Patents Assigned to Space
  • Patent number: 6513023
    Abstract: A neural network circuit is provided having a plurality of circuits capable of charge storage. Also provided is a plurality of circuits each coupled to at least one of the plurality of charge storage circuits and constructed to generate an output in accordance with a neuron transfer function. Each of a plurality of circuits is coupled to one of the plurality of neuron transfer function circuits and constructed to generate a derivative of the output. A weight update circuit updates the charge storage circuits based upon output from the plurality of transfer function circuits and output from the plurality of derivative circuits. In preferred embodiments, separate training and validation networks share the same set of charge storage circuits and may operate concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Tuan A. Duong
  • Patent number: 6507187
    Abstract: An ultrasensitive displacement sensing device for use in accelerometers, pressure gauges, temperature transducers, and the like, comprises a sputter deposited, multilayer, magnetoresistive field sensor with a variable electrical resistance based on an imposed magnetic field. The device detects displacement by sensing changes in the local magnetic field about the magnetoresistive field sensor caused by the displacement of a hard magnetic film on a movable microstructure. The microstructure, which may be a cantilever, membrane, bridge, or other microelement, moves under the influence of an acceleration a known displacement predicted by the configuration and materials selected, and the resulting change in the electrical resistance of the MR sensor can be used to calculate the displacement. Using a micromachining approach, very thin silicon and silicon nitride membranes are fabricated in one preferred embodiment by means of anisotropic etching of silicon wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John D. Olivas, Bruce M. Lairson, Rajeshuni Ramesham
  • Patent number: 6507425
    Abstract: An infrared communication system includes a recongifurable RAM-based programmable logic device (PLD), an EPROM to provide configuration instructions to the PLD, and a clock supplying a clock signal to the PLD. A data input device and infrared transceiver are coupled to the PLD. The configured PLD uses the clock signal to synchronize data transfer between the data input device and the infrared transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Brandon Scott Dewberry, Kosta A. Varnavas
  • Patent number: 6502519
    Abstract: A columnar race game having columns that move in a vertical direction. The object of the game is to hit a target causing actuation of the column in the vertical direction. The first column to reach a uppermost point activates a detection device which stops the game and signals the winner of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack D. Cook, II
  • Publication number: 20030000569
    Abstract: Solar panel comprising solar cells affixed to one or more sheet elements and a frame for supporting said sheet elements, wherein the frame is provided with attachment means for attaching said sheet elements to the frame, wherein that, the attachment means comprise one or more pretensioned strings, the sheet elements being attached to said strings. According to the invention it is preferred that the sheet elements are composed of flexible material and are attached to the string in a corrugated shape, wherein the sheet elements are provided with at least one row of apertures for weaving a string through successive apertures of said row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: DUTCH SPACE B.V.
    Inventor: Robert Zwanenburg
  • Patent number: 6500370
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for producing a hybrid boron reinforced polymer matrix composition from powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles and a linear array of boron fibers. The boron fibers are applied onto the powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles and then are processed within a processing component having an impregnation bar assembly. After passing through variable-dimension forming nip-rollers, the powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles with the boron fibers become a hybrid boron reinforced polymer matrix composite tape. A driving mechanism pulls the powder pre-impregnated fiber tow bundles with boron fibers through the processing line of the apparatus and a take-up spool collects the formed hybrid boron-fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Harry L. Belvin, Roberto J. Cano, Norman J. Johnston, Joseph M. Marchello
  • Patent number: 6501203
    Abstract: A vibration control apparatus designed specifically for use on space vehicles includes a stator for mounting in the vehicle, a lower flotor, magnetically levitated on the stator, an upper flotor nested in and magnetically levitated on the lower flotor, and position, orientation and motion sensors carried by the stator and flotors. When any changes in position, orientation or movement, i.e. vibration of apparatus is detected, magnetic force actuators are energized to compensate for such changes to keep a work platform on the upper flotor virtually vibration-free. Moreover, controlled and induced vibration of the work platform and an experiment carried thereby can be effected using the lower flotor as a reaction mass, i.e. without feedback to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Canadian Space Agency
    Inventor: Bjarni V. Tryggvason
  • Patent number: 6501414
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for detecting anomalies in microwave penetrable material that may be used for locating plastic mines or pipes underneath the ground. A transmitter is positioned at a plurality of different positions above the ground. A microwave signal is transmitted that is stepped over a plurality of frequencies. At each position, a plurality of reflections are received corresponding to each of the plurality of frequencies that were transmitted. A complex target vector may be produced at each position that contains complex values corresponding to magnitude, phase, and time delay for each of the plurality of reflections received at that location. A complex reference data vector may be produced, either based on predetermined values or based on data from the received plurality of reflections. A comparison is made between the complex target vector and the complex reference data vector to produce a channel vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: G. Dickey Arndt, James R. Carl, Kent A. Byerly, Phong H. Ngo, Larry G. Stolarczyk
