Patents by Inventor Ralph M. Stephens

Ralph M. Stephens 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: 7993567
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for aligning fibers in an electrospinning process. A jet of a fiberizable material is directed towards an uncharged collector from a dispensing location that is spaced apart from the collector. While the fiberizable material is directed towards the collector, an elliptical electric field is generated via the electrically charged dispenser and an oppositely-charged control location. The field spans between the dispensing location and the control location that is within line-of-sight of the dispensing location, and impinges upon at least a portion of the collector. Various combinations of numbers and geometries of dispensers, collectors, and electrodes can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Lisa A. Scott-Carnell, Ralph M Stephens, Nancy M. Holloway, Caroline Rhim, Laura Niklason, Robert L. Clark, Emilie J. Siochi
  • Publication number: 20090108503
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for aligning fibers in an electrospinning process. A jet of a fiberizable material is directed towards an uncharged collector from a dispensing location that is spaced apart from the collector. While the fiberizable material is directed towards the collector, an elliptical electric field is generated via the electrically charged dispenser and an oppositely-charged control location. The field spans between the dispensing location and the control location that is within line-of-sight of the dispensing location, and impinges upon at least a portion of the collector. Various combinations of numbers and geometries of dispensers, collectors, and electrodes can be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Lisa A. Scott-Carnell, Ralph M. Stephens, Nancy M. Holloway, Caroline Rhim, Laura Niklason, Robert L. Clark, Emilie J. Siochi
  • Patent number: 6217424
    Abstract: A technique for polishing metal objects such as, for example, those made of aluminum, stainless steel, and brass is described. The technique employs a metal-polishing apparatus which includes a double-jointed arm assembly and a table assembly. The arm assembly includes a brush assembly, a handle, and an actuating device. The double-jointed nature of the arm assembly advantageously allows an operator to effectively polish a detailed and ornate metal object. The table assembly has a frame, a rotatable table-top assembly, and a mechanism for securing the object. The metal object to be polished is placed on the table-top assembly and allowed to rotate with respect to the frame. The technique also relates to the preparation, polishing, and post-polishing methods employed with the metal-polishing apparatus. The present technique enables aluminum, brass, and stainless steel objects to be effectively polished, and therefore refurbished, by removing a significant amount of damage (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Custom Metal Polishing Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph M. Stephens
  • Patent number: 6018861
    Abstract: A device for measuring turbulence in high-speed flows is provided which includes a micro-sensor thin-film probe. The probe is formed from a single crystal of aluminum oxide having a 14.degree. half-wedge shaped portion. The tip of the half-wedge is rounded and has a thin-film sensor attached along the stagnation line. The bottom surface of the half-wedge is tilted upward to relieve shock induced disturbances created by the curved tip of the half-wedge. The sensor is applied using a microphotolithography technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Mark Sheplak, Catherine B. McGinley, Eric F. Spina, Ralph M. Stephens, Purnell Hopson, Jr., Vincent B. Cruz
  • Patent number: 5576488
    Abstract: A device for measuring turbulence in high-speed flows is provided which includes a micro-sensor thin-film probe. The probe is formed from a single crystal of aluminum oxide having a 14.degree. half-wedge shaped portion. The tip of the half-wedge is rounded and has a thin-film sensor attached along the stagnation line. The bottom surface of the half-wedge is tilted upward to relieve shock induced disturbances created by the curved tip of the half-wedge. The sensor is applied using a microphotolithography technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Mark Sheplak, Catherine B. McGinley, Eric F. Spina, Ralph M. Stephens, Purnell Hopson, Jr., Vincent B. Cruz