Patents Assigned to United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
the Air Force
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Patent number: 11966138Abstract: A projector includes a beam homogenizer receiving light from a light source and creating a predetermined illumination, and a spatial light modulator including grating stages to receive the predetermined illumination. Each grating stage may include a plurality of pixels where corresponding pixels in the grating stages are aligned with one another. Each of the pixels may include a liquid crystal layer disposed between two substrates, where a pixel is switchable by applying a voltage thereto, with a grating period of the pixel selected such that, when the voltage is applied to the pixel and light is passed therethrough, optical energy from the light in plus and minus first orders is deflected toward sides of the pixel and optical energy from a zero order of the light is allowed to pass through the pixel, with a polarization state of the light maintained through the pixel.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Joshua Lentz
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Patent number: 11967104Abstract: A method of determining the location of an object in a camera field of view is disclosed. The method may utilize a camera system that includes a digital video camera and a computer that runs image analysis software for analyzing images received from the camera. The image analysis software is configured to isolate pixel groups in each image. The method includes the steps of locating an object in the camera's field of view in which the object is represented by a set of pixels; identifying the centroid of the set of pixels representing the object; and calculating the location of the object relative to the camera based upon known parameters including the focal plane and camera lens location.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Anthony Ligouri, Hayk Azatyan, William Erwin, Travis Rennich, David Shald, Adam Warren
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Patent number: 11946832Abstract: A portable tracer fluid injection system. The system has a vapor cloud generator which vaporizes a vapor cloud generating liquid. The vapor cloud generator is uses a sub-ohm resistive heater to vaporize small volumes of the vapor cloud generating liquid, allowing for a relatively small tracer fluid injection system. This system has the benefit of being able to target specific regions of a test object within a wind tunnel and being usable for different positions within the test section of a wind tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2023Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Natalia Posada
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Patent number: 11931881Abstract: A tool box with vertically stacked monolithic trays. Each tray has pockets specifically shaped to receive complementary tools. The trays have upstanding cantilevered posts, which can space apart the superjacent tray. Alternatively, the posts can be received in complementary sockets of superjacent trays to prevent undue lateral movement while in the tool box. The post and socket geometry can be constructed to index the order in which trays are stacked and index how individual trays are oriented for optimal and sequenced access to the tools.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Courtney O'Brien
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Patent number: 11932389Abstract: The present disclosure defines a morphing airfoil having a dynamic flexible skin system that is capable of carrying high level aerodynamic (or fluid) pressure loads over a structural surface. The structural surface can morph and deflect in response to control inputs to change a lift force without separate movable control surfaces. The anisotropic skin is attached to underlying structure that is both actively controlled and passively supported. A control system causes the underlying support structure to move to a desired location which in turn causes the skin to bend and/or flex without exceeding a stress threshold and thus vary the lift profile along a span of the airfoil.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Jared Neely, James Joo
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Patent number: 11933694Abstract: An instrumented wind tunnel. The wind tunnel receives a test subject which can be a model of an object to be tested with dynamic airflow. The test subject is fitted with at least one sensor to deliver data to a chassis, which in turn uses a network having at least 10 Gb/s capability to deliver the data to a RAM cache. The RAM cache can push the data to multiple viewers for real time monitoring of wind tunnel tests. The operator can then make live adjustments of the test conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Paul Smith, Tina Reynolds
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Patent number: 11933587Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a missile having a main body and an articulating nosecone connected to the main body. An actuation system is operable for moving the nosecone relative to the main body via one or more electric motors and associated components. A central aperture is formed through electric motors and the associated components between the main body and the nosecone. One or more cables for transmitting electrical power, sensor data, control signals and the like extend through the central aperture between the main body and the nosecone to provide means for controlling the actuation system.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Richard Beblo, Tizoc Cruz-Gonzalez, Mackenzie Tidball, Gregory Reich, Benjamin Dickinson
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Patent number: 11933596Abstract: A device and method for remote-controlled explosive ordnance disposal using an explosive ordnance disposal device that includes a carriage adjustably attached to a device frame having a rotatable bar. The rotatable bar including at least a laser face, an x-ray face, and a disarm device face; the rotatable bar rotated by a servo motor, the servomotor being remotely operable. The laser face having a laser capable of a laser beam visible to a remote viewing device. The remote viewing device co-mounted to the laser face and remotely viewable. The x-ray face having an x-ray device attached to it. The disarm device face having a bomb disarming device attached; wherein the carriage and the rotatable bar may be remotely adjusted such that upon remote rotation the laser, x-ray and bomb disarming device share an aligned orientation and placement for operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: John Bales, Alexander Orsi, James Okeefe, Kyle Schory, Stuart Baker
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Patent number: 11926726Abstract: The invention relates to nanohybrids that are gold nanorod J-aggregates having a broadened surface plasmonic resonance band, processes of making such gold nanorod J-aggregates and products comprising such gold nanorod J-aggregates. Such gold nanorod J-aggregates exhibit broad localized surface plasmonic reasonable range from 800 nm to 2000 nm.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Loon-Seng Tan, Zhenning Yu, Kyoungweon Park, Richard A. Vaia
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Patent number: 11926686Abstract: Shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomers. The shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomers being synthesized by filling an alignment cell with liquid crystal monomers. The liquid crystal monomers align to a surface of the alignment cell and then are polymerized with a dithiol chain transfer agent. The alignment cell is configured to impose a director orientation on a portion of the shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomer. For some embodiments, liquid crystal elastomer laminates are prepared by arranging a plurality of liquid crystal elastomers such that a director orientation of each liquid crystal elastomer of the plurality is in registered alignment with an adjacent liquid crystal elastomer of the plurality. The arrangement is secured and the plurality of liquid crystal elastomers cured.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Nicholas P Godman, Timothy J White, Hilmar Koerner, Benjamin A Kowalski, Anesia D Auguste, Tyler C Guin