  • Patent number: 6501434
    Abstract: Feed horn apparatus for use in a multiple-feed antenna system. The present invention comprises a corrugated feed horn and an antenna array or cluster of feed horns arranged in a hexagonal lattice pattern. The feed horn comprises a hexagonal aperture formed by a circular-to-hexagonal transition section a corrugated section disposed adjacent to the circular-to-hexagonal transition section, a tapered section disposed adjacent to the corrugated section, and an input section having an input/output port disposed adjacent to the tapered section. The corrugated feed horn has good beam pattern symmetry, low cross-polarization, and sidelobe levels, along with an increased horn aperture area. As a result, the efficiency of the corrugated feed horn is improved by transitioning from a circular to the hexagonal aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno W. Hollenstein, Ann N. Tulintseff, Rajan P. Parrikar
  • Patent number: 6501885
    Abstract: The optical waveguide coupler comprises a structure (1) of a number of elongated narrow optical waveguide strips (2), which consist respectively of a front area (3), a center area (4) and a coupling area (5). The center area (4) has respective transition areas (6) and (7) to the corresponding area (3) or (5). A gap (9) in the front areas (3) provided between two adjoining strips (2) is larger than the thickness of the narrow strips (2). The front faces (8) of the front areas (3), and the front faces of the coupling areas (5) are embodied to be as smooth as possible, wherein all strips form a stack in the coupling area (5). The gaps are pits which result from etching of an Si substrate with the aid of a DRIE etching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Contraves Space AG
    Inventors: Reto Holzner, Thomas Brunschwiler, Josef Wagner, Alex Dommann, Andreas Mündle, Jakob Jütz
  • Patent number: 6497355
    Abstract: A control is provided for a friction stir welding apparatus comprising a pin tool which includes a shoulder and a rotating pin extending outwardly from the shoulder of the pin tool and which, in use, is plunged into a workpiece formed contacting workpiece members to stir weld the members together. The control system controls the penetration of the pin tool into the workpiece members which are mounted on a support anvil. The control system includes a pin length controller for controlling pin length relative to the shoulder and for producing a corresponding pin length signal. A pin force sensor senses the force being exerted on the pin during welding and produces a corresponding actual pin force signal. A probe controller controls a probe extending outwardly from the pin, senses a parameter related to the distance between the probe and the supporting anvil and produces a corresponding probe signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: R. Jeffrey Ding, Peter L. Romine, Peter A. Oelgoetz
  • Patent number: 6497091
    Abstract: An ignitor for use with the MC-1 rocket engine has a cartridge bounded by two end caps with rupture disc assemblies connected thereto. A piston assembly within the cartridge moves from one end of the cartridge during the ignition process. The inlet of the ignitor communicates with a supply taken from the discharge of the fuel pump. When the pump is initially started, the pressure differential bursts the first rupture disc to begin the movement of the piston assembly toward the discharge end. The pressurization of the cartridge causes the second rupture to rupture and hypergolic fluid contained within the cartridge is discharged out the outlet. Once the piston assembly reaches the discharge end of the cartridge, purge grooves allow for fuel and remaining hypergolic fluid, to be discharged out the ignitor outlet into the combustion chamber to purge the ignitor of any remaining hypergolic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Eric S. Taylor, W. Neill Myers, Michael A. Martin
  • Patent number: 6498862
    Abstract: Biofilm formation is monitored by real-time continuous measurement. Images are formed of sessile cells on a surface and planktonic cells adjacent the surface. The attachment of cells to the surface is measured and quantitated, and sessile and planktonic cells are distinguished using image processing techniques. Single cells as well as colonies are monitored on or adjacent a variety of substrates. Flowing streams may be monitored. The effects of biocides on biofilms commonly isolated from recyclable water systems are measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Duane L. Pierson, David W. Koenig, Saroj K. Mishra
  • Publication number: 20020190230
    Abstract: A distance tracking control system, for use with a working member such as a robotic head, includes a non-contact distance sensor for sensing a distance of the working member from a surface. An actuator is provided for making positional adjustments of the working member in response to changes in the distance sensed by the non-contact distance sensor. A controller is connected to the distance sensor and the actuator. The controller receives data from the non-contact distance sensor and then sends signals to the actuator to make positional adjustments of the working member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Canadian Space Agency
    Inventors: Robert Dworkowski, Peter Wojcik
  • Patent number: 6496682
