Patents by Inventor William A. Oran

William A. Oran 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).

  • Gas levitator having fixed levitation node for containerless processing
    Patent number: 4378209
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for levitating a specimen of material in a containerless environment at a stable nodal position independent of gravity which includes providing an elongated levitation tube 10 having contoured interior in the form of convergent section 12, constriction 15 and divergent section 14 wherein the levitation node 16 is created. Gas flow control means 30, 54 controls flow to prevent separation of flow from the interior walls in the region of specimen 18. Apparatus 64, 66, provides for levitating and heating the specimen 18 simultaneously by combustion of a suitable gas mixture combined with an inert gas 74.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Leroy H. Berge, William A. Oran, John M. Theiss
  • Method and apparatus for shaping and enhancing acoustical levitation forces
    Patent number: 4218921
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing and shaping acoustical levitation forces in a single-axis acoustic resonance system wherein specially shaped drivers and reflectors are utilized to enhance the levitation force and better contain fluid substances by means of field shaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: William A. Oran, LeRoy H. Berge, Donald A. Reiss, Jerry L. Johnson