Patents Assigned to National Institute of Standards of Technology
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Patent number: 7537680Abstract: A method is provided for observing mixing interactions and reactions of two materials in a fluid. The method in one form provides for concentrating by balancing electrophoretic velocities of a material against the bulk flow of fluid in the presence of a temperature gradient. Using an appropriate fluid, the temperature gradient can generate a corresponding gradient in the electrophoretic velocity of the material so that the electrophoretic and bulk velocities sum to zero at a unique position and the material will be focused at that position. A second material can then be introduced into the fluid and allowed to move through and interact with the focused band of the first material. Products of the interaction can then be detected as they are focused at a different position along the gradient. The method can be adapted to study the temperature dependence of the molecular interaction.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce the National Institute of Standards & TechnologyInventors: David J. Ross, Michael J. Tarlov, Karin M. Balss
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Patent number: 7469454Abstract: A technique for reducing the vibration sensitivity of laser-stabilizing optical reference cavities is based upon an improved design and mounting method for the cavity, wherein the cavity is mounted vertically. It is suspended at one plane, around the spacer cylinder, equidistant from the mirror ends of the cavity. The suspension element is a collar of an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient material, which surrounds the spacer cylinder and contacts it uniformly. Once the collar has been properly located, it is cemented in place so that the spacer cylinder is uniformly supported and does not have to be squeezed at all. The collar also includes a number of cavities partially bored into its lower flat surface, around the axial bore. These cavities are support points, into which mounting base pins will be inserted. Hence the collar is supported at a minimum of three points.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignees: Regents of the University of Colorado, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, the National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: Mark Notcutt, John L. Hall, Long-Sheng Ma
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Publication number: 20080296483Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for producing a source of ions, and particularly, a focused ion beam. The system and method use a magneto-optical trap (MOT) to produce a population of neutral atoms. A laser is then utilized to ionize atoms and produce a population of ions. An extraction element is then used to transfer the ions so that they can be used in a wide array of applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Jabez J. McClelland, James L. Hanssen, Marcus Jacka, Shannon B. Hill
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Publication number: 20080290007Abstract: Processes for separating carbon nanotubes according to their length are described. The processes involve forming highly dispersed systems of the nanotubes followed by creating an array of layers in a centrifugation vessel. Each layer contains dispersed nanotubes with varying proportions of a density adjusting agent. The vessel array includes a first layer containing the nanotubes to be separated, and one or more layers of lesser density disposed above the first layer. Upon centrifuging for a sufficient period of time, a series of liquid fractions form in the vessel. The average length of nanotubes in a respective fraction is different than the average length of nanotubes in the other fractions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Jeffrey Alan Fagan, Matthew Becker
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Patent number: 7450353Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensing apparatus is disclosed, comprising a magnetic film having a zig-zag shaped structure, a central axis, and a magnetization associated with the magnetic film, wherein the zig-zag shaped structure biases the magnetization direction alternately at positive and negative angles thereof, thereby permitting the magnetoresistive sensing apparatus to be sensitive to a magnetic field parallel to the axis of the magnetoresistive sensing apparatus and insensitive to magnetic fields perpendicular to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, The National Institute of Standards & TechnologyInventors: David P. Pappas, Fabio da Silva, Jose Aumentado
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Patent number: 7437012Abstract: The present invention provides a method for image deblurring based on correctly specifying the lack of smoothness in the unknown desired sharp image, in terms of Lipschitz (Besov) space classification. The method makes essential use of Singular Integrals and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithms to estimate the image's Lipschitz exponent ?. Such Singular Integrals and Fast Fourier Transforms are then used in a method for regularizing the ill-posed deblurring problem, resulting in a fast, direct, (i.e., non-iterative) computationally effective deblurring procedure.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, The National Institute of Standards & TechnologyInventor: Alfred S. Carasso
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Patent number: 7236120Abstract: A non-destructive detection method and system enables detecting a moisture patch located inside a building wall or the like. A transmitter generates a series of ultra-wideband pulses while an ultra-wideband antenna unit, preferably in the form of an antenna array including a plurality of switchable antenna pairs, directs the pulses toward the building structure so that the pulses are reflected therefrom, and receives the reflected pulses. A receiver processes the reflected pulses received by the antenna unit and produces a corresponding output. A controller controls the operation of the transmitter, receiver and antenna unit, and analyzes the output of the receiver for the presence of moisture inside of the building wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, the National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: William Healy, Eric Van Doorn
