Patents Assigned to Sandia
  • In-situ active impedance characterization of scanned array antennas
    Patent number: 10720703
    Abstract: Various embodiments presented herein relate to determining mutual coupling between a pair of antennas in an array antenna. Various operations presented herein enable comparison between a magnitude and phase of a signal transmitted from a first feed network (via a first antenna) and a magnitude and phase of a portion of the signal received at a second feed network (via a second antenna). Electrical effects engendered by any of the first feed network, a first switch, a first local circuit, the second feed network, a second switch, and a second local circuit can also be determined and their effects mathematically removed. Based upon the foregoing, a mutual coupling between the pair of antenna is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Hung Loui, Thomas Edward Christian, Jr.
  • Battery Cell With Safety Layer
    Publication number: 20200227717
    Abstract: A battery cell comprising a composite water-responsive safety layer and/or composite water- and pH-responsive safety layer to protect against tissue damage and/or electrolysis, when the battery cell is exposed to aqueous solution or tissue, is provided. The composite water-responsive safety layer and/or composite water- and pH-responsive safety layer is adapted to change from a non-electronically conducting state to an electronically conducting state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicants: DURACELL U.S. OPERATIONS, INC., NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS OF SANDIA, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Pozin, Walter Fred Paxton, Bryan James Kaehr
  • Use of renewable deep eutectic solvents in a one-pot process for a biomass
    Publication number: 20200216863
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method to produce a biofuel and/or chemical compound from a biomass, the method comprising: (a) introducing a biomass and a deep eutectic solvent (DES), or mixture thereof, into a vessel to form a one-pot composition, wherein the DES, or mixture thereof, solubilizes the biomass; (b) introducing an enzyme and/or a microbe to the one-pot composition such that the enzyme and/or microbe produce a biofuel and/or chemical compound from the solubilized biomass; and, (c) optionally the biofuel and/or chemical compound is separated from the one-pot composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicants: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Feng Xu, Blake A. Simmons, Seema Singh
  • Compositions and methods for the dissolution and depolymerization of lignin
    Patent number: 10703770
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for dissolving and/or depolymerizing lignin comprising: (a) providing a composition comprising lignin, (b) contacting the composition with a strong hydrogen donor, such as a polyol, to form a first solution, (c) incubating the first solution at a temperature equal to or less than 100° C., whereby at least 20% by weight of the lignin is dissolved, (d) optionally introducing an oxidation agent to the first solution to form a second solution, wherein the temperature of the second solution is equal to or less than 100° C., whereby lignin is depolymerized, and (e) optionally introducing an anti-solvent to the second solution to precipitate the depolymerized lignin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Jian Sun, Tanmoy Dutta, Parthasarathi Ramakrishnan, Blake A. Simmons, Seema Singh
  • Randomization of dangling nodes in a digital circuit design to mitigate hardware trojans
    Patent number: 10706181
    Abstract: Described herein are various technologies pertaining to randomizing logic associated with dangling nodes in a digital circuit design. A dangling node is an input to or output from a logic gate in the digital circuit design that is identified as not impacting a desired output of the digital circuit design. Randomizing the logic associated with a dangling node can include deleting a logic gate, adding a logic gate, replacing a logic gate with another logic gate, etc. Randomizing the logic associated with the dangling node prevents hardware trojans that may have been inserted into the circuit design from being implemented in a circuit that is generated based upon the design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Hamlet
  • System for authenticating an additively manufactured object
    Patent number: 10700872
    Abstract: A method for authenticating an additively manufactured (AM) object is disclosed herein. A computing device obtains a measurement that is indicative of a stochastic distribution of dopant incorporated into the AM object. The computing device generates authentication data for the AM object based upon the measurement, and authenticates the AM object based upon the authentication data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Hamlet, Todd Bauer
  • Hybrid peroxidases with enhanced activity and stability
    Patent number: 10696954
