Patents by Inventor Mark S. Gaspar

Mark S. Gaspar 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).

  • Controlled sample orientation and rotation in an acoustic levitator
    Patent number: 4777823
    Abstract: A system is described for use with acoustic levitators, which can prevent rotation of a levitated object or control its orientation and/or rotation. The acoustic field is made nonsymmetrical about the axis of the levitator, to produce an orienting torque that resists sample rotation. In one system, a perturbating reflector is located on one side of the axis of the levitator, at a location near the levitated object. In another system, the main reflector surface towards which incoming acoustic waves are directed is nonsymmetrically curved about the axis of the levitator. The levitated object can be reoriented or rotated in a controlled manner by repositioning the reflector producing the nonsymmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Martin B. Barmatz, Mark S. Gaspar, Eugene H. Trinh
  • Single transducer levitator
    Patent number: 4573356
    Abstract: A method is described for using acoustic waves to hold an object in position against wandering in any direction, by the use of a single transducer. Formulas are provided for levitating an object along an axis of a rectangular or cylindrical chamber or the center of a spherical chamber. The formulas take into account the relative volume of the object to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Martin B. Barmatz, James L. Allen, Mark S. Gaspar