Patents Assigned to Administration
  • Method and apparatus for thermal spraying of metal coatings using pulsejet resonant pulsed combustion
    Patent number: 8839738
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermal spraying a metal coating on a substrate is accomplished with a modified pulsejet and optionally an ejector to assist in preventing oxidation. Metal such as Aluminum or Magnesium may be used. A pulsejet is first initiated by applying fuel, air, and a spark. Metal is inserted continuously in a high volume of metal into a combustion chamber of the pulsejet. The combustion is thereafter controlled resonantly at high frequency and the metal is heated to a molten state. The metal is then transported from the combustion chamber into a tailpipe of said pulsejet and is expelled therefrom at high velocity and deposited on a target substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Daniel E. Paxson
  • Branched rod-coil polyimide—poly( alkylene oxide) copolymers and electrolyte compositions
    Patent number: 8841406
    Abstract: Crosslinked polyimide-poly(alkylene oxide) copolymers capable of holding large volumes of liquid while maintaining good dimensional stability. Copolymers are derived at ambient temperatures from amine endcapped amic-acid oligomers subsequently imidized in solution at increased temperatures, followed by reaction with trifunctional compounds in the presence of various additives. Films of these copolymers hold over four times their weight at room temperature of liquids such as ionic liquids (RTIL) and/or carbonate solvents. These rod-coil polyimide copolymers are used to prepare polymeric electrolytes by adding to the copolymers various amounts of compounds such as ionic liquids (RTIL), lithium trifluoromethane-sulfonimide (LiTFSi) or other lithium salts, and alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Maryann B. Meador, Dean M. Tigelaar
  • Apparatus and methods for fluid storage and delivery
    Patent number: 8839996
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and delivering fluid to a person comprises, in at least one specific embodiment, a fluid reservoir having an internal volume therein with an opening disposed through a first wall or a second wall of the fluid reservoir and located toward a first end of the fluid reservoir. A first portion of a tube can be exterior to the fluid reservoir and a second portion of the tube can be disposed through the opening and within the internal volume. At least one insulation layer can be disposed about the exterior of the first wall of the fluid reservoir. The second wall of the fluid reservoir can be configured for transferring heat from or to the internal volume or from the person. At least one baffle is disposed within the internal volume and connected to the first wall and the second wall of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Scott E. Parazynski, Grant C. Bue, Mark E. Schaefbauer, Kase C. Urban
  • Lower atmosphere ascent and descent observation experimental tool
    Patent number: 8842024
    Abstract: Provided is a low atmosphere ascent and descent observation experimental tool. Since a position of a radiosonde and a ground captive position of the radiosonde is accurately grasped using a GPS radiosonde, accurate observation results may be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Meteorological Administration
    Inventors: Seon Yong Lee, Tae Heon Kwon, Geun Hoi Kim, Kyu Rang Kim, Young Jean Choi
  • Method for providing semiconductors having self-aligned ion implant
    Patent number: 8841698
    Abstract: A method is disclosed that provides a self-aligned nitrogen-implant particularly suited for a Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET) semiconductor device preferably comprised of a silicon carbide (SiC). This self-aligned nitrogen-implant allows for the realization of durable and stable electrical functionality of high temperature transistors such as JFETs. The method implements the self-aligned nitrogen-implant having predetermined dimensions, at a particular step in the fabrication process, so that the SiC junction field effect transistors are capable of being electrically operating continuously at 500° C. for over 10,000 hours in an air ambient with less than a 10% change in operational transistor parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Philip G. Neudeck
  • ROBOT TASK COMMANDER WITH EXTENSIBLE PROGRAMMING ENVIRONMENT
    Publication number: 20140277743
    Abstract: A system for developing distributed robot application-level software includes a robot having an associated control module which controls motion of the robot in response to a commanded task, and a robot task commander (RTC) in networked communication with the control module over a network transport layer (NTL). The RTC includes a script engine(s) and a GUI, with a processor and a centralized library of library blocks constructed from an interpretive computer programming code and having input and output connections. The GUI provides access to a Visual Programming Language (VPL) environment and a text editor. In executing a method, the VPL is opened, a task for the robot is built from the code library blocks, and data is assigned to input and output connections identifying input and output data for each block. A task sequence(s) is sent to the control module(s) over the NTL to command execution of the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: The U.S.A. As Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Hart, John D. Yamokoski, Brian J. Wightman, Duy Paul Dinh, Dustin R. Gooding
  • Double Sided Sl(GE)/Sapphire/lll-Nitride Hybrid Structure
    Publication number: 20140264325
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a double sided hybrid crystal structure including a trigonal Sapphire wafer containing a (0001) C-plane and having front and rear sides. The Sapphire wafer is substantially transparent to light in the visible and infrared spectra, and also provides insulation with respect to electromagnetic radio frequency noise. A layer of crystalline Si material having a cubic diamond structure aligned with the cubic <111> direction on the (0001) C-plane and strained as rhombohedron to thereby enable continuous integration of a selected (SiGe) device onto the rear side of the Sapphire wafer. The double sided hybrid crystal structure further includes an integrated III-Nitride crystalline layer on the front side of the Sapphire wafer that enables continuous integration of a selected III-Nitride device on the front side of the Sapphire wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Yeonjoon Park, Sang Hyouk Choi
