Patents by Inventor Peter T. Lillehei
Peter T. Lillehei 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: 9963345Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite material includes utilizing a radio frequency plasma process to form a plasma plume comprising nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may comprise boron nitride nanoparticles, silicon carbide nanoparticles, beryllium oxide nanoparticles, or carbon nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may comprise nanotubes or other particles depending on the requirements of a particular application. The nanoparticles are deposited on a substrate by directing a plasma plume towards the substrate. The nanoparticles are formed in the plasma plume immediately prior to being deposited on the substrate. The nanoparticles may form a mechanical bond with the fibers in addition to a chemical bond in the absence of a catalyst. The substrate may comprise a fiber fabric that may optionally be coated with a thin layer of metal. Alternatively, the substrate may comprise a solid material such as a metal sheet or plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Peter T. Lillehei
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Patent number: 9960288Abstract: Some implementations provide a device (e.g., solar panel) that includes an active layer and a solar absorbance layer. The active layer includes a first N-type layer and a first P-type layer. The solar absorbance layer is coupled to a first surface of the active layer. The solar absorbance layer includes a polymer composite. In some implementations, the polymer composite includes one of at least metal salts and/or carbon nanotubes. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the photovoltaic effect. In some implementations, the active layer further includes a second N-type layer and a second P-type layer. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the thermoelectric effect. In some implementations, the device further includes a cooling layer coupled to a second surface of the active layer. In some implementations, the cooling layer includes one of at least zinc oxides, indium oxides, and/or carbon nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: The United State of America as represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Jin Ho Kang, Chase Taylor, Cheol Park, Godfrey Sauti, Luke Gibbons, Iseley Marshall, Sharon E. Lowther, Peter T. Lillehei, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Robert G. Bryant
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Patent number: 9734932Abstract: Metamaterials or artificial negative index materials (NIMs) have generated great attention due to their unique and exotic electromagnetic properties. One exemplary negative dielectric constant material, which is an essential key for creating the NIMs, was developed by doping ions into a polymer, a protonated poly (benzimidazole) (PBI). The doped PBI showed a negative dielectric constant at megahertz (MHz) frequencies due to its reduced plasma frequency and an induction effect. The magnitude of the negative dielectric constant and the resonance frequency were tunable by doping concentration. The highly doped PBI showed larger absolute magnitude of negative dielectric constant at just above its resonance frequency than the less doped PBI.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Keith L. Gordon, Jin Ho Kang, Cheol Park, Peter T. Lillehei, Joycelyn S. Harrison
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Patent number: 9550870Abstract: A novel method to develop highly conductive functional materials which can effectively shield various electromagnetic effects (EMEs) and harmful radiations. Metallized nanotube polymer composites (MNPC) are composed of a lightweight polymer matrix, superstrong nanotubes (NT), and functional nanoparticle inclusions. MNPC is prepared by supercritical fluid infusion of various metal precursors (Au, Pt, Fe, and Ni salts), incorporated simultaneously or sequentially, into a solid NT-polymer composite followed by thermal reduction. The infused metal precursor tends to diffuse toward the nanotube surface preferentially as well as the surfaces of the NT-polymer matrix, and is reduced to form nanometer-scale metal particles or metal coatings. The conductivity of the MNPC increases with the metallization, which provides better shielding capabilities against various EMEs and radiations by reflecting and absorbing EM waves more efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Cheol Park, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Negin Nazem, Larry Taylor, Jin Ho Kang, Jae-Woo Kim, Godfrey Sauti, Peter T. Lillehei, Sharon E. Lowther