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Patent number: 7075378Abstract: A high spectral purity microwave oscillator is provided. The Oscillator uses an air-dielectric cavity and employs the known carrier-suppression technique. In one embodiment, the oscillator employs a high-Q cavity to self-sustain an oscillating signal formed by feeding back into its input a power-amplified output signal of the cavity in which residual phase noise in the amplifier stages is suppressed. A bandpass filter selects the cavity mode. FIG. 1 illustrates this embodiment. Another embodiment suppresses the noise of a voltage-controlled oscillator whose frequency and power-amplified output interrogates the cavity mode. FIG. 2 illustrates this embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, the National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: David A. Howe, Amitava Sen Gupta, Craig Nelson, Fred L. Walls
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Miniature frequency standard based on all-optical excitation and a micro-machined containment vessel
Patent number: 6806784Abstract: A microwave frequency standard is provided which allows for miniaturization down to length scales of order one micron, comprising a modulated light field originating from a laser that illuminates a collection of quantum absorbers contained in a micro-machined cell. The frequency standard of the present invention can be based on all-optical excitation techniques such as coherent population trapping (CPT) and stimulated Raman scattering or on conventional microwave-excited designs. In a CPT-based embodiment, a photodetector detects a change in transmitted power through the cell and that is used to stabilize an external oscillator to correspond to the absorber's transition frequency by locking the laser modulation frequency to the transition frequency. In a stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) embodiment, a high-speed photodetector detects a laser field transmitted through the cell beating with a second field originating in the cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignees: The National Institute of Standards and Technology, The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of CommerceInventors: Leo Hollberg, John Kitching -
Patent number: 6703189Abstract: A method for simultaneously forming microstructures in substrates and altering their chemical character. The method involves exposing a surface portion of a substrate to light source, which is strong enough and of the appropriate wavelength to cause ablation of the substrate. The ablation of the substrate is controlled to form microstructures therein, such as channels. The ablation is conducted under a chemical atmosphere, which causes a change in the chemical functionality of the microstructures. The chemical atmosphere can be a gas, liquid or solid that is provided on the substrate surface. The method can be used to fabricate or modify microfluidic systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: Emanuel A. Waddell, Jr., Timothy J. Johnson, Gary W. Kramer, Laurie E. Locascio
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Publication number: 20030051331Abstract: A positioning device and method for moving a positioning stage is provided. The device includes a movable stage, at least one actuator, and the same number of sensors as there are actuators. Each actuator is placed such that it applies a force along a line parallel to the line of movement of the positioning stage. Each actuator can be operated to generate an input force for moving the movable stage. A sensor is placed along the force line of each included actuator. Each sensor detects movement of the positioning stage. A first force is applied to a first location on the positioning stage. A second force is applied to a second location on the positioning stage. Application of the first and the second forces moves the positioning stage. The first location and the second location are symmetrically located about an axis of the positioning stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: The 14th and Constitution, National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: Edward G. Amatucci, Frederic E. Scire, Lowell P. Howard, Nicholas G. Dagalakis, Jason Marcinkoski, John A. Kramer
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Patent number: 6484602Abstract: A positioning device is provided. The positioning device includes a movable platform and a monolithic base. Struts are attached to both the movable platform and the monolithic base. The monolithic base moves each of the attached struts to cause the movable platform to move.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: Nicholas G. Dagalakis, Edward G. Amatucci
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Patent number: 6467761Abstract: A positioning device and method for positioning objects is provided. The device includes a movable stage and a pair of levers. The pair of levers is symmetric about a first axis of the movable stage. Additionally, the pair of levers is parallel to a second axis of the movable stage. This second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. Each of the pair of levers applies a force to the movable stage. Each of the pair of levers moves in an arc. The two levers move in opposite directions along their respective arc. The two arcs are symmetrical about an axis of the movable stage.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, The 14th and Constitution National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: Edward G. Amatucci, Nicholas G. Dagalakis, Jason Marcinkoski, Frederic E. Scire, John A. Kramar
