Patents Assigned to Southwest Research Institute
-
Patent number: 12038768Abstract: A method of providing a collision avoiding travel path for an autonomous vehicle. A sensor system obtains stereo image data of a scene in the environment ahead of the normal travel path. This image data is used to generate a disparity image. The disparity image is processed to generate an occupancy map that assigns values to areas of the scene based on levels of visual clutter. The occupancy map is then converted to a potential field, which assigns each pixel in the scene with a force value that corresponds to its proximity to one or more obstacles. These force value are summed and used to modify the vehicle's path is a collision is likely.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2021Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Omar D. Medjaouri, David J. Anthony, Stephen A. Geiger
-
Patent number: 12036187Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at compositions of dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) suitable for use for treatment of cyanide intoxication. The compositions show particularly useful stability such that the DMTS remains stable for therapeutic use at the identified time periods. The compositions are therefore particularly suitable for use in autoinjectors.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Hong Dixon, Joseph A. McDonough
-
Patent number: 12038347Abstract: This invention relates to exhaust replication systems and methods, such as systems for testing automotive exhaust aftertreatment devices. More particularly, methods for steady state and transient generation and flow of NO2 and/or NO from a fluid such as nitric acid for introduction into the burner-based exhaust replication system.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2021Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ryan C. Hartley, Robert T. Henderson, Cary A. Henry
-
Patent number: 12041381Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for passive infrared sensing and detection of vehicular traffic. Vehicle parameters are detected using thermal detection states of pixels of an infrared array sensor. The vehicle parameters can include a velocity of a vehicle. A vehicle record that includes the vehicle parameters can be provided, for example, by a computing device in connection with the infrared array sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2020Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignees: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM, SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Zachary Balcar, Ayetullah Baha Biten, Sara Ahmed, Samer Dessouky, Jerome Helffrich
-
Patent number: 12031803Abstract: An arena test system for characterizing fragments from a warhead. An entry panel and an exit panel are arranged in a wedge configuration with a wedge-shaped air space between them. Fragments are imaged as they pass through this wedge. A soft catch box is located behind the exit panel such that fragments that pass through the exit panel enter the soft catch box and are decelerated within the soft catch box.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2022Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: James T Mathis, Matthew V. Grimm, Nicholas J. Mueschke, Edward V. O'Hare
-
Patent number: 12007322Abstract: A sensor for use in detecting corrosion under insulation (CUI) and a method for deploying the same that does not require removal of cladding and/or insulation. The sensor includes at least a first sensor element formed of a first metal and a second sensor element formed of a second metal, the first and second metals being different. One or a plurality of sleeve members formed of an electrically-insulating material, such as plastic, maintain the first and second sensor elements at a predetermined distance from each other and define at least one sensing region that extends between the first and second sensor elements. The first and second sensor elements are configured to electrically communicate based on a conductive solution being disposed in the at least one sensing region and causing a galvanic current to be induced therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2021Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Leonardo J. Caseres, James F. Dante, Sergey A. Vinogradov
-
Patent number: 11986779Abstract: The present invention is directed at the synthesis and characterization of recrystallized HI-6 dimethylsulfate (DMS). The method can comprise dissolving HI-6 DMS in an alkyl-based glycol and adding an antisolvent to recrystallize HI-6 DMS or dissolving HI-6 DMS in methanol and adding dimethoxy ethane or dimethyl formamide as the antisolvent to recrystallize HI-6 DMS. The recrystallized HI-6 DMS indicates a resistance to moisture absorption and/or a DSC melting point onset (MP Onset) at least at or above 160.0° C.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2020Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Shawn T. Blumberg, Paul W. Miguel
-
Publication number: 20240141607Abstract: A modular component dam. The dam may be configured for pairing with another dam in the form of a closed loop pumped storage hydropower plant. One or both of the dams may be constructed of buttress frames made up of prefabricated modules of predetermined varying dimensions which allow for rapid construction over a period of less than about a year. The modules may be transported to dam sites by standard transportation units such as 18 wheelers. This is facilitated by the modules occupying no more than about 14 feet in vertical height above a surface of a roadway during transport and no more than about 11 feet in horizontal width across the roadway during transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2022Publication date: May 2, 2024Applicant: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Gordon W. Wittmeyer, Biswajit Dasgupta
-
Patent number: 11971347Abstract: A seamless fumed silica monolithic integrating cavity device tailored to analyzing a flowed sample. The device is configured to facilitate optical measurements taken from a sample flowed through a cavity of the device. The cavity is defined by a fumed silica monolith with the added feature of a fused quartz lining on the surface of the monolith. This provides an intermediate surface that allows for cleaning and reuse of the highly effective diffuse light scattering fumed silica monolith. The lining may be placed under pressure or vacuum to structurally enhance mechanical integrity of the underlying monolith. Thus, continued or reliably repeated use of the device may be appreciated as well as use in more industrial environments that are prone to vibration. Additionally, while well suited for flow-based sample analysis, a valve of the cavity may be utilized for holding a sample in a temporarily static state for measurement.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2022Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Thomas Moore, Kurt D. Retherford, Charity Phillips-Lander
-
