Patents Assigned to Sandia
  • Image registration with uncertainty analysis
    Patent number: 7912321
    Abstract: In an image registration method, edges are detected in a first image and a second image. A percentage of edge pixels in a subset of the second image that are also edges in the first image shifted by a translation is calculated. A best registration point is calculated based on a maximum percentage of edges matched. In a predefined search region, all registration points other than the best registration point are identified that are not significantly worse than the best registration point according to a predetermined statistical criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Katherine M. Simonson
  • Dual initiation strip charge apparatus and methods for making and implementing the same
    Patent number: 7908970
    Abstract: A Dual Initiation Strip Charge (DISC) apparatus is initiated by a single initiation source and detonates a strip of explosive charge at two separate contacts. The reflection of explosively induced stresses meet and create a fracture and breach a target along a generally single fracture contour and produce generally fragment-free scattering and no spallation. Methods for making and implementing a DISC apparatus provide numerous advantages over previous methods of creating explosive charges by utilizing steps for rapid prototyping; by implementing efficient steps and designs for metering consistent, repeatable, and controlled amount of high explosive; and by utilizing readily available materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Juan-Carlos Jakaboski, Steven N. Todd, Stephen Polisar, Chance Hughs
  • Porous nuclear fuel element for high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors
    Patent number: 7899146
    Abstract: Porous nuclear fuel elements for use in advanced high temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors (HTGR's), and to processes for fabricating them. Advanced uranium bi-carbide, uranium tri-carbide and uranium carbonitride nuclear fuels can be used. These fuels have high melting temperatures, high thermal conductivity, and high resistance to erosion by hot hydrogen gas. Tri-carbide fuels, such as (U,Zr,Nb)C, can be fabricated using chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) to simultaneously deposit each of the three separate carbides, e.g., UC, ZrC, and NbC in a single CVI step. By using CVI, the nuclear fuel may be deposited inside of a highly porous skeletal structure made of, for example, reticulated vitreous carbon foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis L. Youchison, Brian E. Williams, Robert E. Benander
  • IDENTIFICATION OF NOVEL SUBGROUPS OF HIGH-RISK PEDIATRIC PRECURSOR B ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA, OUTCOME CORRELATIONS AND DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC METHODS RELATED TO SAME
    Publication number: 20110045999
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of genetic markers patients with high risk B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and associated methods and their relationship to therapeutic outcome. The present invention also relates to diagnostic, prognostic and related methods using these genetic markers, as well as kits which provide microchips and/or immunoreagents for performing analysis on leukemia patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicants: STC.UNM, Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Cheryl L. Willman, Richard Harvey, George S. Davidson, Xuefei Wang, Susan R Atlas, Edward J. Bedrick, Iming L. Chen
  • Vehicle assisted harpoon breaching tool
    Patent number: 7887092
    Abstract: A harpoon breaching tool that allows security officers, SWAT teams, police, firemen, soldiers, or others to forcibly breach metal doors or walls very quickly (in a few seconds), without explosives. The harpoon breaching tool can be mounted to a vehicle's standard receiver hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Pacheco, Steven E. Highland
  • Method for making a micromachined microwave signal control device
    Patent number: 7886434
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a signal controller, e.g., a filter or a switch, for a coplanar waveguide during the LIGA fabrication process of the waveguide. Both patterns for the waveguide and patterns for the signal controllers are created on a mask. Radiation travels through the mask and reaches a photoresist layer on a substrate. The irradiated portions are removed and channels are formed on the substrate. A metal is filled into the channels to form the conductors of the waveguide and the signal controllers. Micromachined quasi-lumped elements are used alone or together as filters. The switch includes a comb drive, a spring, a metal plunger, and anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Forman
  • Poly(phenylene)-based anion exchange membrane
    Patent number: 7888397
    Abstract: A poly(phenylene) compound of copolymers that can be prepared with either random or multiblock structures where a first polymer has a repeat unit with a structure of four sequentially connected phenyl rings with a total of 2 pendant phenyl groups and 4 pendant tolyl groups and the second polymer has a repeat unit with a structure of four sequentially connected phenyl rings with a total of 6 pendant phenyl groups. The second polymer has chemical groups attached to some of the pendant phenyl groups selected from CH3, CH2Br, and CH2N(CH3)3Br groups. When at least one group is CH2N(CH3)3Br, the material functions as an anion exchange membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Hibbs, Christopher J. Cornelius, Cy H. Fujimoto
  • Generating nonlinear FM chirp radar signals by multiple integrations
    Patent number: 7880672
    Abstract: A phase component of a nonlinear frequency modulated (NLFM) chirp radar pulse can be produced by performing digital integration operations over a time interval defined by the pulse width. Each digital integration operation includes applying to a respectively corresponding input parameter value a respectively corresponding number of instances of digital integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Armin W. Doerry
  • Optical amplifier exhibiting net phase-mismatch selected to at least partially reduce gain-induced phase-matching during operation and method of operation
