Gaseous Core Patents (Class 376/319)
  • Patent number: 11049697
    Abstract: A single beam plasma or ion source apparatus is provided. Another aspect employs an ion source including multiple magnets and magnetic shunts arranged in a generally E cross-sectional shape. A further aspect of an ion source includes magnets and/or magnetic shunts which create a magnetic flux with a central dip or outward undulation located in an open space within a plasma source. In another aspect, an ion source includes a removeable cap attached to an anode body which surrounds the magnets. Yet a further aspect provides a single beam plasma source which generates ions simultaneously with target sputtering and at the same internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignees: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University, Fraunhofer USA
    Inventors: Qi Hua Fan, Thomas Schuelke, Lars Haubold, Michael Petzold
  • Patent number: 11000705
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for imaging a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) accelerating the positively charged particles to a relativistic energy using an accelerator; (2) transporting the positively charged particles from the accelerator, through a beam transport system, through an output nozzle of the beam transport system, and through the patient to yield a residual particle beam comprising a residual relativistic velocity; (3) determining the residual relativistic velocity using a first time of flight detector and a second time of flight detector separated by a separation distance; and (4) generating a positively charged particle computed tomography image using the residual relativistic velocity, where individual particles in the residual particle beam comprise a second mass of at least 1.02 times that of a first mass of the individual particles prior to the step of accelerating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventors: W. Davis Lee, Maureen Petterson
  • Patent number: 10379530
    Abstract: In systems, such as sensor systems, an output signal of the system (e.g. output of the sensor corresponding to a sensed characteristic) can be generated and provided. In response to a detected error, the output signal can be adjusted to generate an error indication signal pulse to indicate that an error has been detected. The output signal can then be adjusted to return to a signal level corresponding to the sensed characteristic. In response to the error being resolved, an error resolution signal pulse can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Simon Hainz, Robert Hermann
  • Patent number: 10366183
    Abstract: The present system for modeling intelligent sensor selection and placement takes signal and sensor information and calculates a statistical inference. As signal data passes through a series of processors, it is transformed by functions to account for signal emission, sensor reception, environmental factors, and noise. This produces a simulation of what the emitted signal would appear to be at a given sensor. The system may be used to select the most effective sensors for a given area or to determine the best sensor coverage for a given area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
    Inventor: David Keith Wilson
  • Patent number: 9869796
    Abstract: An accelerometer or a seismometer using an in-plane suspension geometry having a suspension plate and at least one fixed capacitive plate. The suspension plate is formed from a single piece and includes an external frame, a pair of flexural elements, and an integrated proof mass between the flexures. The flexural elements allow the proof mass to move in the sensitive direction in the plane of suspension while restricting movement in all off-axis directions. Off-axis motion of the proof mass is minimized by the use of intermediate frames disbursed within and between the flexural elements. Intermediate frames can include motion stops to prevent further relative motion during overload conditions. The device can also include a dampening structure, such as a spring or gas structure that includes a trapezoidal piston and corresponding cylinder, to provide damping during non-powered states. The capacitive plate is made of insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Kinemetrics, Inc.
    Inventors: William Thomas Pike, Ian Standley
  • Patent number: 9438372
    Abstract: A device and method for neutralizing the effect of a jamming signal on a satellite. The device is configured to be on the ground and it includes an identification device configured to determine parameters of the jamming signal; a processor configured to generate a replica of the jamming signal; an emitter configured to broadcast the replica of the jamming signal on the uplink of the satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: EUTELSAT S A
    Inventors: Sonya Amos, Hector Fenech
  • Patent number: 9123850
    Abstract: An electric generator is disclosed that includes a duct configured to direct hyperthermal air molecules toward a source of exothermic fuel, a fuel dispenser configured to dispense fuel into a flow of the hyperthermal air molecules to cause a hyperthermic chemical reaction between the fuel and the hyperthermal air molecules that produces highly internally excited air molecules. The excited molecules amplify a seed current. Power harvesting cells are configured to capture and convert the amplified current to electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward H. Allen, Andrew G. York
  • Patent number: 8537961
    Abstract: Disclosed is an advanced process that relates to the enhanced production of energy using the integration of multiple thermal cycles (Brayton and Rankine) that employ multiple fuels, multiple working fluids, turbines and equipment. The method includes providing a nuclear reactor, reactor working fluid, heat exchangers, compressors, and multiple turbines to drive compressors that pressurize a humidified working fluid that is combusted with fuel fired in at least one gas turbine. The turbine(s) provide for electrical energy, processes or other mechanical loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Keller
  • Patent number: 7961835
    Abstract: Disclosed is an advanced process that relates to the enhanced production of energy using the integration of multiple thermal cycles (Brayton and Rankine) that employ multiple fuels, multiple working fluids, turbines and equipment. The method includes providing a nuclear reactor, reactor working fluid, heat exchangers, compressors, and multiple turbines to drive compressors that pressurize a humidified working fluid that is combusted with fuel fired in at least one gas turbine. The turbine(s) provide for electrical energy, processes or other mechanical loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Michael F. Keller
  • Patent number: 5428653
    Abstract: A bimodal nuclear power and propulsion system for space is disclosed. Closed cycle heat engines are in operative association with each sector of a sectored reactor core. Heat exchangers employing waste heat, electric power and reactor heat are used to heat propellant to increase Isp. Non-nuclear ground testing of the system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: University of New Mexico
    Inventor: Mohamed El-Genk
  • Patent number: 5087412
    Abstract: A nuclear reactor using gas as a primary coolant and a liquid as a moderator and/or reflector. Gas coolant flows through inlet passages around the outlet plenum to a distributor plate. The gas is directed between fuel element housing thimbles and fuel elements therein, through the fuel elements, and into the reactor outlet plenum. Fins on the thimble housings conduct heat to the gas from a liquid moderator circulating in the core. The use of a liquid moderator enhances safety, allows the fissile material and reactor mass to be reduced and eliminates problems associated with cooling of a solid moderator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Billy E. Bingham, John R. Coiner, Jr., William G. Pettus, Barrett J. Short
  • Patent number: 5020411
    Abstract: A portable-mobile-self propelled weapons plateform. Said plateform being propelled by an automated array of plasma engines coupled to a plasma source, energy source and further being coupled to energy weapon systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Larry Rowan
  • Patent number: 4415525
    Abstract: A heterogeneous gas core nuclear reactor comprising a core barrel provided interiorly with an array of moderator-containing tubes and being otherwise filled with a fissile and/or fertile gaseous fuel medium. The fuel medium may be flowed through the chamber and through an external circuit in which heat is extracted. The moderator may be a fluid which is flowed through the tubes and through an external circuit in which heat is extracted. The moderator may be a solid which may be cooled by a fluid flowing within the tubes and through an external heat extraction circuit. The core barrel is surrounded by moderator/coolant material. Fissionable blanket material may be disposed inwardly or outwardly of the core barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventors: Nils J. Diaz, Edward T. Dugan