Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm George L. Craig
-
Patent number: 5459366Abstract: A gamma radiation intensity meter measures dose rate of a radiation field. The gamma radiation intensity meter includes a tritium battery emitting beta rays generating a current which is essentially constant. Dose rate is correlated to an amount of movement of an electroscope element charged by the tritium battery. Ionizing radiation decreases the voltage at the element and causes movement. A bleed resistor is coupled between the electroscope support element or electrode and the ionization chamber wall electrode.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Louis H. Thacker
-
Patent number: 5455126Abstract: Described is a thin-film battery, especially a thin-film microbattery, and a method for making same having application as a backup or primary integrated power source for electronic devices. The battery includes a novel electrolyte which is electrochemically stable and does not react with the lithium anode and a novel vanadium oxide cathode Configured as a microbattery, the battery can be fabricated directly onto a semiconductor chip, onto the semiconductor die or onto any portion of the chip carrier. The battery can be fabricated to any specified size or shape to meet the requirements of a particular application. The battery is fabricated of solid state materials and is capable of operation between -15.degree. C. and 150.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: John B. Bates, Nancy J. Dudney, Greg R. Gruzalski, Christopher F. Luck
-
Patent number: 5450812Abstract: A process and structure wherein a film comprised of a perovskite or a spinel is built epitaxially upon a surface, such as an alkaline earth oxide surface, involves the epitaxial build up of alternating constituent metal oxide planes of the perovskite or spinel. The first layer of metal oxide built upon the surface includes a metal element which provides a small cation in the crystalline structure of the perovskite or spinel, and the second layer of metal oxide built upon the surface includes a metal element which provides a large cation in the crystalline structure of the perovskite or spinel. The layering sequence involved in the film build up reduces problems which would otherwise result from the interfacial electrostatics at the first atomic layers, and these oxides can be stabilized as commensurate thin films at a unit cell thickness or grown with high crystal quality to thicknesses of 0.5-0.7 .mu.m for optical device applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1993Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Rodney A. McKee, Frederick J. Walker
-
Patent number: 5399397Abstract: An insulative structure including a powder-filled evacuated casing utilizes a quantity of finely divided synthetic calcium silicate having a relatively high surface area. The resultant structure-provides superior thermal insulating characteristics over a broad temperature range and is particularly well-suited as a panel for a refrigerator or freezer or the insulative barrier for a cooler or a insulated bottle.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Kollie, Robert J. Lauf
-
Patent number: 5359879Abstract: A scanning micro-sclerometer measures changes in contact stiffness and correlates these changes to characteristics of a scratch. A known force is applied to a contact junction between two bodies and a technique employing an oscillating force is used to generate the contact stiffness between the two bodies. As the two bodies slide relative to each other, the contact stiffness changes. The change is measured to characterize the scratch.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1992Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Warren C. Oliver, Peter J. Blau
-
Patent number: 5354583Abstract: An ion beam deposition process for selective area deposition on a polarized substrate uses a potential applied to the substrate which allows the ionized particles to reach into selected areas for film deposition. Areas of the substrate to be left uncoated are held at a potential that repells the ionized particles.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Raymond A. Zuhr, Tony E. Haynes, Andrzej Golanski
-
Patent number: 5352040Abstract: Simultaneous measurement of neutron flux and temperature is provided by a single sensor which includes a phosphor mixture having two principal constituents. The first constituent is a neutron sensitive 6LiF and the second is a rare-earth activated Y203 thermophosphor. The mixture is coated on the end of a fiber optic, while the opposite end of the fiber optic is coupled to a light detector. The detected light scintillations are quantified for neutron flux determination, and the decay is measured for temperature determination.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1994Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: John T. Mihalczo, Marc L. Simpson, Stephanie A. McElhaney
-