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Patent number: 9446953Abstract: Metal and semiconductor nanoshells, particularly transition metal nanoshells, are fabricated using dendrimer molecules. Metallic colloids, metallic ions or semiconductors are attached to amine groups on the dendrimer surface in stabilized solution for the surface seeding method and the surface seedless method, respectively. Subsequently, the process is repeated with additional metallic ions or semiconductor, a stabilizer, and NaBH4 to increase the wall thickness of the metallic or semiconductor lining on the dendrimer surface. Metallic or semiconductor ions are automatically reduced on the metallic or semiconductor nanoparticles causing the formation of hollow metallic or semiconductor nanoparticles. The void size of the formed hollow nanoparticles depends on the dendrimer generation. The thickness of the metallic or semiconductor thin film around the dendrimer depends on the repetition times and the size of initial metallic or semiconductor seeds.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Jae-Woo Kim, Sang H. Choi, Sr., Peter T. Lillehei, Sang-Hyon Chu, Yeonjoon Park, Glen C. King, James R. Elliott
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Publication number: 20140287904Abstract: Metamaterials or artificial negative index materials (NIMs) have generated great attention due to their unique and exotic electromagnetic properties. One exemplary negative dielectric constant material, which is an essential key for creating the NIMs, was developed by doping ions into a polymer, a protonated poly (benzimidazole) (FBI). The doped PBI showed a negative dielectric constant at megahertz (MHz) frequencies due to its reduced plasma frequency and an induction effect. The magnitude of the negative dielectric constant and the resonance frequency were tunable by doping concentration. The highly doped PBI showed larger absolute magnitude of negative dielectric constant at just above its resonance frequency than the less doped PBI.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Keith L. GORDON, Jin Ho KANG, Cheol PARK, Peter T. LILLEHEI, Joycelyn S. HARRISON
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Publication number: 20140272170Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite material includes utilizing a radio frequency plasma process to form a plasma plume comprising nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may comprise boron nitride nanoparticles, silicon carbide nanoparticles, beryllium oxide nanoparticles, or carbon nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may comprise nanotubes or other particles depending on the requirements of a particular application. The nanoparticles are deposited on a substrate by directing a plasma plume towards the substrate. The nanoparticles are formed in the plasma plume immediately prior to being deposited on the substrate. The nanoparticles may form a mechanical bond with the fibers in addition to a chemical bond in the absence of a catalyst. The substrate may comprise a fiber fabric that may optionally be coated with a thin layer of metal. Alternatively, the substrate may comprise a solid material such as a metal sheet or plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Peter T. Lillehei, Robert G. Bryant
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Patent number: 8696940Abstract: Metamaterials or artificial negative index materials (NIMs) have generated great attention due to their unique and exotic electromagnetic properties. One exemplary negative dielectric constant material, which is an essential key for creating the NIMs, was developed by doping ions into a polymer, a protonated poly(benzimidazole) (PBI). The doped PBI showed a negative dielectric constant at megahertz (MHz) frequencies due to its reduced plasma frequency and an induction effect. The magnitude of the negative dielectric constant and the resonance frequency were tunable by doping concentration. The highly doped PBI showed larger absolute magnitude of negative dielectric constant at just above its resonance frequency than the less doped PBI.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Keith L. Gordon, Jin Ho Kang, Cheol Park, Peter T. Lillehei, Joycelyn S. Harrison
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Publication number: 20140041705Abstract: Some implementations provide a device (e.g., solar panel) that includes an active layer and a solar absorbance layer. The active layer includes a first N-type layer and a first P-type layer. The solar absorbance layer is coupled to a first surface of the active layer. The solar absorbance layer includes a polymer composite. In some implementations, the polymer composite includes one of at least metal salts and/or carbon nanotubes. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the photovoltaic effect. In some implementations, the active layer further includes a second N-type layer and a second P-type layer. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the thermoelectric effect. In some implementations, the device further includes a cooling layer coupled to a second surface of the active layer. In some implementations, the cooling layer includes one of at least zinc oxides, indium oxides, and/or carbon nanotubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicants: National Institute of Aerospace, Space AdministrationInventors: Jin Ho Kang, Chase Taylor, Cheol Park, Godfrey Sauti, Luke Gibbons, Iseley Marshall, Sharon E. Lowther, Peter T. Lillehei, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Robert G. Bryant
