Patents by Inventor Kent A. Watson
Kent A. Watson 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: 9475973Abstract: In the method of embodiments of the invention, the metal seeded carbon allotropes are reacted in solution forming zero valent metallic nanowires at the seeded sites. A polymeric passivating reagent, which selects for anisotropic growth is also used in the reaction to facilitate nanowire formation. The resulting structure resembles a porcupine, where carbon allotropes have metallic wires of nanometer dimensions that emanate from the seed sites on the carbon allotrope. These sites are populated by nanowires having approximately the same diameter as the starting nanoparticle diameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Robin E. Southward, Donavon Mark Delozier, Kent A. Watson, Joseph G. Smith, Jr., Sayata Ghose, John W. Connell
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Patent number: 9120677Abstract: A scalable method allows preparation of bulk quantities of holey carbon allotropes with holes ranging from a few to over 100 nm in diameter. Carbon oxidation catalyst nanoparticles are first deposited onto a carbon allotrope surface in a facile, controllable, and solvent-free process. The catalyst-loaded carbons are then subjected to thermal treatment in air. The carbons in contact with the carbon oxidation catalyst nanoparticles are selectively oxidized into gaseous byproducts such as CO or CO2, leaving the surface with holes. The catalyst is then removed via refluxing in diluted nitric acid to obtain the final holey carbon allotropes. The average size of the holes correlates strongly with the size of the catalyst nanoparticles and is controlled by adjusting the catalyst precursor concentration. The temperature and time of the air oxidation step, and the catalyst removal treatment conditions, strongly affect the morphology of the holes.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignees: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, The United States of America as represented by the Administration of NASAInventors: Kent Watson, Yi Lin, Sayata Ghose, John Connell
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Patent number: 8790773Abstract: A dielectric material includes a network of nanosubstrates, such as but not limited to nanotubes, nanosheets, or other nanomaterials or nanostructures, a polymer base material or matrix, and nanoparticles constructed at least partially of an elemental metal. The network has a predetermined nanosubstrate loading percentage by weight with respect to a total weight of the dielectric material, and a preferential or predetermined longitudinal alignment with respect to an orientation of an incident electrical field. A method of forming the dielectric material includes depositing the metal-based nanoparticles onto the nanosubstrates and subsequently mixing these with a polymer matrix. Once mixed, alignment can be achieved by melt extrusion or a similar mechanical shearing process. Alignment of the nanosubstrate may be in horizontal or vertical direction with respect to the orientation of an incident electrical field.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Kenneth L. Dudley, Holly A Elliott, John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Sayata Ghose, Kent A. Watson, Donavon Mark Delozier
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Publication number: 20140203206Abstract: In the method of embodiments of the invention, the metal seeded carbon allotropes are reacted in solution forming zero valent metallic nanowires at the seeded sites. A polymeric passivating reagent, which selects for anisotropic growth is also used in the reaction to facilitate nanowire formation. The resulting structure resembles a porcupine, where carbon allotropes have metallic wires of nanometer dimensions that emanate from the seed sites on the carbon allotrope. These sites are populated by nanowires having approximately the same diameter as the starting nanoparticle diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Inventors: Robin E. Southward, Donavon Mark Delozier, Kent A. Watson, Joseph G. Smith, JR., Sayata Ghose, John W. Connell
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Patent number: 8703235Abstract: In the method of embodiments of the invention, the metal seeded carbon allotropes are reacted in solution forming zero valent metallic nanowires at the seeded sites. A polymeric passivating reagent, which selects for anisotropic growth is also used in the reaction to facilitate nanowire formation. The resulting structure resembles a porcupine, where carbon allotropes have metallic wires of nanometer dimensions that emanate from the seed sites on the carbon allotrope. These sites are populated by nanowires having approximately the same diameter as the starting nanoparticle diameter.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Robin E. Southward, Donavon Mark Delozier, Kent A. Watson, Joseph G. Smith, Sayata Ghose, John W. Connell
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Patent number: 8508413Abstract: An antenna includes a ground plane, a dielectric disposed on the ground plane, and an electrically-conductive radiator disposed on the dielectric. The dielectric includes at least one layer of a first dielectric material and a second dielectric material that collectively define a dielectric geometric pattern, which may comprise a fractal geometry. The radiator defines a radiator geometric pattern, and the dielectric geometric pattern is geometrically identical, or substantially geometrically identical, to the radiator geometric pattern.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Kenneth L. Dudley, Holly A. Elliott, Robin L. Cravey, John W. Connell, Sayata Ghose, Kent A. Watson, Joseph G. Smith, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110254739Abstract: An antenna includes a ground plane, a dielectric disposed on the ground plane, and an electrically-conductive radiator disposed on the dielectric. The dielectric includes at least one layer of a first dielectric material and a second dielectric material that collectively define a dielectric geometric pattern, which may comprise a fractal geometry. The radiator defines a radiator geometric pattern, and the dielectric geometric pattern is geometrically identical, or substantially geometrically identical, to the radiator geometric pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: U. S. A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Kenneth L. DUDLEY, Holly A. ELLIOTT, Robin L. CRAVEY, John W. CONNELL, Sayata GHOSE, Kent A. WATSON, Joseph G. SMITH
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Publication number: 20110256197Abstract: In the method of embodiments of the invention, the metal seeded carbon allotropes are reacted in solution forming zero valent metallic nanowires at the seeded sites. A polymeric passivating reagent, which selects for anisotropic growth is also used in the reaction to facilitate nanowire formation. The resulting structure resembles a porcupine, where carbon allotropes have metallic wires of nanometer dimensions that emanate from the seed sites on the carbon allotrope. These sites are populated by nanowires having approximately the same diameter as the starting nanoparticle diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and SpacInventors: Robin E. Southward, Donavon Mark Delozier, Kent A. Watson, Joseph G. Smith, Sayata Ghose, John W. Connell
