Patents Assigned to and Space Administration
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Patent number: 7872750Abstract: A particle detector is provided, the particle detector including a spherical Cherenkov detector, and at least one pair of detector stacks. In an embodiment of the invention, the Cherenkov detector includes a sphere of ultraviolet transparent material, coated by an ultraviolet reflecting material that has at least one open port. The Cherenkov detector further includes at least one photodetector configured to detect ultraviolet light emitted from a particle within the sphere. In an embodiment of the invention, each detector stack includes one or more detectors configured to detect a particle traversing the sphere.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John D. Wrbanek, Gustave C. Fralick, Susan Y. Wrbanek
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Patent number: 7869029Abstract: An optical system for receiving and collimating light and for transporting and processing light received in each of N wavelength ranges, including near-ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths, to determine a fraction of light received, and associated dark current, in each wavelength range in each of a sequence of time intervals.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Warren J. Gore
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Patent number: 7867589Abstract: A lightweight, high-pressure cryogenic tank construction includes an inner layer comprising a matrix of fiber and resin suitable for cryogenic use. An outer layer in intimate contact with the inner layer provides support of the inner layer, and is made of resin composite. The tank is made by placing a fiber preform on a mandrel and infusing the preform with the resin. The infused preform is then encapsulated within the outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Thomas K. DeLay
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Patent number: 7867640Abstract: An alpha voltaic battery includes at least one layer of a semiconductor material comprising at least one p/n junction, at least one absorption and conversion layer on the at least one layer of semiconductor layer, and at least one alpha particle emitter. The absorption and conversion layer prevents at least a portion of alpha particles from the alpha particle emitter from damaging the p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material. The absorption and conversion layer also converts at least a portion of energy from the alpha particles into electron-hole pairs for collection by the one p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignees: Rochester Institute of Technology, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Ryne P. Raffaelle, Phillip Jenkins, David Wilt, David Scheiman, Donald Chubb, Stephanie Castro
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Patent number: 7867639Abstract: An alpha voltaic battery includes at least one layer of a semiconductor material comprising at least one p/n junction, at least one absorption and conversion layer on the at least one layer of semiconductor layer, and at least one alpha particle emitter. The absorption and conversion layer prevents at least a portion of alpha particles from the alpha particle emitter from damaging the p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material. The absorption and conversion layer also converts at least a portion of energy from the alpha particles into electron-hole pairs for collection by the one p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignees: Rochester Institute of Technology, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Ryne P. Raffaelle, Phillip Jenkins, David Wilt, David Scheiman, Donald Chubb, Stephanie Castro
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Publication number: 20110001398Abstract: A single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by multi-wall carbon nanotubes or few wall carbon nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S/cm. The EAP actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2007Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Jin Ho Kang, Cheol Park, Joycelyn S. Harrison
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Patent number: 7862946Abstract: A fuel cell power system comprises an internal or self-regulating control of a system or device requiring a parasitic load. The internal or self-regulating control utilizes certain components and an interconnection scheme to produce a desirable, variable voltage potential (i.e., power) to a system or device requiring parasitic load in response to varying operating conditions or requirements of an external load that is connected to a primary fuel cell stack of the system. Other embodiments comprise a method of designing such a self-regulated control scheme and a method of operating such a fuel cell power system.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Arturo Vasquez
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Publication number: 20100329585Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the measurement and/or for the specification of the perceptual intensity of a visual image, or the perceptual distance between a pair of images. Grayscale test and reference images are processed to produce test and reference luminance images. A luminance filter function is convolved with the reference luminance image to produce a local mean luminance reference image. Test and reference contrast images are produced from the local mean luminance reference image and the test and reference luminance images respectively, followed by application of a contrast sensitivity filter. The resulting images are combined according to mathematical prescriptions to produce a Just Noticeable Difference, JND value, indicative of a Spatial Standard Observer, SSO. Some embodiments include masking functions, window functions, special treatment for images lying on or near borders and pre-processing of test images.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicants: Space AdministrationInventor: Andrew B. Watson
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Patent number: 7859292Abstract: A device is disclosed in one embodiment that has multiple identical sets of programmable functional elements, programmable routing resources, and majority voters that correct errors. The voters accept a mode input for a redundancy mode and a split mode. In the redundancy mode, the programmable functional elements are identical and are programmed identically so the voters produce an output corresponding to the majority of inputs that agree. In a split mode, each voter selects a particular programmable functional element output as the output of the voter. Therefore, in the split mode, the programmable functional elements can perform different functions, operate independently, and/or be connected together to process different parts of the same problem.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Robert L. Shuler, Jr.
