Patents Assigned to Space
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Patent number: 6450820Abstract: Apparatus and methods for modulating the control authority (i.e., control function) of a computer simulation or game input device (e.g., joystick, button control) using physiological information so as to affect the user's ability to impact or control the simulation or game with the input device. One aspect is to use the present invention, along with a computer simulation or game, to affect physiological state or physiological self-regulation according to some programmed criterion (e.g., increase, decrease, or maintain) in order to perform better at the game task. When the affected physiological state or physiological self-regulation is the target of self-regulation or biofeedback training, the simulation or game play reinforces therapeutic changes in the physiological signal(s).Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Olafur S. Palsson, Randall L. Harris, Sr., Alan T. Pope
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Patent number: 6450889Abstract: An arcade-style racing game is described. The game preferably includes one or more individual competition games that measure the fractional performance of a player, and an indicator of progress for each individual game. Each indicator of moves at a variable rate, the rate being determined by the fractional performance of a player in an associated game.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.Inventor: John F. Mendes, Jr.
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Patent number: 6449915Abstract: A wall panel structure for controlling humidity within a building having a panel assembly attachable to an inner wall surface of the building including: a first panel having a surface with a first predetermined porosity to moisture; and a second panel secured to said first panel with a space for accomodating airflow between the first and second panels, the second panel having a surface with a second predetermined porosity to moisture, the first perdetermined panel porosity being greater than the second predetermined porosity to thereby absorb moisture from air being circulated between the first and second panels; whereby humidity of an environment within the building is controllable.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Time & Space Tech. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ki-Seok Park
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Patent number: 6450454Abstract: A space vehicle includes an attachment system for attaching the vehicle to another space vehicle, a memory for storing data concerning the status of the other space vehicle and threats experienced by the other space vehicle, and a transmission system for transmitting data stored in the memory to a planet or a different space vehicle. An ejection system enables the secondary vehicle to be ejected from the primary vehicle when predetermined criteria concerning the status data or the threat data are met. A spin system causes the secondary vehicle to be spin stabilized when ejected from the primary vehicle. When the secondary vehicle is ejected, the nature of the threat or status of the primary vehicle can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventors: Wallace S. Boz, II, Yat Fai Leung
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Patent number: 6453220Abstract: An easily implementable satellite constellation stationkeeping algorithm for maintaining the relative positioning among satellites of a low earth orbit constellation with minimal maneuvering while maintaining the constellation altitude over the effects of atmospheric drag. The satellite constellation stationkeeping algorithm may be implemented as a system or method that uses atmospheric drag perturbations to extend the stationkeeping cycle of the satellites in the low earth orbit constellation while simplifying the implementation algorithm and performing minimal maneuvers. In an exemplary satellite constellation stationkeeping algorithm, a plurality of satellites or a ground station are configured with a controller that implements an absolute altitude control algorithm. The plurality of satellites are launched into a respective plurality of slots of a low earth orbit.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventor: Lee A. Barker
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Patent number: 6450453Abstract: Apparatus and methods for pointing a non-deployable or deployable appendage disposed on a spacecraft. The appendage is secured to a backup structure comprising a plurality of beams. A plurality of control beams are secured to the backup structure. A plurality of deformation control elements, such as piezoelectric elements, for example, are secured to selected surfaces of the plurality of control beams. The deformation control elements are connected to a control source, such as a voltage control source, for example. Selected deformation control elements are activated to deform the associated control beams to point the deployable appendage in a desired direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventor: Eric J. Roulo
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Patent number: 6452510Abstract: A cabin pressure altitude monitor and warning system provides a warning when a detected cabin pressure altitude has reached a predetermined level. The system is preferably embodied in a portable, pager-sized device that can be carried or worn by an individual. A microprocessor calculates the pressure altitude from signals generated by a calibrated pressure transducer and a temperature sensor that compensates for temperature variations in the signals generated by the pressure transducer. The microprocessor is programmed to generate a warning or alarm if a cabin pressure altitude exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected. Preferably, the microprocessor generates two different types of warning or alarm outputs, a first early warning or alert when a first pressure altitude is exceeded, and a second more serious alarm condition when either a second, higher pressure altitude is exceeded, or when the first pressure altitude has been exceeded for a predetermined period of time.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: National Aeronautics & Space AdministrationInventor: Jan A. Zysko
