Patents Assigned to and Space Administration
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Patent number: 7990327Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cellular reflectarray antenna arranged in an m by n matrix of radiating elements for communication with a satellite includes steps of determining a delay ?m,n for each of said m by n matrix of elements of said cellular reflectarray antenna using sub-steps of: determining the longitude and latitude of operation, determining elevation and azimuth angles of the reflectarray with respect to the satellite and converting theta0 (?0) and phi0 (?0), determining ??m,n, the pointing vector correction, for a given inter-element spacing and wavelength, determining ??m,n, the spherical wave front correction factor, for a given radius from the central element and/or from measured data from the feed horn; and, determining a delay ?m,n for each of said m by n matrix of elements as a function of ??m,n and ??m,n.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Robert R Romanofsky
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Patent number: 7992134Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments, an agent-oriented specification modeled with MaCMAS, is analyzed, flaws in the agent-oriented specification modeled with MaCMAS are corrected, and an implementation is derived from the corrected agent-oriented specification. Described herein are systems, method and apparatus that produce fully (mathematically) tractable development of agent-oriented specification(s) modeled with methodology fragment for analyzing complex multiagent systems (MaCMAS) and policies for autonomic systems from requirements through to code generation. The systems, method and apparatus described herein are illustrated through an example showing how user formulated policies can be translated into a formal mode which can then be converted to code. The requirements-based programming systems, method and apparatus described herein may provide faster, higher quality development and maintenance of autonomic systems based on user formulation of policies.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael G. Hinchey, Joaquin Penn, Roy Sterritt
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Patent number: 7991595Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes software which is robust, efficient, and has a very fast run time for user directed grid enrichment and flow solution adaptive grid refinement. All user selectable options (e.g., the choice of functions, the choice of thresholds, etc.), other than a pre-marked cell list, can be entered on the command line. The ease of application is an asset for flow physics research and preliminary design CFD analysis where fast grid modification is often needed to deal with unanticipated development of flow details.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: S. Paul Pao, Khaled S. Abdol-Hamid
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Patent number: 7985709Abstract: The invention described herein involves a novel approach to the production of oxidation/reduction catalytic systems. The present invention serves to stabilize the tin oxide reducible metal-oxide coating by co-incorporating at least another metal-oxide species, such as zirconium. In one embodiment, a third metal-oxide species is incorporated, selected from the group consisting of cerium, lanthanum, hafnium, and ruthenium. The incorporation of the additional metal oxide components serves to stabilize the active tin-oxide layer in the catalytic process during high-temperature operation in a reducing environment (e.g., automobile exhaust). Moreover, the additional metal oxides are active components due to their oxygen-retention capabilities. Together, these features provide a mechanism to extend the range of operation of the tin-oxide-based catalyst system for automotive applications, while maintaining the existing advantages.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Jeffrey D. Jordan, David R. Schryer, Patricia P. Davis, Bradley D. Leighty, Anthony N. Watkins, Jacqueline L. Schryer, Donald M. Oglesby, Suresh T. Gulati, Jerry C. Summers
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Patent number: 7982861Abstract: A method for measuring time delay and distance may include providing an electromagnetic radiation carrier frequency and modulating one or more of amplitude, phase, frequency, polarization, and pointing angle of the carrier frequency with a return to zero (RZ) pseudo random noise (PN) code. The RZ PN code may have a constant bit period and a pulse duration that is less than the bit period. A receiver may detect the electromagnetic radiation and calculate the scattering profile versus time (or range) by computing a cross correlation function between the recorded received signal and a three-state RZ PN code kernel in the receiver. The method also may be used for pulse delay time (i.e., PPM) communications.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: James B. Abshire, Xiaoli Sun
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Patent number: 7982353Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Andrew Wilson, Andrew Punnoose, Katherine Strausser, Neil Parikh
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Patent number: 7980449Abstract: A welding method and apparatus are provided for forming a weld joint between first and second elements of a workpiece. The method includes heating the first and second elements to form an interface of material in a plasticized or melted state interface between the elements. The interface material is then allowed to cool to a plasticized state if previously in a melted state. The interface material, while in the plasticized state, is then mixed, for example, using a grinding/extruding process, to remove any dendritic-type weld microstructures introduced into the interface material during the heating process.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: R. Jeffrey Ding
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Publication number: 20110171066Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and formed into a rigid or pliable material. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector includes aerogel material. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below ?196° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2007Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Janine E. Captain, Luke B. Roberson, Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, LaNetra Clayton Tate
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Publication number: 20110168955Abstract: A method of growing carbon nanotubes uses a synthesized mesoporous silica template with approximately cylindrical pores being formed therein. The surfaces of the pores are coated with a carbon nanotube precursor, and the template with the surfaces of the pores so-coated is then heated until the carbon nanotube precursor in each pore is converted to a carbon nanotube.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Tarek Abdel-Fattah, Emilie J. Siochi
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Publication number: 20110169187Abstract: A nanocomposite structure and method of fabricating same are provided. The nanocomposite structure is a polymer in an extruded shape with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) longitudinally disposed and dispersed in the extruded shape along a dimension thereof. The polymer is characteristically defined as having a viscosity of at least approximately 100,000 poise at a temperature of 200° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Dennis C. Working, Emilie J. Siochi, Cheol Park, Peter T. Lillehei
