Patents Assigned to Sandia
  • Alignment method for solar collector arrays
    Patent number: 8294886
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method for establishing camera fixture location for aligning mirrors on a solar collector array (SCA) comprising multiple mirror modules. The method aligns the mirrors on a module by comparing the location of the receiver image in photographs with the predicted theoretical receiver image location. To accurately align an entire SCA, a common reference is used for all of the individual module images within the SCA. The improved method can use relative pixel location information in digital photographs along with alignment fixture inclinometer data to calculate relative locations of the fixture between modules. The absolute locations are determined by minimizing alignment asymmetry for the SCA. The method inherently aligns all of the mirrors in an SCA to the receiver, even with receiver position and module-to-module alignment errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Richard B. Diver, Jr.
  • Portable dual field gradient force multichannel flow cytometer device with a dual wavelength low noise detection scheme
    Patent number: 8293089
    Abstract: Systems and methods for combining dielectrophoresis, magnetic forces, and hydrodynamic forces to manipulate particles in channels formed on top of an electrode substrate are discussed. A magnet placed in contact under the electrode substrate while particles are flowing within the channel above the electrode substrate allows these three forces to be balanced when the system is in operation. An optical detection scheme using near-confocal microscopy for simultaneously detecting two wavelengths of light emitted from the flowing particles is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Conrad D. James, Paul C. Galambos, Mark S. Derzon, Darin C. Graf, Kenneth R. Pohl, Chris J. Bourdon
  • Using antennas separated in flight direction to avoid effect of emitter clock drift in geolocation
    Patent number: 8294616
    Abstract: The location of a land-based radio frequency (RF) emitter is determined from an airborne platform. RF signaling is received from the RF emitter via first and second antennas. In response to the received RF signaling, signal samples for both antennas are produced and processed to determine the location of the RF emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Ormesher, Douglas L. Bickel
  • Airfoil-shaped micro-mixers for reducing fouling on membrane surfaces
    Patent number: 8292492
    Abstract: An array of airfoil-shaped micro-mixers that enhances fluid mixing within permeable membrane channels, such as used in reverse-osmosis filtration units, while minimizing additional pressure drop. The enhanced mixing reduces fouling of the membrane surfaces. The airfoil-shaped micro-mixer can also be coated with or comprised of biofouling-resistant (biocidal/germicidal) ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford K. Ho, Susan J. Altman, Paul G. Clem, Michael Hibbs, Adam W. Cook
  • Monolithic exploding foil initiator
    Patent number: 8291824
    Abstract: A monolithic exploding foil initiator (EFI) or slapper detonator and the method for making the monolithic EFI wherein the exploding bridge and the dielectric from which the flyer will be generated are integrated directly onto the header. In some embodiments, the barrel is directly integrated directly onto the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Welle, Paul T. Vianco, Paul S. Headley, Jason A. Jarrell, J. Emmett Garrity, Keegan P. Shelton, Stephen K. Marley
  • Method of multi-dimensional moment analysis for the characterization of signal peaks
    Patent number: 8296078
    Abstract: A method of multi-dimensional moment analysis for the characterization of signal peaks can be used to optimize the operation of an analytical system. With a two-dimensional Péclet analysis, the quality and signal fidelity of peaks in a two-dimensional experimental space can be analyzed and scored. This method is particularly useful in determining optimum operational parameters for an analytical system which requires the automated analysis of large numbers of analyte data peaks. For example, the method can be used to optimize analytical systems including an ion mobility spectrometer that uses a temperature stepped desorption technique for the detection of explosive mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Kent B. Pfeifer, William G. Yelton, Dayle R. Kerr, Francis A. Bouchier
  • Technique for information retrieval using enhanced latent semantic analysis generating rank approximation matrix by factorizing the weighted morpheme-by-document matrix
    Patent number: 8290961
    Abstract: A technique for information retrieval includes parsing a corpus to identify a number of wordform instances within each document of the corpus. A weighted morpheme-by-document matrix is generated based at least in part on the number of wordform instances within each document of the corpus and based at least in part on a weighting function. The weighted morpheme-by-document matrix separately enumerates instances of stems and affixes. Additionally or alternatively, a term-by-term alignment matrix may be generated based at least in part on the number of wordform instances within each document of the corpus. At least one lower rank approximation matrix is generated by factorizing the weighted morpheme-by-document matrix and/or the term-by-term alignment matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Chew, Brett W. Bader
