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: 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: 20120207921Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicants: 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: 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: 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: 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: 20110212334Abstract: 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: February 23, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Scott T. Jolley, Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Clyde F. Parrish, Steven L. Parks
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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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Patent number: 7977411Abstract: The invention involves composite materials containing a polymer foam and an aerogel. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability, good acoustic insulation, and excellent physical mechanical properties. The composite materials can be used, for instance, for heat and acoustic insulation on aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime ships in place of currently used foam panels and other foam products. The materials of the invention can also be used in building construction with their combination of light weight, strength, elasticity, ability to be formed into desired shapes, and superior thermal and acoustic insulation power. The materials have also been found to have utility for storage of cryogens. A cryogenic liquid or gas, such as N2 or H2, adsorbs to the surfaces in aerogel particles. Thus, another embodiment of the invention provides a storage vessel for a cryogen.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, James E. Fesmire, Erik S. Weiser, Jared P. Sass
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Patent number: 7968648Abstract: The invention provides polymer blends containing polyhydroxyamide and one or more flammable polymers. The polymer blends are flame retardant and have improved durability and heat stability compared to the flammable polymer portion of the blends. Articles containing the polymer blends are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith
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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
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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: 20100275617Abstract: The invention involves composite materials containing a polymer foam and an aerogel. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability, good acoustic insulation, and excellent physical mechanical properties. The composite materials can be used, for instance, for heat and acoustic insulation on aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime ships in place of currently used foam panels and other foam products. The materials of the invention can also be used in building construction with their combination of light weight, strength, elasticity, ability to be formed into desired shapes, and superior thermal and acoustic insulation power. The materials have also been found to have utility for storage of cryogens. A cryogenic liquid or gas, such as N2 or H2, adsorbs to the surfaces in aerogel particles. Thus, another embodiment of the invention provides a storage vessel for a cryogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, James E. Fesmire, Erik S. Weiser, Jared P. Sass
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Patent number: 7790787Abstract: 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: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: The United States of America 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
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Patent number: 7781492Abstract: The invention involves composite materials containing a polymer foam and an aerogel. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability, good acoustic insulation, and excellent physical mechanical properties. The composite materials can be used, for instance, for heat and acoustic insulation on aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime ships in place of currently used foam panels and other foam products. The materials of the invention can also be used in building construction with their combination of light weight, strength, elasticity, ability to be formed into desired shapes, and superior thermal and acoustic insulation power. The materials have also been found to have utility for storage of cryogens. A cryogenic liquid or gas, such as N2 or H2, adsorbs to the surfaces in aerogel particles. Thus, another embodiment of the invention provides a storage vessel for a cryogen.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, James E. Fesmire, Erik S. Weiser, Jared P. Sass
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Patent number: 7309738Abstract: The invention provides polymer blends containing polyhydroxyamide and one or more flammable polymers. The polymer blends are flame retardant and have improved durability and heat stability compared to the flammable polymer portion of the blends. Articles containing the polymer blends are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith
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Publication number: 20070259169Abstract: 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: April 26, 2007Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and SpacInventors: Martha K. WILLIAMS, Trent M. SMITH, James E. FESMIRE, Luke B. ROBERSON, LaNetra M. CLAYTON