Patents Assigned to The United States of America as represented by the Administrator National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Patent number: 12006922
    Abstract: Precision flow restrictors and techniques for manufacturing the same for ion thruster manifolds are disclosed. Flow restricting features are moved out of the manifold base and into separate flow restrictors, allowing a wider range of manufacturing techniques and materials to be applied. Quality control can be performed at the level of the flow restrictors as subcomponents, ensuring that only good parts with ideal flow characteristics make it into the final assembly and improving the yield rate of the final manifold assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Timothy G. Gray, Gabriel F. Benavides
  • Patent number: 11878949
    Abstract: An advanced high temperature environmental barrier coating system is disclosed for protecting Si-based ceramics and SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). This innovation provides a series of environmental barrier coating composition systems to achieve exceptional temperature capability, erosion and calcium-magnesium-aluminosilicate (CMAS) resistance and durability of the environmental barrier coated ceramic turbine engine hot-section components, in harsh turbine engine environments. The environmental barrier coating systems have been demonstrated for 1650° C. temperature capability and help prime-reliant designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Dongming Zhu, Bryan J. Harder, Janet B. Hurst
  • Patent number: 11873590
    Abstract: A triaxially hybrid braid reinforcement material for polymer matrix composites. The braid includes hybrid tows, which include at least one carbon fiber tow commingled with carbon nanotube yarns to introduce toughness to the hybrid tows. The hybrid tows may be arranged in any and all of the braiding directions. The braid may also include carbon fiber tows, which can be arranged in the axial direction or other braiding directions not occupied by the hybrid tows. The braid is infiltrated with resin, which is impregnated into the braid and cured, to form the toughened polymer matrix composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Tiffany Williams
  • Patent number: 11859315
    Abstract: A method of preparing hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) fibers includes mixing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and boron oxide (B2O3) to form a polymer precursor or mixing PVP and ammonia borane (BH3NH3) to form the polymer precursor. The method includes forcespinning the polymer precursor to form fibers of the polymer precursor, curing the fibers to form polymer fibers, and pyrolyzing the polymer fibers to form the h-BN fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Maricela Lizcano, Diana Santiago-Dejesus
  • Patent number: 11859272
    Abstract: In situ alloying of elemental Cu, Cr, and Nb powder using laser melting to form a Cu—Cr2Nb alloy. The elemental powders are initially mixed to form a homogeneous mixture, which mixture is then subjected to laser radiation to melt the mixture. In the melt, the Cr and Nb react to form Cr2Nb, which when cooled form precipitates that are dispersed in a nearly pure Cu matrix to thus dispersion strengthen the material. The methods can be used to additively manufacture a 3D component of Cu—Cr2Nb alloy using a selective laser melting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: David S. Scannapieco, David L. Ellis
  • Patent number: 11815074
    Abstract: Scalable power processing units (PPUs) for Hall-effect thrusters (HETs) and terrestrial systems are disclosed. A technique for current estimation may be employed on each output of parallel isolated discharge supply modules (DSMs) to force proper current/load sharing between the DSMs. A flyback power supply may be used that performs the dual functions of a cathode keeper plasma ignitor and sustainer. The flyback power supply may be tuned for a high no-load direct current (DC) output voltage to achieve cathode keeper ignition rather than requiring a separate ignitor supply, which reduces circuit complexity. To address requirements for higher voltage DC ignition than are achievable with a flyback power supply alone, a supplemental DC ignitor may be placed in parallel with the flyback power supply of some embodiments. Such simplified PPU architectures may provide a high efficiency, low part count, scalable architecture suitable for more compact and lower cost system designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Gabriel F. Benavides, Luis R. Pinero, Corey R. Rhodes, Arthur Birchenough
  • Patent number: 11779869
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a multiplexed phase separating inertial filter that is composed of helical through holes generating centrifugal separating forces. In one example, the inertial filter may be a planar porous material with an array of helical channels, each helical channel of the array of helical channels extending from a top surface of the porous material to a bottom surface of the porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignees: IRPI LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Mark M. Weislogel, John C. Graf, Nora D. Shapiro, Logan Torres, Rawand M. Rasheed, Ryan Jenson
  • Patent number: 11658398
