Patents Assigned to USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and space
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Publication number: 20100014610Abstract: A Ka-band transmitter. The transmitter is in a self-contained module that contains a radio frequency (RF) channel. A phase lock oscillator drives an RF signal path in the RF channel at a fundamental frequency. In-phase data (I-data) and Quadrature data (Q-data) difference signals are converted to single ended signals and filtered in a pair of low pass filters and passed as inputs to a Quadriphase Shift Keying (QPSK) vector modulator in the RF signal path, e.g., an in-line even-harmonic modulator. The output of the QPSK vector modulator, is a Ka-band signal that is passed to a driver which may drive a load, e.g., an antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2008Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and spaceInventor: Jeffrey M. Jaso
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Publication number: 20090315546Abstract: A magnetic field response sensor comprises an inductor placed at a fixed separation distance from a conductive surface to address the low RF transmissivity of conductive surfaces. The minimum distance for separation is determined by the sensor response. The inductor should be separated from the conductive surface so that the response amplitude exceeds noise level by a recommended 10 dB. An embodiment for closed cavity measurements comprises a capacitor internal to said cavity and an inductor mounted external to the cavity and at a fixed distance from the cavity's wall. An additional embodiment includes a closed cavity configuration wherein multiple sensors and corresponding antenna are positioned inside the cavity, with the antenna and inductors maintained at a fixed distance from the cavity's wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Stanley E. Woodard, Bryant Douglas Taylor
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Publication number: 20090311860Abstract: A process for applying blocking contacts on an n-type CdZnTe specimen includes cleaning the CdZnTe specimen; etching the CdZnTe specimen; chemically surface treating the CdZnTe specimen; and depositing blocking metal on at least one of a cathode surface and an anode surface of the CdZnTe specimen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Carl M. Stahle, Bradford H. Parker, Sachidananda R. Babu
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Publication number: 20090303598Abstract: A dynamic optical grating device and associated method for modulating light is provided that is capable of controlling the spectral properties and propagation of light without moving mechanical components by the use of a dynamic electric and/or magnetic field. By changing the electric field and/or magnetic field, the index of refraction, the extinction coefficient, the transmittivity, and the reflectivity of the optical grating device may be controlled in order to control the spectral properties of the light reflected or transmitted by the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Yeonjoon Park, Sang H. Choi, Glen C. King, Sang-Hyon Chu
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Publication number: 20090287460Abstract: The flow-through area of a pressure regulator positioned in a branch of a simulated fluid flow network is generated. A target pressure is defined downstream of the pressure regulator. A projected flow-through area is generated as a non-linear function of (i) target pressure, (ii) flow-through area of the pressure regulator for a current time step and a previous time step, and (iii) pressure at the downstream location for the current time step and previous time step. A simulated flow-through area for the next time step is generated as a sum of (i) flow-through area for the current time step, and (ii) a difference between the projected flow-through area and the flow-through area for the current time step multiplied by a user-defined rate control parameter. These steps are repeated for a sequence of time steps until the pressure at the downstream location is approximately equal to the target pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2005Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Neal E. Hass, Paul A. Schallhorn
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Publication number: 20090278736Abstract: A method and system to passively navigate an orbiting moving body towards an orbiting target using reflected GPS signals. A pair of antennas is employed to receive both direct signals from a plurality of GPS satellites and a second antenna to receive GPS signals reflected off an orbiting target. The direct and reflected signals are processed and compared to determine the relative distance and position of the orbiting moving body relative to the orbiting target.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministratorInventors: Ian R. Cohen, Gregory J. Boegner, JR.