    Patent number: 7880961
    Abstract: An optical amplifier, such as an optical waveguide amplifier (e.g., an optical fiber amplifier or a planar waveguide) or a non-guiding optical amplifier, that exhibits a net phase-mismatch selected to at least partially reduce gain-induced phase-matching during operation thereof is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, an optical amplifier structure includes at least one optical amplifier having a length and a gain region. The at least one optical amplifier exhibits a net phase-mismatch that varies along at least part of the length thereof selected to at least partially reduce gain-induced phase-matching during operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Feve, Dahv A. V. Kliner, Roger L. Farrow
  • Simultaneous sample manipulation and sensing using surface acoustic waves
    Patent number: 7878063
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hexagonal, delay line surface acoustic wave device fabricated on a a piezoelectric substrate, such as lithium tantalate, coated with an insulating waveguide on to which a sensing film, such as an anti-human Interleukin-6 biosensor film, is physically absorbed. The acoustic waves that propagate along the delay lines of the SAW device provide for detection of biological species along one delay line and simultaneously provide for removal of non-specifically bound protein along the remaining delay lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignees: University of South Florida, Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Cular, Venkat R. Bhethanabotla, Darren W. Branch
  • Hybrid membrane—PSA system for separating oxygen from air
    Patent number: 7875101
    Abstract: A portable, non-cryogenic, oxygen generation system capable of delivering oxygen gas at purities greater than 98% and flow rates of 15 L/min or more is described. The system consists of two major components. The first component is a high efficiency membrane capable of separating argon and a portion of the nitrogen content from air, yielding an oxygen-enriched permeate flow. This is then fed to the second component, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit utilizing a commercially available, but specifically formulated zeolite compound to remove the remainder of the nitrogen from the flow. The system is a unique gas separation system that can operate at ambient temperatures, for producing high purity oxygen for various applications (medical, refining, chemical production, enhanced combustion, fuel cells, etc . . . ) and represents a significant advance compared to current technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Chad L. Staiger, Mark R. Vaughn, A. Keith Miller, Christopher J. Cornelius
  • System and method for statistically monitoring and analyzing sensed conditions
    Patent number: 7877234
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring and analyzing a plurality of attributes for an alarm condition is disclosed. The attributes are processed and/or unprocessed values of sensed conditions of a collection of a statistically significant number of statistically similar components subjected to varying environmental conditions. The attribute values are used to compute the normal behaviors of some of the attributes and also used to infer parameters of a set of models. Relative probabilities of some attribute values are then computed and used along with the set of models to determine whether an alarm condition is met. The alarm conditions are used to prevent or reduce the impact of impending failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe P. Pebay, James M. Brandt, Ann C. Gentile, Youssef M. Marzouk, Darrian J. Hale, David C. Thompson
  • System and method for statistically monitoring and analyzing sensed conditions
    Patent number: 7865336
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring and analyzing a plurality of attributes for an alarm condition is disclosed. The attributes are processed and/or unprocessed values of sensed conditions of a collection of a statistically significant number of statistically similar components subjected to varying environmental conditions. The attribute values are used to compute the normal behaviors of some of the attributes and also used to infer parameters of a set of models. Relative probabilities of some attribute values are then computed and used along with the set of models to determine whether an alarm condition is met. The alarm conditions are used to prevent or reduce the impact of impending failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe P. Pebay, James M. Brandt, Ann C. Gentile, Youssef M. Marzouk, Darrian J. Hale, David C. Thompson
  • Fracture-resistant lanthanide scintillators
    Patent number: 7863572
    Abstract: Lanthanide halide alloys have recently enabled scintillating gamma ray spectrometers comparable to room temperature semiconductors (<3% FWHM energy resolutions at 662 keV). However brittle fracture of these materials upon cooling hinders the growth of large volume crystals. Efforts to improve the strength through non-lanthanide alloy substitution, while preserving scintillation, have been demonstrated. Isovalent alloys having nominal compositions of comprising Al, Ga, Sc, Y, and In dopants as well as aliovalent alloys comprising Ca, Sr, Zr, Hf, Zn, and Pb dopants were prepared. All of these alloys exhibit bright fluorescence under UV excitation, with varying shifts in the spectral peaks and intensities relative to pure CeBr3. Further, these alloys scintillate when coupled to a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and exposed to 137Cs gamma rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: F. Patrick Doty
  • Radar transponder operation with compensation for distortion due to amplitude modulation
    Patent number: 7864097
    Abstract: In radar transponder operation, a variably delayed gating signal is used to gate a received radar pulse and thereby produce a corresponding gated radar pulse for transmission back to the source of the received radar pulse. This compensates for signal distortion due to amplitude modulation on the retransmitted pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Ormesher, Bertice L. Tise, Robert M. Axline, Jr.
