Patents by Inventor Brian J. Jensen

Brian J. Jensen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210360841
    Abstract: Aspects relate to building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: DONALD L. THOMSEN, III, ROBERTO J. CANO, BRIAN J. JENSEN, STEPHEN J. HALES, JOEL A. ALEXA
  • Patent number: 11076516
    Abstract: Aspects relate to methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASA
    Inventors: Donald L. Thomsen, III, Roberto J. Cano, Brian J. Jensen, Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa
  • Publication number: 20190053407
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: DONALD L. THOMSEN, III, ROBERTO J. CANO, BRIAN J. JENSEN, STEPHEN J. HALES, JOEL A. ALEXA
  • Patent number: 10039217
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect. the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASA
    Inventors: Donald Laurence Thomsen, III, Roberto J. Cano, Brian J. Jensen, Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa
  • Patent number: 10026540
    Abstract: Magnetic components and a method for making them are described. A conducting material may be cut using a high power laser such as, but not limited to, a rare-earth fiber laser such as a Ytterbium fiber laser. Alternatively, a conducting material may be cut using an abrasive water jet. The magnetic components may be planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: VISHAY DALE ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: Steven R. Bodenstedt, Brian J. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9963345
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite material includes utilizing a radio frequency plasma process to form a plasma plume comprising nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may comprise boron nitride nanoparticles, silicon carbide nanoparticles, beryllium oxide nanoparticles, or carbon nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may comprise nanotubes or other particles depending on the requirements of a particular application. The nanoparticles are deposited on a substrate by directing a plasma plume towards the substrate. The nanoparticles are formed in the plasma plume immediately prior to being deposited on the substrate. The nanoparticles may form a mechanical bond with the fibers in addition to a chemical bond in the absence of a catalyst. The substrate may comprise a fiber fabric that may optionally be coated with a thin layer of metal. Alternatively, the substrate may comprise a solid material such as a metal sheet or plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Peter T. Lillehei
  • Patent number: 9447260
    Abstract: High quality thermoplastic composites and composite laminates containing nanoparticles and/or nanofibers, and methods of producing such composites and laminates are disclosed. The composites comprise a thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of nanoparticles, and may include a fibrous structural reinforcement. The composite laminates are formed from a plurality of nanoparticle-containing composite layers and may be fused to one another via an automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Mark B. Gruber, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano
  • Publication number: 20150287519
    Abstract: Magnetic components and a method for making them are described. A conducting material may be cut using a high power laser such as, but not limited to, a rare-earth fiber laser such as a Ytterbium fiber laser. Alternatively, a conducting material may be cut using an abrasive water jet. The magnetic components may be planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: Vishay Dale Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Bodenstedt, Brian J. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140272170
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite material includes utilizing a radio frequency plasma process to form a plasma plume comprising nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may comprise boron nitride nanoparticles, silicon carbide nanoparticles, beryllium oxide nanoparticles, or carbon nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may comprise nanotubes or other particles depending on the requirements of a particular application. The nanoparticles are deposited on a substrate by directing a plasma plume towards the substrate. The nanoparticles are formed in the plasma plume immediately prior to being deposited on the substrate. The nanoparticles may form a mechanical bond with the fibers in addition to a chemical bond in the absence of a catalyst. The substrate may comprise a fiber fabric that may optionally be coated with a thin layer of metal. Alternatively, the substrate may comprise a solid material such as a metal sheet or plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Peter T. Lillehei, Robert G. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8661653
    Abstract: Methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the methods include improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Donald Laurence Thomsen, III, Roberto J. Cano, Brian J Jensen, Stephen J Hales, Joel A Alexa
  • Publication number: 20120023737
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Donald L. Thomsen, III, Roberto J. Cano, Brian J. Jensen, Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa
  • Patent number: 8017190
