Patents Assigned to United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Patent number: 9785877Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection are disclosed, including an enclosure, a collector coupled to the enclosure, an interrogator, a processor, and one or more RFID field sensors, each having an individual identification, disposed within the enclosure. In operation, the interrogator transmits an incident signal to the collector, causing the collector to generate an electromagnetic field within the enclosure. The electromagnetic field is affected by one or more influences. RFID sensors respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting reflected signals containing the individual identifications of the responding RFID sensors to the interrogator. The interrogator receives the reflected signals, measures one or more returned signal strength indications (“RSSI”) of the reflected signals and sends the RSSI measurements and identification of the responding RFID sensors to the processor to determine one or more facts about the influences.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Patrick W. Fink, Gregory Y. Lin, Timothy F. Kennedy, Phong H. Ngo
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Patent number: 9776130Abstract: An oxygen pump can produce high-purity high-pressure oxygen. Oxygen ions (O2?) are electrochemically pumped through a multi-stage electrolysis stack of cells. Each cell includes an oxygen-ion conducting solid-state electrolyte between cathode and anode sides. Oxygen dissociates into the ions at the cathode side. The ions migrate across the electrolyte and recombine at the anode side. An insulator is between adjacent cells to electrically isolate each individual cell. Each cell receives a similar volt potential. Recombined oxygen from a previous stage can diffuse through the insulator to reach the cathode side of the next stage. Each successive stage similarly incrementally pressurizes the oxygen to produce a final elevated pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John A Setlock, Robert D Green, Serene Farmer
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Patent number: 9772344Abstract: An apparatus and a computer-implemented method for generating pulses synchronized to a rising edge of a tachometer signal from rotating machinery are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a pulse state machine may be configured to generate a plurality of pulses, and a period state machine may be configured to determine a period for each of the plurality of pulses.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Lawrence Greer
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Patent number: 9767224Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for designing and fabricating contact-free support structures for overhang geometries of parts fabricated using electron beam additive manufacturing. One or more layers of un-melted metallic powder are disposed in an elongate gap between an upper horizontal surface of the support structure and a lower surface of the overhang geometry. The powder conducts heat from the overhang geometry to the support structure. The support structure acts as a heat sink to enhance heat transfer and reduce the temperature and severe thermal gradients due to poor thermal conductivity of metallic powders underneath the overhang. Because the support structure is not connected to the part, the support structure can be removed freely without any post-processing step.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignees: The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama, The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Yuag-Shan Chou, Kenneth Cooper
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Patent number: 9759907Abstract: An optical device with a light source and a detector is provided. A digital micromirror device positioned between the detector and the light source may deflect light beams projected from the light source. An aperture in front of the detector may block an incoming light beam from the detector when the incoming light beam is incident on the detector outside of a passable incident range and including an aperture opening configured to pass the incoming light beam to the detector when the incoming light beam is incident on the detector within a passable incident range. The digital micromirror device may rotate between a first position causing the light beam to pass through the aperture opening and a second position causing the light beam to be blocked by the aperture. The optical device may be configured to operate as a shutter, chopper, modulator and/or deflector.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONInventor: Paul M. Danehy
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Patent number: 9758761Abstract: A method of manufacturing and/or using a scaffold assembly for stem cell culture and tissue engineering applications is disclosed. The scaffold at least partially mimics a native biological environment by providing biochemical, topographical, mechanical and electrical cues by using an electroactive material. The assembly includes at least one layer of substantially aligned, electrospun polymer fiber having an operative connection for individual voltage application. A method of cell tissue engineering and/or stem cell differentiation that uses the assembly seeded with a sample of cells suspended in cell culture media, incubates and applies voltage to one or more layers, and thus produces cells and/or a tissue construct.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Lisa A. Scott Carnell, Emilie J. Siochi, Nancy M. Holloway, Kam W. Leong, Karina Kulangara
