Patents by Inventor Michael A. Cunningham

Michael A. Cunningham 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).

  • Patent number: 7317566
    Abstract: Switching uniformity of an optical modulation device for controlling the propagation of electromagnetic radiation is improved by use of an electrode comprising an electrically resistive layer that is transparent to the radiation. The resistive layer is preferably an innerlayer of a wide-bandgap oxide sandwiched between layers of indium tin oxide or another transparent conductor, and may be of uniform thickness, or may be graded so as to provide further improvement in the switching uniformity. The electrode may be used with electrochromic and reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) smart window devices, as well as display devices based on various technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Teledyne Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: D. Morgan Tench, Michael A. Cunningham, Paul H. Kobrin
  • Patent number: 6256135
    Abstract: A reversible electrochemical mirror device includes a substantially transparent first electrode having a textured surface, and a second electrode which may be distributed in localized areas. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the textured surface of the first electrode, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the device for electromagnetic radiation. Because of the textured surface, light striking the first electrode is diffusely reflected, making the device desirable for architectural and automotive glass applications. A surface modification layer applied to the first electrode ensures that the electrodeposit is substantially uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Rockwell Science Center, LLC
    Inventors: D. Morgan Tench, Leslie F. Warren, Jr., Michael A. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6166847
    Abstract: An electrochemical mirror includes a transparent first electrode and a second electrode. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the first electrode, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the mirror for electromagnetic radiation. A surface modification layer applied to the first electrode ensures that the electrodeposit is substantially uniform, resulting in a mirror layer which increases the reflectivity of the mirror. A positive electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the first electrode and electrodeposited from the solution onto the second electrode, thereby decreasing the reflectivity of the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Rockwell Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: D. Morgan Tench, Leslie F. Warren, Jr., Michael A. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6111685
    Abstract: A reversible electrochemical mirror (REM) includes a first electrode and a second electrode, one of which is substantially transparent to at least a portion of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. An electrolytic solution, disposed between the first and second electrodes, contains ions of a metal which can electrodeposit on the electrodes. The electrolytic solution also contains halide and/or pseudohalide anions having a total molar concentration ratio of at least 6:1 compared to that of the electrodepositable metal. A negative electrical potential applied to the first electrode causes deposited metal to be dissolved from the second electrode into the electrolytic solution and to be electrodeposited from the solution onto the first electrode to form a mirror deposit, thereby affecting the reflectivity of the REM device for electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Rockwell Science Center, LLC
    Inventors: D. Morgan Tench, Leslie F. Warren, Jr., Michael A. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5289967
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating metal matrix composites. Optical or reinforcing fibers, which may be in the form of monofilaments, mats, or tow, are consolidated into a metal matrix alloy. Grooves may be provided in the metal matrix material for holding and positioning the fibers. A transient liquid diffusion bonding agent in the form of a powder may be blended with powdered filler material, such as powdered matrix material, to provide a vehicle for consolidating the fibers into the metal matrix. The fibers and the blended powder are placed between layers of the metal matrix material and the whole structure is heated under minimal pressure to liquefy the bonding agent. The liquid bonding agent wets each fiber and interdiffuses with the matrix material, resulting in rapid isothermal solidification of the alloy and consolidation of the fibers in the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford C. Bampton, Michael A. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5045132
    Abstract: High-energetic explosive and propellant compositions having decreased detonation sensitivity are provided. To enhance the specific impulse of these formulations and ensure detonation desensitization, the highly-energetic oxidizer 1,9-dinitrato-2,4,6,8-tetranitrazanonane is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Milton B. Frankel, Michael A. Cunningham