Patents by Inventor Aaron Wiest

Aaron Wiest has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11760680
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and printing hollow bodies from amorphous materials to form three-dimensional objects are provided. Apparatus provide a hollow body forming and printing machine, and methods for determining a desired amount of impact deformation for the hollow spheres, including calculating specific characteristics of the hollow spheres and the amorphous material, deriving a target viscosity range, adjusting the apparatus to satisfy the target viscosity range, and using the apparatus to form a plurality of hollow spheres with controlled deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Rebecca Stevens, Robert Dale Conner, Craig MacDougall, Sam Pratt
  • Patent number: 11385116
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pressure measurement are provided. A ludion with a trapped gas bubble floats between two liquids. Pressure acting upon the liquids causes the bubble to expand or contract, resulting in movement of the ludion which can be measured and correlated with pressure change. Pressure measuring device can measure pressures from 0.05 inHg to 110 inHg with a four-to-one Test Accuracy Ratio (TAR) without using mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Craig Andrew Macdougall
  • Publication number: 20210340049
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and printing hollow bodies from amorphous materials to form three-dimensional objects are provided. Apparatus provide a hollow body forming and printing machine, and methods for determining a desired amount of impact deformation for the hollow spheres, including calculating specific characteristics of the hollow spheres and the amorphous material, deriving a target viscosity range, adjusting the apparatus to satisfy the target viscosity range, and using the apparatus to form a plurality of hollow spheres with controlled deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Rebecca Stevens, Robert Dale Conner, Craig MacDougall, Sam Pratt
  • Patent number: 11084750
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and printing hollow bodies from amorphous materials to form three-dimensional objects are provided. Apparatus provide a hollow body forming and printing machine, and methods for determining a desired amount of impact deformation for the hollow spheres, including calculating specific characteristics of the hollow spheres and the amorphous material, deriving a target viscosity range, adjusting the apparatus to satisfy the target viscosity range, and using the apparatus to form a plurality of hollow spheres with controlled deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Rebecca Stevens, Robert Dale Conner, Craig MacDougall, Sam Pratt
  • Patent number: 10962432
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods of measuring relative pressure based on the displacement of a Cartesian diver are provided. Within the system, various designs of divers, as well as a variety of measurement methods implementing such systems and apparatus, are illustrated. The systems and methods described herein are directed to precise pressure measurements traceable to the SI through the vertical displacement of a ludion within a two fluid system. The system is selectively optimized to ensure the buoyancy and mass of the ludion as well as the density of the gases and fluids involved are known and controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Dylan R. Switzer, Craig MacDougall, Llewelynn R. Galace
  • Publication number: 20210088399
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pressure measurement are provided. A ludion with a trapped gas bubble floats between two liquids. Pressure acting upon the liquids causes the bubble to expand or contract, resulting in movement of the ludion which can be measured and correlated with pressure change. Pressure measuring device can measure pressures from 0.05 inHg to 110 inHg with a four-to-one Test Accuracy Ratio (TAR) without using mercury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Craig Andrew Macdougall
  • Publication number: 20200284678
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods of measuring relative pressure based on the displacement of a Cartesian diver are provided. Within the system, various designs of divers, as well as a variety of measurement methods implementing such systems and apparatus, are illustrated. The systems and methods described herein are directed to precise pressure measurements traceable to the SI through the vertical displacement of a ludion within a two fluid system. The system is selectively optimized to ensure the buoyancy and mass of the ludion as well as the density of the gases and fluids involved are known and controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Applicant: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Dylan R. Switzer, Craig McDougall, Llewelynn R. Galace
  • Patent number: 10550008