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Patent number: 9760750Abstract: A sensor and system provide for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection. The sensor includes a ring-shaped element and an antenna. The ring-shaped element includes a conductive ring and an RFID integrated circuit. The antenna is spaced apart from the ring-shaped element and defines an electrically-conductive path commensurate in size and shape to at least a portion of the conductive ring. The system may include an interrogator for energizing the ring-shaped element and receiving a data transmission from the RFID integrated circuit that has been energized for further processing by a processor.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Patrick W. Fink, Gregory Y. Lin, Timothy F. Kennedy, Phong H. Ngo
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Patent number: 9753001Abstract: A nanostructure device is provided and performs dual functions as a nano-switching/sensing device. The nanostructure device includes a doped semiconducting substrate, an insulating layer disposed on the doped semiconducting substrate, an electrode formed on the insulating layer, and at least one polymer nanofiber deposited on the electrode. The at least one polymer nanofiber provides an electrical connection between the electrode and the substrate and is the electroactive element in the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Felix A. Miranda, Onoufrios Theofylaktos, Nicholas Pinto, Carl H. Mueller, Javier Santos-Perez, Michael A. Meador
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Patent number: 9755645Abstract: A current source logic gate with depletion mode field effect transistor (“FET”) transistors and resistors may include a current source, a current steering switch input stage, and a resistor divider level shifting output stage. The current source may include a transistor and a current source resistor. The current steering switch input stage may include a transistor to steer current to set an output stage bias point depending on an input logic signal state. The resistor divider level shifting output stage may include a first resistor and a second resistor to set the output stage point and produce valid output logic signal states. The transistor of the current steering switch input stage may function as a switch to provide at least two operating points.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael J. Krasowski, Norman F. Prokop
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Patent number: 9749342Abstract: An authentication procedure utilizes multiple independent sources of data to determine whether usage of a device, such as a desktop computer, is authorized. When a comparison indicates an anomaly from the base-line usage data, the system, provides a notice that access of the first device is not authorized.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Frederick J. Krage, Paul A. Westmeyer, Russell F. Wertenberg, Jack F. Riegel
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Patent number: 9745921Abstract: A new dual-mode ramjet combustor used for operation over a wide flight Mach number range is described. Subsonic combustion mode is usable to lower flight Mach numbers than current dual-mode scramjets. High speed mode is characterized by supersonic combustion in a free-jet that traverses the subsonic combustion chamber to a variable nozzle throat. Although a variable combustor exit aperture is required, the need for fuel staging to accommodate the combustion process is eliminated. Local heating from shock-boundary-layer interactions on combustor walls is also eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Charles J. Trefny, Vance F. Dippold
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Patent number: 9741922Abstract: A self-latching piezocomposite actuator includes a plurality of shape memory ceramic fibers. The actuator can be latched by applying an electrical field to the shape memory ceramic fibers. The actuator remains in a latched state/shape after the electrical field is no longer present. A reverse polarity electric field may be applied to reset the actuator to its unlatched state/shape. Applied electric fields may be utilized to provide a plurality of latch states between the latched and unlatched states of the actuator. The self-latching piezocomposite actuator can be used for active/adaptive airfoils having variable camber, trim tabs, active/deformable engine inlets, adaptive or adjustable vortex generators, active optical components such as mirrors that change shapes, and other morphing structures.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONInventors: William K. Wilkie, Robert G. Bryant, Christopher S. Lynch
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Patent number: 9739411Abstract: A system and method is provided for traversing inside one or more pipes. In an embodiment, a fluid is injected into the one or more pipes thereby promoting a fluid flow. An inspection device is deployed into the one or more pipes at least partially filled with a flowing fluid. The inspection device comprises a housing wherein the housing is designed to exploit the hydrokinetic effects associated with a fluid flow in one or more pipes as well as maneuver past a variety of pipe configurations. The inspection device may contain one or more sensors capable of performing a variety of inspection tasks.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: The United States of Americas as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Shaun Azimi, Darby Magruder, Justin Ridley, Anthony Lapp, Jodi Graf, Ross Pettinger
