Patents by Inventor Martha K. Williams
Martha K. Williams 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: 10174198Abstract: Materials based on low melt polyimide, polyurea, or polyurethane chemistry have been developed which exhibit self-healing properties. These high performance polymers can be utilized either by themselves or in combination with microcapsule technology to deliver self-healing properties to electrical wire insulation or in other high performance, thin wall technologies such as inflatable structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Scott T. Jolley, Martha K. Williams, Tracy L. Gibson, Trent M. Smith, Anne J. Caraccio, Wenyan Li
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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: 9982661Abstract: A thermal management system includes a first substrate having a first conductive inner surface. A second substrate has a second conductive inner surface. A connecting structure is attached to the first and second substrates to space apart the first and second inner surfaces defining an insulating space for a single architecture. One or more passively-acting elements are attached to the inner surface of at least one substrate and including a shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA). The SMA passively reacts to the temperature of the first substrate by thermally contacting or separating from the second inner surface of the second substrate for the control of the conduction of heat energy in either direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Steven Trigwell, James E. Fesmire, Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams
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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: 9365756Abstract: Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use as adhesives, and methods of using the materials for attaching two substrates. The methods typically form an adhesive bond that is hermetically sealed to both substrates. Additionally, the method typically forms a cross-linked bonding material that is flexible.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Scott T. Jolley, Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Clyde F. Parrish, Sarah J. Snyder
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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: 9193830Abstract: Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use in repair of electrical wire insulation, flat or ribbon wire harnesses, and flat surfaces comprised of high-performance polymers such as inflatables or solar panels applications. Also provided are methods and devices for repair of electrical insulation.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Scott T. Jolley, Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Clyde F. Parrish, Steven L. Parks
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Patent number: 9108178Abstract: Elongated microcapsules, such as elongated hydrophobic-core and hydrophilic-core microcapsules, may be formed by pulse stirring an emulsion or shearing an emulsion between two surfaces moving at different velocities. The elongated microcapsules may be dispersed in a coating formulation, such as paint.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Luz M. Calle, Wenyan N. Li, Jerry W. Buhrow, Stephen A. Perusich, Scott T. Jolley, Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams
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Publication number: 20150155071Abstract: Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use in repair of electrical wire insulation, flat or ribbon wire harnesses, and flat surfaces comprised of high-performance polymers such as inflatables or solar panels applications. Also provided are methods and devices for repair of electrical insulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: June 4, 2015Inventors: Scott T. Jolley, Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Clyde F. Parrish, Steven L. Parks
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Publication number: 20150152225Abstract: Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use in repair of electrical wire insulation, flat or ribbon wire harnesses, and flat surfaces comprised of high-performance polymers such as inflatables or solar panels applications. Also provided are methods and devices for repair of electrical insulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: June 4, 2015Inventors: Scott T. Jolley, Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Clyde F. Parrish, 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: 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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Patent number: 8623253Abstract: Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use in repair of electrical wire insulation, flat or ribbon wire harnesses, and flat surfaces comprised of high-performance polymers such as inflatables or solar panels applications. Also provided are methods and devices for repair of electrical insulation.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Scott T. Jolley, Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Clyde F. Parrish, Steven L. Parks
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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: 20120321828Abstract: Materials based on low melt polyimide, polyurea, or polyurethane chemistry have been developed which exhibit self-healing properties. These high performance polymers can be utilized either by themselves or in combination with microcapsule technology to deliver self-healing properties to electrical wire insulation or in other high performance, thin wall technologies such as inflatable structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and SpacInventors: Scott T. Jolley, Martha K. Williams, Tracy L. Gibson, Trent M. Smith, Anne J. Caraccio, Wenyan Li
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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