Patents Assigned to Space
  • Monolithic multiple solar cells
    Patent number: 10985288
    Abstract: A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Meusel, Gerhard Strobl, Frank Dimroth, Andreas Bett
  • Composite of an antibacterial polymeric material, method for the preparation and use thereof
    Patent number: 10975247
    Abstract: A non-porous composite is provided that includes a textile substrate impregnated with a first fluoropolymer and a film of polymeric material comprising at least one second fluoropolymer filled with porous particles of a silicate having a granulometric dimension d50 less than or equal to 5 ?m and a porosity ranging from 30 to 60% in volume and loaded with antibacterial ions of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, zinc and nickel. A method for production of the composite and a containing and/or transport element for a fluid, preferably water, produced with the composite, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignees: Guarniflon S.p.A., Arcari, Srl, Thales Alenia Space Italia S.p.A. Con Unico Socio
    Inventors: Ilaria Locantore, Vincenzo Guarnieri, Cesare Lobascio, Emanuele Colombo, Massimo Villano, Giacomo Simoni, Lucia Grizzaffi
  • Multi-layer heat exchanger and method of distributing flow within a fluid layer of a multi-layer heat exchanger
    Patent number: 10976117
    Abstract: A multi-layer heat exchanger includes a fluid layer defined by a first sheet and a second sheet, the fluid layer configured to route a fluid in a predominant flow direction. Also included is a fluid inlet port disposed proximate an inlet end region of the fluid layer, wherein the fluid inlet port is oriented to introduce the fluid into the fluid layer in a direction substantially perpendicular to the predominant flow direction, wherein the inlet end region of the fluid layer comprises a non-linear geometry. Further included is at least one fin segment disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the at least one fin segment includes a first plurality of apertures proximate the inlet end region, the at least one fin segment consisting of a single, uniform fin segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND SPACE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Zaffetti, Jeremy M. Strange, Dale T. Cooke
  • Two and three-dimensional near infrared subcutaneous structure imager using realtime nonlinear video processing
    Patent number: 10977776
    Abstract: A method includes placing an imaging device in contact with a sample, irradiating the sample via an illuminator such that radiation scatters off of the structure, and providing the scattered radiation to a detector to generate a digital video signal. A processor then performs various operations including subtracting a sum of a black state value and a user-defined black level clamping value from the digital video signal to create subtracted image data, substituting negative values in the subtracted image data with a reference value to create modified image data, and amplifying the modified image data by a user-defined gain to create contrast enhanced image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Michael J. Krasowski, Joseph M. Flatico, Phillip P. Jenkins, Lawrence C. Greer
  • Slat tilt mechanism for window coverings
    Patent number: 10975618
    Abstract: A window covering includes a tilt mechanism positionable in a first rail. The tilt mechanism includes a tilt shaft gear, a control gear, and a wand connector. An upper end of the wand connector has a hole in communication with a channel defined in a body of the wand connector such that a central projection of the control gear is insertable into the wand connector via the hole and the channel. A plurality of protrusions extend from the body of the wand connector around a periphery of the body of the wand connector. Each of the protrusions can have an upper surface configured to contact a respective one multiple prongs that extend from the control gear to engage the prongs to facilitate a direct connection of the wand connector to the control gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Whole Space Industries LTD
    Inventor: Tzu-Yen Lin
  • Vehicle retrofit providing extended interior width
    Patent number: 10974664
    Abstract: A vehicle body panel kit includes a vehicle body panel and a trim ring. The vehicle body panel includes a wall, a rim extending from the wall, and a peripheral flange extending radially from the rim. The trim ring defines a peripheral sidewall and a projecting flange extending radially from the peripheral sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Flare Space, LLC
    Inventor: Sonja Scheler
  • MEDIUM COMPOSITION FOR CULTURING PORCINE PLURIPOTENT STEM CELLS
    Publication number: 20210102163
    Abstract: A medium composition for porcine pluripotent stem cells, containing bFGF, activin A, CHIR99021 and IWR-1 is disclosed. The composition is prepared from specific ingredients, excluding non-specific ingredients, thereby facilitating quality control, and thus is suitable for the study of porcine pluripotent stem cells. Also disclosed is a method for culturing, maintaining and preserving porcine pluripotent stem cells having the ability to form teratomas, by using the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: SPACE F CORP.
