Patents Assigned to Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
  • Unitary scintillation detector and system
    Patent number: 5317158
    Abstract: The invention is a unitary alpha, beta, and gamma scintillation detector and system for sensing the presence of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations selectively or simultaneously. The scintillators are mounted in a light-tight housing provided with an entrance window for admitting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation and excluding ambient light from the housing. Light pulses from each scintillator have different decay constants that are converted by a photosensitive device into corresponding differently shaped electrical pulses. A pulse discrimination system identifies the electrical pulses by their respective pulse shapes which are determined by decay time. The identified electrical pulses are counted in separate channel analyzers to indicate the respective levels of sensed alpha, beta, and gamma radiations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie A. McElhaney, Marion M. Chiles
  • Protective lithium ion conducting ceramic coating for lithium metal anodes and associate method
    Patent number: 5314765
    Abstract: A battery structure including a cathode, a lithium metal anode and an electrolyte disposed between the lithium anode and the cathode utilizes a thin-film layer of lithium phosphorus oxynitride overlying so as to coat the lithium anode and thereby separate the lithium anode from the electrolyte. If desired, a preliminary layer of lithium nitride may be coated upon the lithium anode before the lithium phosphorous oxynitride is, in turn, coated upon the lithium anode so that the separation of the anode and the electrolyte is further enhanced. By coating the lithium anode with this material lay-up, the life of the battery is lengthened and the performance of the battery is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Bates
  • Method of separating bacteria from free living amoebae
    Patent number: 5314821
    Abstract: New protozoan derived microbial consortia and method for their isolation are provided. Consortia and bacteria isolated therefrom are useful for treating wastes such as trichloroethylene and trinitrotoluene. Consortia, bacteria isolated therefrom, and dispersants isolated therefrom are useful for dispersing hydrocarbons such as oil, creosote, wax, and grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Tyndall
  • Blackbody material
    Patent number: 5313325
    Abstract: A light emitting article comprises a composite of carbon-bonded carbon fibers, prepared by: blending carbon fibers with a carbonizable organic powder to form a mixture; dispersing the mixture into an aqueous slurry; vacuum molding the aqueous slurry to form a green article; drying and curing the green article to form a cured article; and, carbonizing the cured article at a temperature of at least about 1000.degree. C. to form a carbon-bonded carbon fiber light emitting composite article having a bulk density less than 1 g/cm.sup.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Lauf, Clyde Hamby, Jr., M. Alfred Akerman, Alvin W. Trivelpiece
  • Robotic end gripper with a band member to engage object
    Patent number: 5310233
    Abstract: An end effector for use with robotic arms and like devices that utilizes a flexible band to draw an object against an anvil having a concave surface. One typical convex surface is created by a V-block, with an apex of the V being centrally located. If an object to be grasped is fragile, the contour of the concave surface closely matches the surface of the object. Typically the movement of the band is effected by a linear actuator, with the anvil remaining fixed relative to a support base. Several embodiments are described that utilize variations in drawing the band toward the anvil, with one of these embodiments described in detail in the form of a fabricated unit. One embodiment includes a cover element that can be moved over an object after the grasping thereof, with this cover potentially serving various functions. Movement of the cover can be effected with a second linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy E. Pollard, Samuel C. Robinson, William F. Thompson, Scott A. Couture, Bill J. Sutton
  • Raman-based system for DNA sequencing-mapping and other separations
    Patent number: 5306403
    Abstract: DNA sequencing and mapping are performed by using a Raman spectrometer with a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate to enhance the Raman signal. A SERS label is attached to a DNA fragment and then analyzed with the Raman spectrometer to identify the DNA fragment according to characteristics of the Raman spectrum generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Tuan Vo-Dinh
  • Method for producing textured substrates for thin-film photovoltaic cells
    Patent number: 5306646
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the production of ceramic substrates used in the manufacture of thin-film photovoltaic cells used for directly converting solar energy to electrical energy. Elongated ribbon-like sheets of substrate precursor containing a mixture of ceramic particulates, a binder, and a plasticizer are formed and then while green provided with a mechanically textured surface region used for supporting the thin film semiconductor of the photovoltaic cell when the sheets of the substrate precursor are subsequently cut into substrate-sized shapes and then sintered. The textured surface pattern on the substrate provides enhanced light trapping and collection for substantially increasing the solar energy conversion efficiency of thin-film photovoltaic cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Lauf