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Patent number: 7855368Abstract: Acoustic thermography uses a housing configured for thermal, acoustic and infrared radiation shielding. For in-situ applications, the housing has an open side adapted to be sealingly coupled to a surface region of a structure such that an enclosed chamber filled with air is defined. One or more acoustic sources are positioned to direct acoustic waves through the air in the enclosed chamber and towards the surface region. To activate and control each acoustic source, a pulsed signal is applied thereto. An infrared imager focused on the surface region detects a thermal image of the surface region. A data capture device records the thermal image in synchronicity with each pulse of the pulsed signal such that a time series of thermal images is generated. For enhanced sensitivity and/or repeatability, sound and/or vibrations at the surface region can be used in feedback control of the pulsed signal applied to the acoustic sources.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Joseph N. Zalameda, William P. Winfree, William T. Yost
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Patent number: 7855157Abstract: A cosmic and solar radiation shielding structure that also has structural attributes is comprised of three layers. The first layer is 30-42 percent by volume of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene fibers, 18-30 percent by volume of graphite fibers, and a remaining percent by volume of an epoxy resin matrix. The second layer is approximately 68 percent by volume of UHMW polyethylene fibers and a remaining percent by volume of a polyethylene matrix. The third layer is a ceramic material.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Raj K. Kaul, Abdulnasser Fakhri Barghouty, Benjamin G. Penn, Anthony Bruce Hulcher
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Patent number: 7850861Abstract: A method of making a microfluidic device is provided. The method features patterning a permeable wall on a substrate, and surrounding the permeable wall with a solid, non-permeable boundary structure to establish a microfluidic channel having a cross-sectional dimension less than 5,000 microns and a cross-sectional area at least partially filled with the permeable wall so that fluid flowing through the microfluidic channel at least partially passes through the permeable wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Eric W. Wong
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Patent number: 7851062Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Erik S. Weiser
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Patent number: 7848606Abstract: A method is provided for eliminating crystals in non-oxide optical fiber preforms as well as optical fibers drawn therefrom. The optical-fiber-drawing axis of the preform is aligned with the force of gravity. A magnetic field is applied to the preform as it is heated to at least a melting temperature thereof. The magnetic field is applied in a direction that is parallel to the preform's optical-fiber-drawing axis. The preform is then cooled to a temperature that is less than a glass transition temperature of the preform while the preform is maintained in the magnetic field. When the processed preform is to have an optical fiber drawn therefrom, the preform's optical-fiber-drawing axis is again aligned with the force of gravity and a magnetic field is again applied along the axis as the optical fiber is drawn from the preform.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael R. LaPointe, Dennis S. Tucker
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Patent number: 7848381Abstract: A tunable laser includes dispersion optics for separating generated laser pulses into first and second wavelength pulses directed along first and second optical paths. First and second reflective mirrors are disposed in the first and second optical paths, respectively. The laser's output mirror is partially reflective and partially transmissive with respect to the first wavelength and the second wavelength in accordance with provided criteria. A first resonator length is defined between the output mirror and the first mirror, while a second resonator length is defined between the output mirror and the second mirror. The second resonator length is a function of the first resonator length.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Norman P. Barnes, Brian M. Walsh, Donald J. Reichle
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Patent number: 7845215Abstract: A scanning probe microscope and methodology called resonant difference-frequency atomic force ultrasonic microscopy (RDF-AFUM), employs an ultrasonic wave launched from the bottom of a sample while the cantilever of an atomic force microscope, driven at a frequency differing from the ultrasonic frequency by one of the contact resonance frequencies of the cantilever, engages the sample top surface. The nonlinear mixing of the oscillating cantilever and the ultrasonic wave in the region defined by the cantilever tip-sample surface interaction force generates difference-frequency oscillations at the cantilever contact resonance. The resonance-enhanced difference-frequency signals are used to create images of nanoscale near-surface and subsurface features.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John H. Cantrell, Sean A. Cantrell
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Publication number: 20100305234Abstract: Hydrophobic-core microcapsules and methods of their formation are provided. A hydrophobic-core microcapsule may include a shell that encapsulates a hydrophobic substance with a core substance, such as dye, corrosion indicator, corrosion inhibitor, and/or healing agent, dissolved or dispersed therein. The hydrophobic-core microcapsules may be formed from an emulsion having hydrophobic-phase droplets, e.g., containing the core substance and shell-forming compound, dispersed in a hydrophilic phase. The shells of the microcapsules may be capable of being broken down in response to being contacted by an alkali, e.g., produced during corrosion, contacting the shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Luz M. Calle, Wenyan Li, Jerry W. Buhrow, Scott T. Jolley
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Publication number: 20100301785Abstract: An electromagnetic braking system and method is provided for selectively braking a motor using an electromagnetic brake having an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, a rotor assembly, and a brake pad. The brake assembly applies when the electromagnet is de-energized and releases when the electromagnet is energized. When applied the permanent magnet moves the brake pad into frictional engagement with a housing, and when released the electromagnet cancels the flux of the permanent magnet to allow a leaf spring to move the brake pad away from the housing. A controller has a DC/DC converter for converting a main bus voltage to a lower braking voltage based on certain parameters. The converter utilizes pulse-width modulation (PWM) to regulate the braking voltage. A calibrated gap is defined between the brake pad and permanent magnet when the brake assembly is released, and may be dynamically modified via the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., The U.S.A. as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Donald R. Davis, Nicolaus A. Radford, Frank Noble Permenter, Adam H. Parsons
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Patent number: 7843650Abstract: An afocal monolithic optical element formed of a shallow cylinder of optical material (glass, polymer, etc.) with fast aspheric surfaces, nominally confocal paraboloids, configured on the front and back surfaces. The front surface is substantially planar, and this lends itself to deposition of multi-layer stacks of thin dielectric and metal films to create a filter for rejecting out-of-band light. However, an aspheric section (for example, a paraboloid) can either be ground into a small area of this surface (for a Cassegrain-type telescope) or attached to the planar surface (for a Gregorian-type telescope). This aspheric section of the surface is then silvered to create the telescope's secondary mirror. The rear surface of the cylinder is figured into a steep, convex asphere (again, a paraboloid in the examples), and also made reflective to form the telescope's primary mirror.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: William T. Roberts
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Patent number: 7842639Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Jacqueline W. Quinn, Christian A. Clausen, Cherie L. Geiger, Brian S. Aitken