Patents Assigned to Administration
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Patent number: 8987632Abstract: Surface energy of a substrate is changed without the need for any template, mask, or additional coating medium applied to the substrate. At least one beam of energy directly ablates a substrate surface to form a predefined topographical pattern at the surface. Each beam of energy has a width of approximately 25 micrometers and an energy of approximately 1-500 microJoules. Features in the topographical pattern have a width of approximately 1-500 micrometers and a height of approximately 1.4-100 micrometers.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Christopher J. Wohl, Jr., Marcus A. Belcher, John W. Connell, John W. Hopkins
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Patent number: 8983882Abstract: Autonomic computing, robotics, and security devices, systems, and methods are provided. Agents of the system can communicate with one another and can self-destruct under event conditions that would render the agent detrimental to the overall system.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics Space AdministrationInventors: Roy Sterritt, Michael G. Hinchey
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Patent number: 8982355Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for characterizing optical materials, using steps and equipment for generating a coherent laser light, filtering the light to remove high order spatial components, collecting the filtered light and forming a parallel light beam, splitting the parallel beam into a first direction and a second direction wherein the parallel beam travelling in the second direction travels toward the material sample so that the parallel beam passes through the sample, applying various physical quantities to the sample, reflecting the beam travelling in the first direction to produce a first reflected beam, reflecting the beam that passes through the sample to produce a second reflected beam that travels back through the sample, combining the second reflected beam after it travels back though the sample with the first reflected beam, sensing the light beam produced by combining the first and second reflected beams, and processing the sensed beam to determine sample characteristics and properties.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Sang Hyouk Choi, Yeonjoon Park
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Patent number: 8983883Abstract: A self-managing system that uses autonomy and autonomicity is provided with the self-* property of autopoiesis (self-creation). In the event of an agent in the system self-destructing, autopoiesis auto-generates a replacement. A self-esteem reward scheme is also provided and can be used for autonomic agents, based on their performance and trust. Art agent with greater self-esteem may clone at a greater rate compared to the rate of an agent with lower self-esteem. A self-managing system is provided for a high volume of distributed autonomic/self-managing mobile agents, and autonomic adhesion is used to attract similar agents together or to repel dissimilar agents from an event horizon. An apoptotic system is also provided that accords an “expiry date” to data and digital objects, for example, that are available on the internet, which finds usefulness not only in general but also for controlling the loaning and use of space scientific data.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Roy Sterritt, Michael G. Hinchey
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Patent number: 8976362Abstract: A system, apparatus and method employing carbon nanotubes on substrates such as silicon, titanium, copper, stainless steel and other substrates, where the carbon nanotubes are blacker than existing paints and coatings, thereby providing an exponential increase in stray light suppression depending on the number of bounces of such treated surfaces. Additionally, the present invention is directed to techniques to better absorb and radiate unwanted energies. Further, the alternate substrates offer strength of material for numerous components and in numerous physical applications. The present invention is also directed to techniques for improving the adhesion of the nanotubes to the alternate substrate materials and also extending the wavelength of operation from the near ultraviolet to the far infrared portion of the spectrum (0.2 microns to 120 microns wavelength).Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics Space AdministrationInventors: John G. Hagopian, Stephanie A. Getty, Manuel A. Quijada
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Patent number: 8977482Abstract: An apparatus for generating flight-optimizing trajectories for a first aircraft includes a receiver capable of receiving second trajectory information associated with at least one second aircraft. The apparatus also includes a traffic aware planner (TAP) module operably connected to the receiver to receive the second trajectory information. The apparatus also includes at least one internal input device on board the first aircraft to receive first trajectory information associated with the first aircraft and a TAP application capable of calculating an optimal trajectory for the first aircraft based at least on the first trajectory information and the second trajectory information. The optimal trajectory at least avoids conflicts between the first trajectory information and the second trajectory information.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Mark G. Ballin, David J. Wing
