Patents Represented by Attorney N. T. Musial
  • Patent number: 4104091
    Abstract: Diffusants are applied onto semiconductor solar cell substrates using screen printing techniques. The method is applicable to square and rectangular cells and can be used to apply dopants of opposite types to the front and back of the substrate. Then, simultaneous diffusion of both dopants can be performed with a single furnace pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John C. Evans, Jr., Henry W. Brandhorst, Jr., George A. Mazaris, Larry R. Scudder
  • Patent number: 4099799
    Abstract: A gas-lubricated bearing employing at least one pad mounted on a rectangular cantilever beam to produce a lubricating wedge between the face of the pad and a moving surface. The load-carrying and stiffness characteristics of the pad are related to the dimensions and modulus of elasticity of the beam. The bearing is applicable to a wide variety of types of hydrodynamic bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1978
    Inventors: James C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with respect to an invention of Fletcher, Izhak Etsion
  • Patent number: 4084612
    Abstract: Apparatus for regulating pressure of treatment fluid being supplied to a human or animal eye during ophthalmic procedures such as cataract surgery is disclosed.Flow sensing and pressure regulating diaphragms are provided in a body to modulate a flow control valve. The pressure regulating diaphragm is connected to the flow control valve to urge the valve to an open position due to pressure being applied to the diaphragm by bias means such as a spring. The flow sensing diaphragm is mechanically connected to the flow control valve and urges it to an opened position because of the differential pressure on the diaphragm generated by a flow of incoming treatment fluid through an orifice in the diaphragm. A bypass connection with a variable restriction is connected in parallel relationship to the orifice to provide for adjusting the sensitivity of the flow sensing diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Edward F. Baehr
  • Patent number: 4085332
    Abstract: Apparatus for the separation and extraction of molecular isotopes. Molecules of one and the same isotope are preferentially photo-dissociated by a laser and an ultra-violet source, or by multi-photon absorption of laser radiation. The resultant ions are confined with a magnetic field, moved in opposite directions by an electric field, extracted from the photo-dissociation region by means of screening and accelerating grids, and collected in ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Inventors: James C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with respect to an invention of Fletcher, Horst E. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 4085241
    Abstract: There is disclosed a flexible separator for use between the electrodes of Ni-Cd and Ni-Zn batteries using alkaline electrolytes. The separator is made by coating a porous substrate such as sheets or mats of asbestos or other materials with a battery separator composition. The coating material includes a rubber-based resin copolymer, a plasticizer and inorganic and organic fillers which comprise 55% by volume or less of the coating as finally dried. One or more of the filler materials, whether organic or inorganic, is preferably active with the alkaline electrolyte to produce pores in the separator coating. The plasticizer is an organic additive such as a material which is hydrolyzed by the alkaline electrolyte to improve conductivity of the separator coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Dean W. Sheibley
  • Patent number: 4084985
    Abstract: A solar cell panel is fabricated by photoetching a pattern of collector grid systems with appropriate interconnections and bus bar tabs into a glass or plastic sheet. These regions are then filled with a first, thin conductive metal film followed by a layer of a mixed metal oxide, such as InAsO.sub.x or InSnO.sub.x. The multiplicity of solar cells are bonded between the protective sheet at the sites of the collector grid systems and a back electrode substrate by conductive metal filled epoxy to complete the fabrication of an integrated solar panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: John C. Evans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4083097
    Abstract: Electrical connections to solar cells in a module are made at the same time the cells are encapsulated for protection. The encapsulating material is embossed to facilitate the positioning of the cells during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Evelyn Anagnostou, Americo F. Forestieri
  • Patent number: 4082569
    Abstract: A transparent, conductive collector layer containing conductive metal channels is formed as a layer on a photovoltaic substrate by coating a photovoltaic substrate with a conductive mixed metal layer; attaching a heat sink having portions protruding from one of its surfaces which define a continuous pattern in combination with recessed regions among said protruding portions to said substrate such that said protruding portions of said heat sink are in contact with the conductive layer of said substrate; andHeating said substrate while simultaneously oxidizing the portions of the conductive layer exposed to a gaseous oxidizing substance forced into said recessed regions of said heat sink, thereby creating a transparent metal oxide layer on said substrate containing a continuous pattern of highly conductive metal channels in said layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: John C. Evans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4077788
    Abstract: Atomic hydrogen, for use as a fuel or as an explosive, is stored in the presence of a strong magnetic field in exfoliated layered compounds such as molybdenum disulfide or an elemental layer material such as graphite. The compound is maintained at liquid helium temperatures and the atomic hydrogen is collected on the surfaces of the layered compound which are exposed during delamination (exfoliation). The strong magnetic field and the low temperature combine to prevent the atoms of hydrogen from recombining to form molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America asthe Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: John A. Woollam
  • Patent number: 4068495
    Abstract: A closed loop apparatus for spraying coolant against the back of a radiation target. The coolant is circulated through a closed loop with a bubble of inert gas being maintained around the spray. Mesh material is disposed between the bubble and the surface of the liquid coolant which is below the bubble at a predetermined level. In a second embodiment no inert gas is used, the bubble consisting of vapor produced when the coolant is sprayed against the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Donald L. Alger, William B. Schwab, Edward R. Furman
  • Patent number: 4061856
    Abstract: Triazine compounds and cross-linked polymer compositions are made by heating aromatic nitriles to a temperature in the range of from about 100.degree.0 C. to about 700.degree. C., and preferably in the range of from about 200.degree. C. to about 350.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst or mixture of catalysts selected from one or more of the following groups: (A) organic sulfonic and sulfinic acids, (B) organic phosphonic and phosphinic acids, and (C) metallic acetylacetonates, at a pressure in the range of from about atmospheric pressure to about 10,000 p.s.i., and preferably in the range of from about 200 p.s.i. to about 750 p.s.i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1974
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Li-Chen Hsu
  • Patent number: 4061955
    Abstract: A multi-cell battery protection system is provided wherein each cell has its own individual protective circuit. The protective circuits each comprise a solid state comparator unit and a high current switching device such as a relay. The comparator units each continuously monitor the associated cell and when the cell voltage either exceeds a predetermined "high" level or falls below a predetermined "low" level, the relay is actuated whereby a bypass circuit is completed across the cell thereby effectively removing the cell from the series of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Ralph D. Thomas, Nagle, William J.