    Abstract: A low energy fluid purification system and method of implementation including some embodiments having a vacuum-rated first chamber placed in or near a body of water with higher temperature near the surface and lower temperatures at greater depths. The vacuum-rated first chamber holds a quantity of non-potable water and a low pressure area less than or equal to the water's vapor pressure. Vaporization occurs when the higher temperature surface water is brought into contact with the low pressure area. A tubular vapor transport passage allows the vaporized water to pass to a lower temperature and lower pressure condensation chamber. The lower temperature condensation chamber is cooled by lower temperature water from a selected depth below the surface. As the temperature of the vapor lowers, the vapor will condense. This condensation is collected as a quantity of potable water. Additional embodiments and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: United States of American, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Craig A MacDougall, Dylan Switzer, Aaron Wiest
  • Publication number: 20200023570
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and printing hollow bodies from amorphous materials to form three-dimensional objects are provided. Apparatus provide a hollow body forming and printing machine, and methods for determining a desired amount of impact deformation for the hollow spheres, including calculating specific characteristics of the hollow spheres and the amorphous material, deriving a target viscosity range, adjusting the apparatus to satisfy the target viscosity range, and using the apparatus to form a plurality of hollow spheres with controlled deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Rebecca Stevens, Robert Dale Conner, Craig MacDougall, Sam Pratt
  • Patent number: 10059617
    Abstract: Novel cellular solids and foams from amorphous materials with a glass transition temperature (Tg) and methods of forming such materials are provided. In particular, foams are formed by expanding or compressing hollow spheres made of a high strength amorphous material, which is defined as a material having high strength characteristics, but also possessing a glass transition within a confined space. Using such a method, it has been unexpectedly found that it is possible to make cellular structures, including both open and closed cell foams, with customizable properties from materials that have been inaccessible with conventional methods. Moreover, based on calculations high specific strengths and stiffnesses are expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Craig Andrew MacDougall, Robert Dale Conner
  • Patent number: 10011513
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of forming hollow spheres are provided. Hollow sphere forming apparatus incorporate a bubble forming nozzle assembly in which outlets for gas and liquid materials are disposed substantially coaxially. The relative positions of the gas and liquid outlets are adjustable in at least one dimension (e.g., axially, radially or angularly relative to each other), such that a more uniform annular exit region for the gas and liquid outlets may be configured, such that more symmetric bubbles may be formed thus reducing the rejection rate in solidified bubbles due to asymmetry or decentering of entrapped gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Craig A MacDougall, Steven J Rogers, Robert A Heller, Matthew P Khalil, Matthew T McCormick, Dylan R Switzer
  • Patent number: 10005690
    Abstract: Novel cellular solids and foams from amorphous materials with a glass transition temperature (Tg) and methods of forming such materials are provided. In particular, foams are formed by expanding or compressing hollow spheres made of a high strength amorphous material, which is defined as a material having high strength characteristics, but also possessing a glass transition within a confined space. Using such a method, it has been unexpectedly found that it is possible to make cellular structures, including both open and closed cell foams, with customizable properties from materials that have been inaccessible with conventional methods. Moreover, based on calculations high specific strengths and stiffnesses are expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Craig Andrew MacDougall, Robert Dale Conner
  • Publication number: 20170057857
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of forming hollow spheres are provided. Hollow sphere forming apparatus incorporate a bubble forming nozzle assembly in which outlets for gas and liquid materials are disposed substantially coaxially. The relative positions of the gas and liquid outlets are adjustable in at least one dimension (e.g., axially, radially or angularly relative to each other), such that a more uniform annular exit region for the gas and liquid outlets may be configured, such that more symmetric bubbles may be formed thus reducing the rejection rate in solidified bubbles due to asymmetry or decentering of entrapped gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Craig A. MacDougall, Steven J. Rogers, Robert A. Heller, Matthew P. Khalil, Matthew T. McCormick, Dylan R. Switzer
  • Publication number: 20160376168
