公开(公告)号：US11307144B1

公开(公告)日：2022-04-19

申请号：US17023674

申请日：2020-09-17

Applicant: Waymo LLC

Inventor： John Simpson

IPC: G01N21/64 ,  G01S7/481 ,  G01Q60/22

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support structure defining therein substantially parallel cavities extending from a first side of the support structure to a second side of the support structure. The apparatus also includes optical fiber cores each extending from the second side through a corresponding cavity and protruding axially at the first side. The axial protrusion tapers from a first diameter down to a second diameter. The apparatus additionally includes a light emitter optically connected to the optical fiber cores and configured to emit light thereinto. A cut-off size associated with the light is greater than or equal to the second diameter such that an evanescent electromagnetic wave is generated at the cut-off portion. The apparatus further includes light detectors each being optically connected at the second side to a corresponding optical fiber core and configured to measure an intensity of the light reflected from the cut-off portion.

公开(公告)号：US11759821B1

公开(公告)日：2023-09-19

申请号：US16898482

申请日：2020-06-11

Applicant: Waymo LLC

Inventor： John Simpson

IPC: B33Y80/00 ,  B05D7/24 ,  B05D3/04 ,  B33Y40/20

CPC classification number: B05D7/24 ,  B05D3/04 ,  B33Y40/20 ,  B33Y80/00 ,  Y10T428/12479

Abstract: Porous solid members are provided that include, disposed on at least a portion of the internal surfaces of a plurality of channels thereof, a plurality of superhydrophobic particles. These particles inhibit ingress of water or other aqueous fluids into the internal spaces of the porous solid member, reducing the occurrence of corrosion, biological growth, or other unwanted effects of fluids present in the internal spaces. The porous solid member could be fabricated using 3D printing methods, e.g., the member could be a 3D printed aluminum or other metal(s). The plurality of superhydrophobic particles can be disposed on the internal surfaces of the channels within the porous solid member via a number of processes, e.g., by delivering the particles into the channels while disposed in a payload fluid that later evaporates.

公开(公告)号：US11364472B1

公开(公告)日：2022-06-21

申请号：US16881220

申请日：2020-05-22

Applicant: Waymo LLC

Inventor： John Simpson

IPC: B01D71/02 ,  C02F1/44 ,  B01D67/00 ,  C01B32/168 ,  B82Y30/00 ,  C02F103/08 ,  B82Y40/00

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nanochannel plates for use in reverse osmosis systems and methods of their manufacture. An example nanochannel plate includes a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface and the second surface are parallel to a major flat of the nanochannel plate. The nanochannel plate also includes a plurality of channels. At least one channel includes a carbon nanotube having a first end opening proximate to the first surface and a second end opening proximate to the second surface. Optionally, a core portion of the carbon nanotube could be configured to transport water from the first surface to the second surface or vice versa. Optionally, the core portion of the carbon nanotube has a core diameter of less than or equal to 0.7 nanometers.

公开(公告)号：US11320608B1

公开(公告)日：2022-05-03

申请号：US17023670

申请日：2020-09-17

Applicant: Waymo LLC

Inventor： John Simpson

IPC: H01J1/304 ,  H01J1/312 ,  H01J1/54 ,  G02B6/42 ,  G02B6/245 ,  G02B6/24 ,  G01Q60/22 ,  G01Q20/02

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a support structure including a cladding material and defining therein a plurality of substantially parallel cores. The article also includes a plurality of conically-shaped spikes protruding from a first side of the support structure. Each respective conically-shaped spike of the plurality of conically-shaped spikes includes a core material (i) extending through a corresponding core of the plurality of substantially parallel cores and (ii) comprising an axial protrusion that protrudes axially from the cladding material at the first side of the support structure. The axial protrusion of the core material is tapered to form the respective conically-shaped spike. The article also includes a refractory metal layer coating at least a portion of each respective conically-shaped spike and one or more electrodes connected to the refractory metal layer and configured to apply a voltage to the refractory metal layer.