Patents Assigned to and Space Administration
  • Micro-Fresnel zone plate optical devices using densely accumulated ray points
    Patent number: 8018815
    Abstract: An embodiment generally relates to an optical device suitable for use with an optical medium for the storage and retrieval of data. The optical device includes an illumination means for providing a beam of optical radiation of wavelength ? and an optical path that the beam of optical radiation follows. The optical device also includes a diffractive optical element defined by a plurality of annular sections. The plurality of annular sections having a first material alternately disposed with a plurality of annular sections comprising a second material. The diffractive optical element generates a plurality of focal points and densely accumulated ray points with phase contrast phenomena and the optical medium is positioned at a selected focal point or ray point of the diffractive optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Sang H. Choi, Yeonjoon Park, Glen C. King, James R. Elliott
  • Gear bearing drive
    Patent number: 8016893
    Abstract: A gear bearing drive provides a compact mechanism that operates as an actuator providing torque and as a joint providing support. The drive includes a gear arrangement integrating an external rotor DC motor within a sun gear. Locking surfaces maintain the components of the drive in alignment and provide support for axial loads and moments. The gear bearing drive has a variety of applications, including as a joint in robotic arms and prosthetic limbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Northeastern University
    Inventors: Brian Weinberg, Constantinos Mavroidis, John M. Vranish
  • Wet active chevron nozzle for controllable jet noise reduction
    Patent number: 8015819
    Abstract: Disposed at or toward the trailing edge of one or more nozzles associated with a jet engine are injection ports which can selectively be made to discharge a water stream into a nozzle flow stream for the purpose of increasing turbulence in somewhat of a similar fashion as mechanically disposed chevrons have done in the known art. Unlike mechanically disposed chevrons of the known art, the fluid flow may be secured thereby increasing the engine efficiency. Various flow patterns, water pressures, orifice designs or other factors can be made operative to provide desired performance characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Russell H. Thomas, Kevin W. Kinzie
  • Metal/fiber laminate and fabrication using a porous metal/fiber preform
    Patent number: 8017190
    Abstract: A metal/fiber laminate has a plurality of adjacent layers. Each layer is porous and includes an arrangement of fibers. At least one of the layers has its fibers coated with a metal. A polymer matrix permeates each such arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Erik S. Weiser
  • Electrically Conductive Composite Material
    Publication number: 20110209894
    Abstract: A composite material formed of electrically conductive metalized carbon fibers, a thin metal coating or a composite material formed of a conductive polymer and metal nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicants: and Space Administration
    Inventors: Martha K. Williams, Luke B. Roberson, Lanetra C. Tate, Trent M. Smith, Tracy L. Gibson, Scott T. Jolley
  • Low-Melt Poly(Amic Acids) and Polyimides and their Uses
    Publication number: 20110212334
    Abstract: Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use in repair of electrical wire insulation, flat or ribbon wire harnesses, and flat surfaces comprised of high-performance polymers such as inflatables or solar panels applications. Also provided are methods and devices for repair of electrical insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicants: Space Administration
    Inventors: Scott T. Jolley, Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Clyde F. Parrish, Steven L. Parks
  • In-Situ Wire Damage Detection System
    Publication number: 20110210749
    Abstract: An in-situ system for detecting damage in an electrically conductive wire. The system comprises a substrate at least partially covered by a layer of electrically conductive material forming a continuous on non-continuous electrically conductive layer connected to an electrical signal generator adapted to delivering electrical signals to the electrically conductive layer. Data is received and processed to identify damage to the substrate or electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive material may include metalized carbon fibers, a thin metal coating, a conductive polymer, carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicants: Space Administration
    Inventors: Martha K. Williams, Luke B. Roberson, Lanetra C. Tate, Trent M. Smith, Tracy L. Gibson, Scott T. Jolley, Pedro J. Medelius
  • Method of Fault Detection and Rerouting
    Publication number: 20110210750
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting damage in an electrical wire, including delivering at least one test electrical signal to an outer electrically conductive material in a continuous or non-continuous layer covering an electrically insulative material layer that covers an electrically conductive wire core. Detecting the test electrical signals in the outer conductive material layer to obtain data that is processed to identify damage in the outer electrically conductive material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicants: Space Administration