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Patent number: 7972536Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Jr., Joycelyn S. Harrison, Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies
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Patent number: 7906043Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies
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Patent number: 7723464Abstract: Novel compositions of matter comprise certain derivatives of 9,9-dialkyl fluorene diamine (AFDA). The resultant compositions, whether compositions of matter or monomers that are subsequently incorporated into a polymer, are unique and useful in a variety of applications. Useful applications of AFDA-based material include heavy ion radiation shielding components and components of optical and electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Donovan M. Delozier, Kent A. Watson, John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 7704553Abstract: A process for depositing nanometer-sized metal particles onto a substrate in the absence of aqueous solvents, organic solvents, and reducing agents, and without any required pre-treatment of the substrate, includes preparing an admixture of a metal compound and a substrate by dry mixing a chosen amount of the metal compound with a chosen amount of the substrate; and supplying energy to the admixture in an amount sufficient to deposit zero valance metal particles onto the substrate. This process gives rise to a number of deposited metallic particle sizes which may be controlled. The compositions prepared by this process are used to produce polymer composites by combining them with readily available commodity and engineering plastics. The polymer composites are used as coatings, or they are used to fabricate articles, such as free-standing films, fibers, fabrics, foams, molded and laminated articles, tubes, adhesives, and fiber reinforced articles.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignees: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Kent A. Watson, Michael J. Fallbach, Sayata Ghose, Joseph G. Smith, Donavon M. Delozier, John W. Connell
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Publication number: 20100084618Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, JR., Joycelyn S. Harrison, Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies
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Publication number: 20100078600Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies
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Patent number: 7667847Abstract: A photogrammetric system uses an array of spaced-apart targets coupled to a structure. Each target exhibits fluorescence when exposed to a broad beam of illumination. A photogrammetric imaging system located remotely with respect to the structure detects and processes the fluorescence (but not the illumination wavelength) to measure the shape of a structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Adrian A. Dorrington, Thomas W. Jones, Paul M. Danehy, Kent A. Watson, John W. Connell, Richard S. Pappa, W. Keith Belvin
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Patent number: 7588699Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400–800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies, John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Joycelyn S. Harrison
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Publication number: 20090022977Abstract: A dielectric material includes a network of nanosubstrates, such as but not limited to nanotubes, nanosheets, or other nanomaterials or nanostructures, a polymer base material or matrix, and nanoparticles constructed at least partially of an elemental metal. The network has a predetermined nanosubstrate loading percentage by weight with respect to a total weight of the dielectric material, and a preferential or predetermined longitudinal alignment with respect to an orientation of an incident electrical field. A method of forming the dielectric material includes depositing the metal-based nanoparticles onto the nanosubstrates and subsequently mixing these with a polymer matrix. Once mixed, alignment can be achieved by melt extrusion or a similar mechanical shearing process. Alignment of the nanosubstrate may be in horizontal or vertical direction with respect to the orientation of an incident electrical field.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Kenneth L. Dudley, Holly A. Elliott, John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Sayata Ghose, Kent A. Watson, Donavon Mark Delozier
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Patent number: 7467639Abstract: A method for controlling a motion of a gas valve in a gas feed line coupling a supply device to a burner is provided. The method includes receiving a signal representative of a user-selected desired level of heat output of the burner, translating the received signal to a first current signal, measuring a second current signal in a conducting medium that is operatively coupled with the valve, deriving a third current signal from the first and second current signals, and providing the third current signal to the conducting medium to control the motion of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eric Kent Watson, Derrick Douglas Little
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Publication number: 20080074669Abstract: A photogrammetric system uses an array of spaced-apart targets coupled to a structure. Each target exhibits fluorescence when exposed to a broad beam of illumination. A photogrammetric imaging system located remotely with respect to the structure detects and processes the fluorescence (but not the illumination wavelength) to measure the shape of a structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & Space AdministrationInventors: Adrian A. Dorrington, Thomas W. Jones, Paul M. Danehy, Kent A. Watson, John W. Connell, Richard S. Pappa, Keith Belvin W.
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Publication number: 20080004419Abstract: Novel compositions of matter comprise certain derivatives of 9,9-dialkyl fluorene diamine (AFDA). The resultant compositions, whether compositions of matter or monomers that are subsequently incorporated into a polymer, are unique and useful in a variety of applications. Useful applications of AFDA-based material include heavy ion radiation shielding components and components of optical and electronic devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2008Applicant: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and SpacInventors: Donovan Delozier, Kent Watson, John Connell, Joseph Smith