    Abstract: A low energy fluid purification system and method of implementation including some embodiments having a vacuum-rated first chamber placed in or near a body of water with higher temperature near the surface and lower temperatures at greater depths. The vacuum-rated first chamber holds a quantity of non-potable water and a low pressure area less than or equal to the water's vapor pressure. Vaporization occurs when the higher temperature surface water is brought into contact with the low pressure area. A tubular vapor transport passage allows the vaporized water to pass to a lower temperature and lower pressure condensation chamber. The lower temperature condensation chamber is cooled by lower temperature water from a selected depth below the surface. As the temperature of the vapor lowers, the vapor will condense. This condensation is collected as a quantity of potable water. Additional embodiments and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Craig A. MacDougall, Dylan Switzer, Aaron Wiest
  • Publication number: 20160002086
    Abstract: Novel cellular solids and foams from amorphous materials with a glass transition temperature (Tg) and methods of forming such materials are provided. In particular, foams are formed by expanding or compressing hollow spheres made of a high strength amorphous material, which is defined as a material having high strength characteristics, but also possessing a glass transition within a confined space. Using such a method, it has been unexpectedly found that it is possible to make cellular structures, including both open and closed cell foams, with customizable properties from materials that have been inaccessible with conventional methods. Moreover, based on calculations high specific strengths and stiffnesses are expected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Craig Andrew MacDougall, Robert Dale Conner
  • Publication number: 20160001475
    Abstract: Novel cellular solids and foams from amorphous materials with a glass transition temperature (Tg) and methods of forming such materials are provided. In particular, foams are formed by expanding or compressing hollow spheres made of a high strength amorphous material, which is defined as a material having high strength characteristics, but also possessing a glass transition within a confined space. Using such a method, it has been unexpectedly found that it is possible to make cellular structures, including both open and closed cell foams, with customizable properties from materials that have been inaccessible with conventional methods. Moreover, based on calculations high specific strengths and stiffnesses are expected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Craig Andrew MacDougall, Robert Dale Conner
  • Patent number: 9102087
    Abstract: Novel cellular solids and foams from amorphous materials with a glass transition temperature (Tg) and methods of forming such materials are provided. In particular, foams are formed by expanding or compressing hollow spheres made of a high strength amorphous material, which is defined as a material having high strength characteristics, but also possessing a glass transition within a confined space. Using such a method, it has been unexpectedly found that it is possible to make cellular structures, including both open and closed cell foams, with customizable properties from materials that have been inaccessible with conventional methods. Moreover, based on calculations high specific strengths and stiffnesses are expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Craig Andrew MacDougall, Robert Dale Conner
  • Patent number: 8518193
    Abstract: Low density Be-bearing bulk amorphous structural alloys with more than double the specific strength of conventional titanium alloys and methods of forming bulk articles from such alloys having thicknesses greater than 0.5 mm are provided. The bulk solidifying amorphous alloys described exclude late transition metal components while still exhibiting good glass forming ability, exceptional thermal stability, and high strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Gang Duan, Aaron Wiest, William L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120241073
    Abstract: Novel cellular solids and foams from amorphous materials with a glass transition temperature (Tg) and methods of forming such materials are provided. In particular, foams are formed by expanding or compressing hollow spheres made of a high strength amorphous material, which is defined as a material having high strength characteristics, but also possessing a glass transition within a confined space. Using such a method, it has been unexpectedly found that it is possible to make cellular structures, including both open and closed cell foams, with customizable properties from materials that have been inaccessible with conventional methods. Moreover, based on calculations high specific strengths and stiffnesses are expected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: American Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Wiest, Craig Andrew MacDougall, Robert Dale Conner
  • Publication number: 20120168036
    Abstract: The invention is directed to Pd-based metallic glass alloys useful in biomedical applications having no Ni or Cu. Exemplary metallic glass alloys are represented by AaBb{(Si)100-c(D)c}d, where A may be selected from Pd, and combinations of Pd and Pt, B may be selected from Ag, Au, Co, Fe, and combinations thereof, and D may be selected from P, Ge, B, S. Also, a, b, c and d are atomic percentages, and a ranges from about 60 to about 90, b ranges from about 2 to about 18, d ranges from about 5 to about 25, and c is greater than 0 and less than 100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marios D. Demetriou, Aaron Wiest, William L. Johnson