Patent number: 5338625Abstract: Described is a thin-film battery, especially a thin-film microbattery, and a method for making same having application as a backup or primary integrated power source for electronic devices. The battery includes a novel electrolyte which is electrochemically stable and does not react with the lithium anode and a novel vanadium oxide cathode Configured as a microbattery, the battery can be fabricated directly onto a semiconductor chip, onto the semiconductor die or onto any portion of the chip carrier. The battery can be fabricated to any specified size or shape to meet the requirements of a particular application. The battery is fabricated of solid state materials and is capable of operation between -15.degree. C. and 150.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1992Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: John B. Bates, Nancy J. Dudney, Greg R. Gruzalski, Christopher F. Luck
-
Patent number: 5338938Abstract: A gamma radiation intensity meter measures dose rate of a radiation field. The gamma radiation intensity meter includes a tritium battery emitting beta rays generating a current which is essentially constant. Dose rate is correlated to an amount of movement of an electroscope element charged by the tritium battery. Ionizing radiation decreases the voltage at the element and causes movement. A bleed resistor is coupled between the electroscope support element or electrode and the ionization chamber wall electrode.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Louis H. Thacker
-
Patent number: 5306646Abstract: The invention pertains to the production of ceramic substrates used in the manufacture of thin-film photovoltaic cells used for directly converting solar energy to electrical energy. Elongated ribbon-like sheets of substrate precursor containing a mixture of ceramic particulates, a binder, and a plasticizer are formed and then while green provided with a mechanically textured surface region used for supporting the thin film semiconductor of the photovoltaic cell when the sheets of the substrate precursor are subsequently cut into substrate-sized shapes and then sintered. The textured surface pattern on the substrate provides enhanced light trapping and collection for substantially increasing the solar energy conversion efficiency of thin-film photovoltaic cells.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1992Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Lauf
-
Patent number: 5255199Abstract: A compensation system for a computer-controlled machining apparatus having a controller and including a cutting tool and a workpiece holder which are movable relative to one another along a preprogrammed path during a machining operation utilizes a camera and a vision computer for gathering information at a preselected stage of a machining operation relating to the actual shape and size of the cutting edge of the cutting tool and for altering the preprogrammed path in accordance with detected variations between the actual size and shape of the cutting edge and an assumed size and shape of the cutting edge. The camera obtains an image of the cutting tool against a background so that the cutting tool and background possess contrasting light intensities, and the vision computer utilizes the contrasting light intensities of the image to locate points therein which correspond to points along the actual cutting edge.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1990Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: William E. Barkman, Edwin F. Babelay, Jr., Edward J. Klages
-
Patent number: 5229604Abstract: Disclosed herein is a radiation detector providing for the in situ automatic sampling of fluids containing substances emitting radiation, especially Cerenkov radiation. The detector permits sampling within well casings and is self-purging such that no additional provisions must be established for the storage and disposal of contaminated fluids.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1992Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: I. Lauren Larson, Marion M. Chiles, V. Clint Miller
-
Patent number: 5225031Abstract: A process and structure involving a silicon substrate utilizes an ultra high vacuum and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) methods to grow an epitaxial oxide film upon a surface of the substrate. As the film is grown, the lattice of the compound formed at the silicon interface becomes stabilized, and a base layer comprised of an oxide having a sodium chloride-type lattice structure grows epitaxially upon the compound so as to cover the substrate surface. A perovskite may then be grown epitaxially upon the base layer to render a product which incorporates silicon, with its electronic capabilities, with a perovskite having technologically-significant properties of its own.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1991Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Rodney A. McKee, Frederick J. Walker
-
Patent number: 5184286Abstract: A process for manufacturing tantalum capacitors in which microwave energy is used to sinter a tantalum powder compact in order to achieve higher surface area and improved dielectric strength. The process comprises cold pressing tantalum powder with organic binders and lubricants to form a porous compact. After removal of the organics, the tantalum compact is heated to 1300.degree. to 2000.degree. C. by applying microwave radiation. Said compact is then anodized to form a dielectric oxide layer and infiltrated with a conductive material such as MnO.sub.2. Wire leads are then attached to form a capacitor to said capacitor is hermetically packaged to form the finished product.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1992Date of Patent: February 2, 1993Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Lauf, Cressie E. Holcombe, Norman L. Dykes
