Lockheed Martin Corporation (Bethesda, MD)

A method of fabricating copper nanoparticles includes heating a copper salt solution that includes a copper salt, an N,N’-dialkylethylenediamine, and a C6-C18 alkylamine in an organic solvent to a temperature between about 30.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C.; heating a reducing agent solution that includes a reducing agent, an N,N’-dialkylethylenediamine, and a C6-C18 alkylamine in an organic solvent to a temperature between about 30.degree. C. up to 50.degree. C.; and adding the heated copper salt solution into the heated reduced agent solution, creating copper nanoparticles. A composition includes copper nanoparticles, a C6-C18 alkylamine and an N,N’-dialkylethylenediamine ligand. These copper nanoparticles in the composition possess a fusion temperature between about 100.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C. A surfactant system for the stabilizing copper nanoparticles includes an N,N’-dialkylethylenediamine and a C6-C18 alkylamine.

It remains difficult to form monodisperse copper nanoparticles. The formation of mondisperse copper nanoparticles remains an issue. A thermal CVD route to copper nanoparticles by decompositionof Cu[OCH(Me)CH.sub.2NMe.sub.2] has provided smaller nanoparticles on the order of 7.5 nm, but is not conducive to scale up and has not demonstrated access to even smaller particles. It is beneficial to create new, scaleable and cost-effective ways to production of monodisperse copper nanoparticles that have tiny effective diameters. This invention fulfills this requirement and has a number of benefits.

In some aspects, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of fabricating copper nanoparticles that includes: heating a copper salt solution comprising a copper salt, an N,N’-dialkylethylenediamine, and a C6-C18 alkylamine in an organicsolvent to a temperature between about 30.degree. C. to approximately 50.degree. C.; heating a reducing agent solution comprising a reducing agent, an N,N’-dialkylethylenediamine, and a C6-C18 alkylamine in an organic solvent to a temperature between about30.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. up to around 50.degree.

In some aspects, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a composition that includes copper nanoparticles, a C6-C18 alkylamine and an N,N’-dialkylethylenediamine ligand. The copper nanoparticles in the composition possess melting temperatures of around 100.degree. C. to around 200.degree. C.

In some aspects, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a surfactant system for the stabilizing copper nanoparticles that includes an N,N’-dialkylethylenediamine and a C6-C18 alkylamine.

Click here to view the patent on USPTO website.

 

Get Patents with PatentPC

What is a patent?

Granted by the government to safeguard an invention, patents give the inventor exclusive rights to use, create, market and promote the invention?society is benefited when a brand new technology is introduced into the marketplace. The benefits can be in the direct sense, since it may allow people to accomplish previously unattainable things. Or indirectly, by the economic benefits (business growth and employment) that the innovation offers.

Many drug firms and university researchers are seeking patent protection for their work and research. Patents are granted for the creation of a product, process or method for making new materials. Patent protection is granted to an invention that is useful or novel and is not yet known by other people in the same field.

Patents recognize and reward inventors for their commercially profitable inventions. They are an incentive to inventors to create. Small-scale businesses and inventors can be certain that they will receive a return on their investment in technology advancement through patents. This means they will be able to earn money from their work.

Companies that are able to:

Protect your innovative products and services.

Your product will be more prominent as well as valuable and appealing to customers.

Differentiate yourself and your products from others.

Access business and technical expertise and other information;

Avoid using content from third parties or losing valuable information, original outputs or any other creative output.

Patents can transform an inventor’s knowledge into a marketable asset, which creates new opportunities for employment creation and expansion of businesses through licensing or joint ventures.

Small companies that have patent protection will be more attractive to investors involved in the development and commercialization of technology.

Patenting can result in new inventions and ideas. This information could encourage creativity and could be eligible to be protected by patents.

Patents can serve to deter non-trustworthy third parties who profit from the invention’s success.

The profits from technology patents that are successful and commercially viable can be used to fund technological research and development (R&D) that will boost the likelihood of improved technology in the near future.

You can use intellectual property ownership to convince investors and lenders that your product has real commercial potential. Sometimes, one powerful patent could open the door to multiple financing opportunities. Patents can be used along with other IP assets as collateral or security financing. Investors may also look at your patent assets in order to increase their company valuation. Forbes and other publications have stated that every patent could boost the value of a company by anything from $500,000 to $1 million.

A properly-written business plan is essential for start-ups. It must be founded on IP and demonstrate the way your product or service is distinctive. Investors will be impressed if your IP rights are secure or are on the verge of becoming secure, and if they are in line with your business plan.

It is essential to keep your invention private until you apply for patent protection. Making an invention public prior to its filing often destroy its novelty and render it patent-infringing. Therefore, pre-filing disclosures (e.g. for testing-marketing investors, test-marketing, or for other business partners) must only be done following the signing of a confidentiality agreement.