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Patent number: 8974903Abstract: Porous cross-linked polyimide-urea networks are provided. The networks comprise a subunit comprising two anhydride end-capped polyamic acid oligomers in direct connection via a urea linkage. The oligomers (a) each comprise a repeating unit of a dianhydride and a diamine and a terminal anhydride group and (b) are formulated with 2 to 15 of the repeating units. The subunit was formed by reaction of the diamine and a diisocyanate to form a diamine-urea linkage-diamine group, followed by reaction of the diamine-urea linkage-diamine group with the dianhydride and the diamine to form the subunit. The subunit has been cross-linked via a cross-linking agent, comprising three or more amine groups, at a balanced stoichiometry of the amine groups to the terminal anhydride groups. The subunit has been chemically imidized to yield the porous cross-linked polyimide-urea network. Also provided are wet gels, aerogels, and thin films comprising the networks, and methods of making the networks.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignees: Ohio Aerospace Institute, The United States of America, represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Mary Ann B. Meador, Baochau N. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8970845Abstract: A method and system for rendering the shape of a multi-core optical fiber or multi-fiber bundle in three-dimensional space in real time based on measured fiber strain data. Three optical fiber cores arc arranged in parallel at 120° intervals about a central axis. A series of longitudinally co-located strain sensor triplets, typically fiber Bragg gratings, are positioned along the length of each fiber at known intervals. A tunable laser interrogates the sensors to detect strain on the fiber cores. Software determines the strain magnitude (?L/L) for each fiber at a given triplet, but then applies beam theory to calculate curvature, beading angle and torsion of the fiber bundle, and from there it determines the shape of the fiber in s Cartesian coordinate system by solving a series of ordinary differential equations expanded from the Frenet-Serrat equations.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Hon Man Chan, Allen R. Parker, Jr.
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Patent number: 8968576Abstract: A method of treating contaminated air, gas and surfaces is accomplished through the nebulization of gas and/or liquid oxidants through a field of electromagnetic radiation or sonic waves. The contaminated gas and/or liquid streams are blended with gaseous and/or liquid oxidants by the nebulizer and directly injected in the energy field. Free radicals produced from oxidants in the presence of the energy field instantaneously oxidize a large effective surface area of the contaminated media. Surfaces are treated more efficiently with the energy field situated directly above and parallel to but not on the surface; a high-frequency energy field may be used to create a large concentration of free radicals without damaging the surface in a collimated beam of the field situated parallel to the surface. A catalyst may be employed at the tip (i.e. discharge orifices of gas and/or liquid) of the nebulizer or blended into the nebulized cloud to increase the formation of free radicals.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: The Administrators of the Tulane Educational FundInventors: Jennifer E. Holland, Robert S. Reimers
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Patent number: 8963068Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for an apodization mask composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for absorbing unwanted stray light. An apodization mask is a precise pattern or shape that is mathematically derived using light scattering measurement techniques to achieve optimal light absorption. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for a duplex telescope with stray light suppressing capabilities comprising: a primary mirror for transmitting and receiving light; a secondary mirror for defocusing transmitted light onto the primary mirror and for focusing received light; a photodetector which receives light; a laser transmitter which transmits light; and an apodization mask for absorbing stray transmitted light.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics Space AdministrationInventors: John G. Hagopian, Jeffrey C. Livas, Shahram R. Shiri, Stephanie A. Getty, June L Tveekrem, James J. Butler
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Patent number: 8962679Abstract: Provided are compositions for treatment of cancers, including breast cancer, comprising at least one novel daidzein analog, as well as methods of using the same for preventing or treating cancer or tumor growth.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignees: The Administrators of the Tulane Educational Fund, Xavier University of LouisianaInventors: Guangdi Wang, Matthew E. Burow, Stephen M. Boue, Thomas E. Wiese, Quan Jiang
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Patent number: 8955165Abstract: A clothing article surrounds a wearer's upper torso. The article includes connected front portion, a collar. A sleeve is formed in the front portion. A jacket, and coat with an attachable/detachable scarf will be folded and stored in the inter portion of the front side of the collar area with elastic at each end and Velcro onto the inner portion of your collar, therefore eliminating the lost of them by any consumers, and especially children. A sleeve like collar attached to the coat and jacket for storing a scarf and making it easily deployable while in use.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Robert Romero
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Patent number: 8958452Abstract: A system, apparatus and method employing a laser with a split-head, V-assembly gain material configuration. Additionally, the present invention is directed to techniques to better dissipate or remove unwanted energies in laser operations. The present invention is also directed to techniques for better collimated laser beams, with single spatial mode quality (TEM00), with improved efficiency, in extreme environments, such as in outer space.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Donald B. Coyle, Paul R. Stysley, Demetrios Poulios
