Patents Assigned to University of Alabama at Huntsville
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Patent number: 12111419Abstract: A system for using wireless signals to detect objects of a certain type, such as concealed weapons, leverages the fact that different objects have different resonance characteristics. The system transmits wireless signals of different frequencies, and returns from such signals are measured. The return of a signal from an object at a resonant frequency of the object will be stronger than a return of a signal from the object at a non-resonant frequency. The system analyzes the returns in an effort to determine when a return is sufficiently large to indicate that it was reflected from an object of interest. When an object of interest is detected, the system adjusts a characteristic of the system, such as antenna orientation or pulse shape, based on an estimated location of the object, and then runs a test to confirm the detection of the object, thereby eliminating at least some false positives.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2020Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: James B. Blackmon, Steven R. Peeples
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Patent number: 12078154Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to devices and methods for generating thrust in vehicles, for instance in space applications. A heaterless, insertless hollow cathode utilizes AC and pulsed DC electric fields to ionize the propellant gas and generate a plasma plume. The cathode uses an argon microplasma generated in a quartz tube with a tungsten filament and brass ion collector. Free electrons are then drawn from the plasma plume and supplied to a thruster engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Kunning Gabriel Xu, Ryan Patrick Gott
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Patent number: 12055427Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to devices and methods for determining propellant mass based on average measurements irrespective of the fluid orientation in a fuel tank. The device is useful in detecting fuel levels in tanks where the fuel is in motion, for instance in aircraft (i.e., undergoing varying acceleration maneuvers) or spacecraft (i.e., a microgravity environment). The devices and methods can also be used for determining the liquid in a surface tension screen liquid acquisition device (LAD), and particularly, the incipient breakdown as gas bubbles enter or are formed inside the LAD as the screen dries or heat transfer induces vaporization. The same basic electrode configuration can be used to stir the liquid to reduce thermal stratification and condense vapor bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: James B. Blackmon
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Patent number: 12042819Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for preparing nanoparticle monolayers on a sub-phase by controlling the spreading rate of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are first prepared in a nanoparticle solution at a predetermined concentration with a solvent. The sub-phase solution is prepared to have a density and viscosity compatible with the desired spreading rate. Additives, such as glycerol, are used to alter the density of the sub-phase solution. A volume of nanoparticle solution is deposited on the surface of the sub-phase solution and allowed to spread in a controlled manner on the unconstrained surface, forming a uniform nanoparticle monolayer. A substrate is then placed in contact with the nanoparticle monolayer to form a uniform nanoparticle coating on the surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2023Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Jeffrey J. Weimer, Jimmie L. Mitchell
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Patent number: 12006373Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to anti-CD3? peptides, compounds, and methods of using same. A biopanning technique was used to identify several phage clones displaying unique anti-CD3? peptide sequences. The anti-CD3? peptide sequences bind to human CD3? on T cells, allowing the identification, labeling, and delivery of cargo to these T cells. Applications for the disclosed peptides include the labeling of T cells with magnetic particles for MRI detection and targeting of T cells with cargo-laden anti-CD3? peptides for immunotherapy. Further still, incubation of T cells with anti-CD3? peptides may result in the activation and increase production of T cells, which may in turn be harvested for applications such as CAR-T therapy.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2021Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Kyung Ho Roh, Armin Ahmadi
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Patent number: 12001053Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for processing optical signals. In some embodiments, an optical system has an optical device for receiving a plurality of optical signals and processing such signals in a desired way. The optical device has one or more functional layers that are separated by buffer layers. The index of refraction of at various points in each functional layer is controlled during manufacturing so that the functional layer performs one or more optical functions or, in other words, manipulates one or more incoming optical signals in a desired way, such as switching, filtering, splitting, focusing, collimating, etc. As an example, the index of refraction profile within a region of a functional layer may be controlled so that an incoming signal from a first optical fiber is redirected for reception by a second optical fiber that is not aligned with the first optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2020Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Robert Lindquist, Patrick Reardon
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Patent number: 11978517Abstract: A radiation detection system may include a mobile device having a flash memory. The device may monitor various characteristics of the flash memory to determine when damage to the flash memory has occurred from radiation exposure. The device may associate damage to the flash memory with a radiation dose, and determine a level of radiation to which the memory, and thus the device, has been exposed. The device also may determine a length of time and locations where the radiation exposure has occurred. If the device determines that the level of radiation exposure exceeds a threshold associated with a safe level of radiation exposure for a human user, the device may generate an alert to the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2023Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLEInventor: Biswajit Ray