-
Patent number: 5149971Abstract: A scintillator assembly for use in the detection of alpha radiation includes a body of optically-transparent epoxy and an amount of phosphor particles embedded within the body adjacent one surface thereof. When making the body, the phosphor particles are mixed with the epoxy when in an uncured condition and permitted to settle to the bottom surface of a mold within which the epoxy/phosphor mixture is contained. When the mixture subsequently cures to form a hardened body, the one surface of the body which cured against the bottom surface of the mold is coated with a thin layer of opaque material for preventing ambient light form entering the body through the one surface. The layer of opaque material is thereafter coated with a layer of protective material to provide the assembly with a damage-resistant entrance window.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephanie A. McElhaney, Martin L. Bauer, Marion M. Chiles
-
Patent number: 5083450Abstract: Described is a new gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC/MS) system and method for quantitative analysis of reactive chemical compounds. All components of such a GC/MS system external to the oven of the gas chromatograph are programmably temperature controlled to operate at a volatilization temperature specific to the compound(s) sought to be separated and measured.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1990Date of Patent: January 28, 1992Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Quirinus G. Grindstaff
-
Patent number: 4916651Abstract: A floating point processor (10) is provided having a multiplier (48) and an ALU (54) for performing arithmetic calculations simultaneously. The output of the multiplier (48) and ALU (54) are stored in a product register (64) and a sum register (66), respectively. Multiplexers (40,42,44,46) are provided at the inputs to the multiplier (48) and the ALU (54). The multiplexers choose between data in input registers (32,34), product and sum registers (64,66), and an output register (76). Since the multiplier (48) and ALU (54) operate simultaneously, and since the outputs of the multiplier (48) and ALU (54) are available to the multiplexers (40-46), product of sums calculations and sum of products calculations may be performed rapidly. An input stage (12) uses a temporary register (18) to store data from a data bus on the first clock edge, and configuration logic (28) for directing data from the data bus and the temporary register (18) to the input registers (32,34) on a second clock edge.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1988Date of Patent: April 10, 1990Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Michael C. Gill, Henry M. Darley, Edison H. Chiu, Jeffrey A. Niehaus
-
Patent number: 4914317Abstract: An output load drive circuit including circuitry for adjusting a drive circuit bias current during operation in order to control driver circuit stability. The driver further includes circuitry which is self adjusting in response to ambient temperature fluctuations to control the overall gain of the driver.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1988Date of Patent: April 3, 1990Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Dan Agiman
-
Patent number: 4901129Abstract: A bulk charge modulated transistor threshold sensing element (12) comprises a first region (18) having an enclosed structure, a gate region (24) that is preferably generally endless in shape, and a second region (26) to the interior of the gate region (24). The gate region (24) is doped and biased such that a potential well (100) is formed in the semiconductor substrate (11) a substantial distance from the surface thereof. When light (90) impinges on the element of the invention, carriers (94) collect in the potential well (100) in response thereto. The carriers (94) affect the threshold voltage of the transistor sensor element, and a threshold voltage differential is sensed as the sensing signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1989Date of Patent: February 13, 1990Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Jaroslav Hynecek
-
Patent number: 4897594Abstract: Circuitry for providing unlimited, self-adjusted drive current and suitable for power applications is described. A four terminal high efficiency, high gain driver circuit including enabling circuitry is provided along with a positive feedback loop that is designed to provide unlimited drive current which automatically adjusts to the load requirement. The drive circuit includes a startup transistor, drive regulation transistors, predrive transistors, a driving or output transistor, and a current splitter. The drive regulation transistors and the current splitter provide a positive feedback loop which supplies current to the predrive transistors and the driving transistor. Under typical loading conditions, feedback loop operation will cause the collector to emitter voltage of the driving transistor to decrease which causes the drive regulation transistors to saturate. This condition decreases positive feedback loop drive which in turn regulates the predrive current to the level required by the load.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1989Date of Patent: January 30, 1990Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Dan Agiman