Patents by Inventor David A. Wolfe

David A. Wolfe 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: 7549461
    Abstract: A system including a primary evaporator facilitating heat transfer by evaporating liquid to obtain vapor is disclosed. The primary evaporator receives a liquid from a liquid line and outputs the vapor to a vapor line. The primary evaporator also outputs excess liquid received from the liquid line to an excess fluid line. A condensing system receives the vapor from the vapor line, and outputs the liquid and excess liquid to the liquid line. The excess liquid is obtained at least partially from a reservoir. A primary loop includes the condensing system, the primary evaporator, the liquid line, and the vapor line, and provides a heat transfer path. Similarly, a secondary loop includes the condensing system, the primary evaporator, the liquid line, the vapor line, and the excess fluid line. The secondary loop provides a venting path for removing undesired vapor within the liquid or excess liquid from the primary evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, James Yun, David Bugby, David A. Wolf, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20090081752
    Abstract: A bioreactor, kit, a method of using the device to promoting growing and/or culture of a cell, and a method for regenerating and/or improving the function of mammalian cells. The bioreactor includes a controlling circuit coupled to magnetic field emitter that emits relatively steep and short-lived magnetic field pulses during these an active ephemeral period. The bioreactor also provides a relatively long-term inactive phase in which no magnetic field pulses are imposed. The kit includes the unassembled components of the bioreactor. The method of using the bioreactor and of regenerating and/or improving the function of mammalian cells includes the step of applying a time variant magnetic field through the cell to promote growing and/or culturing, and then introducing the cells to a mammal to regenerate cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Robert G. DENNIS, David A. WOLF, Donnie RUDD
  • Publication number: 20090082610
    Abstract: An osteo or tissue healing device, kit and method of using the device to promote healing of compromised bone or tissue in a living mammal is disclosed. The osteo or tissue healing device includes a magnetic field emitter and a controlling circuit. The magnetic field emitter of the device is electrically coupled to a controlling circuit in which the magnetic field emitter is configured to provide a time variant magnetic field when driven by an electric pulse train from the controlling circuit in such a manner that the time variant magnetic field results in a magnetic (B) field exhibiting a magnetic slew rate of at least about 10 kiloGauss/sec. The controlling circuit of the device is electrically coupled to the magnetic field emitter and is configured to be powered by a power source, in which the controlling circuit is configured to output the electric pulse train driving the magnetic field emitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: David A. WOLF, Robert G. DENNIS, Donnie RUDD
  • Publication number: 20090082613
    Abstract: An osteo or tissue healing kit and method of promoting the healing of compromised bone or tissue in a living mammal. The osteo or tissue healing device of the kit includes a magnetic field emitter and a controlling circuit, and at least one stem cell. The method of using the osteo or tissue healing kit includes placing at least one stem cell within the compromised bone or tissue and applying a time variant magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Robert G. DENNIS, David A. WOLF, Donnie RUDD
  • Publication number: 20090068153
    Abstract: A method of extracting human progenitor cells from perivascular tissue of human umbilical cord. The extracted cells are then co-cultured with hematopoetic stem cells and are useful to grow and repair human tissues including bone. Also included are related methods and compositions related thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Francesca P. Vitelli, David A. Wolf, Donnie Rudd
  • Publication number: 20080138415
    Abstract: A cellular composition comprising a mesenchymal stem cell product and a biogel with methods for preparing and for using the composition. Tissue constructs made with the composition are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Mehboob HUSSAIN, Robert G. DENNIS, David A. WOLF
  • Patent number: 7251889
    Abstract: A method of making an evaporator includes orienting a vapor barrier wall, orienting a liquid barrier wall, and positioning a wick between the vapor barrier wall and the liquid barrier wall. The vapor barrier wall is oriented such that a heat-absorbing surface of the vapor barrier wall defines at least a portion of an exterior surface of the evaporator. The exterior surface is configured to receive heat. The liquid barrier wall is oriented adjacent the vapor barrier wall. The liquid barrier wall has a surface configured to confine liquid. A vapor removal channel is defined at an interface between the wick and the vapor barrier wall. A liquid flow channel is defined between the liquid barrier wall and the primary wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Swales & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, James Seokgeun Yun, Michael Nikitkin, David A. Wolf, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6915843
    Abstract: A capillary wick for use in capillary evaporators has properties that prevent nucleation inside the body of the wick, resulting in suppression of back-conduction of heat from vapor channels to the liquid reservoir. Use of a central liquid flow channel in the wick is eliminated, and pore size in the wick is chosen to maximize available pressure for fluid pumping, while preventing nucleation in the wick body. The wick is embodied with different geometries, including cylindrical and flat. A flat capillary evaporator has substantially planar heat input surfaces for convenient mating to planar heat sources. The flat capillary evaporator is capable of being used with working fluids having high vapor pressures (i.e., greater that 10 psia). To contain the pressure of the vaporized working fluid, the opposed planar plates of the evaporator are brazed or sintered to opposing sides of a metal wick. Additionally, a terrestrial loop heat pipe and a loop heat pipe having overall flat geometry are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Swales & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, Kimberly R. Wrenn, David A. Wolf, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6889754