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Publication number: 20090231677Abstract: An optical assembly includes a zone plate and electro-optic material disposed on one side of the zone plate. The electro-optic material's index of refraction is controlled to adjust the optical properties of the optical assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Yeonjoon Park, Sang H. Choi, Glen C. King, James R. Elliott
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Publication number: 20090233001Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) attraction material is deposited on a substrate in the gap region between two electrodes on the substrate. An electric potential is applied to the two electrodes. The CNT attraction material is wetted with a solution defined by a carrier liquid having carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suspended therein. A portion of the CNTs align with the electric field and adhere to the CNT attraction material. The carrier liquid and any CNTs not adhered to the CNT attraction material are then removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Jan M. Smits, Russell A. Wincheski, JoAnne L. Patry, Anthony Neal Watkins, Jeffrey D. Jordan
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Publication number: 20090207868Abstract: A tunable laser includes dispersion optics for separating generated laser pulses into first and second wavelength pulses directed along first and second optical paths. First and second reflective mirrors are disposed in the first and second optical paths, respectively. The laser's output mirror is partially reflective and partially transmissive with respect to the first wavelength and the second wavelength in accordance with provided criteria. A first resonator length is defined between the output mirror and the first mirror, while a second resonator length is defined between the output mirror and the second mirror. The second resonator length is a function of the first resonator length.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Norman P. Barnes, Brian M. Walsh, Donald J. Reichle
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Publication number: 20090203196Abstract: Metal and semiconductor nanoshells, particularly transition metal nanoshells, are fabricated using dendrimer molecules. Metallic colloids, metallic ions or semiconductors are attached to amine groups on the dendrimer surface in stabilized solution for the surface seeding method and the surface seedless method, respectively. Subsequently, the process is repeated with additional metallic ions or semiconductor, a stabilizer, and NaBH4 to increase the wall thickness of the metallic or semiconductor lining on the dendrimer surface. Metallic or semiconductor ions are automatically reduced on the metallic or semiconductor nanoparticles causing the formation of hollow metallic or semiconductor nanoparticles. The void size of the formed hollow nanoparticles depends on the dendrimer generation. The thickness of the metallic or semiconductor thin film around the dendrimer depends on the repetition times and the size of initial metallic or semiconductor seeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicants: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Jae-Woo KIM, Sang H. CHOI, SR., Peter T. LILLEHEI, Sang-Hyon CHU, Yeonjoon PARK, Glen C. KING, James R. ELLIOTT, JR.
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Publication number: 20090163357Abstract: An oxidation catalyst system is formed by particles of an oxidation catalyst dispersed in a porous sol-gel binder. The oxidation catalyst system can be applied by brush or spray painting while the sol-gel binder is in its sol state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Anthony N. Watkins, Bradley D. Leighty, Donald M. Oglesby, JoAnne L. Patry, Jacqueline L. Schryer
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Publication number: 20090134107Abstract: A payload lifter/manipulator module includes a rotatable joint supporting spreader arms angularly spaced with respect to one another. A rigid arm is fixedly coupled to the joint and extends out therefrom to a tip. A tension arm has a first end and a second end with the first end being fixedly coupled to the tip of the rigid arm. The tension arm incorporates pivots along the length thereof. Each pivot can be engaged by or disengaged from the outboard end of a spreader arm based on a position of the spreader arm. A hoist, positioned remotely with respect to the module and coupled to the second end of the tension arm, controls the position of the spreader arms to thereby control the position of the rigid arm's tip. Payload lifter/manipulator assemblies can be constructed with one or more of the modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: William R. Doggett, Bruce D. King, Timothy J. Collins, John T. Dorsey
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Publication number: 20090118461Abstract: The benefits of liquid crystal polymers and polyetherimides are combined in an all-aromatic thermoplastic liquid crystalline polyetherimide. Because of the unique molecular structure, all-aromatic thermotropic liquid crystal polymers exhibit outstanding processing properties, excellent barrier properties, low solubilities and low coefficients of thermal expansion in the processing direction. These characteristics are combined with the strength, thermal, and radiation stability of polyetherimides.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2007Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Erik S. Weiser, Theodorus J. Dingemans, Terry L. St. Clair, Jeffrey A. Hinkley