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Patent number: 11926911Abstract: A process for the microfluidic electrochemical synthesis of geminal dipseudohalide or halide-pseudohalide compounds comprising the steps of pumping a solution comprising a compound of Formula I into a microfluidic electrochemical reactor in the presence of a base, one of a halide or pseudohalide salt (MY), and a mediator; applying an electrical current through the microfluidic electrochemical reactor; and performing oxidative addition to create a geminal dipseudohalide or halide-pseudohalide compound of the general Formula IIType: GrantFiled: January 12, 2023Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Thorsten G. Schroer, Gregory E. LeCroy, Miguel Aguila, Mayra R. Rodriguez, Tyler J. Downard, Brianna L. MacLeod
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Patent number: 11913146Abstract: An electrode comprising a conductive textile structure having an inner surface that is connected to one of an electrical power supply and an electrical ground; the conductive textile structure having an outer surface, the outer surface comprising a carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber fabric fixed thereon, the CNT fiber fabric having continuous CNT fiber on the outer surface, wherein the CNT fiber fabric comprises at least one of a CNT fiber, and is at least one of knitted, woven, sewn, and embroidered. The continuous CNT fiber may be a yarn, ribbon, or thread. The CNT fiber fabric includes at least one face having a looped or interlaced structure made from the continuous CNT fiber. The CNT fiber yarn, ribbon, or thread is knitted, woven, sewn, and/or embroidered so that at least one surface comprises a textile made with CNT fiber yarns, ribbons, or threads.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Steven B. Fairchild, John J. Boeckl, Genevieve Dion, Chelsea Amanatides
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Patent number: 11906500Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for measuring fuel thermal stability, deposit formation rate, and in-situ reactivity via optical methods and as well as methods of making and using same. Applicants' apparatus can deliver the rate and amount of degradation as well as the quantifying and qualifying the chemical species in the fuel on a real time basis during a test. As a result, Applicants' apparatus provides significantly improved performance over the current apparatuses.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: The Government of the United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: William K. Lewis, Elizabeth M Craft, Patrick S Walsh
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Patent number: 11906754Abstract: A method for triggering switches in a defined order comprises providing two or more PCSS devices and a compatible optical trigger; projecting a beam from the optical trigger; splitting the optical beam into two or more paths toward the two or more PCSS devices, wherein each of the two or more paths has a different length such that each of the two or more PCSS devices are triggered with defined time differentials. Each of the defined path lengths may be determined with the speed of light from the optical trigger along the two or more paths in order to achieve the desired switch-timing differential. The optical path consists of at least one of an optical fiber, a mirror arrangement, and a lens arrangement. Path lengths may be controlled by different fiber lengths, and transmitting a beam through a solid having a higher index of refraction than other beam path(s).Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Joseph D. Teague
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Patent number: 11905845Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for repairing a blade for a turbomachine that has been damaged due to foreign object impact. Machine learning algorithms are used to determine an amount of material to be removed from one or more damage locations and determine an amount of material addition to the damaged portion(s) and/or at other locations on the blade to keep the natural frequencies of the repaired blade within design limits during operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Daniel Gillaugh, Alexander Kaszynski, Jeffrey Brown
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Patent number: 11891951Abstract: A scramjet engine with a novel isolator is disclosed herein. The scramjet includes an air inlet configured to receive and direct air into the engine and a combustor operable to receive air from the air inlet and combust fuel therein as is conventional. An isolator is positioned between the air inlet and the combustor. The isolator includes a primary flow path separated into a plurality of separate secondary flow channels formed therethrough. The smaller secondary flow channels prevent shockwaves from propagating upstream from the combustor to the inlet that can occur during some operating conditions of a supersonic combustion flow process.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2023Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Robert Mercier, Mark Gruber, Ryan Milligan
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Patent number: 11894514Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid-state battery that is based on a phthalocyanine solid-state electrolyte/anode connection that is chemically obtained. Such chemical connection process yields a solid electrolyte interphase that connects the solid-state battery's phthalocyanine solid-state electrolyte and anode. Unlike other processes for forming solid-state electrolyte/anode connections, the present chemical process does not require that solid-state electrolyte be ductile and flow under high pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Lawrence G. Scanlon, William A Feld, Jacob W Lawson, Leah R Lucente
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Patent number: 11891433Abstract: Single-domain antibodies (SAbs) against three Yersinia pestis surface proteins (LcrV, YscF, and F1), nucleic acid sequences encoding the SAbs, and polypeptides comprising two or more SAbs capable of recognizing two or more epitopes and/or antigens. The present invention further includes methods for preventing or treating Y. pestis infections in a patient; methods for detecting and/or diagnosing Y. pestis infections; and devices and methods for identifying and/or detecting Y. pestis on a surface and/or in an environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Camilla A Mauzy, Serge Victor Marie Muyldermans
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Patent number: 11889001Abstract: An apparatus for implementing a physically unclonable function via a network of interferometers implemented as a reconfigurable integrated optical circuit. The uncontrollable and non repeating fabrication variation in the manufacturing processes of integrated optics, combined with the sensitivity of interferometers creates inherently unique devices that can be used as reprogrammable physically unclonable function.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2019Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: A. Matthew Smith
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Patent number: D1022461Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Shea T. Martin, Peter J Voland, Patrick E. Assef