Patents by Inventor Jan Vetrovec
Jan Vetrovec 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: 7310360Abstract: A cooling system for use in with a transmissive optical element of a high average power laser (HAP). The system includes at least one optically transmissive element (TOC) that is held by a differential pressure in thermal contact with a heat sink assembly. In one embodiment, the heat sink assembly includes an optically transparent heat conductor (THC) attached to at least one face of the TOC. A vacuum formed between adjacent faces of the TOC and THC urges the facing planar surfaces into thermal contact with one another. Waste heat generated in the TOC is conducted to the THC. The temperature gradient inside the TOC is maintained substantially parallel to the direction of a laser beam being directed through the THC so that a given phase front of the beam exposes TOC material to the same temperature. As a result, the TOC does not perturb the phase front of the laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jan Vetrovec, William C Elliott
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Patent number: 7302795Abstract: An internal combustion engine system for automotive vehicle wherein liquid water is produced by cooling a portion of exhaust gases at elevated pressure to induce condensation. The use of elevated pressure allows condensation to occur at a higher dew point which is easier to realize with cooling by ambient air. Liquid water condensate is collected and provided to an electrolytic cell for electrolysis into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen gas generated by the cell is used by the internal combustion engine to reduce internal combustion engine wear and to reduce exhaust pollutants especially during start-up. Alternate uses of the liquid water include a replenishment of engine coolant and window washing fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Publication number: 20070137590Abstract: An internal combustion engine/water source system for a vehicle powered by a internal combustion engine wherein liquid water is produced by cooling a portion of engine exhaust gases in a vortex tube to induce condensation. In one embodiment, engine exhaust gases are pumped into the vortex tube by a compressor. After removing a portion of water vapor, cooled exhaust gases may be re-introduced to engine's combustion chamber thereby providing an exhaust gas recirculation. In an automotive vehicle, liquid water generated by the invention may be collected and provided to an electrolytic cell for electrolysis into gaseous hydrogen to reduce exhaust pollutants during cold engine start. Alternatively, water generated by the invention may be injected into engine combustion chamber to increase power and to reduce production of nitrogen oxides.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2007Publication date: June 21, 2007Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Publication number: 20070131403Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided for transferring heat to a working fluid. The heat exchanger comprises a housing having a plurality of grooves formed in a surface of the housing. The grooves have a first end and a second end, and define fluid flow channels. Each channel has a fluid flow inlet and a fluid flow outlet. The fluid flow inlets of an alternating first set of channels are adjacent to the first end of the grooves, and the fluid flow inlets of a second set of alternating channels are adjacent to the second end of the grooves. The first set of channels and the second set of channels are arranged such that fluid in immediately adjacent channels flows in opposite directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2005Publication date: June 14, 2007Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Jan Vetrovec, Tri Tran
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Publication number: 20070125346Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine system wherein during periods of high power demand the weight of combustion chamber charge is increased by cooling intake air in a vortex tube operated by high-pressure air from a storage tank. In addition to increasing engine output power, cold air intake also reduces engine pre-ignition (knocking) thereby reducing emissions. Included are means for sensing engine power demand and controlling the supercharging action. Output of the vortex tube may be also used to operate an ejector pump which further compresses intake air and increases charge weight. During periods of natural aspiration the ejector pump can be by-passed to reduce flow impedance. Effective supercharging is achieved even at low engine speeds. One of the objects of the invention is to obtain more power from small displacement ICE and thus providing automotive vehicles with sufficient acceleration in addition to good fuel economy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: June 7, 2007Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Publication number: 20070116081Abstract: A laser system may include a solid-state laser gain material (LGM) module. The system may also include a multi-pass resonator including a plurality of relay mirrors. The plurality of mirrors may be grouped at least in pairs. A first mirror of each pair of relay mirrors may be positioned to cause a laser beam from the LGM module incident on the first mirror to be reflected to the second mirror, and the second mirror may be positioned to reflect the laser beam back to the LGM module for further amplification. The multi-pass resonator may be configured to provide a high-quality laser beam in the fundamental mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2005Publication date: May 24, 2007Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Jan Vetrovec, Leo Schirber
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Publication number: 20070110116Abstract: A laser gain material module may include a lasing portion and a perimetral portion. The perimetral portion may be formed in a predetermined shape to substantially prevent any spontaneously emitted photons created in the lasing portion and entering the perimetral portion from returning to the lasing portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2005Publication date: May 17, 2007Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Jan Vetrovec, Roy Clark