  • Quadrilateral finite element mesh coarsening
    Patent number: 8289322
    Abstract: Techniques for coarsening a quadrilateral mesh are described. These techniques include identifying a coarsening region within the quadrilateral mesh to be coarsened. Quadrilateral elements along a path through the coarsening region are removed. Node pairs along opposite sides of the path are identified. The node pairs along the path are then merged to collapse the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew L. Staten, Mark W. Dewey, Steven E. Benzley
  • Method of making monodisperse nanoparticles
    Patent number: 8288001
    Abstract: A method of making particles of either spherical or cylindrical geometry with a characteristic diameter less than 50 nanometers by mixing at least one structure directing agent dissolved in a solvent with at least one amphiphilic block copolymer dissolved in a solvent to make a solution containing particles, where the particles can be subsequently separated and dispersed in a solvent of choice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Hongyou Fan, Zaicheng Sun
  • Hydrothermal method of synthesis of rare-earth tantalates and niobates
    Patent number: 8287832
    Abstract: A hydrothermal method of synthesis of a family of rare-earth Group 5 oxides, where the Group 5 oxide is a niobate or tantalate. The rare-earth Group 5 oxides can be doped with suitable emitter ions to form nanophosphors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: May D. Nyman, Lauren E. S. Rohwer, James E. Martin
  • MICROFLUIDIC PLATFORM FOR SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20120258487
    Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for assembling biological constructs (e.g., plasmids, transformed cells, etc.). In certain embodiments the methods involve encapsulating separate components of said biological construct each in a fluid droplet confined in a fluid channel; optionally mixing droplets from different fluid channels to for a sequenced order of droplets carrying different components of said biological construct in a channel or chamber; and optionally combining two or more droplets each containing different components of said biological construct to permit said components to react with each other in one or more reactions contributing to the assembly of said biological construct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicants: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANDIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chieh Chang, Rajiv Bharadwaj, Anup K. Singh, Aarthi Chandrasekaran, Nathan J. Hillson
  • Demultiplexer circuit for neural stimulation
    Patent number: 8285394
    Abstract: A demultiplexer circuit is disclosed which can be used with a conventional neural stimulator to extend the number of electrodes which can be activated. The demultiplexer circuit, which is formed on a semiconductor substrate containing a power supply that provides all the dc electrical power for operation of the circuit, includes digital latches that receive and store addressing information from the neural stimulator one bit at a time. This addressing information is used to program one or more 1:2N demultiplexers in the demultiplexer circuit which then route neural stimulation signals from the neural stimulator to an electrode array which is connected to the outputs of the 1:2N demultiplexer. The demultiplexer circuit allows the number of individual electrodes in the electrode array to be increased by a factor of 2N with N generally being in a range of 2-4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt O. Wessendorf, Murat Okandan, Sean Pearson
  • SURFACE PENETRATING RADAR SYSTEM AND TARGET ZONE INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY
    Publication number: 20120249356
    Abstract: A radar system (22) includes a transmitter (45), a receiver (59), and a software defined radio (SDR) peripheral (40). Methodology (80) for investigating a target zone (26) utilizing the system (22) entails generating (106) a direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) code (120) having a code length (122) corresponding to a time duration of radio wave travel between the transmitter (45), the target zone (26), and the receiver (59) at a carrier frequency (112). A beacon signal (34), modulated (108) by the DSSS code (120), is transmitted (152) from the transmitter (45) toward the target zone (26) and a return signal (38) is received (156) at the receiver (56). The return signal (38) is compared (170) to a replica signal (168) characterized by the DSSS code (120), and presence of an object (32) in the target zone (26) is ascertained (178) when the return signal (38) matches the replica signal (168).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Sandia Research Corporation
    Inventor: Steven M. Shope
  • VEHICLE BARRIER WITH ACCESS DELAY
    Publication number: 20120251238
