Patents by Inventor Dennis C. Working
Dennis C. Working 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).
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Patent number: 11097499Abstract: A method allows for preparation of CNT nanocomposites having improved mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Structured carbon nanotube forms such as sheet, yarn, and tape are modified with ?-conjugated conductive polymers, including polyaniline (PANT), fabricated by in-situ polymerization. The PANI modified CNT nanocomposites are subsequently post-processed to improve mechanical properties by hot press and carbonization.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASAInventors: Jae-Woo Kim, Emilie J. Siochi, Kristopher E. Wise, John W. Connell, Yi Lin, Russell A. Wincheski, Dennis C. Working
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Patent number: 11001684Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a puncture healing polymer blend comprising a self-healing first polymer material having sufficient melt elasticity to snap back and close a hole formed by a projectile passing through the material at a velocity sufficient to produce a local melt state in the first polymer material. The puncture healing polymer blend further includes a non-self-healing second material that is blended with the first polymer material. The blend of self-healing first polymer material and second material is capable of self-healing, and may have improved material properties relative to known self-healing polymers.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASAInventors: Keith L. Gordon, Emilie J. Siochi, Dennis C. Working, Russell W. Smith
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Publication number: 20200070445Abstract: A method allows for preparation of CNT nanocomposites having improved mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Structured carbon nanotube forms such as sheet, yarn, and tape are modified with ?-conjugated conductive polymers, including polyaniline (PANT), fabricated by in-situ polymerization. The PANI modified CNT nanocomposites are subsequently post-processed to improve mechanical properties by hot press and carbonization.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Jae-Woo Kim, Emilie J. Siochi, Kristopher E. Wise, John W. Connell, Yi Lin, Russell A. Wincheski, Dennis C. Working
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Patent number: 10464271Abstract: A method allows for preparation of CNT nanocomposites having improved mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Structured carbon nanotube forms such as sheet, yarn, and tape are modified with ?-conjugated conductive polymers, including polyaniline (PANI), fabricated by in-situ polymerization. The PANI modified CNT nanocomposites are subsequently post-processed to improve mechanical properties by hot press and carbonization.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Jae-Woo Kim, Emilie J. Siochi, Kristopher E. Wise, John W. Connell, Yi Lin, Russell A. Wincheski, Dennis C. Working
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Patent number: 9587089Abstract: Conventional toughening agents are typically rubbery materials or small molecular weight molecules, which mostly sacrifice the intrinsic properties of a matrix such as modulus, strength, and thermal stability as side effects. On the other hand, high modulus inclusions tend to reinforce elastic modulus very efficiently, but not the strength very well. For example, mechanical reinforcement with inorganic inclusions often degrades the composite toughness, encountering a frequent catastrophic brittle failure triggered by minute chips and cracks. Thus, toughening generally conflicts with mechanical reinforcement. Carbon nanotubes have been used as efficient reinforcing agents in various applications due to their combination of extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Cheol Park, Dennis C. Working, Emilie J. Siochi, Joycelyn S. Harrison
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Publication number: 20160152809Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a puncture healing polymer blend comprising a self-healing first polymer material having sufficient melt elasticity to snap back and close a hole formed by a projectile passing through the material at a velocity sufficient to produce a local melt state in the first polymer material. The puncture healing polymer blend further includes a non-self-healing second material that is blended with the first polymer material. The blend of self-healing first polymer material and second material is capable of self-healing, and may have improved material properties relative to known self-healing polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2015Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Keith L. Gordon, EMILIE J. SIOCHI, DENNIS C. WORKING, RUSSELL W. SMITH
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Publication number: 20150307691Abstract: Conventional toughening agents are typically rubbery materials or small molecular weight molecules, which mostly sacrifice the intrinsic properties of a matrix such as modulus, strength, and thermal stability as side effects. On the other hand, high modulus inclusions tend to reinforce elastic modulus very efficiently, but not the strength very well. For example, mechanical reinforcement with inorganic inclusions often degrades the composite toughness, encountering a frequent catastrophic brittle failure triggered by minute chips and cracks. Thus, toughening generally conflicts with mechanical reinforcement. Carbon nanotubes have been used as efficient reinforcing agents in various applications due to their combination of extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2015Publication date: October 29, 2015Inventors: Cheol Park, Dennis C. WORKING, Emilie J. SIOCHI, Joycelyn S. HARRISON
