Patents by Inventor Eric L. Christiansen

Eric L. Christiansen 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).

  • Micrometeoroid and orbital debris impact detection and location using fiber optic strain sensing
    Patent number: 10267694
    Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a strain-sensing apparatus configured to be attached to a micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) shielding layer and data collection equipment in communication with the strain-sensing apparatus configured to detect an occurrence, a time, a location, and/or a severity of a MMOD strike on the MMOD shielding layer. The various embodiments may enable detection and/or location of potentially harmful MMOD strikes on both human occupied and unmanned spacecraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASA
    Inventors: Steven L. Rickman, W. Lance Richards, Anthony Piazza, Eric L. Christiansen, Francisco Pena, Allen R. Parker, Jr.
  • Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris Impact Detection and Location Using Fiber Optic Strain Sensing
    Publication number: 20170205297
    Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a strain-sensing apparatus configured to be attached to a micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) shielding layer and data collection equipment in communication with the strain-sensing apparatus configured to detect an occurrence, a time, a location, and/or a severity of a MMOD strike on the MMOD shielding layer. The various embodiments may enable detection and/or location of potentially harmful MMOD strikes on both human occupied and unmanned spacecraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Steven L. Rickman, W. Lance Richards, Anthony Piazza, Eric L. Christiansen, Francisco Pena, Allen R. Parker, JR.
  • Impact detection system
    Patent number: 7805276
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus and method capable of determining the time and location of a projectile's impact is disclosed. In another embodiment, an apparatus and method capable of determining the time and location of a projectile's impact as well as the direction from whence the projectile came is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Terry Byers, Frank L. Gibbons, Eric L. Christiansen
  • Flexible multi-shock shield
    Patent number: 6899009
    Abstract: Flexible multi-shock shield system and method are disclosed for defending against hypervelocity particles. The flexible multi-shock shield system and method may include a number of flexible bumpers or shield layers spaced apart by one or more resilient support layers, all of which may be encapsulated in a protective cover. Fasteners associated with the protective cover allow the flexible multi-shock shield to be secured to the surface of a structure to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Eric L. Christiansen, Jeanne L. Crews
  • Apparatus and method for deploying a hypervelocity shield
    Patent number: 6647855
    Abstract: Provided herein are apparatuses for deployment of at least one hypervelocity shield on a structure in exoatmospheric space. The apparatuses comprise a means of attaching to the structure at least at one place on the structure and further comprise at least one of the hypervelocity shields and a means of deploying said shields. Also provided are methods of deploying the hypervelocity shields using said apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Eric L. Christiansen, Justin H. Kerr
  • Flexible multi-shock shield
    Publication number: 20020195030
    Abstract: Flexible multi-shock shield system and method are disclosed for defending against hypervelocity particles. The flexible multi-shock shield system and method may include a number of flexible bumpers or shield layers spaced apart by one or more resilient support layers, all of which may be encapsulated in a protective cover. Fasteners associated with the protective cover allow the flexible multi-shock shield to be secured to the surface of a structure to be protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Eric L. Christiansen, Jeanne L. Crews
  • Enhanced whipple shield
    Patent number: 5610363
    Abstract: A hypervelocity impact (HVI) Whipple Shield and a method for shielding a wall from penetration by high velocity particle impacts where the Whipple Shield is comprised of spaced apart inner and outer metal sheets or walls with an intermediate cloth barrier arrangement comprised of ceramic cloth and high strength cloth which are interrelated by ballistic formulae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jeanne L. Crews, Eric L. Christiansen, Joel E. Williamsen, Jennifer R. Robinson, Angela M. Nolen