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Patent number: 11967229Abstract: A traffic monitoring system has a controller and sensors placed in or on roads such that vehicles pass over or near the sensors, thereby casting shadows on the sensors as they pass. The sensors may be configured to detect the shadows, and a controller may be configured to determine any of a variety of information about the passing vehicles based on the detected shadows. For example, the controller may count the number of vehicles that pass, determine a speed of each passing vehicle, and determine a length of each passing vehicle. The sensors can be relatively inexpensive so that a relatively large number of sensors can be used to monitor a large area at a relatively low cost. In some embodiments, solar cells are used to power the sensors, and if desired, the solar cells may be used as the sensors for detecting the shadows of the vehicles being monitored.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Biswajit Ray
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Patent number: 11929691Abstract: A triboelectric generator can include respective contact members including a first contact member and second contact member. The respective contact members can be movable with respect to each other such that the respective contact members separate from each other in a first configuration and contact each other in a second configuration. The first contact member can include a first conductive layer and a contact layer. The second contact member can be spaced apart from the first contact member in the first configuration and can include an insulating contact layer and a second conductive layer. The insulating contact layer can be configured to come into contact with the contact layer of the first contact member and the transition of the respective contact members from the first configuration to the second configuration can create triboelectric charges. In some examples, the first contact member can include a non-contact insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Gang Wang, Yu Lei, Moonhyung Jang, Jacob Lee
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Patent number: 11902320Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to implement a moving target defense for a server computer. The server computer can be provided both a permanent IP address and a temporary IP address. The temporary IP address can be used when communicating with client computers connected to the server computer. The temporary IP address can be dynamically changed at a predetermined interval that can be varied based on conditions at the server computer. An intrusion detection system can be used with the moving target defense systems and methods to identify attacks on the server computer based on the temporary IP address(es) provided by the server computer. When an attack is identified, the corresponding client computer is determined based on the temporary IP address and the client computer is placed on a blacklist that is not provided with new temporary IP addresses when the server computer changes temporary IP address.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Vahid Heydari
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Patent number: 11888131Abstract: A battery storage system is configured to store batteries in a safe manner that reduces the threat of thermal runaway. Batteries held by the system are electrically connected to at least one load that is powered by energy from the batteries, thereby depleting the charge level of the batteries. In some embodiments, the load is a temperature control device that is configured to cool the batteries to help prevent a thermal runaway condition during storage. That is, discharging of the battery helps not only to reduce the charge levels in the batteries, thereby decreasing the likelihood of an occurrence of thermal runaway, but also cool the batteries further decreasing the likelihood of such an occurrence. Thus, over time, the battery storage system efficiently controls the charge levels and temperatures of the batteries so that a thermal runaway condition is unlikely.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Guangsheng Zhang
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Patent number: 11872080Abstract: A multi-modal heart diagnostic system is provided. The diagnostic system can monitor heart activity and assists a user or operator in performing echocardiography. The system can include a positioning device that is placed on a patient's chest. The positioning device can incorporate several multi-modal sensors. The multi-modal sensors can measure different parameters associated with an assessment of heart activity. The multi-modal sensors can also be used to provide information that can assist an operator in positioning the probe within the positioning device to capture an echocardiogram.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Emil Jovanov, Nenad Filipovic
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Patent number: 11853719Abstract: An exemplary random number generation system leverages the r includes at least one solar power panel of a solar power system, at least one sensor and a random number generator. The sensor senses one or more output parameters (e.g., voltage or current) from the solar power system and provides the sensed parameter to the random number generator, which uses the sensed parameter to generate a number that is truly random (i.e., is not deterministic). As an example, the random number generator may receive multiple samples of the measured parameter and generate a random number based on a difference of the multiple samples. If desired, the random number generator may include an algorithm to remove biasing in the random number.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Biswajit Ray