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Publication number: 20020146296Abstract: In milling operations, periodically sensed vibration signals synchronous with tool revolution enables a determination of whether the tool returns to approximately the same position each revolution. If so, stability is indicated by tightly grouped values of the periodically sensed vibration signal. If the tool does not return to the same position, spread in the value of the periodically sampled vibration signals is produced thereby indicating chatter conditions. Variance values may be calculated and displayed; histograms may be produced and displayed; corrective action, if needed, may be taken in response to the variance values and/or histogram. Nominal (or commanded) spindle speed, while not necessarily exactly synchronous with actual tool rotation, is entirely adequate to trigger samples and achieve clear indication of the presence or absence of chatter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Applicant: National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: Tony L. Schmitz, Matthew A. Davies
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Patent number: 6458869Abstract: The present invention is directed to an etchant/primer composition, an etchant/primer/adhesive monomer composition, kits using the same and methods using the same for improved bonding to dental structures. The etchant/primer composition comprises a compound having the formula: RN(CH2YCO2M)2 wherein R=R1 or R2; R1=an aromatic group; R2=a conjugated unsaturated aliphatic group; Y=a single bond, CH2, CHCH3 or C═CH2; and each M is independently H, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, aluminum, a transition or redox metal or an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, with the proviso that when both M groups are alkyl groups, said compound is capable of being easily hydrolyzed, displaced, or exchanged with other reagents present in the etchant/primer composition, a polar solvent system, and nitric acid.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignees: National Institute of Standards of Technology, American Dental Association Health FoundationInventors: Joseph M. Antonucci, Frederick C. Eichmiller, Gary E. Schumacher
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Patent number: 6393566Abstract: A system and method for time-stamping and signing a digital document by an authenticating party and returning the signed stamped document to the originator or his designated recipient. Messages may be received by a first “public” machine over a network, by fax, or through input mediums such as diskettes. The clock of the first machine is synchronized with Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) and can be checked for accuracy by anyone on the network. A second “private” machine, not connected to any network, receives the time-stamped message, applies a hashing procedure and provides a signature using a private key. The signed hashed time-stamped message is then returned. A verify procedure is made widely available to check the genuiness of a document by rehashing the document and applying a public key. The result should match the signed time-stamped message returned by the authenticating party.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1995Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventor: Judah Levine
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Patent number: 6382029Abstract: The method of the invention identifies damage to an in-service conductor associated with the delivery (transmission and distribution) of electric power. Electro-magnetic acoustic energy is generated in an in-service conductor associated with the delivery of electric power. Corresponding return electro-magnetic acoustic energy is then measured. Features are then extracted from the return electro-magnetic acoustic energy to characterize damage to the in-service conductor. The features may be extracted through a variety of signal processing techniques, such as wavelet signal processing. The extracted features may be classified using a neural network, fuzzy logic, or a combination of both.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, The 14th and Constitution National Institute of Standards and Technology, Colorado School of MinesInventors: Rahmat A. Shoureshi, Michael T. Chenowith, George A. Alers
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Patent number: 6327791Abstract: A position detector for sensing the position of a movable member which moves along an axis relative to a stationary member. A nonrepeating N bit chain code embodied in a scale on the movable member runs along the axis. A detector fixed to the stationary member is positioned to sense a portion of the chain code. The detector has K elements (K>>N) generating a plurality of signals. A controller determines the position of the movable member relative to the stationary member as a function of the signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignees: The Government of the United States as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: Richard J. Norcross, David P. Engvall, W. Robert Bunch
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Patent number: 6169397Abstract: The operation of a planar geometry superconducting coil used in conjunction with a ground plane is improved by intracoil damping. This damping reduces coil resonances. The improvement consists of an intracoil shunt, which damps the resonances of the coil by connecting each turn, or loop, of the multiturn/multiloop coil with resistors. One example of a planar geometry superconducting coil which is effectively damped according to the present invention is the input coil to a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The intracoil shunt may be added to the SQUID at the same time in the SQUID fabrication as the junction shunts.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignees: University Technology Corp., National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: Andrew Harvey Steinbach, Martin Emile Huber, Ronald Hajime Ono
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Patent number: 5589690Abstract: The present invention uses a high energy x-ray, neutron, or gamma source for monitoring the interface between a molten and solidified crystalline phase while in a furnace in a casting process. The radiation can also be used to determine the quality and orientation of the crystals in the crystalline phase. The invention uses the distinctive diffraction patterns produced by crystalline and amorphous phases to locate the interface.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: National Institute of Standards and TechnologyInventors: Thomas A. Siewert, William P. Dube, Dale W. Fitting