  • Patent number: 4061190
    Abstract: Oil shale formations are retorted in-situ and gaseous hydrocarbon products recovered by drilling two or more wells into an oil shale formation underneath the surface of the ground; fracturing a region of said oil shale formation by directing a high energy laser beam into one of said wells and focussing said laser beam onto said region of said oil shale formation from a laser optical system; forcing a compressed gas into said well through which said laser beam was directed at the site of said fracture which supports combustion in the flame front ignited by said laser beam in the fractured region of said oil shale, thereby retorting said oil shale; and recovering gaseous hydrocarbon products which permeate through said fractured oil shale from one of said wells through which the laser beam was not directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Harvey S. Bloomfield
  • Patent number: 4061146
    Abstract: There is disclosed a surgical tissue macerating and removal tool having a rotating rod with a cutting member at one end and disposed in a tube which itself is disposed coaxially in an extension of the tool handle. A frusto-conical member extends into the extension at the cutter member end of the rotating rod with its small end engaging the tube. The portion of the frusto-conical member outside of the extension forms a tissue engaging member and may be cut-off at an angle to the axis of the rod to form a tissue engaging edge. Apertures are provided in the extension adjacent the frusto-conical member so that treatment fluid supplied in the annular space between the tube and the extension may flow to the operative site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Edward F. Baehr, James E. Burnett
  • Patent number: 4055686
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of forming a continuous, thin film of stoichiometric metal hydride such as titanium dihydride, titanium dideuteride, or titanium ditritide on a substrate which may be of metal, glass or the like. The substrate is first cleaned, both chemically and by off-sputtering in a vacuum chamber. In an ultra-high vacuum system vapor deposition by a sublimator or vaporizer first coats a cooled shroud disposed around the substrate with a thin film of hydride forming metal which getters any contaminant gas molecules. A shutter is then opened to allow hydride forming metal to be deposited as a film or coating on the substrate.After the hydride forming metal coating is formed, a deuterium or other hydrogen isotopes are bled into the vacuum system and diffused into the metal film or coating to form a hydride of metal film. Higher substrate temperatures and pressures may be used if various parameters are appropriately adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert Steinberg, Donald L. Alger, Dale W. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4055705
    Abstract: A coating system which contains a bond coating and a thermal barrier coating is applied to metal surfaces such as turbine blades and which provides both low thermal conductivity and improved adherence when exposed to high temperature gases or liquids. The bond coating contains NiCrAlY and the thermal barrier coating contains a reflective oxide. The reflective oxides ZrO.sub.2 --Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 and ZrO.sub.2 --MgO have demonstrated significant utility in high temperature turbine applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stephan Stecura, Curt H. Leibert
  • Patent number: 4055416
    Abstract: Strong ferritic alloys of the Fe-Cr-Al type containing 0.4% to 2% tantalum have improved fabricability without sacrificing high temperature strength and oxidation resistance in the 800.degree. C (1475.degree. F) to 1040.degree. C (1900.degree. F) range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert E. Oldrieve, Charles P. Blankenship
  • Patent number: 4055707
    Abstract: The energy absorbing properties of solar heating panels are improved by depositing a black chrome coating of controlled thickness on a specially prepared surface of a metal substrate. The surface is prepared by depositing a dull nickel on the substrate, and the black chrome is plated on this low emittance surface to a thickness between 0.5 micron and 2.5 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Glen E. McDonald
  • Patent number: 4052144
    Abstract: A fuel combustor comprises a chamber with air and fuel inlets and a combination gas outlet. The fuel is supplied to a vaporization zone and fuel and air are mixed in a pair of mixing chambers each exemplified by a swirl can and the resultant mixture is directed into a combustion zone within the combustor. Combustion products are exhausted, for example, into a turbine inlet.Heat pipe means, in this case comprising a pair of heat pipes for each swirl can, are arranged each pipe with one end portion substantially in the combustion zone and the other end portion in the vaporization zone of its appropriate mixing chamber. By use of the heat pipe means some of the heat of combustion is carried back upstream into the swirl cans, to vaporize the fuel as it enters the vaporization zone in the swirl can, thereby improving vaporization and fuel mixing. Fewer pollutants are formed and complete combustion is assisted because of the improved fuel vaporization and better mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Cecil J. Marek
  • Patent number: 4046560
    Abstract: A nickel base superalloy for use at temperatures of 2000.degree. F (1095.degree. C) to 2200.degree. F (1205.degree. C) as a stator vane material in advanced gas turbine engines. The alloy has a nominal composition in weight percent of 16 tungsten, 7 aluminum, 1 molybdenum, 2 columbium, 0.3 zirconium, 0.2 carbon and the balance nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John C. Freche, William J. Waters