    Inventors: Pedro J. Medelius, Tracy L. Gibson, Mark E. Lewis
  • Jet Engine Exhaust Nozzle Flow Effector
    Publication number: 20110203288
    Abstract: A jet engine exhaust nozzle flow effector is a chevron formed with a radius of curvature with surfaces of the flow effector being defined and opposing one another. At least one shape memory alloy (SMA) member is embedded in the chevron closer to one of the chevron's opposing surfaces and substantially spanning from at least a portion of the chevron's root to the chevron's tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: U. S. A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Travis L. Turner, Roberto J. Cano, Richard J. Silox, Ralph D. Buehrle, Christopher M. Cagle, Randolph H. Cabell, George C. Hilton
  • Method and Apparatus for Accurately Calibrating a Spectrometer
    Publication number: 20110208463
    Abstract: A calibration assembly for a spectrometer is provided. The assembly includes a spectrometer having n detector elements, where each detector element is assigned a predetermined wavelength value. A first source emitting first radiation is used to calibrate the spectrometer. A device is placed in the path of the first radiation to split the first radiation into a first beam and a second beam. The assembly is configured so that one of the first and second beams travels a path-difference distance longer than the other of the first and second beams. An output signal is generated by the spectrometer when the first and second beams enter the spectrometer. The assembly includes a controller operable for processing the output signal and adapted to calculate correction factors for the respective predetermined wavelength values assigned to each detector element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: USA as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Robert C. Youngquist, Stephen M. Simmons
  • Miniaturized metal (metal alloy)/ PdO/SiC hydrogen and hydrocarbon gas sensors
    Patent number: 8001828
    Abstract: A miniaturized Schottky diode hydrogen and hydrocarbon sensor and the method of making same is disclosed and claimed. The sensor comprises a catalytic metal layer, such as palladium, a silicon carbide substrate layer and a thin barrier layer in between the catalytic and substrate layers made of palladium oxide (PdOx ). This highly stable device provides sensitive gas detection at temperatures ranging from at least 450 to 600° C. The barrier layer prevents reactions between the catalytic metal layer and the substrate layer. Conventional semiconductor fabrication techniques are used to fabricate the small-sized sensors. The use of a thicker palladium oxide barrier layer for other semiconductor structures such as a capacitor and transistor structures is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Gary W. Hunter, Jennifer C. Xu, Dorothy Lukco
  • Multi-functional annular fairing for coupling launch abort motor to space vehicle
    Patent number: 8002219
    Abstract: An annular fairing having aerodynamic, thermal, structural and acoustic attributes couples a launch abort motor to a space vehicle having a payload of concern mounted on top of a rocket propulsion system. A first end of the annular fairing is fixedly attached to the launch abort motor while a second end of the annular fairing is attached in a releasable fashion to an aft region of the payload. The annular fairing increases in diameter between its first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Charles J. Camarda, Stephen J. Scotti, Pieter G. Buning, Steven X. S. Bauer, Walter C. Engelund, David M. Schuster
  • High power RF solid state power amplifier system
    Patent number: 8004364
    Abstract: A high power, high frequency, solid state power amplifier system includes a plurality of input multiple port splitters for receiving a high-frequency input and for dividing the input into a plurality of outputs and a plurality of solid state amplifier units. Each amplifier unit includes a plurality of amplifiers, and each amplifier is individually connected to one of the outputs of multiport splitters and produces a corresponding amplified output. A plurality of multiport combiners combine the amplified outputs of the amplifiers of each of the amplifier units to a combined output. Automatic level control protection circuitry protects the amplifiers and maintains a substantial constant amplifier power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: William Herbert Sims, III, Donald Gregory Chavers, James J. Richeson
  • Dust removal from solar cells
    Patent number: 7999173
    Abstract: A solar panel cleaning device includes a solar panel having a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in rows and embedded in the solar panel with space between the rows. A transparent dielectric overlay is affixed to the solar panel. A plurality of electrode pairs each of which includes an upper and a lower electrode are arranged on opposite sides of the transparent dielectric and are affixed thereto. The electrodes may be transparent electrodes which may be arranged without concern for blocking sunlight to the solar panel. The solar panel may be a dielectric and its dielectric properties may be continuously and spatially variable. Alternatively the dielectric used may have dielectric segments which produce different electrical field and which affects the wind “generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: David E. Ashpis
  • Aqueous solution dispersement of carbon nanotubes
    Patent number: 7998368
    Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are dispersed in an aqueous buffer solution consisting of at least 50 weight percent water and a remainder weight percent that includes a buffer material. The buffer material has a molecular structure defined by a first end, a second end, and a middle disposed between the first and second ends. The first end is a cyclic ring with nitrogen and oxygen heteroatomes, the middle is a hydrophobic alkyl chain, and the second end is a charged group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jae-Woo Kim, Cheol Park, Sang H. Choi, Peter T. Lillehei, Joycelyn S. Harrison
  • Directed flux motor
    Patent number: 7999427
    Abstract: A directed flux motor described utilizes the directed magnetic flux of at least one magnet through ferrous material to drive different planetary gear sets to achieve capabilities in six actuated shafts that are grouped three to a side of the motor. The flux motor also utilizes an interwoven magnet configuration which reduces the overall size of the motor. The motor allows for simple changes to modify the torque to speed ratio of the gearing contained within the motor as well as simple configurations for any number of output shafts up to six. The changes allow for improved manufacturability and reliability within the design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Andrew Wilson, Andrew Punnoose, Katherine Strausser, Neil Parikh
  • Energy conversion materials fabricated with boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and BNNT polymer composites
    Publication number: 20110192016
    Abstract: Electroactive actuation characteristics of novel BNNT based materials are described. Several series of BNNT based electroactive materials including BNNT/polyimide composites and BNNT films are prepared. The BNNT based electroactive materials show high piezoelectric coefficients, d13, about 14.80 pm/V as well as high electrostrictive coefficients, M13, 3.21×10?16 pm2N2. The BNNT based electroactive materials will be used for novel electromechanical energy conversion devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicants: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kang, Cheol Park, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Michael W. Smith, Sharon E. Lowther, Jae-Woo Kim, Godfrey Sauti
  • Conduit purging device and method
    Patent number: 7992760
    Abstract: A device for purging gas comprises a conduit assembly defining an interior volume. The conduit assembly comprises a first conduit portion having an open first end and an open second end and a second conduit portion having an open first end and a closed second end. The open second end of the first conduit portion is disposed proximate to the open first end of the second conduit portion to define a weld region. The device further comprises a supply element supplying a gas to the interior volume at a substantially constant rate and a vent element venting the gas from the interior volume at a rate that maintains the gas in the interior volume within a pressure range suitable to hold a weld bead in the weld region in equilibrium during formation of a weld to join the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Michael T. Wilks
  • Method and system for aligning fibers during electrospinning
    Patent number: 7993567
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for aligning fibers in an electrospinning process. A jet of a fiberizable material is directed towards an uncharged collector from a dispensing location that is spaced apart from the collector. While the fiberizable material is directed towards the collector, an elliptical electric field is generated via the electrically charged dispenser and an oppositely-charged control location. The field spans between the dispensing location and the control location that is within line-of-sight of the dispensing location, and impinges upon at least a portion of the collector. Various combinations of numbers and geometries of dispensers, collectors, and electrodes can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Lisa A. Scott-Carnell, Ralph M Stephens, Nancy M. Holloway, Caroline Rhim, Laura Niklason, Robert L. Clark, Emilie J. Siochi
  • Robot and robot system
    Patent number: 7996112
    Abstract: A robot and robot system that are capable of functioning in a zero-gravity environment are provided. The robot can include a body having a longitudinal axis and having a control unit and a power source. The robot can include a first leg pair including a first leg and a second leg. Each leg of the first leg pair can be pivotally attached to the body and constrained to pivot in a first leg pair plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Alberto E. Behar, Neville I. Marzwell, Jonathan N. Wall, Michael D. Poole