    Abstract: An access delay vehicle barrier for stopping unauthorized entry into secure areas by a vehicle ramming attack includes access delay features for preventing and/or delaying an adversary from defeating or compromising the barrier. A horizontally deployed barrier member can include an exterior steel casing, an interior steel reinforcing member and access delay members disposed within the casing and between the casing and the interior reinforcing member. Access delay members can include wooden structural lumber, concrete and/or polymeric members that in combination with the exterior casing and interior reinforcing member act cooperatively to impair an adversarial attach by thermal, mechanical and/or explosive tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Swahlan, Jason Wilke
  • Hierarchical clustering using correlation metric and spatial continuity constraint
    Patent number: 8280887
    Abstract: Large data sets are analyzed by hierarchical clustering using correlation as a similarity measure. This provides results that are superior to those obtained using a Euclidean distance similarity measure. A spatial continuity constraint may be applied in hierarchical clustering analysis of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher L. Stork, Luke N. Brewer
  • Integrated heterodyne terahertz transceiver
    Patent number: 8274058
    Abstract: A heterodyne terahertz transceiver comprises a quantum cascade laser that is integrated on-chip with a Schottky diode mixer. A terahertz signal can be received by an antenna connected to the mixer, an end facet or sidewall of the laser, or through a separate active section that can amplify the incident signal. The quantum cascade laser couples terahertz local oscillator power to the Schottky diode to mix with the received terahertz signal to provide an intermediate frequency output signal. The fully integrated transceiver optimizes power efficiency, sensitivity, compactness, and reliability. The transceiver can be used in compact, fieldable systems covering a wide variety of deployable applications not possible with existing technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Wanke, Mark Lee, Christopher D. Nordquist, Michael J. Cich
  • System and method for polytopic mesh refinement
    Patent number: 8274512
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for partitioning an input polytope into a conformal set of polytopes according to a subdivision pattern specified on lower-dimensional boundaries of the input polytope. A feature of this method is that it is applicable to any dimension. For input polytopes that are hexahedra isomorphic to a 3-dimensional cube, all members of the conforming partition will be hexahedra isomorphic to a 3-dimensional cube. A further feature of the invention is that it preserves convexity; a convex input polytope will result in a conformal partition comprising convex polytopes. Finally, the method may be used to process large conformal meshes of input polytopes in parallel and produce a globally conformal partition without the requirement of communication between processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Jackson R. Mayo, David C. Thompson, Philippe P. Pebay
  • Computing environment logbook
    Patent number: 8271891
    Abstract: A computing environment logbook logs events occurring within a computing environment. The events are displayed as a history of past events within the logbook of the computing environment. The logbook provides search functionality to search through the history of past events to find one or more selected past events, and further, enables an undo of the one or more selected past events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon C. Osbourn, Ann M. Bouchard
  • Communication systems, transceivers, and methods for generating data based on channel characteristics
    Patent number: 8270602
    Abstract: Examples of methods for generating data based on a communications channel are described. In one such example, a processing unit may generate a first vector representation based in part on at least two characteristics of a communications channel. A constellation having at least two dimensions may be addressed with the first vector representation to identify a first symbol associated with the first vector representation. The constellation represents a plurality of regions, each region associated with a respective symbol. The symbol may be used to generate data, which may stored in an electronic storage medium and used as a cryptographic key or a spreading code or hopping sequence in a modulation technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Forman, Derek Young
  • Method for factor analysis of GC/MS data
    Patent number: 8266197
    Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a fast, robust, and automated multivariate statistical analysis of gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) data sets. The method can involve systematic elimination of undesired, saturated peak masses to yield data that follow a linear, additive model. The cleaned data can then be subjected to a combination of PCA and orthogonal factor rotation followed by refinement with MCR-ALS to yield highly interpretable results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark H. Van Benthem, Paul G. Kotula, Michael R. Keenan