    Inventors: Chang Kyu LEE, Kwang Hwan Choi, Dong Kyung Lee
  • MINIATURIZED GREEN END-BURNING HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR CUBESATS
    Publication number: 20210101702
    Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system includes a housing, at least two electrodes, a solid-grain fuel material, a combustion chamber, an oxidizer port, and a nozzle. The housing has a first end and a second end and defines a cavity. The electrodes extend into the cavity. The fuel material is free of an oxidizer and is positioned in the cavity. The fuel material has a combustion surface and is exposed to the electrodes. The combustion chamber is defined between the combustion surface and the second end. The oxidizer port provides a flow of oxidizer to the combustion chamber. The nozzle is positioned at the second end. Combustion of the fuel material in the combustion chamber may be dominated by radiative heat transfer. Combustion of the fuel material in the combustion chamber may generate thrust of no more than 5 N at an oxidizer flow rate of no more than 5 g/s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
    Inventors: Tyson Smith, Zachary Lewis, Kurt Olsen, Anthony Marc Bulcher, Stephen Whitmore
  • THERMIONIC WAVE GENERATOR (TWG)
    Publication number: 20210104389
    Abstract: Energy conversion systems that may employ control grid electrodes, acceleration grid electrodes, inductive elements, multi-stage anodes, and emissive carbon coatings on the cathode and anode are described. These and other characteristics may allow for advantageous thermal energy to electrical energy conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: Space Charge, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Sweeney, Devin Vollmer, John Read
  • Antenna-to-beamformer assignment and mapping in phased array antenna systems
    Patent number: 10971817
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a phased array antenna system includes a first portion carrying an antenna lattice including a plurality of antenna elements, wherein the plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a first configuration, a second portion carrying a beamformer lattice including a plurality of beamformer elements, wherein the plurality of beamformer elements are arranged in a second configuration different from the first configuration, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion carrying at least a portion of a mapping including a first plurality of mapping traces on a first surface providing at least a portion of the electrical connection between the plurality of antenna elements and the plurality of beamformer elements, wherein each of the plurality of antenna elements are electrically coupled to one of the plurality of beamformer elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Javier Rodriguez De Luis, Robert Baummer, Jr., Nil Apaydin, Alireza Mahanfar
  • Exhaust assembly for aerostat, and aerostat
    Patent number: 10967950
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an exhaust assembly for an aerostat, including a valve base (2) provided with a valve port (1), and a valve cover (3) that selectively covers the valve port (1), and further including: a motor driving mechanism and a transmission mechanism that are arranged on the valve base (2). The motor driving mechanism propels the transmission mechanism to drive the valve cover (3) to selectively cover the valve port (1). When the valve cover (3) is in a position where the valve port (1) is open, the valve cover (3) is arranged at an angle with respect to a plane at which the valve port (1) is located. A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide the exhaust assembly that is for an aerostat and whose exhausting pressure can be flexibly adjusted, and an aerostat provided with the exhaust assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: Dongguan Frontier Technology Institute, SHENZHEN KUANG-CHI SPACE TECH. CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Ruopeng Liu, Lin Luan, Lei Zhao
  • Payload adapter ring
    Patent number: 10967993
    Abstract: A lightweight spacecraft dispenser, which consists of a material made from composite materials, and of a ring structure with several payload ports. The ring structure has a surface that extends between opposite ends of the ring structure and that is at least partially spherical. The surface can be completely spherical or partially spherical between the opposite ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE S.A.
