Patents by Inventor Michael A. Daniels

Michael A. Daniels 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: 10017429
    Abstract: An energetic material comprising an elemental fuel, an oxidizer or other element, and a carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods, where the carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods are substantially homogeneously dispersed in the energetic material. Methods of tailoring the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of an energetic material are also disclosed. Energetic materials including the elemental fuel, the oxidizer or other element, and an additive are also disclosed, as are methods of reducing ignition sensitivity of the energetic material including the additive. The additive is combined with the elemental fuel and a metal oxide to form the energetic material. The energetic material is heated at a slow rate to render inert the energetic material to ignition while the energetic material remains ignitable when heated at a fast rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignees: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, Texas Tech University System
    Inventors: Michael A Daniels, Ronald J Heaps, Michelle Pantoya
  • Patent number: 9939235
    Abstract: Initiation devices may include at least one substrate, an initiation element positioned on a first side of the at least one substrate, and a spark gap electrically coupled to the initiation element and positioned on a second side of the at least one substrate. Initiation devices may include a plurality of substrates where at least one substrate of the plurality of substrates is electrically connected to at least one adjacent substrate of the plurality of substrates with at least one via extending through the at least one substrate. Initiation systems may include such initiation devices. Methods of igniting energetic materials include passing a current through a spark gap formed on at least one substrate of the initiation device, passing the current through at least one via formed through the at least one substrate, and passing the current through an explosive bridge wire of the initiation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Reston A. Condit, Nikki Rasmussen, Ronald S. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20170245368
    Abstract: A self-protecting electronic circuit may include an energetic substrate comprising an energetic material, a plurality of traces disposed onto the energetic substrate, and at least one surface component couple to the plurality of trace. The self-protecting electronic circuit may optionally include a non-platable insulator disposed on portion of the energetic substrate not having the plurality of traced disposed thereon. The at least one surface component may include an activation mechanism for initiating the energetic substrate. Methods for making a self-protecting electronic circuit include forming an energetic substrate, coating the energetic substrate with an insulator, removing at least a portion of the insulator from the energetic substrate, and disposing at least one trace onto the energetic substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: MICHAEL A. DANIELS, RESTON A. CONDIT, JOEL A. JOHNSON, RONALD J. HEAPS, RONALD S. WALLACE
  • Publication number: 20160356580
    Abstract: Initiation devices may include at least one substrate, and initiation element the positioned on a first side of the at least one substrate, and a spark gap electrically coupled to the initiation element and positioned on a second side of the at least one substrate. Initiation devices may include a plurality of substrates where at least one substrate of the plurality of substrates is electrically connected to at least one adjacent substrate of the plurality of substrates with at least one via extending through the at least one substrate. Initiation systems may include such initiation devices. Methods of igniting energetic materials include passing a current through a spark gap formed on at least one substrate of the initiation device, passing the current through at least one via formed through the at least one substrate, and passing the current through an explosive bridge wire of the initiation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Reston A. Condit, Nikki Rasmussen, Ronald S. Wallace
  • Patent number: 9488452
    Abstract: Apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable may include a containment structure having a first compartment that is configured to receive a device therein and a movable member configured to receive a cartridge having reactant material therein. The movable member is configured to be inserted into the first compartment of the containment structure and to ignite the reactant material within the cartridge. Methods of rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable may include disposing the device into the first compartment of the containment structure, inserting the movable member into the first compartment of the containment structure, igniting the reactant material in the cartridge, and expelling molten metal onto the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Eric D. Steffler, Steven D. Hartenstein, Ronald S. Wallace
  • Patent number: 9481614
    Abstract: An energetic material comprising an elemental fuel, an oxidizer or other element, and a carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods, where the carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods are substantially homogeneously dispersed in the energetic material. Methods of tailoring the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of an energetic material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, Texas Tech University System
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Ronald J. Heaps, Ronald S. Wallace, Michelle L. Pantoya, Eric S. Collins
  • Publication number: 20160313099
    Abstract: Apparatus for rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable may include a containment structure having a first compartment that is configured to receive a device therein and a movable member configured to receive a cartridge having reactant material therein. The movable member is configured to be inserted into the first compartment of the containment structure and to ignite the reactant material within the cartridge. Methods of rendering at least a portion of a device inoperable may include disposing the device into the first compartment of the containment structure, inserting the movable member into the first compartment of the containment structure, igniting the reactant material in the cartridge, and expelling molten metal onto the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Eric D. Steffler, Steven D. Hartenstein, Ronald S. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20160031769
