Patents by Inventor Luke B. Roberson
Luke B. Roberson 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: 10138005Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Mark E. Lewis, Luke B. Roberson, Pedro J. Medelius
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Patent number: 9984785Abstract: Systems and methods for forming conductive materials. The conductive materials can be applied using a printer in single or multiple passes onto a substrate. The conductive materials are composed of electrical conductors such as carbon nanotubes (including functionalized carbon nanotubes and metal-coated carbon nanotubes), grapheme, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g. pentacene and bisperipentacene), metal nanoparticles, an inherently conductive polymer (ICP), and combinations thereof. Once the conductive materials are applied, the materials are dried and sintered to form adherent conductive materials on the substrate. The adherent conductive materials can be used in applications such as damage detection, particle removal, and smart coating systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Luke B. Roberson, Martha K. Williams, Tracy L. Gibson, LaNetra C. Tate, Sarah J. Snyder, Craig R. Fortier
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Patent number: 9777126Abstract: The invention provides new composite materials containing aerogels blended with thermoplastic polymer materials at a weight ratio of aerogel to thermoplastic polymer of less than 20:100. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability. The composite materials also have better flexibility and less brittleness at low temperatures than the parent thermoplastic polymer materials.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, James E. Fesmire, Luke B. Roberson, LaNetra M. Clayton
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Patent number: 9365302Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Mark E. Lewis, Luke B. Roberson, Sarah J. Snyder, Pedro J. Medelius
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Patent number: 9233765Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Mark E. Lewis, Luke B. Roberson, Sarah J. Snyder, Pedro J. Medelius, Steven L. Parks
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Patent number: 8945473Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment and a textile polymer. The textile material includes a chemochromic pigment operably responsive to a combustible gas. The combustible gas sensing textile material can be made by melt spinning, solution spinning, or other similar techniques. In a preferred embodiment carbon nanotubes are used with the textile material which will increase the material strength and alter the thermal and/or electrical properties. These textiles woven into fabrics can provide garments not only with hydrogen sensing capabilities but the carbon nanotubes will allow for a range of sensing capabilities to be embedded (i.e. gas, health, and electronic monitors) within the garments.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Luke B. Roberson, Janine E. Captain, Martha K. Williams, LaNetra Clayton Tate
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Patent number: 8920730Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and molded into a rigid or pliable shape. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector is within the material which is molded into a manufactured part, said part becoming the detector itself. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below ?196° C.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Luke B. Roberson, Janine E. Captain, Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, LaNetra Clayton Tate
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Patent number: 8815603Abstract: A chemochromic indicator is provided that includes a hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment that change from a first color to a second color in the presence of a hypergolic fuel. In a first embodiment, a chemochromic indicator is provided for detecting the presence of a hypergolic fuel such that the irreversible hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment includes potassium tetrachloroaurate (KAuCl4). There are several types of chemochromic indicators, for example, the article used to form the chemochromic indicators include, but are not limited to, wipe materials, silicone/TEFLON tape, manufactured parts, fabrics, extruded parts, and paints.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Luke B. Roberson, Robert W. DeVor, Janine E. Captain, Edgardo Santiago-Maldonado
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Patent number: 8810255Abstract: An in-situ system for detecting damage in an electrically conductive wire. The system includes a substrate at least partially covered by a layer of electrically conductive material forming a continuous or non-continuous electrically conductive layer connected to an electrical signal generator adapted to delivering electrical signals to the electrically conductive layer. Data is received and processed to identify damage to the substrate or electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive material may include metalized carbon fibers, a thin metal coating, a conductive polymer, carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. Williams, Luke B. Roberson, Lanetra C. Tate, Trent M. Smith, Tracy L. Gibson, Scott T. Jolley, Pedro J. Medelius
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Publication number: 20130017617Abstract: A chemochromic indicator is provided that includes a hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment that change from a first color to a second color in the presence of a hypergolic fuel. In a first embodiment, a chemochromic indicator is provided for detecting the presence of a hypergolic fuel such that the irreversible hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment includes potassium tetrachloroaurate (KAuCl4). There are several types of chemochromic indicators, for example, the article used to form the chemochromic indicators include, but are not limited to, wipe materials, silicone/TEFLON tape, manufactured parts, fabrics, extruded parts, and paints.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicants: Space AdmInventors: Luke B. Roberson, Robert W. DeVor, Janine E. Captain, Edgardo Santiago-Maldonado, Stanley O. Starr