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Publication number: 20110172082Abstract: A hydrogenation catalyst including a base material coated with a catalytic metal is made using mechanical milling techniques. The hydrogenation catalysts are used as an excellent catalyst for the dehalogenation of contaminated compounds and the remediation of other industrial compounds. Preferably, the hydrogenation catalyst is a bimetallic particle including zero-valent metal particles coated with a catalytic material. The mechanical milling technique is simpler and cheaper than previously used methods for producing hydrogenation catalysts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Jacqueline W. Quinn, Christian A. Clausen, Cherie L. Geiger, Brian S. Aitken
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Patent number: 7977411Abstract: The invention involves composite materials containing a polymer foam and an aerogel. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability, good acoustic insulation, and excellent physical mechanical properties. The composite materials can be used, for instance, for heat and acoustic insulation on aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime ships in place of currently used foam panels and other foam products. The materials of the invention can also be used in building construction with their combination of light weight, strength, elasticity, ability to be formed into desired shapes, and superior thermal and acoustic insulation power. The materials have also been found to have utility for storage of cryogens. A cryogenic liquid or gas, such as N2 or H2, adsorbs to the surfaces in aerogel particles. Thus, another embodiment of the invention provides a storage vessel for a cryogen.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, James E. Fesmire, Erik S. Weiser, Jared P. Sass
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Patent number: 7978312Abstract: A three-dimensional range imager includes a light source for providing a modulated light signal, a multiplexer, an optical fiber connecting the light source to the multiplexer, a plurality of optical fibers connected at first ends to the multiplexer and at second ends to a first fiber array, and a transmitter optic disposed adjacent the first fiber array for projecting a pixel pattern of the array onto a target.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Vibart Stan Scott, James Bryan Blair, Luis R. Izquierdo
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Patent number: 7979848Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which, in some embodiments, a formal specification is pattern-matched from scenarios, the formal specification is analyzed, and flaws in the formal specification are corrected. The systems, methods and apparatus may include pattern-matching an equivalent formal model from an informal specification. Such a model can be analyzed for contradictions, conflicts, use of resources before the resources are available, competition for resources, and so forth. From such a formal model, an implementation can be automatically generated in a variety of notations. The approach can improve the resulting implementation, which, in some embodiments, is provably equivalent to the procedures described at the outset, which in turn can improve confidence that the system reflects the requirements, and in turn reduces system development time and reduces the amount of testing required of a new system.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael G. Hinchey, James L. Rash, Christopher A. Rouff
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Patent number: 7972821Abstract: A method for the production of functional proteins including hormones by renal cells in a three dimensional culturing process responsive to shear stress uses a rotating wall vessel. Natural mixture of renal cells expresses the enzyme 1-?-hydroxylase which can be used to generate the active form of vitamin D: 1,25-diOH vitamin D3. The fibroblast cultures and co-culture of renal cortical cells express the gene for erythropoietin and secrete erythropoietin into the culture supernatant. Other shear stress response genes are also modulated by shear stress, such as toxin receptors megalin and cubulin (gp280). Also provided is a method of treating an in-need individual with the functional proteins produced in a three dimensional co-culture process responsive to shear stress using a rotating wall vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Thomas John Goodwin, Timothy Grant Hammond, James Howard Kaysen
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Patent number: 7972536Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Jr., Joycelyn S. Harrison, Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies
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Patent number: 7970025Abstract: A method and system for stabilizing a laser to a frequency reference with an adjustable offset. The method locks a sideband signal generated by passing an incoming laser beam through the phase modulator to a frequency reference, and adjusts a carrier frequency relative to the locked sideband signal by changing a phase modulation frequency input to the phase modulator. The sideband signal can be a single sideband (SSB), dual sideband (DSB), or an electronic sideband (ESB) signal. Two separate electro-optic modulators can produce the DSB signal. The two electro-optic modulators can be a broadband modulator and a resonant modulator. With a DSB signal, the method can introduce two sinusoidal phase modulations at the phase modulator. With ESB signals, the method can further drive the optical phase modulator with an electrical signal with nominal frequency ?1 that is phase modulated at a frequency ?2.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of The National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Jeffrey Livas, James I. Thorpe, Kenji Numata
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Patent number: 7968117Abstract: Disclosed are microcapsules comprising a polymer shell enclosing one or more immiscible liquid phases in which a drug or drug precursor are contained in a liquid phase. The microparticles also contain magnetic particles that can be heated by application of an external magnetic field and thus heated to a predetermined Curie temperature. Heating of the particles melts the polymer shell and releases the drug without causing heating of surrounding tissues.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Dennis R. Morrison, Benjamin Mosier
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Patent number: 7968812Abstract: A flexible joint may include a conductive compression spring and a pair of non-conductive spring cages disposed at opposite ends of the compression spring to support the compression spring. A conductive member disposed inside the compression spring may extend between the pair of spring cages. One end of the conductive member may be fixed for movement with one of the spring cages and another end of the conductive member may be fixed for movement with the other of the spring cages.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Peter M. Phelps, Bryan W. Gaither
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Patent number: 7968648Abstract: The invention provides polymer blends containing polyhydroxyamide and one or more flammable polymers. The polymer blends are flame retardant and have improved durability and heat stability compared to the flammable polymer portion of the blends. Articles containing the polymer blends are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith