Patents Represented by Attorney Howard J. Osborn
  • Patent number: 4453163
    Abstract: Display for use on propeller driven aircraft comprised of a radially disposed row of lamps 12 embedded in the rear surface of a propeller 11. Measurements of flight data are made by conventional means and converted into digital signals (15 and 18). These digital signals are applied to graphic generators, 16 and 19, which control lamp drivers 13 which in turn control lamps 12 through slip rings 14. The lamps 12 are lit at appropriate times (determined by sync pulses 17) during each revolution of the propeller to cause the flight data in graphic form to appear to the pilot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: H. Douglas Garner, William E. Howell
  • Patent number: 4449400
    Abstract: An anemometer utilizing a radionuclide counting technique for measuring both the velocity and the direction of wind. A pendulum 12 consisting of a wire 13 and a ball 14 with a source of radiation 15 on the lower surface of the ball is positioned by the wind. Detectors 16, 17 and 18 are located in a plane perpendicular to pendulum 13 (no wind). The detectors are located on the circumference of a circle and are equidistant from each other as well as the undisturbed (no wind) source ball position. The ratio of the outputs of detectors 16 and 17, and the ratio of the outputs of detectors 17 and 18 are applied to a processor 23 to select from the data stored in the processor the wind velocity V and the wind direction .phi..In a second embodiment of the invention (FIG. 10) the pendulum consists of a wire 27, a heavy ball 24, a string 28 and a lighter ball 25 with radiation sources on the lower surfaces of both balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Jag J. Singh
  • Patent number: 4447943
    Abstract: An X-ray transparent and biological inert medical clip for treating aneurisms and the like and process for producing same wherein a graphite reinforced composite film 15, 16, 20 and 21 (FIGS. 1a-1d) is molded into a unitary structure having a pair of "hourglass" like cavities 30, 31 (FIG. 2) hinged together (33) with a pair of jaws 27 and 28 for grasping the aneurism extending from the wall of one cavity and a silicone rubber pellet 35 (FIG. 3) disposed in the other cavity to exert a spring force through the hinge area 33 to normally bias the jaws into contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Robert M. Baucom
  • Patent number: 4446757
    Abstract: A directional gear ratio transmission which transfers all clockwise inputs at a gear ratio different from all counter clockwise inputs. A transmission housing 10 encloses first and second epicyclic gear assemblies, 20 and 60, which are controlled by first and second undirectional clutches, 90 and 95, and has a first shaft 11 and a second shaft 12 extending therefrom. Within the first epicyclic gear assembly 20 is a first sun gear 21 connected to the first shaft 11. First planet gears, 24, 25 and 26, mesh with the first sun gear 21and are held symmetrically about the first sun gear by a first planet gear carrier 36. A first ring gear 33 surrounds, and is also in mesh with the first planet gears 24, 25 and 26. Within the second epicyclic gear assembly 60 is a second sun gear 61 interconnected with the first planet gear carrier 36, by a connecting shaft 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Alan E. La Fever
  • Patent number: 4445378
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the acoustic impedance of a surface in which the surface is used to enclose one end of the chamber of a Helmholz resonator. Acoustic waves are generated in the neck of the resonator by a piston driven by a variable speed motor through a cam assembly. The acoustic waves are measured in the chamber and the frequency of the generated acoustic waves is measured by an optical device. These measurements are used to compute the compliance and conductance of the chamber and surface combined. The same procedure is followed with a calibration plate having infinite acoustic impedance enclosing the chamber of the resonator to compute the compliance and conductance of the chamber alone. Then by subtracting, the compliance and conductance for the surface is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Allan J. Zuckerwar
  • Patent number: 4446396
    Abstract: A piezoelectric crystal with several concentric ring electrodes on one side of the crystal. A resistor network applies different amplitudes of an AC source to each of the several electrodes. A plot of the different amplitudes from the outermost electrode to the innermost electrode is the first half of a Gaussian function. Consequently, the output of the crystal from the side opposite the electrodes has a Gaussian profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Richard O. Claus, Paul S. Zerwekh
  • Patent number: 4444979