    Abstract: A capillary pump two phase heat transport system that combines the most favorable characteristics of a capillary pump loop (CPL) with the robustness and reliability of a loop heat pipe (LHP). Like a CPL, the hybrid loop has plural parallel evaporators, plural parallel condensers, and a back pressure flow regulator. Unlike CPLs, however, the hybrid system incorporates elements that form a secondary loop, which is essentially a LHP that is co-joined with a CPL to form an inseparable whole. Although secondary to the basic thermal management of the system thermal bus, the LHP secondary loop portion of the system provides for important operational functions that maintain healthy, robust and reliable operation. The LHP secondary loop portion provides a function of fluid management during start-up, steady state operation, and heat sink/heat source temperature and power cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Swales & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, David A. Wolf, Sr., James Seokgeun Yun
  • Publication number: 20040206479
    Abstract: A thermodynamic system includes a cyclical heat exchange system and a heat transfer system coupled to the cyclical heat exchange system to cool a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system. The heat transfer system includes an evaporator including a wall configured to be coupled to a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system and a primary wick coupled to the wall and a condenser coupled to the evaporator to form a closed loop that houses a working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, Michael Nikitkin, David A. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20040182550
    Abstract: A heat transfer system includes an evaporator, a condenser having a vapor inlet and a liquid outlet, a vapor line providing fluid communication between a vapor outlet of the evaporator and the vapor inlet, and a liquid return line providing fluid communication between the liquid outlet and a liquid inlet entering the evaporator. The evaporator includes a heated wall, a liquid barrier wall containing working fluid, a primary wick positioned between the heated wall and the inner side of the liquid barrier wall, a vapor removal channel located at an interface between the primary wick and the heated wall, and a liquid flow channel located between the liquid barrier wall and the primary wick. The working fluid flows only along the inner side of the liquid barrier wall. The vapor removal channels extend to the vapor outlet and the liquid flow channel receives liquid from the liquid inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, Michael Nikitkin, David A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 6673597
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems for growing two or three dimensional mammalian cells within a culture medium facilitated by an electromagnetic field, and preferably, a time varying electromagnetic field. The cells and culture medium are contained within a fixed or rotating culture vessel, and the electromagnetic field is emitted from at least one electrode. In one embodiment, the electrode is spaced from the vessel. The invention further provides methods to promote neural tissue regeneration by means of culturing the neural cells in the claimed system. In one embodiment, neuronal cells are grown within longitudinally extending tissue strands extending axially along and within electrodes comprising electrically conductive channels or guides through which a time varying electrical current is conducted, the conductive channels being positioned within a culture medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: David A. Wolf, Thomas J. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20030178184
    Abstract: A capillary wick for use in capillary evaporators has properties that prevent nucleation inside the body of the wick, resulting in suppression of back-conduction of heat from vapor channels to the liquid reservoir. Use of a central liquid flow channel in the wick is eliminated, and pore size in the wick is chosen to maximize available pressure for fluid pumping, while preventing nucleation in the wick body. The wick is embodied with different geometries, including cylindrical and flat. A flat capillary evaporator has substantially planar heat input surfaces for convenient mating to planar heat sources. The flat capillary evaporator is capable of being used with working fluids having high vapor pressures (i.e., greater that 10 psia). To contain the pressure of the vaporized working fluid, the opposed planar plates of the evaporator arc brazed or sintered to opposing sides of a metal wick. Additionally, a terrestrial loop heat pipe and a loop heat pipe having overall flat geometry are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, Kimberly R. Wrenn, David A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 6564860
    Abstract: A capillary wick for use in capillary evaporators has properties that prevent nucleation inside the body of the wick, resulting in suppression of back-conduction of heat from vapor channels to the liquid reservoir. Use of a central liquid flow channel in the wick is eliminated, and pore size in the wick is chosen to maximize available pressure for fluid pumping, while preventing nucleation in the wick body. The wick is embodied with different geometries, including cylindrical and flat. A flat capillary evaporator has substantially planar heat input surfaces for convenient mating to planar heat sources. The flat capillary evaporator is capable of being used with working fluids having high vapor pressures (i.e., greater that 10 psia). To contain the pressure of the vaporized working fluid, the opposed planar plates of the evaporator are brazed or sintered to opposing sides of a metal wick. Additionally, a terrestrial loop heat pipe and a loop heat pipe having overall flat geometry are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Swales Aerospace
