Patents Assigned to NanoRacks LLC
  • Publication number: 20230393330
    Abstract: A three-dimensional Bragg grating may include a single colloidal crystal that includes a plurality of repeated layers of material having different refractive indexes. A sample cell for producing a volume Bragg grating may include an internal shape that forms at least one capillary cell having a flat surface and rounded edges. A method of producing a three-dimensional Bragg grating may include: suspending insoluble particles in a host fluid to form a suspension; and exposing the suspension to a sustained microgravity environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicants: NanoRacks, LLC, New Jersey Institute of Technology, New York University, Universities Space Research Association
    Inventors: Mary MURPHY, Qian LEI, Boris KHUSID, Andrew D. HOLLINGSWORTH, Paul CHAIKIN, William V. MEYER
  • Publication number: 20230382566
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a spacecraft airlock system. Embodiments provide a method and apparatus for attaching space exposed payloads to a space station. The spacecraft airlock system provides a defined volume of space payload to the international space station. The airlock further includes a means of attaching to a space station, a closed structure attached to said means, said means of attaching is capable of robotic manipulation, and a cooling system for cooling payload components within said closed structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: NanoRacks, LLC
    Inventors: Michael David JOHNSON, Mark David ROWLEY, Michael Desmond LEWIS, J. Brockton HOWE
  • Publication number: 20230304669
    Abstract: A space oven operates in microgravity environments by forcing convection towards the center through a unique heating element and airflow design. The space oven includes a tubular chamber, a heating rack, a heating system, a cooling system, a hatch, a user interface, a microcontroller, an enclosure, at least one first vent, at least one second vent and at least one temperature sensor. The tubular chamber is the cooking area. The heating rack holds consumables in place. The heating system heats up consumables. The cooling system prevents any overheating. The hatch closes off and allows access to the inside of the tubular chamber. The user interface allows a user to input commands. The microcontroller manages the electronic components. The enclosure protects the tubular chamber. The at least one first vent and the at least one second vent reduce pressure buildup. The at least one temperature sensor monitors the internal temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: NanoRacks, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Desmond Lewis, Caleb Michael Daugherty
  • Patent number: 11718425
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a spacecraft airlock system. Embodiments provide a method and apparatus for attaching space exposed payloads to a space station. The spacecraft airlock system provides a defined volume of space payload to the international space station. The airlock further includes a means of attaching to a space station, a closed structure attached to said means, said means of attaching is capable of robotic manipulation, and a cooling system for cooling payload components within said closed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: NANORACKS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael David Johnson, Mark David Rowley, Michael Desmond Lewis, J. Brockton Howe
  • Patent number: 11698194
    Abstract: A space oven operates in microgravity environments by forcing convection towards the center through a unique heating element and airflow design. The space oven includes a tubular chamber, a heating rack, a heating system, a cooling system, a hatch, a user interface, a microcontroller, an enclosure, at least one first vent, at least one second vent and at least one temperature sensor. The tubular chamber is the cooking area. The heating rack holds consumables in place. The heating system heats up consumables. The cooling system prevents any overheating. The hatch closes off and allows access to the inside of the tubular chamber. The user interface allows a user to input commands. The microcontroller manages the electronic components. The enclosure protects the tubular chamber. The at least one first vent and the at least one second vent reduce pressure buildup. The at least one temperature sensor monitors the internal temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: NANORACKS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Desmond Lewis, Caleb Michael Daugherty
  • Publication number: 20210031953
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a spacecraft airlock system. Embodiments provide a method and apparatus for attaching space exposed payloads to a space station. The spacecraft airlock system provides a defined volume of space payload to the international space station. The airlock further includes a means of attaching to a space station, a closed structure attached to said means, said means of attaching is capable of robotic manipulation, and a cooling system for cooling payload components within said closed structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: NanoRacks, LLC
    Inventors: Michael David JOHNSON, Mark David ROWLEY, Michael Desmond LEWIS, J. Brockton HOWE
  • Patent number: 10882646
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a spacecraft airlock system. Embodiments provide a method and apparatus for attaching space exposed payloads to a space station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: NanoRacks, LLC
    Inventors: Michael David Johnson, Mark David Rowley, Michael Desmond Lewis, J. Brockton Howe
  • Patent number: 10569911
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a spacecraft airlock system. Embodiments provide a method and apparatus for attaching space exposed payloads to a space station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: NanoRacks, LLC
    Inventors: Michael David Johnson, Mark David Rowley, Michael Desmond Lewis, J. Brockton Howe
  • Publication number: 20190262833
    Abstract: A reactor microplate that allows for a researcher to perform a multitude of experiment in micro-gravity without risking potential exposure. The microplate includes a planar housing and an at least one chamber-mixing assembly. The chamber-mixing assembly includes a first retaining mechanism, a second retaining mechanism, a mixing channel, and an activation valve. The first retaining mechanism and the second retaining mechanism house solutions for an experiment and are positioned offset to each other, across the planar housing. The mixing channel fluidly couples the first retaining mechanism to the second retaining mechanism. Specifically, the mixing channel traverses into the planar housing from the first retaining mechanism to the second retaining mechanism. The activation valve is mechanically integrated in between the first retaining mechanism, the mixing channel, and the second retaining mechanism to control the flow of fluids in between the first retaining mechanism and the second retaining mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: NanoRacks LLC
    Inventors: Cody Joseph Burgey, Michael Desmond Lewis, Brett Alan Shaffer