Patents Assigned to Sandia Corporation
  • Publication number: 20140311750
    Abstract: A method of selecting an injectate for recovering liquid hydrocarbons from a reservoir includes designing a plurality of injectates, calculating a net present value of each injectate, and selecting a candidate injectate based on the net present value. For example, the candidate injectate may be selected to maximize the net present value of a waterflooding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: NRG Systems Inc., Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Helmuth J. Heneman, Patrick V. Brady
  • Publication number: 20140311481
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel compositions and methods for recycling or recovering ionic liquid used in IL pretreated cellulose and/or lignocellulosic biomass (LBM).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: SANDIA CORPORATION, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Dean C. Dibble, Aurelia Cheng, Anthe George
  • Patent number: 8866100
    Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to detecting nuclear material at a large stand-off distance. An imaging system is presented which can detect nuclear material by utilizing time encoded imaging relating to maximum and minimum radiation particle counts rates. The imaging system is integrated with a data acquisition system that can utilize variations in photon pulse shape to discriminate between neutron and gamma-ray interactions. Modulation in the detected neutron count rates as a function of the angular orientation of the detector due to attenuation of neighboring detectors is utilized to reconstruct the neutron source distribution over 360 degrees around the imaging system. Neutrons (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Marleau, Erik Brubaker, Scott Kiff
  • Patent number: 8868923
    Abstract: Detection and deterrence of spoofing of user authentication may be achieved by including a cryptographic fingerprint unit within a hardware device for authenticating a user of the hardware device. The cryptographic fingerprint unit includes an internal physically unclonable function (“PUF”) circuit disposed in or on the hardware device, which generates a PUF value. Combining logic is coupled to receive the PUF value, combines the PUF value with one or more other authentication factors to generate a multi-factor authentication value. A key generator is coupled to generate a private key and a public key based on the multi-factor authentication value while a decryptor is coupled to receive an authentication challenge posed to the hardware device and encrypted with the public key and coupled to output a response to the authentication challenge decrypted with the private key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Jason R. Hamlet, Lyndon G. Pierson
  • Patent number: 8858076
    Abstract: An X-ray contrast sensitivity gauge is described herein. The contrast sensitivity gauge comprises a plurality of steps of varying thicknesses. Each step in the gauge includes a plurality of recesses of differing depths, wherein the depths are a function of the thickness of their respective step. An X-ray image of the gauge is analyzed to determine a contrast-to-noise ratio of a detector employed to generate the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Enrico C. Quintana, Kyle R. Thompson, David G. Moore, Jack D. Heister, Richard W. Poland, John P. Ellegood, George K. Hodges, James E. Prindville
  • Patent number: 8859190
    Abstract: Novel photo-writable and thermally switchable polymeric materials exhibit a refractive index change of ?n?1.0 when exposed to UV light or heat. For example, lithography can be used to convert a non-conjugated precursor polymer to a conjugated polymer having a higher index-of-refraction. Further, two-photon lithography can be used to pattern high-spatial frequency structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. Dirk, Ross Stefan Johnson, Robert Boye, Michael R. Descour, William C. Sweatt, David R. Wheeler, Bryan James Kaehr
  • Patent number: 8852998
    Abstract: A method including forming a diamond material on the surface of a substrate; forming a first contact and a separate second contact; and patterning the diamond material to form a nanowire between the first contact and the second contact. An apparatus including a first contact and a separate second contact on a substrate; and a nanowire including a single crystalline or polycrystalline diamond material on the substrate and connected to each of the first contact and the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Alfredo M. Morales, Richard J. Anderson, Nancy Y. C. Yang, Jack L. Skinner, Michael J. Rye
  • Patent number: 8853350
    Abstract: The synthesis of a polyoxometalate-loaded epoxy uses a one-step cure by applying an external stimulus to release the acid from the polyoxometalate and thereby catalyze the cure reaction of the epoxy resin. Such polyoxometalate-loaded epoxy composites afford the cured epoxy unique properties imparted by the intrinsic properties of the polyoxometalate. For example, polyoxometalate-loaded epoxy composites can be used as corrosion resistant epoxy coatings, for encapsulation of electronics with improved dielectric properties, and for structural applications with improved mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8854713
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a power selective optical filter device includes an input polarizer for selectively transmitting an input signal. The device includes a wave-plate structure positioned to receive the input signal, which includes at least one substantially zero-order, zero-wave plate. The zero-order, zero-wave plate is configured to alter a polarization state of the input signal passing in a manner that depends on the power of the input signal. The zero-order, zero-wave plate includes an entry and exit wave plate each having a fast axis, with the fast axes oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Each entry wave plate is oriented relative to a transmission axis of the input polarizer at a respective angle. An output polarizer is positioned to receive a signal output from the wave-plate structure and selectively transmits the signal based on the polarization state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Koplow
  • Patent number: 8853651
    Abstract: Doped luminescent materials are provided for converting excited triplet states to radiative hybrid states. The doped materials may be used to conduct pulse shape discrimination (PSD) using luminescence generated by harvested excited triplet states. The doped materials may also be used to detect particles using spectral shape discrimination (SSD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: F. Patrick Doty, Mark D. Allendorf, Patrick L. Feng
  • Patent number: 8854254
    Abstract: An ultra-wideband (UWB) radar transmitter apparatus comprises a pulse generator configured to produce from a sinusoidal input signal a pulsed output signal having a series of baseband pulses with a first pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The pulse generator includes a plurality of components that each have a nonlinear electrical reactance. A signal converter is coupled to the pulse generator and configured to convert the pulsed output signal into a pulsed radar transmit signal having a series of radar transmit pulses with a second PRF that is less than the first PRF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rodenbeck, Jeffrey Pankonin, Richard E. Heintzleman, Nicola Jean Kinzie, Zorana P. Popovic
  • Patent number: 8846406