    Abstract: Novel polyphenylene ethers with imide linking units are disclosed. These polymers incorporate the solvent and thermal resistance of polyimides and the processability of polyphenylene ethers. Improved physical properties over those of the prior art are obtained by incorporating meta linked ethers and/or polyphenylene oxides into the polymer backbone. A novel process for making polymers of this type is also disclosed. The process is unique in that the expected need of high process temperatures and/or special atmospheres are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Terry L. St. Clair, Harold D. Burks
  • Patent number: 4444368
    Abstract: Variable camber actuator assemblies 50 broaden the range of speeds at which lift to drag performance is maximized for slotted flap wings. Lift is improved over a broader range of cruising speeds by varying wing camber with rotational flap movements that do not introduce wing slots and induced drag. Forward flaps 40 are secured to forward flange links 26 which extend from, and are a part of, forward flap linkage assemblies 20. The forward flaps 40 rotate about flap pivots 39 with their rotational displacement controlled by variable camber actuator assemblies 50 located between the forward flaps and the forward flange links. Rear flaps 45 are held relative to the forward flaps 40 by rear flap linkage assemblies 70 which may act independently from the forward flap linkage assemblies and the variable camber actuator assemblies. Wing camber is varied by rotating the flaps with the variable camber actuator assemblies while the flaps are in a deployed or tucked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Dana G. Andrews
  • Patent number: 4439301
    Abstract: Photoelectrochemical cells employing chalcogenophosphate (MPX.sub.3) photoelectrodes are disclosed, where M is selected from the group of transition metal series of elements beginning with scandium (atomic number 21) through germanium (atomic number 32) yttrium (atomic number 39) through antimony (atomic number 51) and lanthanum (atomic number 57) through polonium (atomic number 84); P is phosphorus; and X is selected from the chalogenide series consisting of sulfur, selenium, and tellurium. These compounds have bandgaps in the desirable range of 2.0 eV to 2.2 eV for the photoelectrolysis of water and are stable when used as photoelectrodes for the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Benjamin Reichman, Charles E. Byvik
  • Patent number: 4431792
    Abstract: The compounds are of the class of aromatic polyamides useful as matrix resins in the manufacture of composites or laminate fabrication. The process for preparing this thermoplastic-thermoset polyamide system involves incorporating a latent crosslinking moiety along the backbone of the polyamide to improve the temperature range of fabrication thereof wherein the resin softens at a relatively low temperature (.congruent.154.degree. C.) and subsequently "sets-up" or undergoes crosslinking when subjected to higher temperature (.congruent.280.degree. C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Terry L. St. Clair, James F. Wolfe, Thomas D. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 4431761
    Abstract: Ethynyl and substituted ethynyl-terminated polysulfones and a process for preparing the same are disclosed. These polysulfones are thermally cured to induce cross-linking and chain extension, producing a polymer system with improved solvent resistance and use temperatures. Also disclosed are substituted 4-ethynylbenzoyl chlorides as precursors to the substitutetd ethynyl-terminated polysulfones and a process for preparing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Paul M. Hergenrother
  • Patent number: 4428703
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a particle generating system which is capable of breaking up agglomerations of particles and producing a cloud of uniform, submicron-sized particles at high pressure and high flow rates. This is achieved by utilizing a tubular structure 11 which has injection microslits 12 on its periphery to accept and disperse the desired particle feed 16. By supplying a carrying fluid 19 at a pressure, P.sub.in, of approximately twice the ambient pressure of the velocimeter's settling chamber 20, P.sub.sc, the microslits 12 will operate at choked flow conditions. The shearing action of this choked flow is sufficient to overcome interparticle bonding forces, thereby breaking up the agglomerates of the particle feed 16 into individual particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: E. Leon Morrisette, Dennis M. Bushnell
  • Patent number: 4428122