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Publication number: 20070104233Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for cooling a laser, such as a high average power (HAP) solid state laser (SSL). A coolant that has been heated from previous use can be conditioned by transferring heat from the coolant to a phase change medium. The conditioned coolant can then be re-used to cool the laser. In this manner, a low cost, lightweight, compact cooling system that generates comparatively quiescent flow at comparatively high flow rates can be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2005Publication date: May 10, 2007Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Patent number: 7200161Abstract: A solid state laser module for amplification of laser radiation. The module includes a laser gain medium having a pair of generally parallel surfaces that form a disc-like shape, that receive and transmit laser radiation. At least one perimetral optical medium is disposed adjacent a peripheral edge of the laser gain medium and in optical communication therewith. A source of optical pump radiation directs optical pump radiation into the perimetral optical medium generally normal to the parallel surfaces and the perimetral optical medium transports the optical pump radiation into the laser gain medium to pump the laser gain medium to a laser transition level. Alternative embodiments include arrangements for directing cooling fluids between adjacently disposed laser gain media.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Publication number: 20070006571Abstract: An internal combustion engine system for automotive vehicle wherein liquid water is produced by cooling a portion of exhaust gases at elevated pressure to induce condensation. The use of elevated pressure allows condensation to occur at a higher dew point which is easier to realize with cooling by ambient air. Liquid water condensate is collected and provided to an electrolytic cell for electrolysis into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen gas generated by the cell is used by the internal combustion engine to reduce internal combustion engine wear and to reduce exhaust pollutants especially during start-up. Alternate uses of the liquid water include a replenishment of engine coolant and window washing fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2005Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Publication number: 20060168958Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine system wherein the supercharger assembly includes an ejector pump driven by high-pressure air for pumping intake air into engine combustion chamber. The ejector pump uses a supersonic driving nozzle and a diffuser, each of which can be provided either with a fixed throat area or with a variable throat area. The system includes means for sensing engine power demand and controlling the supercharging action. Effective supercharging with fast response to demand is achieved even at low engine speeds. During periods of natural engine aspiration the ejector pump can be by-passed to reduce flow impedance. The invention permits increasing power output from small displacement engines. As a result, acceleration and grade ascent capabilities of automotive vehicles with small displacement engines having good fuel economy is improved. The system can be also operated to reduce engine exhaust emissions during cold start.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2006Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Patent number: 7085304Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for amplifying a source light in a solid state laser. An amplifier module for the solid state laser suitably includes a disk having two substantially parallel surfaces and an optical gain material. A number of diode bars are arranged about the perimeter of the disk and configured to provide optical pump radiation to the laser gain material in the disk. Each of the plurality of diode bars is spatially aligned with the disk in such a manner as to produce substantially uniform gain across the optical gain material. The fast axes of the diode bars maybe aligned to be parallel or orthogonal to the parallel surfaces of the disk, for example.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Patent number: 7076952Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine system wherein the supercharger assembly includes an ejector pump driven by high-pressure air for pumping intake air into engine combustion chamber. Included are means for sensing engine power demand and controlling the supercharging action. A compressor and an air tank for providing high-pressure air for driving the ejector pump are also disclosed. During periods of natural aspiration the ejector pump can be by-passed to reduce flow impedance. The ejector pump can use a driving nozzle with a fixed throat or a variable throat, or a lobed nozzle. Effective supercharging is achieved even at low engine speeds. One of the objects of the invention is to obtain more power from small displacement ICE and thus providing automotive vehicles with sufficient acceleration in addition to good fuel economy.