    Abstract: A phased-array, conformal antenna and a method for forming same are disclosed. The method comprises forming a substantially planar layered antenna structure by fabricating a printed circuit board (PCB) on a substantially planar first substrate, adhering the PCB to a second substantially planar substrate, the second substantially planar substrate comprising an aerogel, adhering a plurality of antenna elements to the substantially planar second substrate to form the phased-array, adhering a protective layer to the one or more antenna elements, and shaping the substantially planar layered antenna structure to form a substantially curved layered antenna structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: James M. Downey, Bryan L. Schoenholz, Marie T. Piasecki
  • Patent number: 11588628
    Abstract: A space and wave division multiplexing and demultiplexing system and method for quantum key distribution (QKD) using free space laser communications. The system operates to transmit a quantum channel, including a key of QKD, included in a combined laser transmission with a classical channel, including an encrypted message of QKD. The laser transmission can be transmitted through free space to a lens, wherein it is diffracted into two separate diffraction patterns and captured by a double clad optical receiver fiber having an inner core and a concentric outer core. The diffraction pattern of the classical channel is captured by the outer core, while the diffraction pattern of the quantum channel is captured by the inner core, thus allowing separate treatment of each channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Adam C. Wroblewski
  • Patent number: 11532296
    Abstract: Broadband acoustic absorbers may be capable providing good absorption performance between 0 and 3,000 Hz, and particularly below 1,000 Hz. Reeds may be incorporated in a single layer, multiple layers, or bundles. Such broadband acoustic absorbers may be applied for acoustic absorption in aircraft, spacecraft, residential and commercial buildings, vehicles, industrial environments, wind tunnels, or any other suitable environment or application where noise reduction is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Lisa Danielle Koch, Michael G. Jones, Peter J. Bonacuse, Christopher J. Miller, James Christopher Johnston, Maria A. Kuczmarski
  • Patent number: 11517962
    Abstract: A method for making small diameter NiTi metal alloy components, including balls, comprising providing a metal powder comprising nickel, titanium, and a transition metal, consolidating the metal powder into cylindrical rods, and cutting the cylindrical rods into segments. The segments are then machined into spheres slightly larger than the finished ball size diameter. The spheres are heat treated to solutionize and dissolve all phases and subsequently cooled without the need for rapid quenching due to the influence of the transition metal to suppresses the formation of soft phases in the spheres, wherein such soft phases prevent hardening, to achieve a Rockwell hardness of HRC 58-62. Finally, the hardened spheres are polished until the desired finished ball size diameter and surface finish is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Christopher DellaCorte, Fransua Thomas, Malcolm K. Stanford
  • Patent number: 11505485
    Abstract: A supercritical water oxidation vortex reactor has a reactor shell configured to contain a pressurized and heated material including water, a burner assembly configured to create a supercritical core region in the material in the reactor shell, the supercritical core region including water above its critical point, an injector assembly configured to inject into the enclosed volume a subcritical wash stream including water below its critical point and an aspirator arranged in the enclosed volume and configured to remove a processed flow including purified water from an upper portion of the supercritical core region. The supercritical water oxidation vortex reactor is configured with an upward helical flow to transfer precipitated ionic compounds out of the supercritical core region, through a transcritical intermediate region, and into the subcritical wash stream where they re-dissolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Michael C. Hicks, Uday G. Hegde
  • Patent number: 11506620
    Abstract: A double capsule assembly includes an outer capsule and an inner capsule configured to be positioned within the outer capsule. The inner capsule is configured to have a sample positioned therein. The double capsule assembly is configured to be placed in a solid media assembly to analyze or synthesize the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Kevin Righter
  • Patent number: 11473663
    Abstract: A gear includes a steel rim having an inner circumferential surface a composite gear body attached thereto. The composite gear body includes an opening in a central region thereof. A first continuous fiber composite layer extends from a first point on an outer circumferential edge of the composite gear body to a second point on the outer circumferential edge. A second continuous fiber layer extends from the first point to the second point. The composite gear body also includes a filler layer disposed between the first and second continuous fiber layers, the filler layer extending within an inner region of the composite gear body. The inner region extends radially between the opening and a boundary inward of the inner circumferential surface such that the composite gear body is thicker within the inner region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Gary D. Roberts, Robert F. Handschuh, Kelsen E. LaBerge, Joel P. Johnston, Sandi G. Miller