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Patent number: 8608993Abstract: A nanocomposite structure and method of fabricating same are provided. The nanocomposite structure is a polymer in an extruded shape with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) longitudinally disposed and dispersed in the extruded shape along a dimension thereof. The polymer is characteristically defined as having a viscosity of at least approximately 100,000 poise at a temperature of 200° C.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Dennis C. Working, Emilie J. Siochi, Cheol Park, Peter T. Lillehei
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Publication number: 20130119316Abstract: Effective radiation shielding is required to protect crew and equipment in various fields including aerospace, defense, medicine and power generation. Light elements and in particular hydrogen are most effective at shielding against high-energy particles including galactic cosmic rays, solar energetic particles and fast neutrons. However, pure hydrogen is highly flammable, has a low neutron absorption cross-section, and cannot be made into structural components. Nanocomposites containing the light elements Boron, Nitrogen, Carbon and Hydrogen as well dispersed boron nano-particles, boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and boron nitride nano-platelets, in a matrix, provide effective radiation shielding materials in various functional forms. Boron and nitrogen have large neutron absorption cross-sections and wide absorption spectra.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicants: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, and Space AdministrationInventors: Godfrey Sauti, Cheol Park, Jin Ho Kang, Jae-Woo Kim, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Michael W. Smith, Kevin Jordan, Sharon E. Lowther, Peter T. Lillehei, Sheila A. Thibeault
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Patent number: 8217143Abstract: Metal nanoshells are fabricated by admixing an aqueous solution of metal ions with an aqueous solution of apoferritin protein molecules, followed by admixing an aqueous solution containing an excess of an oxidizing agent for the metal ions. The apoferritin molecules serve as bio-templates for the formation of metal nanoshells, which form on and are bonded to the inside walls of the hollow cores of the individual apoferritin molecules. Control of the number of metal atoms which enter the hollow core of each individual apoferritin molecule provides a hollow metal nonparticle, or nanoshell, instead of a solid spherical metal nanoparticle.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignees: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, The United States of America as represented by the Administration of NASAInventors: Jae-Woo Kim, Sang H. Choi, Peter T. Lillehei, Sang-Hyon Chu, Yeonjoon Park, Glen C. King, James R. Elliott, Jr.
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Patent number: 8083986Abstract: A novel method to prepare an advanced thermoelectric material has hierarchical structures embedded with nanometer-sized voids which are key to enhancement of the thermoelectric performance. Solution-based thin film deposition technique enables preparation of stable film of thermoelectric material and void generator (voigen). A subsequent thermal process creates hierarchical nanovoid structure inside the thermoelectric material. Potential application areas of this advanced thermoelectric material with nanovoid structure are commercial applications (electronics cooling), medical and scientific applications (biological analysis device, medical imaging systems), telecommunications, and defense and military applications (night vision equipments).Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignees: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, The United States of America as represented by the Adminstration of NASAInventors: Sang Hyouk Choi, Yeonjoon Park, Sang-Hyon Chu, James R. Elliott, Glen C. King, Jae-Woo Kim, Peter T. Lillehei, Diane M. Stoakley
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Patent number: 7998368Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are dispersed in an aqueous buffer solution consisting of at least 50 weight percent water and a remainder weight percent that includes a buffer material. The buffer material has a molecular structure defined by a first end, a second end, and a middle disposed between the first and second ends. The first end is a cyclic ring with nitrogen and oxygen heteroatomes, the middle is a hydrophobic alkyl chain, and the second end is a charged group.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Jae-Woo Kim, Cheol Park, Sang H. Choi, Peter T. Lillehei, Joycelyn S. Harrison
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Publication number: 20110169187Abstract: A nanocomposite structure and method of fabricating same are provided. The nanocomposite structure is a polymer in an extruded shape with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) longitudinally disposed and dispersed in the extruded shape along a dimension thereof. The polymer is characteristically defined as having a viscosity of at least approximately 100,000 poise at a temperature of 200° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Dennis C. Working, Emilie J. Siochi, Cheol Park, Peter T. Lillehei