    Inventor: Joaquín Martín Llorente
  • Method and device for treating caries using locally delivered microwave energy
    Patent number: 10966809
    Abstract: A method and a device for treating dental caries using microwave energy applied directly to teeth at frequencies that are lethal to the bacteria in caries, without being destructive to tooth tissues. The method and a device will have a significant economic and health impact, leading to a reduction in traditional surgical interventions, as well by improving access to care for those with health disparities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
    Inventors: Ivan Stangel, Marguerite A. Sognier, George D. Arndt, Diane L. Byerly, John Dusl
  • Apparatus for drilling an oil well using a downhole powered rotating drill shoe mounted on casing or liner
    Patent number: 10968701
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a drillable drill bit of a drilling assembly and a method of manufacturing of the apparatus for driving the drillable drill bit is provided. The apparatus employs a drilling assembly that includes one of a casing string or a tubular string suspendable in a borehole and a drill pipe housed within one of the casing string or the tubular string. The drillable drill bit is fixed at the bottom of the drill pipe. The drilling assembly further includes a plurality of motors mounted circumferentially on the one of casing string or tubular string, wherein the plurality of motors is attached to wall of the one of casing string or tubular string and are partially outside the one of casing string or tubular string in the borehole, and the plurality of motors are configured to drive the drillable drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Steel Space Casing Drilling Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan Phillips
  • MONOLITHIC MULTIJUNCTION SOLAR CELL HAVING EXACTLY FOUR SUBCELLS
    Publication number: 20210098642
    Abstract: A monolithic multijunction solar cell having exactly four subcells, an uppermost first subcell having a layer made up of a component having the elements AlInP, and the lattice constant a1 of the layer being between 0.572 nm and 0.577 nm, and the indium content being between 64% and 75%, and the Al content being between 18% and 32%, and the third subcell having a layer made up of a compound having at least the elements GaInAs, and the lattice constant of the layer being between 0.572 and 0.577, and the indium content of the layer being greater than 17%, and the second subcell comprising a layer including a compound which has at least the elements GaInAsP, the layer having an arsenic content between 22% and 33% and an indium content between 52% and 65%. and the lattice constant a2 being between 0.572 and 0.577.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: AZUR SPACE SOLAR POWER GMBH
    Inventor: Matthias MEUSEL
  • Hexapod pose knowledge improvement by joint location calibration with individual strut length differential measurements
    Patent number: 10962166
    Abstract: Calibration of a hexapod structure includes measuring a head pose of the hexapod structure relative to a base of the hexapod structure. Calibration of the hexapod structure also includes for each strut, independently increasing a length of each strut by a predefined amount from an original length and repeating the measuring of the head pose relative to the base. Calibration of the hexapod structure further includes for each strut, independently decreasing a length of each strut by a predefined amount from the original length and repeating the measuring of the head pose relative to the base. Additionally, calibration of the hexapod structure includes moving each strut back to the original length, and estimating joint errors for each strut prior to calibrating of the hexapod structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Yong Liu
  • Tray accessory and tray with mounting structure
    Patent number: 10959543
    Abstract: A product display merchandiser comprises a tray having a product supporting surface; a first sidewall adjacent a first side of the tray; a second sidewall adjacent a second side of the tray; and a bracket configured to detachably mount the product display merchandiser to a support. The product display merchandiser is further configured with at least one of the following: the first and second sidewalls each having a respective sidewall vertical portion with a rear edge that is angled away from a rear of the product display merchandiser; the bracket having a tray-supporting portion that is oriented at an acute angle with respect to a support-engaging portion; and/or the bracket having at least two types of engagement members for mounting the product display merchandiser to either of at least two types of supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Retail Space Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Wills, Julia Padvoiskis
  • Shelf management system, components thereof, and related methods
    Patent number: 10959540
    Abstract: A shelf management system is disclosed having a tray defining a first mating structure and a second mating structure, a shelf management component having a spring biased pusher connected thereto and movable between a first position wherein the pusher is extended to a rear of the shelf management component and a second position wherein the pusher is retracted to a front of the shelf management component, and an interstitial member positioned between the shelf management component and the tray to secure the shelf management component to the tray and hinder lateral movement of the shelf management component with respect to the tray. Improved components of the shelf management system are also disclosed as are methods relating to same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Retail Space Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Julia Padvoiskis, Matthew Wills, Eric Pollpeter
  • Supercritical water oxidation flame-piloted vortex flow reactor
    Patent number: 10954152
    Abstract: A supercritical water oxidation-flame piloted vortex reactor has a hydrothermal flame produced within the interior of the reactor fed by a fuel including a waste water stream, and has a subcritical wash stream, including water below its critical point, that creates an upward helical flow in the material within the reactor. The hydrothermal flame and upward helical flow produce within the reactor a supercritical core region, a subcritical outer region around the core region, and a transcritical intermediate region between them. The upward helical flow serves to transfer precipitated ionic compounds out of the supercritical core region, through the transcritical intermediate region, and into the subcritical outer region where they re-dissolve. A processed flow, including purified water, is removed from an upper portion of the supercritical core region by an aspirator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Michael C. Hicks, Uday G. Hegde
  • Metal casting methods in microgravity and other environments
    Patent number: 10953571
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating cast metal objects in space and other environments. Molds are created using additive manufacturing and are injected with a castable metal having a melting point lower than a mold melting point. In some aspects, the additive manufacturing device and the metal casting unit are contained in the same unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: MADE IN SPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Snyder, Matthew Napoli, Jason Dunn, Aaron Kemmer