    Abstract: A satellite communication system includes a plurality of spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit, where each spacecraft provides a plurality of beams on the surface of the earth, and a plurality of ground stations individual ones of which are located in one of the beams for transmitting uplink signals to one of the spacecraft. Each spacecraft has a plurality of receivers for receiving a plurality of the uplinked signals from ground stations, a frequency translator for translating the received uplink signals to a transmission frequency of a plurality of downlink signals, and a plurality of transmitters for transmitting the plurality of downlink signals within the same beams as the corresponding uplink signals. In accordance with the invention the beams have at least one of different sizes and shapes, including circular and elliptical, and are non-contiguous over a least a portion of the surface of the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G Butte, Randall D Tyner
  • Patent number: 6496736
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided to treat atherosclerosis wherein the artery is partially closed by dilating the artery while preserving the vital and sensitive endothelial layer thereof. Microwave energy having a frequency from 3 GHz to 300 GHz is propagated into the arterial wall to produce a desired temperature profile therein at tissue depths sufficient for thermally necrosing connective tissue and softening fatty and waxy plaque while limiting heating of surrounding tissues including the endothelial layer and/or other healthy tissue, organs, and blood. The heating period for raising the temperature a potentially desired amount, about 20° C. within the atherosclerotic lesion may be less than about one second. In one embodiment of the invention, a radically beveled waveguide antenna is used to deliver microwave energy at frequencies from 25 GHz or 30 GHz to about 300 GHz and is focused towards a particular radial sector of the artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronatucis and Space Administration
    Inventors: James R. Carl, G. Dickey Arndt, Patrick W. Fink, N. Reginald Beer, Phillip D. Henry, Antonio Pacifico, George W. Raffoul
  • Patent number: 6494406
    Abstract: A rocket fairing mounted on a forward section of a rocket body included in a rocket comprises a first structure formed on the fairing-base side, and including a first side wall defining a first storage space for storing a first payload; and a second structure formed on the fairing-forward side, and including a second side wall defining a second storage space for storing a second payload. The first side wall has a plurality of first side wall segments capable of being separated from each other along a plane including the longitudinal axis of the fairing and of being turned away from the first payload when releasing the first payload from the first storage space. The second side wall has a plurality of second side wall segments capable of being separated from each other along a plane including the longitudinal axis of the fairing and of being turned away from the second payload when releasing the second payload from the second storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignees: National Space Development Agency of Japan, Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Fukushima, Ryuzo Shimizu, Hiroshi Matsunaga, Yoshifumi Yasunaga, Yutaka Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6494407
    Abstract: A joint (4) on a spacecraft (1) for holding together a first craft part (2) and a second craft part, (3) detachable from the first craft part (2). The joint (4) comprises a first flange (5) fixed on the first craft part (2), and a second flange (6) fixed on the second craft part (3), and a number of clamps (7) having a first (7a) and a second (7c) clamp lip, the said clamps being distributed about the periphery of the flanges (5, 6). The clamps transfer radial forces from a tightening device (8), fitted to the clamps (7), so as to fasten the two flanges (5, 6) together. The first flange (5) is clamped between a first clamp surface (7b) on the first clamp lip (7a), and a separation surface (6b) on the second flange (6). These surfaces (7b, 6b) form an acute angle &dgr;, the apex of which is directed in towards the spacecraft (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Saab Ericsson Space AB
    Inventor: Örjan Arulf
  • Publication number: 20020186895
    Abstract: An apparatus, article of manufacture, and method of physical phenomena analysis. In particular the physical phenomena may include any varying three-dimensional (3D) physical phenomena such as time varying polar ice flows, for example. A linear trend line and a modeled seasonal cycle may be removed from the representation of the 3D phenomenon to keep subsequent matrix operations within machine capabilities. The representation is passed through a Hilbert transform to convert the data into complex form. A spatial variable is separated from the complex representation by producing a time based covariance matrix. The temporal parts of the principal components are produced by applying Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). Based on the rapidity with which the eigenvalues decay, the first 3-10 complex principal components (CPCs) are selected for Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) into intrinsic modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Per Gloersen
  • Patent number: 6490801
    Abstract: Sun sensors or position sensors may be used to determine the angular location of the sun or other object with respect to the sensor. The sun sensor provides high resolution over a wide field of regard. A position or sun sensor comprises a sensor housing, a plurality of pinholes formed In the sensor housing, a detector mounted within the housing and a method of processing the information detected. The detector is mounted in the sensor housing. Each pinhole has a field of view and the detector receives the images from each field of view. Each field of view is defined by the position of the pinhole relative to the detector. The images are received in an overlay relationship thereby providing a field of regard. The processing method determines the presence and location of an object In a field of regard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Centre for Research in Earth and Space Technology
    Inventors: Charles H. Hersom, Philip Duggan, William A. Gault