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Patent number: 9730582Abstract: An eye movement-based methodology and assessment tool may be used to quantify many aspects of human dynamic visual processing using a relatively simple and short oculomotor task, noninvasive video-based eye tracking, and validated oculometric analysis techniques. By examining the eye movement responses to a task including a radially-organized appropriately randomized sequence of Rashbass-like step-ramp pursuit-tracking trials, distinct performance measurements may be generated that may be associated with, for example, pursuit initiation (e.g., latency and open-loop pursuit acceleration), steady-state tracking (e.g., gain, catch-up saccade amplitude, and the proportion of the steady-state response consisting of smooth movement), direction tuning (e.g., oblique effect amplitude, horizontal-vertical asymmetry, and direction noise), and speed tuning (e.g., speed responsiveness and noise). This quantitative approach may provide fast and results (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONInventors: Leland S. Stone, Dorion B. Liston
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Patent number: 9733141Abstract: A method of measuring a residence time in a gas-turbine engine is disclosed that includes measuring a combustor pressure signal at a combustor entrance and a turbine exit pressure signal at a turbine exit. The method further includes computing a cross-spectrum function between the combustor pressure signal and the turbine exit pressure signal, calculating a slope of the cross-spectrum function, shifting the turbine exit pressure signal an amount corresponding to a time delay between the measurement of the combustor pressure signal and the turbine exit pressure signal, and recalculating the slope of the cross-spectrum function until the slope reaches zero.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Jeffrey H. Miles
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Patent number: 9734932Abstract: Metamaterials or artificial negative index materials (NIMs) have generated great attention due to their unique and exotic electromagnetic properties. One exemplary negative dielectric constant material, which is an essential key for creating the NIMs, was developed by doping ions into a polymer, a protonated poly (benzimidazole) (PBI). The doped PBI showed a negative dielectric constant at megahertz (MHz) frequencies due to its reduced plasma frequency and an induction effect. The magnitude of the negative dielectric constant and the resonance frequency were tunable by doping concentration. The highly doped PBI showed larger absolute magnitude of negative dielectric constant at just above its resonance frequency than the less doped PBI.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Keith L. Gordon, Jin Ho Kang, Cheol Park, Peter T. Lillehei, Joycelyn S. Harrison
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Patent number: 9733203Abstract: A wireless chemical sensor includes an electrical conductor and a material separated therefrom by an electric insulator. The electrical conductor is an unconnected open-circuit shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the first electrical conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. The material is positioned at a location lying within at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses so-generated. The material changes in electrical conductivity in the presence of a chemical-of-interest.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONInventors: Stanley E. Woodard, Donald M. Oglesby, Bryant D. Taylor
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Patent number: 9726268Abstract: A robust ground traction (drive) assembly for remotely controlled vehicles, which not only operates smoothly on surfaces that are flat, but also upon surfaces that include rugged terrain, snow, mud, and sand, is provided. The assembly includes a sun gear and a braking gear. The sun gear is configured to cause rotational force to be applied to second planetary gears through a coupling of first planetary gears. The braking gear is configured to cause the assembly (or the second planetary gears) to rotate around the braking gear when an obstacle or braking force is applied.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael Krasowski, Lawrence Greer
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Patent number: 9725821Abstract: A pull rod for use in producing a single crystal from a molten alloy is provided that includes an elongated rod having a first end and a second end, a first cavity defined at the first end and a second cavity defined at the first end and in communication with the first cavity. The first cavity receives the molten alloy and the second cavity vents a gas from the molten alloy to thereby template a single crystal when the pull rod is dipped into and extracted from the molten alloy.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Jon Goldsby
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Patent number: 9714183Abstract: A method and associated system for processing waste gases, liquids and solids, produced by human activity, to separate (i) liquids suitable for processing to produce potable water, (ii) solids and liquids suitable for construction of walls suitable for enclosing a habitat volume and for radiation shielding, and (iii) other fluids and solids that are not suitable for processing. A forward osmosis process and a reverse osmosis process are sequentially combined to reduce fouling and to permit accumulation of different processable substances. The invention may be used for long term life support of human activity.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael T. Flynn, Sherwin J. Gormly, Mona Hammoudeh, Tra-My Justine Richardson