  • Sucrose Treated Carbon Nontube and Graphene Yarns and Sheets
    Publication number: 20140273695
    Abstract: Consolidated carbon nanotube or graphene yarns and woven sheets are consolidated through the formation of a carbon binder formed from the dehydration of sucrose. The resulting materials on a macro-scale are lightweight and of a high specific modulus and/or strength. Sucrose is relatively inexpensive and readily available, and the process is therefore cost-effective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Godfrey Sauti, Jae-Woo Kim, Emilie J. Siochi, Kristopher E. Wise
  • High Pressure Soft Lithography for Micro-Topographical Patterning of Molded Polymers and Composites
    Publication number: 20140262015
    Abstract: A soft lithography template or stamp is made by casting a polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) or other suitable elastomeric precursor onto a master pattern. The master pattern may be formed utilizing known micro-fabrication techniques. The PDMS template includes an inverse copy of the micro-structures on the master pattern, and can be placed into a mold used to prepare a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer composite part or other polymer molding systems where a matrix material passes through a fluid state during the cure process. The liquid resin material flows into the structures on the surface of the PDMS template and hardens during the curing cycle. After the part is released from the mold, the PDMS template can be peeled from the surface of the part to reveal the free standing micro structures which are a replica of the master pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Frank L. Palmieri, Vincent B. Cruz, Christopher J. Wohl, JR.
  • High Mobility Transport Layer Structures for Rhombohedral Si/Ge/SiGe Devices
    Publication number: 20140264459
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a trigonal crystal substrate defining a (0001) C-plane. The substrate may comprise Sapphire or other suitable material. A plurality of rhomhohedrally aligned SiGe (111)-oriented crystals are disposed on the (0001) C-plane of the crystal substrate. A first region of material is disposed on the rhombohedrally aligned SiGe layer. The first region comprises an intrinsic or doped Si, Ge, or SiGe layer. The first region can be layered between two secondary regions comprising n+doped SiGe or n+doped Ge, whereby the first region collects electrons from the two secondary regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Sang Hyouk Choi, Yeonjoon Park, Glen C. King, Hyun-Jung Kim, Kunik Lee
  • Nanostructure Neutron Converter Layer Development
    Publication number: 20140265057
    Abstract: Methods for making a neutron converter layer are provided. The various embodiment methods enable the formation of a single layer neutron converter material. The single layer neutron converter material formed according to the various embodiments may have a high neutron absorption cross section, tailored resistivity providing a good electric field penetration with submicron particles, and a high secondary electron emission coefficient. In an embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by sequential supercritical fluid metallization of a porous nanostructure aerogel or polyimide film. In another embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by simultaneous supercritical fluid metallization of a porous nanostructure aerogel or polyimide film. In a further embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by in-situ metalized aerogel nanostructure development.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Cheol Park, Godfrey Sauti, Jin Ho Kang, Sharon E. Lowther, Sheila A. Thibeault, Robert G. Bryant
  • Gas Phase Alloying for Wire Fed Joining and Deposition Processes
    Publication number: 20140263246
    Abstract: Gas is introduced into molten metal during an additive metal fabrication process and/or during a metal fusion process. The gas may comprise a process gas that flows through a tubular feed wire. The amount of process gas introduced can be controlled to vary the composition and/or material properties of metal deposits formed from a molten metal. Material properties such as yield strength, hardness, and fracture toughness can be increased or decreased in specific regions to provide material property gradients that closely correspond to expected requirements of components fabricated utilizing additive and/or fusion processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Craig A. Brice
  • Interconnect Device and Assemblies Made Therewith
    Publication number: 20140262498
    Abstract: An interconnect device forms an electrical and mechanical connection between electrical connections pads on an integrated circuit and those on a printed circuit board. The device is a coil with a first portion of its turns at one axial end of the coil having at least two turns in axial contact with one another, a second portion of its turns at an opposing axial end of the coil having at least two turns in axial contact with one another, and a third portion of the turns disposed between and contiguous with the first and second portions. The third portion is defined by at least two of the turns in a spaced apart axial relationship. The coil is made from a spring material and is electrically conductive. Each of the coil's first portion and second portion is coated with a solder material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Copper nanowire production for interconnect applications
    Patent number: 8834597