  • Microfabricated ion frequency standard
    Patent number: 7859350
    Abstract: A microfabricated ion frequency standard (i.e. an ion clock) is disclosed with a permanently-sealed vacuum package containing a source of ytterbium (Yb) ions and an octupole ion trap. The source of Yb ions is a micro-hotplate which generates Yb atoms which are then ionized by a ultraviolet light-emitting diode or a field-emission electron source. The octupole ion trap, which confines the Yb ions, is formed from suspended electrodes on a number of stacked-up substrates. A microwave source excites a ground-state transition frequency of the Yb ions, with a frequency-doubled vertical-external-cavity laser (VECSEL) then exciting the Yb ions up to an excited state to produce fluorescent light which is used to tune the microwave source to the ground-state transition frequency, with the microwave source providing a precise frequency output for the ion clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Schwindt, Grant Biedermann, Matthew G. Blain, Daniel L. Stick, Darwin K. Serkland, Roy H. Olsson, III
  • Using piezo-electric material to simulate a vibration environment
    Patent number: 7851973
    Abstract: A target object can be vibrated using actuation that exploits the piezo-electric (“PE”) property. Under combined conditions of vibration and centrifugal acceleration, a centrifugal load of the target object on PE vibration actuators can be reduced by using a counterweight that offsets the centrifugal loading. Target objects are also subjected to combinations of: spin, vibration, and acceleration; spin and vibration; and spin and acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Jepsen, Neil T. Davie, Douglas J. Vangoethem, Edward F. Romero
  • Highly concentrated foam formulation for blast mitigation
    Patent number: 7850865
    Abstract: A highly concentrated foam formulation for blast suppression and dispersion mitigation for use in responding to a terrorism incident involving a radiological dispersion device. The foam formulation is more concentrated and more stable than the current blast suppression foam (AFC-380), which reduces the logistics burden on the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Tucker, Huizhen Gao
  • Methods for spectral image analysis by exploiting spatial simplicity
    Patent number: 7840626
    Abstract: Several full-spectrum imaging techniques have been introduced in recent years that promise to provide rapid and comprehensive chemical characterization of complex samples. One of the remaining obstacles to adopting these techniques for routine use is the difficulty of reducing the vast quantities of raw spectral data to meaningful chemical information. Multivariate factor analysis techniques, such as Principal Component Analysis and Alternating Least Squares-based Multivariate Curve Resolution, have proven effective for extracting the essential chemical information from high dimensional spectral image data sets into a limited number of components that describe the spectral characteristics and spatial distributions of the chemical species comprising the sample. There are many cases, however, in which those constraints are not effective and where alternative approaches may provide new analytical insights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Keenan
  • Ion mobility spectrometer with virtual aperture grid
    Patent number: 7838823
    Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer does not require a physical aperture grid to prevent premature ion detector response. The last electrodes adjacent to the ion collector (typically the last four or five) have an electrode pitch that is less than the width of the ion swarm and each of the adjacent electrodes is connected to a source of free charge, thereby providing a virtual aperture grid at the end of the drift region that shields the ion collector from the mirror current of the approaching ion swarm. The virtual aperture grid is less complex in assembly and function and is less sensitive to vibrations than the physical aperture grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Kent B. Pfeifer, Arthur N. Rumpf