    Abstract: The sensitivity of a chemiresistor sensor can be dynamically tuned using mechanical strain. The increase in sensitivity is a smooth, continuous function of the applied strain, and the effect can be reversible. Sensitivity tuning enables the response curve of the sensor to be dynamically optimized for sensing analytes, such as volatile organic compounds, over a wide concentration range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Martin, Douglas H. Read
  • Patent number: 8848905
    Abstract: Deterrence of device subversion by substitution may be achieved by including a cryptographic fingerprint unit within a computing device for authenticating a hardware platform of the computing device. The cryptographic fingerprint unit includes a physically unclonable function (“PUF”) circuit disposed in or on the hardware platform. The PUF circuit is used to generate a PUF value. A key generator is coupled to generate a private key and a public key based on the PUF value while a decryptor is coupled to receive an authentication challenge posed to the computing device and encrypted with the public key and coupled to output a response to the authentication challenge decrypted with the private key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Jason R. Hamlet, Todd M. Bauer, Lyndon G. Pierson
  • Patent number: 8841592
    Abstract: Technologies pertaining to determining when glare will be perceived by a hypothetical observer from a glare source and the intensity of glare that will be perceived by the hypothetical observer from the glare source are described herein. A first location of a potential source of solar glare is received, and a second location of the hypothetical observer is received. Based upon such locations, including respective elevations, and known positions of the sun over time, a determination as to when the hypothetical observer will perceive glare from the potential source of solar glare is made. Subsequently, an amount of irradiance entering the eye of the hypothetical observer is calculated to assess potential ocular hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford K. Ho, Cianan Alexander Sims
  • Publication number: 20140261616
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system, the apparatus including a receiving member dimensioned to receive an array of microelectronic devices; and a linkage member coupled to the receiving member, the linkage member configured to move the receiving member in at least two dimensions so as to modify a spacing between the electronic devices within the array of microelectronic devices received by the receiving member. The method including coupling an array of microelectronic devices to an expansion assembly; and expanding the expansion assembly so as to expand the array of microelectronic devices in at least two directions within a single plane. The system including a support member; an expansion assembly coupled to the support member, the expansion assembly having a plurality of receiving members configured to move in at least two dimensions within a single plane; and a plurality of microelectronic devices coupled to each of the plurality of receiving members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SANDIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Koplow, Vipin P. Gupta, Gregory N. Nielson, Murat Okandan, Jose Luis Cruz-Campa, Jeffrey S. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140261637
    Abstract: Solar tracking systems, as well as methods of using such solar tracking systems, are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the solar tracking systems include lateral supports horizontally positioned between uprights to support photovoltaic modules. The lateral supports may be raised and lowered along the uprights or translated to cause the photovoltaic modules to track the moving sun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Okandan, Gregory N. Nielson
  • Publication number: 20140264340
    Abstract: Various technologies pertaining to characterizing a component of a large surface area array electronic device, such as a focal plane array (FPA), are described. A first semiconductor chip is reversibly hybridized with a second semiconductor chip through use of a conductive layer. Responsive to being reversibly hybridized, at least one of the first semiconductor chip or the second semiconductor chip is characterized as being defective or suitable for deployment. Thereafter, the conductive layer is removed, and the first semiconductor chip is separated from the second semiconductor chip without damaging either of the first semiconductor chip or the second semiconductor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Seethambal S. Mani, Nathan Paul Young
  • Publication number: 20140264770
    Abstract: Accessing a workpiece object in semiconductor processing is disclosed. The workpiece object includes a mechanical support substrate, a release layer over the mechanical support substrate, and an integrated circuit substrate coupled over the release layer. The integrated circuit substrate includes a device layer having semiconductor devices. The method also includes etching through-substrate via (TSV) openings through the integrated circuit substrate that have buried ends at or within the release layer including using the release layer as an etch stop. TSVs are formed by introducing one or more conductive materials into the TSV openings. A die singulation trench is etched at least substantially through the integrated circuit substrate around a perimeter of an integrated circuit die. The integrated circuit die is at least substantially released from the mechanical support substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Okandan, Gregory N. Nielson
  • Publication number: 20140261613
    Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to assembling electronic devices into a microsystem. The electronic devices are disposed in a solution. Light can be applied to the electronic devices in the solution. The electronic devices can generate currents responsive to the light applied to the electronic devices in the solution, and the currents can cause electrochemical reactions that functionalize regions on surfaces of the electronic devices. Additionally or alternatively, the light applied to the electronic devices in the solution can cause the electronic devices to generate electric fields, which can orient the electronic devices and/or induce movement of the electronic devices with respect to a receiving substrate. Further, electrodes on a receiving substrate can be biased to attract and form connections with the electronic devices having the functionalized regions on the surfaces. The microsystem can include the receiving substrate and the electronic devices connected to the receiving substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory N. Nielson, Murat Okandan
  • Publication number: 20140259633
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus, the method including positioning a microelectronic device on a carrier substrate; coupling the microelectronic device to a roller assembly; and rotating the roller assembly to transport the microelectronic device from the carrier substrate to a receiving substrate. The system including a carrier substrate configured to support a microelectronic device; a roller assembly configured to receive and transport the microelectronic device; and a receiving substrate dimensioned to receive the microelectronic device from the roller assembly. An apparatus for parallel assembly of microelectronic devices on a module including a laterally translatable carrier substrate configured to move a plurality of microelectronic devices in a first direction; a rotatable cylindrical body having a plurality of device openings dimensioned to receive the microelectronic devices; and a laterally translatable receiving substrate configured to move in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Okandan, Gregory N. Nielson, Jose Luis Cruz-Campa, Judith Maria Lavin, Paul J. Resnick