    Abstract: A method of fabricating metallic Cu nanowires with lengths up to about 25 ?m and diameters in a range 20-100 nm, or greater if desired. Vertically oriented or laterally oriented copper oxide structures (CuO and/or Cu2O) are grown on a Cu substrate. The copper oxide structures are reduced with 99+ percent H or H2, and in this reduction process the lengths decrease (to no more than about 25 ?m), the density of surviving nanostructures on a substrate decreases, and the diameters of the surviving nanostructures have a range, of about 20-100 nm. The resulting nanowires are substantially pure Cu and can be oriented laterally (for local or global interconnects) or can be oriented vertically (for standard vertical interconnects).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The United Stated of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)
    Inventors: Jin-Woo Han, Meyya Meyyappan
  • Physiologically modulating videogames or simulations which use motion-sensing input devices
    Patent number: 8827717
    Abstract: New types of controllers allow players to make inputs to a video game or simulation by moving the entire controller itself. This capability is typically accomplished using a wireless input device having accelerometers, gyroscopes, and an infrared LED tracking camera. The present invention exploits these wireless motion-sensing technologies to modulate the player's movement inputs to the videogame based upon physiological signals. Such biofeedback-modulated video games train valuable mental skills beyond eye-hand coordination. These psychophysiological training technologies enhance personal improvement, not just the diversion, of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Alan T. Pope, Chad L. Stephens, Nina Marie Blanson
  • ARENAVIRUS INHIBITING PEPTIDES AND USES THEREFOR
    Publication number: 20140243256
    Abstract: The present invention describes peptides which inhibit fusion of an arenavirus (e.g., Pichinde virus; PICV) with a host cell membrane. The arenavirus inhibiting (AVI) peptides described herein comprise a segment of the GP2 protein of an arenavirus. The AVI peptides are useful for inhibiting arenavirus-to-host cell membrane fusion and for treating arenavirus infections. In a particular embodiment, the arenavirus inhibiting peptide comprises a segment of PICV glycoprotein 2 (PICV GP2; SEQ ID NO: 1), Tamiami virus (TAMV) GP2 (SEQ ID NO: 14), or Lassa virus (LASV) GP2 (SEQ ID NO: 15). In particular, the segment is selected from a region of an arenavirus GP2 extending from the N-terminus into the first half of the FIR (i.e., from residues 1 through 105 of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 14, or SEQ ID NO: 15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: The Administrators of the Tulane Educational Fund
    Inventors: Jennifer S. SPENCE, Robert F. GARRY
  • Vectorized rebinning for fast data down-sampling
    Patent number: 8816884
    Abstract: A rebinning device includes a rebinning engine that transforms signal data from a first format to a second format with vectorized binning. Moreover, a data storage operably coupled to the rebinning engine stores the signal data in the second format. The rebinning device may optionally includes a capturing engine that captures the signal data in the first format and a rendering engine that renders the signal data in the second format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics Space Administration
    Inventors: Bruce H. Dean, Jeffrey S. Smith, David L. Aronstein
  • Zero dead time, high event rate, multi-stop time-to-digital converter
    Patent number: 8816273
    Abstract: Time-to-digital converters adapted to analog and digital inputs and methods of use are described. A time-to-digital converter has an event frame latches and logic module with memory cells, an analog front-end module connected to the memory cells, and a bin increment generator module connected to the memory cells. The bin increment generator is configured to issue bin increments separated by a time increment, and the analog front end is configured to issue a start event followed by a plurality of stop events. Upon receipt of a first time increment following a start event, the event frame latches and logic module updates a first memory cell with a first bit-type; upon receipt of a second time increment following an intervening stop event, the event frame latches and logic module updates a second memory cell with a second bit-type different from the first bit-type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics Space Administration
    Inventors: George Suarez, Jeffrey J. Dumonthier
  • Self-contained compressed-flow generation device for use in making differential measurements
    Patent number: 8813577
    Abstract: A device used in making differential measurements of a flow includes a flow obstruction and a support arm. The flow obstruction's forward portion is a nose cone. The flow obstruction's aft portion is coupled to the nose cone. The support arm's first end is coupled to an exterior wall of a conduit, and its second end is coupled to the forward portion of the flow obstruction. The support arm positions the flow obstruction in the conduit such that a flow region is defined around its nose cone, and such that the support arm's first and second end are separated from one another with respect to a length dimension of the conduit. Measurement ports are provided in the support arm and flow obstruction. Manifolds extending through the flow obstruction and support arm couple the ports to points at the exterior wall of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John Dwight England, Anthony R. Kelley, Raymond J. Cronise
  • Incorporation of chemochromic pigment into a variety of articles as an indicator for the presence of hypergolic fuels
    Patent number: 8815603
    Abstract: A chemochromic indicator is provided that includes a hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment that change from a first color to a second color in the presence of a hypergolic fuel. In a first embodiment, a chemochromic indicator is provided for detecting the presence of a hypergolic fuel such that the irreversible hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment includes potassium tetrachloroaurate (KAuCl4). There are several types of chemochromic indicators, for example, the article used to form the chemochromic indicators include, but are not limited to, wipe materials, silicone/TEFLON tape, manufactured parts, fabrics, extruded parts, and paints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Luke B. Roberson, Robert W. DeVor, Janine E. Captain, Edgardo Santiago-Maldonado