    Abstract: A metal/fiber laminate has a plurality of adjacent layers. Each layer is porous and includes an arrangement of fibers. At least one of the layers has its fibers coated with a metal. A polymer matrix permeates each such arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Erik S. Weiser
  • Publication number: 20110070793
    Abstract: A metal/fiber laminate has a plurality of adjacent layers. Each layer is porous and includes an arrangement of fibers. At least one of the layers has its fibers coated with a metal. A polymer matrix permeates each such arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicants: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics
    Inventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Erik S. Weiser
  • Patent number: 7851062
    Abstract: A metal/fiber laminate has a plurality of adjacent layers. Each layer is porous and includes an arrangement of fibers. At least one of the layers has its fibers coated with a metal. A polymer matrix permeates each such arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Erik S. Weiser
  • Publication number: 20100218890
    Abstract: High quality thermoplastic composites and composite laminates containing nanoparticles and/or nanofibers, and methods of producing such composites and laminates are disclosed. The composites comprise a thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of nanoparticles, and may include a fibrous structural reinforcement. The composite laminates are formed from a plurality of nanoparticle-containing composite layers and may be fused to one another via an automated process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Mark B. Gruber, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano
  • Patent number: 7595112
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal/composite hybrid laminate is provided. One or more layered arrangements are stacked on a solid base to form a layered structure. Each layered arrangement is defined by a fibrous material and a perforated metal sheet. A resin in its liquid state is introduced along a portion of the layered structure while a differential pressure is applied across the laminate structure until the resin permeates the fibrous material of each layered arrangement and fills perforations in each perforated metal sheet. The resin is cured thereby yielding a metal/composite hybrid laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Roberto J. Cano, Brian W. Grimsley, Erik S. Weiser, Brian J. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7541388
    Abstract: A fully imidized, solvent-free polyimide foam having excellent mechanical, acoustic, thermal, and flame resistant properties is produced. A first solution is provided, which includes one or more aromatic dianhydrides or derivatives of aromatic dianhydrides, and may include one or more aromatic diamines, dissolved in one or more polar solvents, along with an effective amount of one or more blowing agents. This first solution may also advantageously include effective amounts respectively of one or mores catalysts, one or more surfactants, and one or more fire retardants. A second solution is also provided which includes one or more isocyanates. The first and second solutions are rapidly and thoroughly mixed to produce an admixture, which is allowed to foam—in an open container, or in a closed mold—under ambient conditions to completion produce a foamed product. This foamed product is then cured by high frequency electromagnetic radiation, thermal energy, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Juan M. Vazquez, Roberto J. Cano, Brian J. Jensen, Erik S. Weiser
  • Publication number: 20090022975
    Abstract: A metal/fiber laminate has a plurality of adjacent layers. Each layer is porous and includes an arrangement of fibers. At least one of the layers has its fibers coated with a metal. A polymer matrix permeates each such arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Erik S. Weiser
  • Publication number: 20090004460
    Abstract: High quality thermoplastic composites and composite laminates containing nanoparticles and/or nanofibers, and methods of producing such composites and laminates are disclosed. The composites comprise a thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of nanoparticles, and may include a fibrous structural reinforcement. The composite laminates are formed from a plurality of nanoparticle-containing composite layers and may be fused to one another via an automated process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Mark B. Gruber, Mark A. Lamontia, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano
  • Patent number: 7186367
    Abstract: A double vacuum bag molding assembly with improved void management and laminate net shape control which provides a double vacuum environment for use in fabricating composites from prepregs containing air and/or volatiles such as reactive resin matrix composites or composites from solvent containing prepregs with non-reactive resins matrices. By using two vacuum environments during the curing process, a vacuum can be drawn during a B-stage of a two-step cycle without placing the composite under significant relative pressure. During the final cure stage, a significant pressure can be applied by releasing the vacuum in one of the two environments. Inner and outer bags are useful for creating the two vacuum environments with a perforated tool intermediate the two. The composite is placed intermediate a tool plate and a caul plate in the first environment with the inner bag and tool plate defining the first environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Tan-Hung Hou, Brian J. Jensen