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Patent number: 6452539Abstract: An electromagnetic wave radiation control apparatus includes an antenna, a modulator, an amplifier, and a radiation control unit. The modulator modulates a carrier wave based on a transmission signal to output a modulated signal, wherein the modulator stops the output of the modulated signal in response to a power off command. The amplifier amplifies the modulated signal such that the amplified signal is radiated as electromagnetic wave from the antenna, when the modulated signal is outputted from the modulator. The radiation control unit generates the power off command to the modulator, when radiation of electromagnetic wave in a current radiation direction of the antenna is inhibited, or when a level of a reception signal by the antenna is equal to or lower than a predetermined minimum level.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: NEC Toshiba Space Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Hironori Katou, Shuji Kawabata, Hiroki Kumagai
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Patent number: 6447266Abstract: A blood pump preferably has a magnetically suspended rotor that rotates within a housing. The rotor may rotate about a stator disposed within the housing. Radial magnetic bearings may be defined within the stator and the rotor in order to suspend the rotor. The radial magnetic bearings may be passive magnetic bearings that include permanent magnets disposed within the stator and the rotor or active magnetic bearings. The pump may further include an axial magnetic bearing that may be either a passive or an active magnetic bearing. A motor that drives the rotor may be disposed within the housing in order to more easily dissipate heat generated by the motor. A primary flow path is defined between the rotor and the stator, and a secondary flow path is defined between the stator and the rotor. Preferably, a substantial majority of blood passes through the primary flow path.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignees: University of Pittsburgh, The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: James F. Antaki, Bradley Paden, Gregory Burgreen, Nelson J. Groom
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Patent number: 6448943Abstract: An antenna system and improved antenna support structure that is preferably used on a spacecraft. An exemplary antenna system comprises an antenna dish, an antenna positioning mechanism, and the present antenna support structure coupled between the antenna dish and antenna positioning mechanism. The antenna support structure comprises a composite ring attached to a rear surface of the antenna dish and a boom structure coupled to the composite ring and to the antenna positioning mechanism that comprises a plurality of tubular fingers that interconnect the composite ring and the antenna positioning mechanism. The boom structure may further comprise one or more lateral supports that interconnect the plurality of tubular fingers. The composite ring is preferably disposed in a plane containing the center of gravity of the antenna dish. The composite ring, tubular fingers, and lateral supports preferably comprise graphite fibers.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventor: Andrew R. Wallach
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Patent number: 6448940Abstract: An antenna deployment system for use in storing and deploying three antennas that are located on the same side of a spacecraft or other fixed body. The three antennas are nested and are stacked in a stowed condition and are individually and sequentially deployed to their respective deployed positions. One or more feed horns are attached to the spacecraft or fixed body that illuminate the respective antennas. A dual axis deployment mechanism is used to deploy each antenna. The dual axis deployment mechanism is also used to steer the beam produced by the antenna. The dual axis deployment mechanism comprises a dual-axis rotatable hinge structure affixed to the spacecraft or fixed body that is coupled to the antenna by way of a substantially rigid reflector support structure. The dual axis deployment mechanism is actuated and controlled to deploy the antenna and steer the antenna beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventor: Jason J. Chiang
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Patent number: 6447265Abstract: A rotary pump for pumping fluids through a patient having a housing with an internal region, a stator member and an impeller positioned within the housing and having impeller blades, wherein the impeller is magnetically suspended and rotated, and wherein the geometric configuration of the rotary pump is sized and proportioned to minimize stagnant and traumatic fluid flow within the rotary pump. The plurality of magnetic impeller blades are preferably rare earth, high-energy-density magnets selected from the group consisting of samarium cobalt and neodymium-iron-boron alloy.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignees: The University of Pittsburgh, The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: James F. Antaki, Bradley Paden, Gregory Burgreen, Nelson Groom
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Patent number: 6446979Abstract: A thermal barrier for extremely high temperature applications consists of a carbon fiber core and one or more layers of braided carbon fibers surrounding the core. The thermal barrier is preferably a large diameter ring, having a relatively small cross-section. The thermal barrier is particularly suited for use as part of a joint structure in solid rocket motor casings to protect low temperature elements such as the primary and secondary elastomeric O-ring seals therein from high temperature gases of the rocket motor. The thermal barrier exhibits adequate porosity to allow pressure to reach the radially outward disposed O-ring seals allowing them to seat and perform the primary sealing function. The thermal barrier is disposed in a cavity or groove in the casing joint, between the hot propulsion gases interior of the rocket motor and primary and secondary O-ring seals.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Bruce M. Steinetz, Patrick H. Dunlap, Jr.