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Patent number: 11815463Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of detecting manganese in a solution using resacetophenone oxime by spectrophotometric analysis wherein the resacetophenone oxime produces colorimetric responses to indicate the presence of manganese. The resacetophenone oxime is not only stable in solution, but it also may be inserted into a hydrocolloid gel to facilitate a “spot test” for the detection of manganese, resulting in a long shelf life. These manganese testing methods disclosed herein may be used at the pre-disinfection process at water treatment facilities. The disclosed methods of manganese testing may be combined with an ammoniacal buffer reagent that may be used by water processing facilities, prior to final disinfection, to augment existing manganese (II) efforts of removal. A secondary flocculation with this buffer will scavenge additional manganese (II), that can then be removed by sedimentation or filtration.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Anna Merritt Holmes, Emanuel Austin Waddell
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Patent number: 11812540Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a plasma sheet source and methods of using same. The plasma sheet source includes a cylindrical electrode having a conductive cylindrical core surrounded by a dielectric material, a plurality of channels configured to direct gas from a gas inlet to the electrode, and a plasma outlet positioned below the electrode. Gas is introduced to the plasma sheet source and directed toward the electrode, which when powered by pulsed direct current, produces plasma as the gas ionizes. The produced plasma is then directed out of the plasma outlet to a specimen for treatment of the specimen. Notably, the plasma exiting the plasma outlet is in the form of a plasma sheet that is at approximately room temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Kunning Gabriel Xu, Ryan Patrick Gott
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Patent number: 11762563Abstract: A system for improving radiation tolerance of memory senses an amount of radiation exposure and, based on the sensed amount of radiation exposure, determines whether to perform one or more techniques for mitigating the effects of the radiation exposure. As an example, the system may perform a data refresh operation by re-writing data that has been corrupted by radiation, or the system may adjust the reference voltage used to read memory cells. In another example, the system may perform a fault repair operation by re-programming cells that have erroneously transitioned from a program state to an erase state. The system may selectively perform different radiation-mitigation techniques in a tiered approach based on the sensed amount of radiation in order to limit the adverse effects of the more invasive techniques.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Biswajit Ray, Aleksandar Milenkovic
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Patent number: 11733364Abstract: Backend components for noise radar and techniques for operation of those components are provided. Some embodiments include noise radar apparatuses. A noise radar apparatus may include a first unit that generates a random signal or a broadband noise signal using asynchronous logic gates constituting the first unit. The noise radar apparatus also may include a second unit that generates a reference sequence using the generated random signal or the generated broadband noise signal. The second unit comprises at least one tapped delay line formed by second asynchronous logic gates having sampling functionality and storage functionality. The noise radar apparatus may further include a third unit that receives a return signal correlates the return signal and the reference sequence in nearly real-time using third asynchronous logic gates constituting the third unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignees: Kratos SRE, Inc., The University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Seth D. Cohen, Aubrey Beal
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Patent number: 11728000Abstract: A system for testing memory includes logic that is configured to perform various normal memory operations (e.g., erase, read and write operations) on a memory device and to determine operational parameters associated with the memory operations. As an example, the amount of time to perform one or more memory operations may be measured, a number of errors resulting from the memory operations may be determined, or a number of memory cells storing noisy bits may be identified. One or more of the operational parameters may then be analyzed to determine whether they are in a range expected for counterfeit or defective memory. If so, the logic determines that the memory under test is counterfeit or defective and provides a notification about such determination.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Biswajit Ray, Umeshwarnath Surendranathan, Preeti Kumari, Md Raquibuzzaman
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Patent number: 11716867Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to methods of preparing a well-ordered nanoparticle coating on a substrate. A nanoparticle solution having nanoparticles in a solvent is deposited on a sub-phase of a denser, immiscible liquid. A constrained area on the top surface of the sub-phase is provided, where nanoparticle solution spreading is physically limited and the nanoparticles spontaneously form a uniformly ordered monolayer on the sub-phase within the constrained area. Notably, no compression of the nanoparticle film occurs after the spreading phase in order to form the monolayer. After the monolayer is formed, a substrate is placed into contact with the monolayer and coated with a well-ordered nanoparticle coating.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Jeffrey J. Weimer, Cuong Nguyen
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Patent number: 11701685Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for preparing nanoparticle monolayers on a sub-phase by controlling the spreading rate of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are first prepared in a nanoparticle solution at a predetermined concentration with a solvent. The sub-phase solution is prepared to have a density and viscosity compatible with the desired spreading rate. Additives, such as glycerol, are used to alter the density of the sub-phase solution. A volume of nanoparticle solution is deposited on the surface of the sub-phase solution and allowed to spread in a controlled manner on the unconstrained surface, forming a uniform nanoparticle monolayer. A substrate is then placed in contact with the nanoparticle monolayer to form a uniform nanoparticle coating on the surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Jeffrey J. Weimer, Jimmie L. Mitchell