  • Patent number: 11406867
    Abstract: A portable system for dynamometry, exercise, and rehabilitation comprises a base, a detachable servomotor assembly, an embedded control system, and a physical human-machine interface for securing a human limb into a stabilized position for use in a repeatable and ambidextrous manner. In another embodiment, the portable system includes a power source and a user interface subsystem for selecting operative modes and input parameters and for real-time processing, display, and storage of the values collected by the system during operation. In another embodiment, a method for determining strength of an isolated muscle group of a human joint is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mounting and securing a detachable servomotor assembly of a portable dynamometer upon a surface and securing the human joint to be tested into a stable position with an adjustable, ambidextrous distal limb attachment assembly for use of the portable dynamometer in a readily repeatable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Christopher E. Beck, Eduardo Herrera, Austin Lovan, Jairo Sanchez, Andrew S. Donnan, Roger Rovekamp, Briana Luthman, Edward B. Behan, Richard M. Prince, Arthur J. Lekstutis
  • Patent number: 11339463
    Abstract: A local phase transformation strengthened nickel-base superalloy includes at least 8.0 wt % eta phase formers; at least 7.0 wt % of chi phase formers; less than 12 wt % chromium; at least 18 wt % cobalt; and aluminum. A ratio of eta phase formers:aluminum is (3.2-3.4):1. The eta phase formers can include titanium, tantalum, hafnium, and niobium. The chi phase formers include tungsten and molybdenum. When the superalloy is subjected to elevated temperatures, these levels of components promote eta and chi phase formation along superlattice stacking faults, thereby resulting in a local phase transformation at the stacking faults, which strengthens the superalloy and inhibits creep deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Timothy M. Smith, Robert W. Carter
  • Patent number: 11325869
    Abstract: Slurry EBC systems and method for fabricating slurry EBC systems for protecting component substrates and extending the longevity of such components are disclosed. The slurry EBC systems include a bond coat having a temperature capability of up to 1482° C. (2700° F.). Example bond coats include a mullite-based bond coat and a rare earth disilicate-based bond coat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Kang N. Lee, Deborah L. Waters
  • Patent number: 11303194
    Abstract: A cryogen-free partially-superconducting electric machine of the wound field synchronous type includes a room temperature semi-slotless stator, a superconducting motor rotor, a gap between the rotor and stator, a torque tube which isolates the cryogenic superconducting motor rotor from a central shaft, bearings, an acoustic cryocooler integrated within the motor rotor and torque tube, a heat exchange, a rotary transformer, a vacuum pump, a vacuum enclosure integrated with the stator, and an eddy current/thermal shield. The electric machine can act as a motor or a generator and produces a high specific power and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Ralph H. Jansen, Peter E. Kascak, Rodger W. Dyson
  • Patent number: 11201358
    Abstract: A system for measuring a heat response of a cell during a thermal runaway event includes a housing. An insulation is positioned within the housing. A calorimeter is positioned within the insulation and the housing. The calorimeter is configured to have the cell positioned therein. The calorimeter is configured to measure a temperature increase of the cell, one or more components of the calorimeter, or a combination thereof during the thermal runaway event of the cell. A total energy yield of the thermal runaway event is configured to be determined based at least partially upon the temperature increase. A ratio is configured to be determined based at least partially upon the temperature increase. The ratio includes energy released through a casing of the cell during the thermal runaway event vs. energy released through ejecta material from the cell during the thermal runaway event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Eric C Dimpault-Darcy, John J. Darst, William Q. Walker, Steven L. Rickman, Natalie N. Anderson, Christiaan Khurana, Bruce L. Drolen, Gary Bayles, Zoran Bilc
  • Patent number: 11192780
    Abstract: A microsensor and its method of manufacture are disclosed based on templated metal or metal oxide nanostructures. The microsensor includes an electrode that in one embodiment may be configured as a first sawtooth patterned electrode having a series of first peaks and first valleys and a second electrode that by be configured as a second sawtooth patterned electrode having a series of second peaks and second valleys where the second peaks generally align with the first peaks of the first electrode. A plurality of templated metal or metal oxide nanostructures connect on one side to the first electrode and on another side to the second electrode, where an electrical property of the microsensor changes in response to exposure to an environment to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Azlin M. Biaggi-Labiosa, Gary W. Hunter