Patents Assigned to SETI Institute
  • Publication number: 20190145832
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting laser pulses is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present system detects an extrasolar laser pulse, ideally repeated pulses, by observing the pulse, characterizing the pulse, and confirming the data related to the pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: SETI Institute
    Inventors: Eliot Gillum, Alan Holmes
  • Publication number: 20170299441
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting laser pulses is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present system detects an extrasolar laser pulse, ideally repeated pulses, by observing the pulse, characterizing the pulse, and confirming the data related to the pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: SETI Institute
    Inventors: Eliot Gillum, Alan Holmes
  • Publication number: 20170194714
    Abstract: An offset Gregorian antenna used in radio astronomy. The antenna may include a primary reflector having a substantially paraboloidal shape and a secondary reflector having substantially an ellipsoidal shape. The secondary reflector may be displaced from the optical axis of the primary reflector. The antenna may also include a feed located substantially coincident with the second focus of the secondary reflector. The feed may be located within a vacuum sealed enclosure, and a cryo pump may be used to cool the feed within the enclosure. Also, a shroud may partially surrounding the feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: The SETI Institute
    Inventors: Matthew Christopher Fleming, John Christian Munson, Jill C. Tarter
  • Patent number: 8244477
    Abstract: Method and system for estimating a growth stage of an alga in an ambient fluid. Measured light beam absorption or reflection values through or from the alga and through an ambient fluid, in each of two or more wavelength sub-ranges, are compared with reference light beam absorption values for corresponding wavelength sub-ranges for in each alga growth stage to determine (1) which alga growth stage, if any, is more likely and (2) whether estimated lipid content of the alga is increasing or has peaked. Alga growth is preferably terminated when lipid content has approximately reached a maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), SETI Institute
    Inventors: Tsegereda N. Embaye, Jonathan D. Trent
  • Patent number: 7473436
    Abstract: Method and system for functionalizing a collection of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). A selected precursor gas (e.g., H2 or F2 or CnHm) is irradiated to provide a cold plasma of selected target species particles, such as atomic H or F, in a first chamber. The target species particles are directed toward an array of CNTs located in a second chamber while suppressing transport of ultraviolet radiation to the second chamber. A CNT array is functionalized with the target species particles, at or below room temperature, to a point of saturation, in an exposure time interval no longer than about 30 sec. *Discrimination against non-target species is provided by (i) use of a target species having a lifetime that is much greater than a lifetime of a non-target species and/or (2) use of an applied magnetic field to discriminate between charged particle trajectories for target species and for non-target species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administrator, SETI Institute
    Inventors: Bishun N. Khare, Meyya Meyyappan
  • Patent number: 5543621
    Abstract: A diode laser spectrometer includes a sample chamber for holding a sample gas, e.g., human breath, having first and second isotopic species in an unknown concentration ratio and a reference chamber for holding a reference gas having the first and second isotopic species in a known concentration ratio. Laser light is directed through both chambers at wavelengths corresponding to absorption wavelength of the isotopic species, and the light is detected and sample and reference signals generated. The signals are processed by a computer to determine the concentration ratio of the first isotopic species to the second isotopic species in the sample gas. The diode laser is cooled by a thermoelectric cooler or a cryocooler operating as a reverse Sterling engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignees: San Jose State University Foundation, Seti Institute
    Inventors: Todd B. Sauke, Joseph F. Becker, Jose de la Torre-Bueno