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Patent number: 9074066Abstract: Conventional toughening agents are typically rubbery materials or small molecular weight molecules, which mostly sacrifice the intrinsic properties of a matrix such as modulus, strength, and thermal stability as side effects. On the other hand, high modulus inclusions tend to reinforce elastic modulus very efficiently, but not the strength very well. For example, mechanical reinforcement with inorganic inclusions often degrades the composite toughness, encountering a frequent catastrophic brittle failure triggered by minute chips and cracks. Thus, toughening generally conflicts with mechanical reinforcement. Carbon nanotubes have been used as efficient reinforcing agents in various applications due to their combination of extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Cheol Park, Dennis C. Working, Emilie J. Siochi, Joycelyn S. Harrison
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Publication number: 20140103558Abstract: A method allows for preparation of CNT nanocomposites having improved mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Structured carbon nanotube forms such as sheet, yarn, and tape are modified with ?-conjugated conductive polymers, including polyaniline (PANI), fabricated by in-situ polymerization. The PANI modified CNT nanocomposites are subsequently post-processed to improve mechanical properties by hot press and carbonization.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventors: Jae-Woo Kim, Emilie J. Siochi, Kristopher E. Wise, John W. Connell, Yi Lin, Russell A. Wincheski, Dennis C. Working
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Patent number: 8608993Abstract: A nanocomposite structure and method of fabricating same are provided. The nanocomposite structure is a polymer in an extruded shape with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) longitudinally disposed and dispersed in the extruded shape along a dimension thereof. The polymer is characteristically defined as having a viscosity of at least approximately 100,000 poise at a temperature of 200° C.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Dennis C. Working, Emilie J. Siochi, Cheol Park, Peter T. Lillehei
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Publication number: 20110192319Abstract: Conventional toughening agents are typically rubbery materials or small molecular weight molecules, which mostly sacrifice the intrinsic properties of a matrix such as modulus, strength, and thermal stability as side effects. On the other hand, high modulus inclusions tend to reinforce elastic modulus very efficiently, but not the strength very well. For example, mechanical reinforcement with inorganic inclusions often degrades the composite toughness, encountering a frequent catastrophic brittle failure triggered by minute chips and cracks. Thus, toughening generally conflicts with mechanical reinforcement. Carbon nanotubes have been used as efficient reinforcing agents in various applications due to their combination of extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdmiInventors: Cheol Park, Dennis C. Working, Emilie J. Siochi, Joycelyn S. Harrison
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Publication number: 20110169187Abstract: A nanocomposite structure and method of fabricating same are provided. The nanocomposite structure is a polymer in an extruded shape with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) longitudinally disposed and dispersed in the extruded shape along a dimension thereof. The polymer is characteristically defined as having a viscosity of at least approximately 100,000 poise at a temperature of 200° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Dennis C. Working, Emilie J. Siochi, Cheol Park, Peter T. Lillehei
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Patent number: 6856073Abstract: A fluid-control electro-active device includes a piezo-diaphragm made from a ferroelectric material sandwiched by first and second electrode patterns configured to introduce an electric field into the ferroelectric material when voltage is applied thereto. The electric field originates at a region of the ferroelectric material between the first and second electrode patterns, and extends radially outward from this region of the ferroelectric material and substantially parallel to the plane of the ferroelectric material. The piezo-diaphragm deflects symmetrically about this region in a direction substantially perpendicular to the electric field. An annular region coupled to and extending radially outward from the piezo-diaphragm perimetrically borders the piezo-diaphragm. A housing is connected to the annular region and defines at least one fluid flow path therethrough with the piezo-diaphragm disposed therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Robert G. Bryant, Dennis C. Working