Patent number: 11963959Abstract: Inhibitors against SARS-COV-1, SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), MERS-CoV, and variants within each, including methods of treating a subject suffering from such respiratory disease.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignees: Southwest Research Institute, The Government of the United States, as represented by The Secretary of the Army, The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan A. Bohmann, Nadean M. Gutierrez, Joseph A. Mcdonough, Robert Francis Campbell, Michael Gordon Joyce, Rekha Panchal, Rajeshwer Sankhala, Allen Duplantier
-
Patent number: 11959878Abstract: A sensor for detecting properties of a gas, gas mixture, or a gas or gas mixture containing particles, all collectively referred to as a “gas”. A flow tube contains a pair of electrodes arranged such that at least a portion of the gas flows between the electrodes. A controller applies voltage to the electrodes and measures response data from the electrodes representing the voltage-current relationship between the electrodes while the gas is between the electrodes. Based on the response data, the controller determines a concentration of particles within the gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Maher Abdulhamid Aldayeh, Imad Said Abdul-Khalek
-
Patent number: 11958027Abstract: A re-mixing dispenser for containing and dispensing a liquid. The dispenser may have one or more tubes, each containing a different liquid. At least one of the liquids may be re-mixed in situ, using a special two-piece plunger and plunger rod. A mixing piece of the two-piece plunger is moveable independently of a top piece and has blades that allow it to move through the liquid. A plunger rod is removably attached to the mixing piece and is operable to move the mixing piece up and down within the tube during mixing. The two plunger pieces are joined and moved as a single plunger during dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Cole Buss, Eric Kroeger, Taylor W. Batholomew
-
Patent number: 11953101Abstract: A spool valve for controlling the flow of a fluid into a reciprocating piston cylinder. A spool is slideably inserted into an outer casing, the spool valve having a first and a second non-waisted end portions and having a waisted middle portion. The casing has an intake port and output port for fluids entering and exiting the casing. A first non-waisted end portion covers the intake port during a first valve-closed event as the spool slides in one direction within the casing. The waisted middle portion is sufficiently wide to uncover both the intake port and the output port during a valve-open event as the spool slides in one direction within the casing. A second non-waisted end portion covers the output port during a second valve-closed event as the spool slides in the same one direction within the casing.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Anthony Perkins, Clive Lacy, Dustin Kramer
-
Publication number: 20240079714Abstract: A system for preventing thermal runaway among battery modules utilized to power equipment. The system may also be utilized to prevent thermal runaway within a battery module among battery cells on an intra-modular basis. The system is beneficial for equipment with an occupant space for accommodating an operator of the equipment. Thermal runaway may be avoided by the active use of a flow control device directed at a housing space containing a battery module that may be prone to failure. Specifically, air may be driven into the housing or drawn from the housing during the emergence of an unintended energy release from the battery module so as to prevent the thermal runaway. Further, directing the energy release away from the battery module includes routing the energy release away from other modules and the occupant space.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2022Publication date: March 7, 2024Applicant: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Christopher Hennessy, Ian Smith
-
Patent number: 11923607Abstract: A transition device for transitioning microwaves from an air-filled waveguide to an antenna. The air-filled waveguide is assumed to have an attachment flange, with the transition device having a compatible transition attachment flange. A rod has an upper portion extending upwardly through the flanges and a lower portion extending downwardly into the air-filled waveguide. The rode is made from a solid piece of high-dielectric material. The rod's outer surfaces of the upper portion (other than its end face) are metal plated, such that the upper portion provides a solid waveguide having a radiating aperture antenna.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Brad D. Moore, Yilun Luo
-
Patent number: 11912971Abstract: Design, fabrication and applications of three-dimensional (3D) bioreactor for cell expansion and cell secreted substance production. The bioreactors have relatively low levels of potentially cytotoxic compounds, can be coated with substituted or unsubstituted poly(p-xylene) type coatings and can also be separately formed from liquid crystal photopolymerizable monomers.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Jian Ling, Stephen T. Wellinghoff, Michael Joseph Rubal
-
Patent number: 11905882Abstract: Apparatus and methods for storing energy in liquid air and releasing the energy through a thermal power cycle, that incorporates liquid carbon dioxide capture and separation from the exhaust stream.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Timothy C. Allison, Owen M. Pryor, William M. Conlon
-
Patent number: 11901759Abstract: A method of developing a charging profile for charging a lithium-ion battery. A first phase of charging is at a constant current level, with the constant current level selected on the basis of battery resistance during charging and differential voltage (dV/dQ) analysis. A switch point is selected on the basis of a state of charge (SOC) of the battery when dV/DQ values increase. Next is an increasing voltage charging phase, with the voltage rate selected on the basis of charge acceptance and charge time.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Bapiraju Surampudi, Shuvodeep Bhattacharjya, Kevin Jones
-
Patent number: 11892361Abstract: A device and method for measuring temperature during tribological examination of sample materials. More specifically, the device includes a sample holder that provides for surface temperature measurement for sample materials undergoing tribological testing.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Carlos Sanchez, Michael Moneer, Peter Lee
-
Publication number: 20240011852Abstract: A tribometer and technique for determining torque at a physical interface of multiple rotating components. The tool and technique include aligning components about a rotational axis for independent rotation of each component. The components are in physical interface during the rotating with a resultant frictional torque. The torque may be measured by one or more torque meters during the rotating. This measured torque may be compared against an estimated torque for tool accuracy. Further, parameters such as load, temperature, component material, rotating rpm differentials and others may be varied to determine effect on measured frictional torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2022Publication date: January 11, 2024Applicant: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Greg Hansen, Peter Lee, Carlos Sanchez