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Patent number: 8954207Abstract: A method of enhancing on-board state estimation for a spacecraft utilizes a network of assets to include planetary-based assets and space-based assets. Communication signals transmitted from each of the assets into space are defined by a common protocol. Data is embedded in each communication signal transmitted by the assets. The data includes a time-of-transmission for a corresponding one of the communication signals and a position of a corresponding one of the assets at the time-of-transmission. A spacecraft is equipped to receive the communication signals, has a clock synchronized to the space-wide time reference frame, and has a processor programmed to generate state estimates of the spacecraft. Using its processor, the spacecraft determines a one-dimensional range from itself to at least one of the assets and then updates its state estimates using each one-dimensional range.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Evan John Anzalone, Jason C. H. Chuang
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Patent number: 8952242Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes one or more structures, an array of at least one of quantum dots and quantum dashes, at least one groove, and at least one conductor. Each of the structures comprises an intrinsic layer on one of an n type layer and a p type layer and the other one of the n type layer and the p type layer on the intrinsic layer. The array of at least one of quantum dots and quantum dashes is located in the intrinsic layer in at least one of the structures. The groove extends into at least one of the structures and the conductor is located along at least a portion of the groove.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignees: Rochester Institute of Technology, The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Ryne P. Raffaele, David M. Wilt
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Patent number: 8950675Abstract: A personal identification card scanning tool comprises a first holding portion that is configured and adapted to hold a portable computing device, and a second holding portion that is configured and adapted to hold a personal identification card in a particular orientation and position relative to the portable computing device such that a line-of-sight exists between at least a portion of the portable computing device and at least a portion of the personal identification card. The relative orientation and position between the portable computing device and the personal computing device optimizes the ability for the portable computing device's camera to scan optical information provided on the personal identification card.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Election Administrators, LLCInventor: Martin White
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Publication number: 20150039229Abstract: The invention discloses a multi-beam bathymetric chart construction method based on submarine digital depth model feature extraction. The method comprises the steps of: constructing a DDM (Digital Depth Model) based on raw multi-beam echo soundings; establishing a slope and second derivative composite model based on the DDM; extracting feature points based on DDM sub-blocks; querying the multi-beam depth based on the feature points; constructing the multi-beam bathymetric chart based on layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: The Second Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic AdministrationInventors: Ziyin Wu, Jihong Shang, Shoujun Li, Dineng Zhao, Jieqiong Zhou
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Publication number: 20150033842Abstract: A field testing device usable to determine the scour-depth potential of soils relied upon to support structural foundations placed in flowing water is disclosed. The device measures the scour potential in-situ, in relative terms, to the scour potential of fine sand using a columnar containment vessel driven into the soil to be tested. Within the columnar containment vessel is a cutting head as an aid in directing a water flow in a generally horizontal direction across the surface of the soil to be tested. Additionally, the cutting head serves to aid in the evacuation of eroded soil from with the containment vessel through an exhaust port. The exhaust port is part of a continuous closed loop water system which provides water for the scour testing and then removes the used water along with eroded soil particulates.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: The United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway AdministrationInventors: Mr. Kornel Kerenyi, Mr. Bart S. Bergendahl
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Patent number: 8945473Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment and a textile polymer. The textile material includes a chemochromic pigment operably responsive to a combustible gas. The combustible gas sensing textile material can be made by melt spinning, solution spinning, or other similar techniques. In a preferred embodiment carbon nanotubes are used with the textile material which will increase the material strength and alter the thermal and/or electrical properties. These textiles woven into fabrics can provide garments not only with hydrogen sensing capabilities but the carbon nanotubes will allow for a range of sensing capabilities to be embedded (i.e. gas, health, and electronic monitors) within the garments.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Luke B. Roberson, Janine E. Captain, Martha K. Williams, LaNetra Clayton Tate
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Patent number: 8944329Abstract: A personal identification card scanning tool comprises a first holding portion and a second holding portion. The first holding portion is configured and adapted to hold a portable computing device. The second holding portion is configured and adapted to hold a personal identification card in an orientation and position relative to the portable computing device such that a line-of-sight exists between at least a portion of the portable computing device and at least a portion of the personal identification card. The first holding portion and second holding portion are structurally connected by a connecting wall comprising an opening that extends through the connecting wall. The opening is configured and adapted to permit a portion of the personal identification card to extend therethrough when the personal identification card is at least partially held by the second holding portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Election Administrators, LLCInventor: Martin White