There are many types of patents. Understanding them is crucial for protecting your invention. Utility patents cover inventions and processes that are new. Design patents cover ornamental designs. Utility patents are the most effective to protect the proprietor from copies and competitors. Patents for utility are usually issued to improve or alter existing inventions. They can also be used to improve or alter existing inventions. A process patent would describe the methods or actions of performing a particular act. A chemical composition would include the combination of components.

How long does a patent last? While utility patents last up to 20 years from their initial filing, they may be extended through delays at the patent office.

Do you want to protect your idea? Patents are granted only to applicants who file first, you need to start filing quickly. Call a patent attorney at PatentPC to file your invention today!

A patent search is a must when you’re drafting a patent application. This will allow you to discover different ideas and give you insights into the potential of them. This will allow you to limit the scope of your invention. Also, you can learn about the latest developments in your field of invention. This will help you to understand the scope of your invention as well as prepare you to file the patent application.

How to Search for Patents

The first step in getting the patent you want is to do an internet search for patents. You can do a google patent search or do a USPTO search. After the patent application has been submitted, the product that is covered by the application can be called patent-pending, and you can find the patent application online on the public pair. Once the patent office has approved your application, you will be able do an examination of the patent number to find the patent issued. Your product is now patent-able. In addition to the USPTO search engine, you can use other search engines such as espacenet, as detailed below. Patent lawyers or a patent attorney can help you through the procedure. Patents granted in the United States are granted by the US trademark and patent office, also known as the United States patent office and trademark office. This office also evaluates trademark applications.

Are you interested in similar patents? These are the steps to follow:

1. Brainstorm terms to describe your invention, based on its purpose, composition, or use.

Begin by writing down a concise detailed description of your idea. Be sure to avoid using terms that are generic such as “device,” “process,” and “system.” Look for synonyms to the terms you initially chose. Also, make note of key technical terms and keywords.

Utilize the following questions to help you determine keywords or concepts.

  • What’s the goal of the invention? Is it a utilitarian device or an ornamental design?
  • Is invention a way to create something or perform a function? Is it an item?
  • What is the composition of the invention? What is the physical composition of the invention?
  • What’s the purpose of the invention
  • What are technical terms and phrases that define the nature of an invention? A technical dictionary can help you identify the correct phrases.

2. These terms allow you to look up relevant Cooperative Patent Classifications on the Classification Search Tool. If you’re not able to find the right classification to describe your invention, go through the class Schemas (class schedules). If you don’t see any results from the Classification Text Search, you may want to consider replacing the words to describe your invention with synonyms.

3. Check the CPC Classification Definition for confirmation of the CPC classification you have found. If the classification you have selected is a blue box that has the letter “D” to its left, clicking on the hyperlink will take you to a CPC classification description. CPC classification definitions can help identify the specific classification’s scope which is why you can be certain to pick the most pertinent. In addition they can provide search tips and other suggestions that could be helpful in further investigation.

4. The Patents Full-Text Database and the Image Database allow you to search for patent documents that have the CPC classification. By focusing on abstracts and illustrations it is possible to narrow your search to find the most relevant patent publications.

5. This list of patent publications is the most appropriate to look at for any similarity to your idea. Pay close attention to the claims and specifications. Consult the applicant and patent examiner to obtain additional patents.

6. You can retrieve published patent applications that match the CPC classification that you chose in Step 3. The similar search strategy can be used as step 4. You can narrow your search results in order to locate the most relevant patent applications by reviewing the abstracts and drawings on every page. Next, examine the patent applications that have been published carefully and pay particular attention to the claims and other drawings.

7. Find other US patents using keywords search in AppFT or PatFT databases, classification searching of non-U.S. patents per below, and searching for non-patent publications of inventions with web search engines. Examples:

  • Add keywords to your search. Keyword searches may turn up documents that are not well-categorized or have missed classifications during Step 2. For example, US patent examiners often supplement their classification searches with keyword searches. Think about the use of technical engineering terminology rather than everyday words.
  • Search for foreign patents using the CPC classification. Then, re-run the search using international patent office search engines such as Espacenet, the European Patent Office’s worldwide patent publication database of over 130 million patent publications. Other national databases include:
  • Search non-patent literature. Inventions can be made public in many non-patent publications. It is recommended that you search journals, books, websites, technical catalogs, conference proceedings, and other print and electronic publications.

To review your search, you can hire a registered patent attorney to assist. A preliminary search will help one better prepare to talk about their invention and other related inventions with a professional patent attorney. In addition, the attorney will not spend too much time or money on patenting basics.