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for measuring the distance from a reference plane to a flat or cylindrical surface. The device contains a rotatable measuring scale which is sited with a optical instrument to make the measurement. Readings are taken at various points along the surface to establish an elevation curve which is used to align the surface with the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Charlton W. Mann
  • Patent number: 4426874
    Abstract: A method for calibrating transducer type strain gages 10 is disclosed which utilizes a temporary bonding system for accurately predetermining the individual apparent strain curve characteristics of the gages 10 and subsequently employs a computer to match the apparent strain curves of the individual gages 10 to determine which gages 10 should be used together. The temporary bonding system requires a test block 25 on which the gages 10 are temporarily bonded, several thermocouples 15 for monitoring temperature and a data acquisition system for recording apparent strain data. Initially, a group of strain gages 10 are attached to the test block 25 using a bonding agent that disintegrates at high temperatures. The gages 10 are then wired to an appropriate data acquisition system and data collected throughout a predetermined temperature excursion. Once the data is obtained, the test block 25 is heated until the bonding agent disintegrates, freeing the gages 10 from the test block 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Thomas C. Moore
  • Patent number: 4425785
    Abstract: Apparatus for simulating varying levels of friction in the bearings 13 of a free rolling tail afterbody 11 on a canard-controlled missile 12 to determine friction effects on aerodynamic control characteristics. A ring 16 located between the missile body and the afterbody is utilized in a servo system to create varying levels of friction between the missile body and the afterbody to simulate bearing friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: William T. Davis
  • Patent number: 4425808
    Abstract: A strain transducer system 10 and process for making same is disclosed wherein a beryllium-copper ring 13 having four strain gages 12, 14, 26 and 28 disposed thereon and electrically connected in Wheatstone bridge fashion to output instrumentation 25. Tabs 16 and 20 are bonded to a balloon or like surface 11 with strain on the surface 11 causing bending of ring 13 and providing an electrical signal through gages 12, 14, 26 and 28 proportional to the surface strain. FIG. 2 illustrates a pattern of a one-half ring segment as placed on a sheet of beryllium-copper for chem-mill etch formation, prior to bending and welding of a pair of the segments to form a ring structure 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: James L. Rand
  • Patent number: 4424592
    Abstract: A solar pumped laser in which the lasant is a gas that will photodissociate and lase when subjected to sunrays. Sunrays are collected and directed onto the gas lasant to cause it to lase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Ja H. Lee, Frank Hohl, Willard R. Weaver
  • Patent number: 4420518
    Abstract: A package assembly for precisely positioning a charge of hot melt adhesive 37 onto an attachment pad (13, 15, 17) or point of use wherein the adhesive is heated to softening or melt temperature (280.degree. F.-325.degree. F.) and thereafter cooled to resolidifying temperature. A single sided pressure sensitive polyimide film tape 40 serves with another film strip 39 to protect sandwiched adhesive strip 37 until use and to hold the adhesive in precise position until thermally bonded to its point of use. Tab ends 39' and 40' serve as aids in stripping tapes 39 and 40, respectively, from the adhesive charge 37.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Donald J. Progar
  • Patent number: 4418480
    Abstract: Devices for vectorially summing two signals. In a first embodiment (FIG. 3) the vectorial summation is implemented by a mechanical sin/cos mechanism in which a crank 22 drives two linear potentiometers 27 and 29, 90.degree. out of phase. In a second embodiment (FIG. 6) a polarized light resolver generates the sin and cos functions. In a third embodiment (FIG. 8) a printed circuit resolver generates the sin and cos functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: H. Douglas Garner
  • Patent number: 4416266
    Abstract: An X-ray transparent and biological inert medical clip for treating aneurisms and the like and process for producing same wherein a graphite reinforced composite film 15, 16, 20 and 21 (FIGS. 1a-1d) is molded into a unitary structure having a pair of "hourglass" like cavities 30, 31 (FIG. 2) hinged together (33) with a pair of jaws 27 and 28 for grasping the aneurism extending from the wall of one cavity and a silicone rubber pellet 35 (FIG. 3) disposed in the other cavity to exert a spring force through the hinge area 33 to normally bias the jaws into contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Robert M. Baucom