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Publication number: 20130004372Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment and a textile polymer. The textile material includes a chemochromic pigment operably responsive to a combustible gas. The combustible gas sensing textile material can be made by melt spinning, solution spinning, or other similar techniques. In a preferred embodiment carbon nanotubes are used with the textile material which will increase the material strength and alter the thermal and/or electrical properties. These textiles woven into fabrics can provide garments not only with hydrogen sensing capabilities but the carbon nanotubes will allow for a range of sensing capabilities to be embedded (i.e. gas, health, and electronic monitors) within the garments.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator or the National Aeronautics and SpacInventors: Luke B. Roberson, Janine E. Captain, Martha K. Williams, LaNetra Clayton Tate
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Publication number: 20130005045Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and molded into a rigid or pliable shape. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector is within the material which is molded into a manufactured part, said part becoming the detector itself. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below ?196° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicants: SpaceInventors: Janine E. Captain, Luke B. Roberson, Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, LaNetra Clayton Tate
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Publication number: 20120318925Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Mark E. Lewis, Luke B. Roberson, Sarah J. Snyder, Pedro J. Medelius, Steven L. Parks
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Patent number: 8293178Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and formed into a rigid or pliable material. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector includes aerogel material. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below ?196° C.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Luke B. Roberson, Janine E. Captain, Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, LaNetra Clayton Tate
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Publication number: 20120111599Abstract: Systems and methods for forming conductive materials. The conductive materials can be applied using a printer in single or multiple passes onto a substrate. The conductive materials are composed of electrical conductors such as carbon nanotubes (including functionalized carbon nanotubes and metal-coated carbon nanotubes), grapheme, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g. pentacene and bisperipentacene), metal nanoparticles, an inherently conductive polymer (ICP), and combinations thereof. Once the conductive materials are applied, the materials are dried and sintered to form adherent conductive materials on the substrate. The adherent conductive materials can be used in applications such as damage detection, particle removal, and smart coating systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: United States Of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and SpacInventors: Luke B. Roberson, Martha K. Williams, Tracy L. Gibson, LaNetra C. Tate, Sarah J. Snyder, Craig R. Fortier
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Publication number: 20110209894Abstract: A composite material formed of electrically conductive metalized carbon fibers, a thin metal coating or a composite material formed of a conductive polymer and metal nanoparticles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicants: and Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. Williams, Luke B. Roberson, Lanetra C. Tate, Trent M. Smith, Tracy L. Gibson, Scott T. Jolley
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Publication number: 20110210749Abstract: An in-situ system for detecting damage in an electrically conductive wire. The system comprises a substrate at least partially covered by a layer of electrically conductive material forming a continuous on non-continuous electrically conductive layer connected to an electrical signal generator adapted to delivering electrical signals to the electrically conductive layer. Data is received and processed to identify damage to the substrate or electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive material may include metalized carbon fibers, a thin metal coating, a conductive polymer, carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. Williams, Luke B. Roberson, Lanetra C. Tate, Trent M. Smith, Tracy L. Gibson, Scott T. Jolley, Pedro J. Medelius
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Publication number: 20110171066Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and formed into a rigid or pliable material. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector includes aerogel material. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below ?196° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2007Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Janine E. Captain, Luke B. Roberson, Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, LaNetra Clayton Tate
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Publication number: 20100280171Abstract: The invention provides new composite materials containing aerogels blended with thermoplastic polymer materials at a weight ratio of aerogel to thermoplastic polymer of less than 20:100. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability. The composite materials also have better flexibility and less brittleness at low temperatures than the parent thermoplastic polymer materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: United States of America as Rep. by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & SpaceInventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, James E. Fesmire, Luke B. Roberson, LaNetra M. Clayton
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Publication number: 20100279044Abstract: The invention provides new composite materials containing aerogels blended with thermoplastic polymer materials at a weight ratio of aerogel to thermoplastic polymer of less than 20:100. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability. The composite materials also have better flexibility and less brittleness at low temperatures than the parent thermoplastic polymer materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: USA as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. WILLIAMS, Trent M. SMITH, James E. FESMIRE, Luke B. ROBERSON, LaNetra M. CLAYTON