Patents by Inventor Anthony N. Watkins

Anthony N. Watkins 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).

  • Methodology for the effective stabilization of tin-oxide-based oxidation/reduction catalysts
    Patent number: 7985709
    Abstract: The invention described herein involves a novel approach to the production of oxidation/reduction catalytic systems. The present invention serves to stabilize the tin oxide reducible metal-oxide coating by co-incorporating at least another metal-oxide species, such as zirconium. In one embodiment, a third metal-oxide species is incorporated, selected from the group consisting of cerium, lanthanum, hafnium, and ruthenium. The incorporation of the additional metal oxide components serves to stabilize the active tin-oxide layer in the catalytic process during high-temperature operation in a reducing environment (e.g., automobile exhaust). Moreover, the additional metal oxides are active components due to their oxygen-retention capabilities. Together, these features provide a mechanism to extend the range of operation of the tin-oxide-based catalyst system for automotive applications, while maintaining the existing advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Jordan, David R. Schryer, Patricia P. Davis, Bradley D. Leighty, Anthony N. Watkins, Jacqueline L. Schryer, Donald M. Oglesby, Suresh T. Gulati, Jerry C. Summers
  • Sol-gel based oxidation catalyst and coating system using same
    Patent number: 7781366
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Anthony N. Watkins, Bradley D. Leighty, Donald M. Oglesby, JoAnne L. Patry, Jacqueline L. Schryer
  • Sol-gel based oxidation catalyst and coating system using same
    Patent number: 7655595
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Anthony N. Watkins, Bradley D. Leighty, Donald M. Oglesby, JoAnne L. Ingram, Jacqueline L. Schryer
  • Sol-Gel Based Oxidation Catalyst And Coating System Using Same
    Publication number: 20090163357
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Anthony N. Watkins, Bradley D. Leighty, Donald M. Oglesby, JoAnne L. Patry, Jacqueline L. Schryer
  • Sol-Gel Based Oxidation Catalyst And Coating System Using Same
    Publication number: 20070281855
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicants: Space Administration
    Inventors: Anthony N. Watkins, Bradley D. Leighty, Donald M. Oglesby, JoAnne L. Ingram, Jacqueline L. Schryer
  • Carbon nanotube-based sensor and method for detection of crack growth in a structure
    Patent number: 7278324
    Abstract: A sensor has a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based conductors operatively positioned on a substrate. The conductors are arranged side-by-side, such as in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. At least one pair of spaced-apart electrodes is coupled to opposing ends of the conductors. A portion of each of the conductors spanning between each pair of electrodes comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged end-to-end and substantially aligned along an axis. Because a direct correlation exists between the resistance of a carbon nanotube and its strain, changes experienced by the portion of the structure to which the sensor is coupled induce a corresponding change in the electrical properties of the conductors, thereby enabling detection of crack growth in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jan M. Smits, Marlen T. Kite, Thomas C. Moore, Russell A. Wincheski, JoAnne L. Ingram, Anthony N. Watkins, Phillip A. Williams