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, Kimberly R. Wrenn, David A. Wolf, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6485963
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems for growing two or three dimensional mammalian cells within a culture medium facilitated by an electromagnetic field, and preferably, a time varying electromagnetic field. The cells and culture medium are contained within a fixed or rotating culture vessel, and the electromagnetic field is emitted from at least one electrode. In one embodiment, the electrode is spaced from the vessel. The invention further provides methods to promote neural tissue regeneration by means of culturing the neural cells in the claimed system. In one embodiment, neuronal cells are grown within longitudinally extending tissue strands extending axially along and within electrodes comprising electrically conductive channels or guides through which a time varying electrical current is conducted, the conductive channels being positioned within a culture medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: David A. Wolf, Thomas J. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6382309
    Abstract: A capillary wick for use in capillary evaporators has properties that prevent nucleation inside the body of the wick, resulting in suppression of back-conduction of heat from vapor channels to the liquid reservoir. Use of a central liquid flow channel in the wick is eliminated, and pore size in the wick is chosen to maximize available pressure for fluid pumping, while preventing nucleation in the wick body. The wick is embodied with different geometries, including cylindrical and flat. A flat capillary evaporator has substantially planar heat input surfaces for convenient mating to planar heat sources. The flat capillary evaporator is capable of being used with working fluids having high vapor pressures (i.e., greater that 10 psia). To contain the pressure of the vaporized working fluid, the opposed planar plates of the evaporator are brazed or sintered to opposing sides of a metal wick. Additionally, a terrestrial loop heat pipe and a loop heat pipe having overall flat geometry are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Swales Aerospace
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, Kimberly R. Wrenn, David A. Wolf, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20020007937
    Abstract: A capillary pump two phase heat transport system that combines the most favorable characteristics of a capillary pump loop (CPL) with the robustness and reliability of a loop heat pipe (LHP). Like a CPL, the hybrid loop has plural parallel evaporators, plural parallel condensers, and a back pressure flow regulator. Unlike CPLs, however, the hybrid system incorporates elements that form a secondary loop, which is essentially a LHP that is co-joined with a CPL to form an inseparable whole. Although secondary to the basic thermal management of the system thermal bus, the LHP secondary loop portion of the system provides for important operational functions that maintain healthy, robust and reliable operation. The LHP secondary loop portion provides a function of fluid management during start-up, steady state operation, and heat sink/heat source temperature and power cycling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Edward J. Kroliczek, David A. Wolf, James Seokgeun Yun
  • Publication number: 20020009797
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems for growing two or three dimensional mammalian cells within a culture medium facilitated by an electromagnetic field, and preferably, a time varying electromagnetic field. The cells and culture medium are contained within a fixed or rotating culture vessel, and the electromagnetic field is emitted from at least one electrode. In one embodiment, the electrode is spaced from the vessel. The invention further provides methods to promote neural tissue regeneration by means of culturing the neural cells in the claimed system. In one embodiment, neuronal cells are grown within longitudinally extending tissue strands extending axially along and within electrodes comprising electrically conductive channels or guides through which a time varying electrical current is conducted, the conductive channels being positioned within a culture medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: National Aeronautics & Space Administration
    Inventors: David A. Wolf, Thomas J. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6117674
    Abstract: A process for propagating a pathogen in a three-dimensional tissue mass cultured at microgravity conditions in a culture vessel containing culture media and a culture matrix is provided. The three-dimensional tissue mass is inoculated with a pathogen and pathogen replication in the cells of the tissue mass achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Thomas J. Goodwin, Glenn F. Spaulding, David A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 5858783
    Abstract: Normal mammalian tissue and the culturing process has been developed for the three groups of organ, structural and blood tissue. The cells are grown in vitro under micro-gravity culture conditions and form three dimensional cells aggregates with normal cell function. The microgravity culture conditions may be microgravity or simulated micro-gravity created in a horizontal rotating wall culture vessel. The medium used for culturing the cells, especially a mixture of epithelial and mesenchymal cells contains a mixture of Mem-alpha and Leibovits L15 supplemented with glucose, galactose and fructose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Thomas J. Goodwin, David A. Wolf, Glenn F. Spaulding, Tacey L. Prewett