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2005Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Publication number: 20060144046Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine system wherein the supercharger assembly includes an ejector pump driven by high-pressure air for pumping intake air into engine combustion chamber. Included are means for sensing engine power demand and controlling the supercharging action. A compressor and an air tank for providing high-pressure air for driving the ejector pump are also disclosed. During periods of natural aspiration the ejector pump can be by-passed to reduce flow impedance. The ejector pump can use a driving nozzle with a fixed throat or a variable throat, or a lobed nozzle. Effective supercharging is achieved even at low engine speeds. One of the objects of the invention is to obtain more power from small displacement ICE and thus providing automotive vehicles with sufficient acceleration in addition to good fuel economy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2005Publication date: July 6, 2006Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Patent number: 7058100Abstract: A solid-state laser system includes a solid-state laser having a laser gain medium and at least one pumping diode. The system also includes a thermal management system capable of placing a coolant in thermal communication with the solid-state laser such that the coolant can carry heat away from the solid-state laser. The thermal management system is then capable of rejecting the heat carried away by the coolant to a fluid at an ambient temperature, where the coolant can be at a temperature between 40° C. and 80° C. when the thermal management system rejects the heat. Advantageously, the thermal management system of the present invention can include reject the heat to a fluid comprising, for example, air or water. As such, the thermal management system does not require separate cooling of the fluid carrying the heat away from the coolant.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jan Vetrovec, Robert R. Rice
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Publication number: 20060088067Abstract: A cooling system for use in with a transmissive optical element of a high average power laser (HAP). The system includes at least one optically transmissive element (TOC) that is held by a differential pressure in thermal contact with a heat sink assembly. In one embodiment, the heat sink assembly includes an optically transparent heat conductor (THC) attached to at least one face of the TOC. A vacuum formed between adjacent faces of the TOC and THC urges the facing planar surfaces into thermal contact with one another. Waste heat generated in the TOC is conducted to the THC. The temperature gradient inside the TOC is maintained substantially parallel to the direction of a laser beam being directed through the THC so that a given phase front of the beam exposes TOC material to the same temperature. As a result, the TOC does not perturb the phase front of the laser beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2004Publication date: April 27, 2006Inventors: Jan Vetrovec, William Elliott
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Publication number: 20060083894Abstract: An adhesive sheet is disclosed including a flexible substrate and an adhesive layer formed on at least one of the main surfaces of the flexible substrate. The adhesive sheet further includes a plurality of microscopic holes connecting the opposing surfaces of the sheet and being generally perpendicular to them. Such adhesive sheet is permeable by air and allows good bubble escapability when the sheet is applied to an article. Sufficient permeability of the sheet to air is achieved with microscopic size holes installed in modest areal densities, hence the appearance and functionality of the film surface are not significantly adversely impacted. One intended use of the subject invention is for tinting films used to reduce light transmission in windows for use in buildings and automobiles. In this application visual appearance of the film is paramount.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2004Publication date: April 20, 2006Inventors: Jan Vetrovec, Katerina Vetrovec
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Patent number: 6999839Abstract: A solid state laser module for amplification of laser radiation. The module includes a laser gain medium having a pair of generally parallel surfaces that form a disc-like shape, that receive and transmit laser radiation. At least one undoped optical medium is disposed adjacent a peripheral edge of the laser gain medium and in optical communication therewith. A source of optical pump radiation directs optical pump radiation into the undoped optical medium generally normal to the parallel surfaces and the undoped optical medium transports the optical pump radiation into the laser gain medium to pump the laser gain medium to a laser transition level. Alternative embodiments include arrangements for directing cooling fluids between adjacently disposed laser gain media.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Jan Vetrovec
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Publication number: 20050200550Abstract: Methods and systems for generating and imaging THz electromagnetic radiation using a composite dipole array made up of novel structures of non-linear dipole strings with dual frequency resonances for frequency up conversion and frequency down conversion are disclosed. THz electromagnetic radiation resulting from the frequency down conversion process can be used as an illumination source for imaging, as a carrier for communications, or as an energy source for spectroscopy, for example. Optical electromagnetic radiation resulting from the frequency up conversion process can be used to form images from THz electromagnetic radiation for contraband detection, guidance systems, and medical applications, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2005Publication date: September 15, 2005Inventors: Jan Vetrovec, Sandor Holly
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Patent number: 6888872Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving a near diffraction-limited, high-average power output from a solid-state laser oscillator are provided. The solid-state laser uses multiple disk-shaped laser gain media having a large optical aperture placed in an unstable resonator. The laser gain media is provided with optical coatings for operation in the active mirror configuration and is attached to a rigid, cooled substrate, which allows it to maintain a prescribed shape even when experiencing significant thermal load. The resonator is configured so as to preferentially support low order optical modes with transverse dimensions sufficiently large to efficiently fill the gain media apertures. Resonator configurations capable of producing standing wave or traveling wave optical fields are disclosed. The resonator may include means for intracavity correction of an optical phase front by adaptive optics.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Jan Vetrovec