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Publication number: 20030173873Abstract: A fluid-control electro-active device includes a piezo-diaphragm made from a ferroelectric material sandwiched by first and second electrode patterns configured to introduce an electric field into the ferroelectric material when voltage is applied thereto. The electric field originates at a region of the ferroelectric material between the first and second electrode patterns, and extends radially outward from this region of the ferroelectric material and substantially parallel to the plane of the ferroelectric material. The piezo-diaphragm deflects symmetrically about this region in a direction substantially perpendicular to the electric field. An annular region coupled to and extending radially outward from the piezo-diaphragm perimetrically borders the piezo-diaphragm. A housing is connected to the annular region and defines at least one fluid flow path therethrough with the piezo-diaphragm disposed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Applicant: National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Robert G. Bryant, Dennis C. Working
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Patent number: 6131003Abstract: A device and method for reducing noise and/or vibration in an image forming apparatus. In a preferred form, an insert is disposed inside of a photosensitive drum, and the insert is a hollow tubular member including first and second members having surfaces oblique with respect to a longitudinal axis of the photosensitive drum, wherein the surfaces each face each other. The first and second members are moved relative to each other in order to change the overall diameter of the insert, such that upon insertion, the overall diameter can be made smaller than the inner diameter of the drum, and after insertion, the overall diameter of the insert can be increased such that the outer surface of the insert comes into contact with an inner surface of the drum. As such, the insert can be anchored to the interior of the drum without using adhesive and can be easily removed for recycling purposes.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc.Inventors: Rudolf E. Cais, Santanu Debnath, Dennis C. Working
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Patent number: 6075955Abstract: A device and method for reducing noise and/or vibration in an image forming apparatus. In a preferred form, an insert is disposed inside of a photosensitive drum, and the insert is a hollow tubular member having at least one slot extending through the tubular member so that the tubular member is resilient in a radial direction. The slot can be, for example, helical, so that the insert is a helical coil, with an outer diameter of the helical coil (in an uncompressed state) larger than an inner diameter of the photosensitive drum. The insert is radially compressed when it is inserted into the drum, so that the tendency of the insert to expand holds the insert in place within the drum. The insert reduces noise and vibration which can occur during operation of the photosensitive drum, and can also provide a supportive effect for the drum since the insert is urged in a radially outward direction against the inner surface of the drum.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc.Inventors: Rudolf E. Cais, William F. Niederstadt, Dennis C. Working
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Patent number: 5840828Abstract: A polyimide fiber having textile physical property characteristics and the process of melt extruding same from a polyimide powder. Polyimide powder formed as the reaction product of the monomers 3,4'-ODA and ODPA, and endcapped with phthalic anhydride to control the molecular weight thereof, is melt extruded in the temperature range of 340.degree. C. to 360.degree. C. and at heights of 100.5 inches, 209 inches and 364.5 inches. The fibers obtained have a diameter in the range of 0.0068 inch to 0.0147 inch; a mean tensile strength in the range of 15.6 to 23.1 ksi; a mean modulus of 406 to 465 ksi; and a mean elongation in the range of 14 to 103%.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Terry L. St. Clair, Catharine C. Fay, Dennis C. Working
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Patent number: 5670256Abstract: A polyimide fiber having textile physical property characteristics and the process of melt extruding same from a polyimide powder. Polyimide powder formed as the reaction product of the monomers 3,4'-ODA and ODPA, and endcapped with phthalic anhydride to control the molecular weight thereof, is melt extruded in the temperature range of 340.degree. C. to 360.degree. C. and at heights of 100.5 inches, 209 inches and 364.5 inches. The fibers obtained have a diameter in the range of 0.0068 inch to 0.0147 inch; a mean tensile strength in the range of 15.6 to 23.1 ksi; a mean modulus of 406 to 465 ksi; and a mean elongation in the range of 14 to 103%.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Terry L. St. Clair, Catharine C. Fay, Dennis C. Working
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Patent number: 5213843Abstract: A method and apparatus uniformly impregnate stranded material with dry powder such as low solubility, high melt flow polymer powder to produce, for example, composite prepregs. The stranded material is expanded in an impregnation chamber by an influx of air so that the powder, which may enter through the same inlet as the air, penetrates to the center of the stranded material. The stranded material then is contracted for holding the powder therein. The stranded material and powder may be pulled through the impregnation chamber in the same direction by vacuum. Larger particles of powder which do not fully penetrate the stranded material may be combed into the stranded material and powder which does not impregnate the stranded material may be collected and reused.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1991Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Dennis C. Working