    Abstract: Described herein are stable hybrid peroxidases capable of oxidizing manganese and high-reduction potential substrates, methods of generating such peroxidases, and method of using the peroxidases in reactions that are less environmentally toxic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Amanda C. Kohler, Kenneth L. Sale, Blake A. Simmons
  • Apparatus, system and method for highlighting activity-induced change in multi-pass synthetic aperture radar imagery
    Patent number: 10698104
    Abstract: Described herein are various technologies relating to constructing a differenced change product (DCP) image. A plurality of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of a scene are generated based upon radar signals directed towards and reflected off of the scene, and a plurality of coherence change detection (CCD) images of the scene are generated based upon the SAR images. The CCD images are registered with one another, and their pixel values re-scaled according to a monotonic mapping function. The DCP image is generated based upon a computed pixel-wise difference between a pair of the re-scaled CCD images. The DCP image identifies locations in the scene where human activity-induced change is likely to have occurred between a pair of SAR passes of the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Katherine M. Simonson, David Nikolaus Perkins
  • Miniaturized pulsed discharge ionization detector, non-radioactive ionization sources, and methods thereof
    Patent number: 10697934
    Abstract: The present application relates to pulsed discharge ionization detectors (PDIDs) and non-radioactive ionization sources, including miniaturized forms thereof. In some examples, the PDID includes annular electrodes, where each electrode is disposed between annular insulators. Also provided herein are methods of making and using such PDIDs, such as for detecting one or more volatile organic compounds, as well as non-radioactive ionization sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald P. Manginell, Matthew W. Moorman, Kent B. Pfeifer
  • Dynamic signature generation from keystroke dynamics
    Patent number: 10693661
    Abstract: Described herein are various technologies pertaining to extracting cryptographic keys from user behavioral biometrics, specifically keystroke dynamics. Such cryptographic keys can be used for, among other things, user authentication throughout computer sessions. Keystroke dynamics are timing data indicating when keys were pressed and when they were released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Hamlet
  • Fluorinated ionic liquids for battery electrolytes
    Patent number: 10686234
    Abstract: An ionic liquid comprising a cationic chemical species and an anionic chemical species. The cationic chemical species comprising a nitrogen containing moiety and a partially fluorinated alkyl chain moiety, wherein the partially fluorinated alkyl chain moiety is bonded to a nitrogen atom of the nitrogen containing moiety. The ionic liquid can be used as an electrolyte, as an additive to an organic solvent, as a lubricant, as a hydrophobic coating, as a treatment for fluorinated pollutants, as an electrolyte for sensor applications, as a stabilizing additive for existing battery electrolytes, and as an emulsifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan A. Zarkesh, Forrest S. Gittleson
  • Biochemical upgrading of high-protein biomass and grain products
    Patent number: 10683519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of upgrading biomass to provide useful chemical intermediates, fuels, amino acids, nutrients, etc. In particular examples, the biomass is a by-product of ethanol production and is mainly used as high-protein feed. Described herein are methods for upgrading such biomass, such as by implementing pre-treatment conditions and by employing fermentation conditions including modified organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Wesley Davis, Blake Simmons, Mary Bao Tran-Gyamfi, Benjamin Chiau-Pin Wu
  • Photonic-crystal-fiber-delivered laser-triggered high-voltage gas switch
    Patent number: 10687412
    Abstract: A photonic-crystal-fiber-delivered laser-triggered high-voltage gas switch can deliver a peak irradiance of greater than 5.1×1011 W/cm2 to the AK gap for a laser having a wavelength of 1064 nm. The switch is capable of operating at pressures up to 2200 psi; voltages across the gap of greater than 200 kV; operation at less than 70% self-break voltage; shot-to-shot jitter of less than 3 ns; AK gap distances of 3 mm or smaller; and triggering via a fiber-delivered laser pulse energy of as low as 500 ?J.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignees: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Sean Simpson, Owen Johns, Charles E. Rose, Azer Yalin, Ciprian Dumitrache
  • High density optical waveguide using hybrid spiral pattern
    Patent number: 10663662