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Publication number: 20110105293Abstract: Metamaterials or artificial negative index materials (NIMs) have generated great attention due to their unique and exotic electromagnetic properties. One exemplary negative dielectric constant material, which is an essential key for creating the NIMs, was developed by doping ions into a polymer, a protonated poly(benzimidazole) (PBI). The doped PBI showed a negative dielectric constant at megahertz (MHz) frequencies due to its reduced plasma frequency and an induction effect. The magnitude of the negative dielectric constant and the resonance frequency were tunable by doping concentration. The highly doped FBI showed larger absolute magnitude of negative dielectric constant at just above its resonance frequency than the less doped PBI.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & Space AdministrationInventors: Keith L. Gordon, Jin Ho Kang, Cheol Park, Peter T. Lillehei, Joycelyn S. Harrison
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Publication number: 20110068291Abstract: A novel method to develop highly conductive functional materials which can effectively shield various electromagnetic effects (EMEs) and harmful radiations. Metallized nanotube polymer composites (MNPC) are composed of a lightweight polymer matrix, superstrong nanotubes (NT), and functional nanoparticle inclusions. MNPC is prepared by supercritical fluid infusion of various metal precursors (Au, Pt, Fe, and Ni salts), incorporated simultaneously or sequentially, into a solid NT-polymer composite followed by thermal reduction. The infused metal precursor tends to diffuse toward the nanotube surface preferentially as well as the surfaces of the NT-polymer matrix, and is reduced to form nanometer-scale metal particles or metal coatings. The conductivity of the MNPC increases with the metallization, which provides better shielding capabilities against various EMEs and radiations by reflecting and absorbing EM waves more efficiently.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: National Institute of Aerospace AssociatesInventors: Cheol Park, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Negin Nazem, Larry T. Taylor, Jin Ho Kang, Jae-Woo Kim, Godfrey Sauti, Peter T. Lillehei, Sharon E. Lowther
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Patent number: 7666939Abstract: Dispersions of carbon nanotubes exhibiting long term stability are based on a polymer matrix having moieties therein which are capable of a donor-acceptor complexation with carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are introduced into the polymer matrix and separated therein by standard means. Nanocomposites produced from these dispersions are useful in the fabrication of structures, e.g., lightweight aerospace structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignees: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Kristopher Eric Wise, Cheol Park, Emilie J. Siochi, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Peter T. Lillehei, Sharon E. Lowther
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Publication number: 20090203196Abstract: Metal and semiconductor nanoshells, particularly transition metal nanoshells, are fabricated using dendrimer molecules. Metallic colloids, metallic ions or semiconductors are attached to amine groups on the dendrimer surface in stabilized solution for the surface seeding method and the surface seedless method, respectively. Subsequently, the process is repeated with additional metallic ions or semiconductor, a stabilizer, and NaBH4 to increase the wall thickness of the metallic or semiconductor lining on the dendrimer surface. Metallic or semiconductor ions are automatically reduced on the metallic or semiconductor nanoparticles causing the formation of hollow metallic or semiconductor nanoparticles. The void size of the formed hollow nanoparticles depends on the dendrimer generation. The thickness of the metallic or semiconductor thin film around the dendrimer depends on the repetition times and the size of initial metallic or semiconductor seeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicants: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Jae-Woo KIM, Sang H. CHOI, SR., Peter T. LILLEHEI, Sang-Hyon CHU, Yeonjoon PARK, Glen C. KING, James R. ELLIOTT, JR.
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Publication number: 20090185942Abstract: A novel method to prepare an advanced thermoelectric material has hierarchical structures embedded with nanometer-sized voids which are key to enhancement of the thermoelectric performance. Solution-based thin film deposition technique enables preparation of stable film of thermoelectric material and void generator (voigen). A subsequent thermal process creates hierarchical nanovoid structure inside the thermoelectric material. Potential application areas of this advanced thermoelectric material with nanovoid structure are commercial applications (electronics cooling), medical and scientific applications (biological analysis device, medical imaging systems), telecommunications, and defense and military applications (night vision equipments).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicants: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, Space AdminstrationInventors: Sang Hyouk Choi, SR., Yeonjoon Park, Sang-Hyon Chu, James R. Elliott, Glen C. King, Jae-Woo Kim, Peter T. Lillehei, Diane M. Stoakley