  • Microcellular carbon foam and method
    Patent number: 5300272
    Abstract: A microcellular carbon foam characterized by a density in the range of about 30 to 1000 mg/cm.sup.3, substantially uniform distribution of cell sizes of diameters less than 100 .mu.m with a majority of the cells being of a diameter of less than about 10 .mu.m, well interconnected strut morphology providing open porosity, and an expanded d(002) X-ray turbostatic spacing greater than 3.50 angstroms. The precursor for the carbon foam is prepared by the phase inversion of polyacrylonitrile in a solution consisting essentially of at least one alkali metal halide and a phase inversion solvent for the polyacrylonitrile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Simandl, John D. Brown
  • Molybdenum enhanced low-temperature deposition of crystalline silicon nitride
    Patent number: 5300322
    Abstract: A process for chemical vapor deposition of crystalline silicon nitride which comprises the steps of: introducing a mixture of a silicon source, a molybdenum source, a nitrogen source, and a hydrogen source into a vessel containing a suitable substrate; and thermally decomposing the mixture to deposit onto the substrate a coating comprising crystalline silicon nitride containing a dispersion of molybdenum silicide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Lowden
  • Alkali-lead-iron phosphate glass and associated method
    Patent number: 5298329
    Abstract: A glass composition and method of preparation utilizes a mixture consisting of phosphorus oxide within the range of about 40 to 49 molar percent, lead oxide within the range of about 10 to 25 molar percent, iron oxide within the range of about 10 to 17 molar percent and an alkali oxide within the range of about 23 to 30 molar percent. The glass resulting from the melting and subsequent solidifying of the mixture possesses a high degree of durability and a coefficient of thermal expansion as high as that of any of a number of metals. Such features render this glass highly desirable in glass-to-metal seal applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn A. Boatner, Brian C. Sales, Sofia C. S. Franco
  • Method of nitriding refractory metal articles
    Patent number: 5294264
    Abstract: A method of nitriding a refractory-nitride forming metal or metalloid articles and composite articles. A consolidated metal or metalloid article or composite is placed inside a microwave oven and nitrogen containing gas is introduced into the microwave oven. The metal or metalloid article or composite is heated to a temperature sufficient to react the metal or metalloid with the nitrogen by applying a microwave energy within the microwave oven. The metal or metalloid article or composite is maintained at that temperature for a period of time sufficient to convert the article of metal or metalloid or composite to an article or composite of refractory nitride. In addition, a method of applying a coating, such as a coating of an oxide, a carbide, or a carbo-nitride, to an article of metal or metalloid by microwave heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry N. Tiegs, Cressie E. Holcombe, Norman L. Dykes, Ogbemi O. Omatete, Albert C. Young
  • Method for preparing salt solutions having desired properties
    Patent number: 5294357
    Abstract: The specification discloses a method for preparing salt solutions which exhibit desired thermodynamic properties. The method enables prediction of the value of the thermodynamic properties for single and multiple salt solutions over a wide range of conditions from activity data and constants which are independent of concentration and temperature. A particular application of the invention is in the control of salt solutions in a process to provide a salt solution which exhibits the desired properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Moonis R. Ally, Jerry Braunstein
  • Coupled microwave ECR and radio-frequency plasma source for plasma processing
    Patent number: 5292370
    Abstract: In a dual plasma device, the first plasma is a microwave discharge having its own means of plasma initiation and control. The microwave discharge operates at electron cyclotron resonance (ECR), and generates a uniform plasma over a large area of about 1000 cm.sup.2 at low pressures below 0.1 mtorr. The ECR microwave plasma initiates the second plasma, a radio frequency (RF) plasma maintained between parallel plates. The ECR microwave plasma acts as a source of charged particles, supplying copious amounts of a desired charged excited species in uniform manner to the RF plasma. The parallel plate portion of the apparatus includes a magnetic filter with static magnetic field structure that aids the formation of ECR zones in the two plasma regions, and also assists in the RF plasma also operating at electron cyclotron resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chin-Chi Tsai, Halsey H. Haselton
  • Proportional counter device for detecting electronegative species in an air sample
    Patent number: 5293130