    Abstract: An energetic material comprising an elemental fuel, an oxidizer or other element, and a carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods, where the carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods are substantially homogeneously dispersed in the energetic material. Methods of tailoring the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of an energetic material are also disclosed. Energetic materials including the elemental fuel, the oxidizer or other element, and an additive are also disclosed, as are methods of reducing ignition sensitivity of the energetic material including the additive. The additive is combined with the elemental fuel and a metal oxide to form the energetic material. The energetic material is heated at a slow rate to render inert the energetic material to ignition while the energetic material remains ignitable when heated at a fast rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: MICHAEL A. DANIELS, RONALD J. HEAPS, MICHELLE PANTOYA
  • Patent number: 9046268
    Abstract: A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance
    Inventors: Reston A. Condit, Michael A. Daniels, Gregory P. Clemens, Eric S. Tomberlin, Joel A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150107478
    Abstract: A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Reston A. Condit, Michael A. Daniels, Gregory P. Clemens, Eric S. Tomberlin, Joel A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150101719
    Abstract: An energetic material comprising an elemental fuel, an oxidizer or other element, and a carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods, where the carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods are substantially homogeneously dispersed in the energetic material. Methods of tailoring the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of an energetic material are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Ronald J. Heaps, Ronald S. Wallace, Michelle L. Pantoya, Eric S. Collins
  • Patent number: 8701560
    Abstract: A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Reston A. Condit, Michael A. Daniels, Gregory P. Clemens, Eric S. Tomberlin, Joel A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8409377
    Abstract: Combustible structural composites and methods of forming same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustible structural composite includes combustible material comprising a fuel metal and a metal oxide. The fuel metal is present in the combustible material at a weight ratio from 1:9 to 1:1 of the fuel metal to the metal oxide. The fuel metal and the metal oxide are capable of exothermically reacting upon application of energy at or above a threshold value to support self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material within the combustible structural composite. Structural-reinforcing fibers are present in the composite at a weight ratio from 1:20 to 10:1 of the structural-reinforcing fibers to the combustible material. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Ronald J. Heaps, Eric D. Steffler, W. David Swank
  • Publication number: 20120125218
    Abstract: A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: Reston A. Condit, Michael A. Daniels, Gregory P. Clemens, Eric S. Tomberlin, Joel A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110281101
    Abstract: Combustible structural composites and methods of forming same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustible structural composite includes combustible material comprising a fuel metal and a metal oxide. The fuel metal is present in the combustible material at a weight ratio from 1:9 to 1:1 of the fuel metal to the metal oxide. The fuel metal and the metal oxide are capable of exothermically reacting upon application of energy at or above a threshold value to support self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material within the combustible structural composite. Structural-reinforcing fibers are present in the composite at a weight ratio from 1:20 to 10:1 of the structural-reinforcing fibers to the combustible material. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. DANIELS, Ronald J. HEAPS, Eric D. STEFFLER, W. David SWANK
  • Patent number: 8007607
    Abstract: Combustible structural composites and methods of forming same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustible structural composite includes combustible material comprising a fuel metal and a metal oxide. The fuel metal is present in the combustible material at a weight ratio from 1:9 to 1:1 of the fuel metal to the metal oxide. The fuel metal and the metal oxide are capable of exothermically reacting upon application of energy at or above a threshold value to support self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material within the combustible structural composite. Structural-reinforcing fibers are present in the composite at a weight ratio from 1:20 to 10:1 of the structural-reinforcing fibers to the combustible material. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Daniels, Ronald J. Heaps, Eric D Steffler, William D. Swank
  • Publication number: 20100071813
    Abstract: Combustible structural composites and methods of forming same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a combustible structural composite includes combustible material comprising a fuel metal and a metal oxide. The fuel metal is present in the combustible material at a weight ratio from 1:9 to 1:1 of the fuel metal to the metal oxide. The fuel metal and the metal oxide are capable of exothermically reacting upon application of energy at or above a threshold value to support self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material within the composite. Structural-reinforcing fibers are present in the composite at a weight ratio from 1:20 to 10:1 of the structural-reinforcing fibers to the combustible material. Other embodiments and aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: MICHAEL A. DANIELS, RONALD J. HEAPS, ERIC D. STEFFLER, W. DAVID SWANK