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Patent number: 6445280Abstract: A device to protect electronic circuitry from high voltage transients is constructed from a relatively thin piece of conductive composite sandwiched between two conductors so that conduction is through the thickness of the composite piece. The device is based on the discovery that conduction through conductive composite materials in this configuration switches to a high resistance mode when exposed to voltages above a threshold voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Adminstrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Hamid Javadi
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Patent number: 6445772Abstract: Fourier telescopes permit observations over a very broad band of energy. They generally include synthetic spatial filtering structures, known as multilayer grids or grid pairs consisting of alternate layers of absorbing and transparent materials depending on whether neutrons or photons are being imaged. For hard x-rays and gamma rays, high (absorbing) and low (transparent) atomic number elements, termed high-Z and low-Z materials may be used. Fabrication of these multilayer grid structures is not without its difficulties. Herein the alternate layers of the high-Z material and the low-Z material are inserted in a polyhedron, transparent to photons of interest, through an open face of the polyhedron. The inserted layers are then uniformly compressed to form a multilayer grid.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Jonathan W. Campbell
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Patent number: 6445805Abstract: Progress in hearing aids has come a long way. Yet despite such progress hearing aids are not the perfect answer to many hearing problems. Some adult ears cannot accommodate tightly fitting hearing aids. Mouth movements such as chewing, talking, and athletic or other active endeavors also lead to loosely fitting ear molds. It is well accepted that loosely fitting hearing aids are the cause of feedback noise. Since feedback noise is the most common complaint of hearing aid wearers it has been the subject of various patents. Herein a hearing aid assembly is provided eliminating feedback noise. The assembly includes the combination of a hearing aid with a headset developed to constrict feedback noise.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Richard N. Grugel
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Patent number: 6446015Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus that generates a waveform consisting of an arbitrary number of frequency sweeps combined from adding and subtracting mini frequency sweeps. Optimization routines determine the best combination order of frequency sweep to minimize or maximize design criteria such as aerodynamic surface deflection or maximum command rate of the wave form. The invention allows for arbitrary output timing, or commands per second issued for the desired waveform, arbitrary starting and ending frequencies and amplitudes, arbitrary number of frequency sweep components, arbitrary frequency sweep exponent, arbitrary amplitude sweep exponent, and arbitrary waveform length. For a given frequency range and sweep exponent, amplitude range and sweep exponent, desired total waveform time and number of frequency sweep components, the algorithm can determine the optimum arrangement of the components to minimize the maximum amplitude or rate.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Bryan D. Duke
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Patent number: 6445390Abstract: Cartesian mesh generation is accomplished for component based geometries, by intersecting components subject to mesh generation to extract wetted surfaces with a geometry engine using adaptive precision arithmetic in a system which automatically breaks ties with respect to geometric degeneracies. During volume mesh generation, intersected surface triangulations are received to enable mesh generation with cell division of an initially coarse grid. The hexagonal cells are resolved, preserving the ability to directionally divide cells which are locally well aligned.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1998Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Adminstrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael J. Aftosmis, John E. Melton, Marsha J. Berger
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Patent number: 6445981Abstract: A controller and control method that perform satellite orbit-keeping maneuvers and proportionally scale orbit-keeping pulses to automatically minimize disturbance torques on-board a satellite. The controller and control method may also be used to remove residual momentum stored in spinning momentum wheels.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventors: John S. Higham, Keith Reckdahl
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Patent number: 6445861Abstract: A process of fabricating a fiber device includes providing a hollow core fiber, and forming a sol-gel material inside the hollow core fiber. The hollow core fiber is preferably an optical fiber, and the sol-gel material is doped with a dopant. Devices made in this manner includes a wide variety of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Harry C. Shaw, Melanie N. Ott, Michele V. Manuel