Patents by Inventor Michael T. Dugger

Michael T. Dugger 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).

  • Friction testing and torque sensing systems
    Patent number: 11781958
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to systems for characterizing force (e.g., friction, wear, and/or torque). In one embodiment, the system allows for wear testing of samples in a high throughput manner. In another embodiment, the system allows for torque sensing in a non-contact manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Brendan L. Nation, Michael T. Dugger, John Curry
  • HIGH THROUGHPUT TRIBOMETER
    Publication number: 20220107254
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to systems for characterizing force (e.g., friction, and wear). In one embodiment, a tribometer allows for wear testing of samples in a high throughput manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Brendan L. Nation, Michael T. Dugger, John Curry
  • Friction testing and torque sensing systems
    Patent number: 11199485
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to systems for characterizing force (e.g., friction, wear, and/or torque). In one embodiment, the system allows for wear testing of samples in a high throughput manner. In another embodiment, the system allows for torque sensing in a non-contact manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Brendan L. Nation, Michael T. Dugger, John Curry
  • FRICTION TESTING AND TORQUE SENSING SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20210372898
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to systems for characterizing force (e.g., friction, wear, and/or torque). In one embodiment, the system allows for wear testing of samples in a high throughput manner. In another embodiment, the system allows for torque sensing in a non-contact manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Brendan L. Nation, Michael T. Dugger, John Curry
  • Diamond-like carbon films and uses thereof
    Patent number: 10941485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of forming a film between two surfaces, in which the film includes diamond-like carbon. Also provided herein are uses of such films, such in sliding contacts and in metal coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Nicolas Argibay, Michael T. Dugger, Michael E. Chandross, Tomas Farley Babuska, Brendan L. Nation, John Curry
  • Stable nanocrystalline metal alloy coatings with ultra-low wear
    Patent number: 10763000
    Abstract: The present invention relates to metal coatings and methods thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to ultra-low wear noble metal alloys, such as for use in electrical contact coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Nicolas Argibay, Michael E. Chandross, David P. Adams, Michael T. Dugger, Blythe G. Clark, Brad L. Boyce, Ping Lu
  • DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON FILMS AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20190352773
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of forming a film between two surfaces, in which the film includes diamond-like carbon. Also provided herein are uses of such films, such in sliding contacts and in metal coatings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Nicolas Argibay, Michael T. Dugger, Michael E. Chandross, Tomas Farley Babuska, Brendan L. Nation, John Curry
  • High sensitivity bearing tester and systems thereof
    Patent number: 10371598
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing a bearing, as well as systems including such an apparatus. In one instance, the apparatus allows for torsional losses of a bearing to be determined in a highly sensitive manner. Results can be determined in a controlled environment, as the system can include an environmental enclosure to encapsulate the testing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandis, LLC
    Inventors: Brendan L. Nation, Michael T. Dugger, Rand Garfield
  • Thermally or Photochemically Activated Small Molecule Delivery Platform
    Publication number: 20140334991
    Abstract: Thermally or photochemically activated small molecule delivery polymers and platforms enable ‘on-demand’ delivery of a vapor-phase lubricant, such as pentanol or other alcohols, that enable scheduled or as-needed lubrication of MEMS devices, thereby greatly improving the reliability and lifespan of the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Ross Stefan Johnson, Shawn M. Dirk, Cody M. Washburn, Michael T. Dugger
  • Method for lubricating contacting surfaces
    Patent number: 8071164
    Abstract: A method is provided for tribological lubrication of sliding contact surfaces, where two surfaces are in contact and in motion relative to each other, operating in a vapor-phase environment containing at least one alcohol compound at a concentration sufficiently high to provide one monolayer of coverage on at least one of the surfaces, where the alcohol compound continuously reacts at the surface to provide lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Dugger, James A. Ohlhausen, David B. Asay, Seong H. Kim