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Publication number: 20090117021Abstract: Boron nitride nanotubes are prepared by a process which includes: (a) creating a source of boron vapor; (b) mixing the boron vapor with nitrogen gas so that a mixture of boron vapor and nitrogen gas is present at a nucleation site, which is a surface, the nitrogen gas being provided at a pressure elevated above atmospheric, e.g., from greater than about 2 atmospheres up to about 250 atmospheres; and (c) harvesting boron nitride nanotubes, which are formed at the nucleation site.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicants: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Jefferson Science Associates, LLCInventors: Michael W. Smith, Kevin Jordan, Cheol Park
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Publication number: 20090110880Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a mass spectrometer micro-leak includes a number of channels fabricated by semiconductor processing tools and that includes a number of inlet holes that provide access to the channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Dan N. Harpold, Hasso B. Niemann, Brian G. Jamieson, Bernard A. Lynch
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Publication number: 20090108503Abstract: A method and system are provided for aligning fibers in an electrospinning process. A jet of a fiberizable material is directed towards an uncharged collector from a dispensing location that is spaced apart from the collector. While the fiberizable material is directed towards the collector, an elliptical electric field is generated via the electrically charged dispenser and an oppositely-charged control location. The field spans between the dispensing location and the control location that is within line-of-sight of the dispensing location, and impinges upon at least a portion of the collector. Various combinations of numbers and geometries of dispensers, collectors, and electrodes can be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Lisa A. Scott-Carnell, Ralph M. Stephens, Nancy M. Holloway, Caroline Rhim, Laura Niklason, Robert L. Clark, Emilie J. Siochi
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Publication number: 20090109005Abstract: A wireless damage location sensing system uses a geometric-patterned wireless sensor that resonates in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field to generate a harmonic response that will experience a change when the sensor experiences a change in its geometric pattern. The sensing system also includes a magnetic field response recorder for wirelessly transmitting the time-varying magnetic field and for wirelessly detecting the harmonic response. The sensing system compares the actual harmonic response to a plurality of predetermined harmonic responses. Each predetermined harmonic response is associated with a severing of the sensor at a corresponding known location thereof so that a match between the actual harmonic response and one of the predetermined harmonic responses defines the known location of the severing that is associated therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & space AdministrationInventors: Stanley E. Woodard, Bryant Douglas Taylor
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Publication number: 20090083201Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable media for determining stability of a neural system. The method includes tracking a function world line of an N element neural system within at least one behavioral space, determining whether the tracking function world line is approaching a psychological stability surface, and implementing a quantitative solution that corrects instability if the tracked function world line is approaching the psychological stability surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Admi.Inventor: Steven A. Curtis
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Publication number: 20090038421Abstract: A joint assembly is provided which includes a drive assembly and a swivel mechanism. The drive assembly features a motor operatively associated with a plurality of drive shafts for driving auxiliary elements, and a plurality of swivel shafts for pivoting the drive assembly. The swivel mechanism engages the swivel shafts and has a fixable element that may be attached to a foundation. The swivel mechanism is adapted to cooperate with the swivel shafts to pivot the drive assembly with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the foundation. The joint assembly allows for all components to remain encased in a tight, compact, and sealed package, making it ideal for space, exploratory, and commercial applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Andrew Wilson, Andrew Punnoose, Katherine Strausser, Neil Parikh
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Publication number: 20090040920Abstract: A rapid Byzantine self-stabilizing clock synchronization protocol that self-stabilizes from any state, tolerates bursts of transient failures, and deterministically converges within a linear convergence time with respect to the self-stabilization period. Upon self-stabilization, all good clocks proceed synchronously. The Byzantine self-stabilizing clock synchronization protocol does not rely on any assumptions about the initial state of the clocks. Furthermore, there is neither a central clock nor an externally generated pulse system. The protocol converges deterministically, is scalable, and self-stabilizes in a short amount of time. The convergence time is linear with respect to the self-stabilization period.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Mahyar R. Malekpour