    Abstract: A hybrid spiral waveguide geometry is proposed that exhibits essentially zero curvature (i.e., infinite bend radius) at the center of the spiral (similar to a Fermat spiral), with the curvature then increasing in value as the spiral moves outward. Advantageously, as the spiral moves away from the center, the spacing between adjacent waveguides quickly approaches a constant value (similar to an Archimedean spiral). This hybrid spiral structure has been found to allow for a high density waveguide to be created with lower loss and requiring a smaller size than many conventional spiral configurations and finds use in optical delay lines, amplifiers and arrayed waveguide gratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gehl, Christopher DeRose
  • Nonlinear power flow control for networked AC/DC microgrids
    Patent number: 10666054
    Abstract: A method for designing feedforward and feedback controllers for integration of stochastic sources and loads into a nonlinear networked AC/DC microgrid system is provided. A reduced order model for general networked AC/DC microgrid systems is suitable for HSSPFC control design. A simple feedforward steady state solution is utilized for the feedforward controls block. Feedback control laws are provided for the energy storage systems. A HSSPFC controller design is implemented that incorporates energy storage systems that provides static and dynamic stability conditions for both the DC random stochastic input side and the AC random stochastic load side. Transient performance was investigated for the feedforward/feedback control case. Numerical simulations were performed and provided power and energy storage profile requirements for the networked AC/DC microgrid system overall performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignees: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, Michigan Technological University
    Inventors: David G. Wilson, Rush D. Robinett, III, Wayne W. Weaver, Steven F. Glover
  • Systems, methods and computer program products for constructing complex geometries using layered and linked hexahedral element meshes
    Patent number: 10657301
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for creating 3D representations of bodies are disclosed. The systems, methods and computer program products include the construction of FE meshes representing complex geometries. The complex geometries may be artificially or naturally formed or designed geometries. The techniques reduce the number of elements as much as possible to save on computer run time while maintaining computational accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Byoung Park, Barry L. Roberts, Steven R. Sobolik, Moo Y. Lee
  • Lithium battery cathode
    Patent number: 10651461
    Abstract: A novel lithium battery cathode, a lithium ion battery using the same and processes and preparation thereof are disclosed. The battery cathode is formed by force spinning. Fiber spinning allows for the formation of core-shell materials using material chemistries that would be incompatible with prior spinning techniques. A fiber spinning apparatus for forming a coated fiber and a method of forming a coated fiber are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignees: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Nelson S. Bell, Nancy A. Missert, Karen Lozano, Yatinkumar N. Rane
  • ScAIN etch mask for highly selective etching
    Patent number: 10651048
    Abstract: A fabrication process employing the use of ScAlN as an etch mask is disclosed. The ScAlN etch mask is chemically nonvolatile in fluorine-based etch chemistries and has a low sputter yield, resulting in greater etch mask selectivity and reduced surface roughness for silicon and other semiconductor materials. The ScAlN etch mask has an etch mask selectivity of greater than 200,000:1 relative to silicon compared to an etch mask selectivity of less than 40,000:1 for a prior art AlN etch mask relative to silicon. Further, due to reduced sputtering of the ScAlN etch mask, and thus reduced micromasking, the ScAlN etch mask yielded a surface roughness of 0.6 ?m compared to a surface roughness of 2.8 ?m for an AlN etch mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Michael David Henry, Travis Ryan Young, Erica Ann Douglas
  • Memory access system
    Patent number: 10649663
    Abstract: A method and system for accessing a memory for a data processing system. The method comprises sending a read request for a plurality of locations in the memory to read the plurality of locations in parallel based on an upper bound for reading the memory. The upper bound for a number of locations is based on a group of constraints for the memory. The method receives a summed value of a plurality of memory values in the plurality of locations in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Conrad D. James, Tu-Thach Quach, Sapan Agarwal, James Bradley Aimone
  • Active mechanical-environmental-thermal MEMS device for nanoscale characterization
    Patent number: 10641733
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device can be used for quantitative mechanical testing of materials within a controlled (chemical and temperature) environment, with the ability for electrochemical control to the specimen, that is coupled with a complimentary in-situ characterization technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Katherine L. Jungjohann, William Mook, Claire Chisholm, Michael Shaw, Khalid M. Hattar, Paul C. Galambos, Andrew Jay Leenheer, Sean J. Hearne