Patents by Inventor Marlen T. Kite

Marlen T. Kite 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).

  • Carbon nanotube-based sensor and method for detection of crack growth in a structure
    Patent number: 7278324
    Abstract: A sensor has a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based conductors operatively positioned on a substrate. The conductors are arranged side-by-side, such as in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. At least one pair of spaced-apart electrodes is coupled to opposing ends of the conductors. A portion of each of the conductors spanning between each pair of electrodes comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged end-to-end and substantially aligned along an axis. Because a direct correlation exists between the resistance of a carbon nanotube and its strain, changes experienced by the portion of the structure to which the sensor is coupled induce a corresponding change in the electrical properties of the conductors, thereby enabling detection of crack growth in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jan M. Smits, Marlen T. Kite, Thomas C. Moore, Russell A. Wincheski, JoAnne L. Ingram, Anthony N. Watkins, Phillip A. Williams