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting an electronegative species comprises an analysis chamber, an inlet communicating with the analysis chamber for admitting a sample containing the electronegative species and an ionizable component, a radioactive source within the analysis chamber for emitting radioactive energy for ionizing a component of the sample, a proportional electron detector within the analysis chamber for detecting electrons emitted from the ionized component, and a circuit for measuring the electrons and determining the presence of the electronegative species by detecting a reduction in the number of available electrons due to capture of electrons by the electronegative species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve L. Allman, Fang C. Chen, Chung-Hsuan Chen
  • Cr-W-V bainitic/ferritic steel with improved strength and toughness and method of making
    Patent number: 5292384
    Abstract: A high strength, high toughness Cr-W-V ferritic steel composition suitable for fast induced-radioactivity (FIRD) decay after irradiation in a fusion reactor comprises 2.5-3.5 wt % Cr, 2.This invention was made with Government support under contract DE-AC05-840R21400 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. and the Government has certain rights in this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Klueh, Philip J. Maziasz
  • Two-dimensional position sensitive radiation detectors
    Patent number: 5289510
    Abstract: Nuclear reaction detectors capable of position sensitivity with submillimeter resolution in two dimensions are each provided by placing arrays of scintillation or wave length shifting optical fibers formed of a plurality of such optical fibers in a side-by-side relationship in X and Y directions with a layer of nuclear reactive material operatively associated with surface regions of the optical fiber arrays. Each nuclear reaction occurring in the layer of nuclear reactive material produces energetic particles for simultaneously providing a light pulse in a single optical fiber in the X oriented array and in a single optical fiber in the Y oriented array. These pulses of light are transmitted to a signal producing circuit for providing signals indicative of the X-Y coordinates of each nuclear event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Mihalczo
  • Device for controlling the pouring of molten materials
    Patent number: 5286009
    Abstract: A device for controlling the pouring of a molten material from a crucible or other container. The device (10) includes an annular retainer ring (12) for mounting in the drain opening in the bottom of a conventional crucible (16), the retainer ring defining a opening (14) therethrough. The device (10) also includes a plug member (22) having an annular forward end portion (24) for force-fit reception in the opening (14) of the retainer ring (12) to selectively seal the opening (14) and for being selectively forced through the opening (14). The plug member (22) has a rear end portion (26) for being positioned within the crucible (16), the rear end portion (26) including stop means for prohibiting the rear end portion from passing through the opening (14) in the retainer ring (12) when the forward end portion (24) is selectively forced through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan F. Moore, Alfred L. Duncan
  • Two-phase chromium-niobium alloys exhibiting improved mechanical properties at high temperatures
    Patent number: 5282907
    Abstract: The specification discloses chromium-niobium alloys which exhibit improved mechanical properties at high temperatures in the range of 1250.degree. C. and improved room temperature ductility. The alloys contain a Cr.sub.2 Nb-rich intermetallic phase and a Cr-rich phase with an overall niobium concentration in the range of from about 5 to about 18 at. %. The high temperature strength is substantially greater than that of state of the art nickel-based superalloys for enhanced high temperature service. Further improvements in the properties of the compositions are obtained by alloying with rhenium and aluminum; and additional rare-earth and other elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chain T. Liu, Masao Takeyama
  • Tungsten-188/carrier-free rhenium-188 perrhenic acid generator system
    Patent number: 5275802
    Abstract: A generator system for providing a carrier-free radioisotope in the form of an acid comprises a chromatography column in tandem fluid connection with an ion exchange column, the chromatography column containing a charge of a radioactive parent isotope. The chromatography column, charged with a parent isotope, is eluted with an alkali metal salt solution to generate the radioisotope in the form of an intermediate solution, which is passed through the ion-exchange column to convert the radioisotope to a carrier-free acid form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Furn F. Knapp, Jr., Edward C. Lisic, Saed Mirzadeh, Alvin P. Callahan
  • Clip gage attachment for frictionless measurement of displacement during high-temperature mechanical testing
    Patent number: 5275057
    Abstract: An attachment for placement between a test specimen and a remote clip gage extensometer providing improved fracture toughness tests of materials at elevated temperature. Using a cylindrical tube and axial rod in new relationship, the device transfers the displacement signal of the fracture toughness test specimen directly to a clip gage extensometer located outside the high temperature furnace. Virtually frictionless operation is assured by having the test specimen center one end of the rod in one end of the tube, while the clip gage extensometer arms center the other end of the rod in the other end of the tube. By providing positive control over both ends of both rod and tube, the attachment may be operated in orientations other than vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Alexander