can use this ladder for a variety of situations where they would have had difficulty before, providing safer and more efficient tactical rescue missions. Other applications, including law enforcement, research and recreational uses are also possible. This ladder is constructed to withstand dust, extreme high and low temperatures, and moisture. Overview

The purpose of the Drumbar Belt is to alleviate the discomfort stemming from fatigue and stress in the shoulders and back. Further, it aids to bring the drum closer to the drummer's body, creating more of a unit-like connection that increases maneuverability and thus performance. This device is already in use by local high schools, and has potential applications in every collegiate or high school level marching drumline around the country. Overview

Fuel cells are highly reliable alternate energy sources that can be used in mobile or remote locations such as automobiles, ships and farms, as well as for on-grid applications. This highly sensitive control system has the potential to improve the overall efficiency of fuel cells, provide safer and more reliable operations, and reduce the size of the cell. Overview | U.S. Patent Application

Plasma blasting is known to have several advantages over conventional blasting but has previously been too expensive. By redesigning the blasting probe and with the introduction of a specialized blasting fluid, the costs of plasma blasting can be significantly reduced. This method has the potential to improve blasting in mining, construction, space or other applications necessary for rock removal or demolition. Overview | U.S. Patent Application

Undesirable heat transfer is inevitable in storage vessels containing heated or cooled fluids. However, with the addition of a thin baffle, fluid dynamics can be significantly modified. For example, it is estimated that such baffles can reduce heat absorption by as much as 37% in liquid natural gas transport systems. This significantly lowers the energy needed to maintain the desired temperature, and in some applications can reduce the loss of product. Overview | U.S. Patent Application

Piezoelectric synthetic jet actuators takes in fluid along the surface of an aerodynamic object and then discharge it tangentially to reduce drag and delay stall. Delaying stall allows an airplane to fly more slowly at a given angle of attack or to fly at a higher angle of attack for a given speed. A lower stall speed also increases safety and shortens takeoffs and landings. U.S. Patent No. 6,796,533