Patents by Inventor Randall L. Simpson
Randall L. Simpson 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: 8765080Abstract: A tester for testing for explosives comprising a body, a lateral flow swab unit operably connected to the body, a explosives detecting reagent contained in the body, and a dispenser operatively connected to the body and the lateral flow swab unit. The dispenser selectively allows the explosives detecting reagent to be delivered to the lateral flow swab unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.Inventors: Peter J. Nunes, Joel Del Eckels, John G. Reynolds, Philip F. Pagoria, Randall L. Simpson
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Patent number: 8328967Abstract: Sol-gel chemistry is used to prepare igniters comprising energetic multilayer structures coated with energetic materials. These igniters can be tailored to be stable to environmental aging, i.e., where the igniters are exposed to extremes of both hot and cold temperatures (?30 C to 150 C) and both low (0%) and high relative humidity (100%).Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Troy W. Barbee, Jr., Randall L. Simpson, Alexander E. Gash, Joe H. Satcher, Jr.
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Patent number: 8172964Abstract: A method for creating a pyrophoric material according to one embodiment includes thermally activating a carbon foam for creating micropores therein; contacting the activated carbon foam with a liquid solution comprising a metal salt for depositing metal ions in the carbon foam; and reducing the metal ions in the foam to metal particles. A pyrophoric material in yet another embodiment includes a pyrophoric metal-carbon foam composite comprising a carbon foam having micropores and mesopores and a surface area of greater than or equal to about 2000 m2/g, and metal particles in the pores of the carbon foam. Additional methods and materials are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Alexander E. Gash, Joe H. Satcher, Jr., Randall L. Simpson, Theodore F. Baumann, Marcus A. Worsley
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Patent number: 8075716Abstract: Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Randall L. Simpson, Ronald S. Lee, Thomas M. Tillotson, Lawrence W. Hrubesh, Rosalind W. Swansiger, Glenn A. Fox
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Patent number: 8025856Abstract: A tester for testing for explosives comprising a body, a lateral flow swab unit operably connected to the body, a explosives detecting reagent contained in the body, and a dispenser operatively connected to the body and the lateral flow swab unit. The dispenser selectively allows the explosives detecting reagent to be delivered to the lateral flow swab unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Peter J. Nunes, Joel Del Eckels, John G. Reynolds, Philip F. Pagoria, Randall L. Simpson
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Publication number: 20110203714Abstract: Sol-gel chemistry is used to prepare igniters comprising energetic multilayer structures coated with energetic materials. These igniters can be tailored to be stable to environmental aging, i.e., where the igniters are exposed to extremes of both hot and cold temperatures (?30 C to 150 C) and both low (0%) and high relative humidity (100%).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Troy W. Barbee, JR., Randall L. Simpson, Alexander E. Gash, Joe H. Satcher, JR.
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Patent number: 7951247Abstract: Sol-gel chemistry is used to prepare igniters comprising energetic multilayer structures coated with energetic booster materials. These igniters can be tailored to be stable to environmental aging, i.e., where the igniters are exposed to extremes of both hot and cold temperatures (?30 C to 150 C) and both low (0%) and high relative humidity (100%).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Troy W. Barbee, Jr., Randall L. Simpson, Alexander E. Gash, Joe H. Satcher, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110083661Abstract: A low to moderate temperature heat source comprising a high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures wherein the high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures is positioned between two thin pieces to form a close contact sheath. In one embodiment the high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures is a nanolaminate multilayer foil of reactive materials that produces a heating level of less than 200° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: J. Del Eckels, Peter J. Nunes, Randall L. Simpson, Stefan Hau-Riege, Chris Walton, J. Chance Carter, John G. Reynolds
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Patent number: 7867441Abstract: A low to moderate temperature heat source comprising a high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures wherein the high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures is positioned between two thin pieces to form a close contact sheath. In one embodiment the high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures is a nanolaminate multilayer foil of reactive materials that produces a heating level of less than 200° C.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: J. Del Eckels, Peter J. Nunes, Randall L. Simpson, Stefan Hau-Riege, Chris Walton, J. Chance Carter, John G. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20100267541Abstract: A method for producing ceramic materials utilizing the sol-gel process enables the preparation of intimate homogeneous dispersions of materials while offering the ability to control the size of one component within another. The method also enables the preparation of materials that densify at reduced temperatures. Applications of the compositions include filters, solid-oxide fuel cells, membranes, ceramic cutting tools and wear and auto parts. In one example, 10 g of AlCl6.6H2O is added to a 150 ml beaker and dissolved in 10 g EtOH and 1 g H2O. While stirring, 0.456 g of B4C powder is added. Then 9.6 g of propylene oxide is added. The gel sets up in about 10 minutes and is dried overnight. It is then washed with 1% NH4OH and air dried to yield 3.969 g of Al2O3/B4C xerogel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2006Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Joe H. Satcher, JR., Alexander E. Gash, Randall L. Simpson, Richard L. Landingham, Robert A. Reibold
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Patent number: 7807104Abstract: An inspection tester that can be used anywhere as a primary screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface contains explosives. It includes a body with a sample pad. First and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are operatively connected to the body and the sample pad. The first and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are positioned to deliver the explosives detecting reagents to the sample pad. A is heater operatively connected to the sample pad.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Jeffrey S. Haas, Randall L. Simpson, Joe H. Satcher
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Patent number: 7771653Abstract: An inspection tester system for testing for explosives. The tester includes a body and a swab unit adapted to be removeably connected to the body. At least one reagent holder and dispenser is operatively connected to the body. The reagent holder and dispenser contains an explosives detecting reagent and is positioned to deliver the explosives detecting reagent to the swab unit. A heater is operatively connected to the body and the swab unit is adapted to be operatively connected to the heater.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Joel Del Eckels, Peter J. Nunes, Randall L. Simpson, Richard E. Whipple, J. Chance Carter, John G. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20100139823Abstract: A method for creating a pyrophoric material according to one embodiment includes thermally activating a carbon foam for creating micropores therein; contacting the activated carbon foam with a liquid solution comprising a metal salt for depositing metal ions in the carbon foam; and reducing the metal ions in the foam to metal particles. A pyrophoric material in yet another embodiment includes a pyrophoric metal-carbon foam composite comprising a carbon foam having micropores and mesopores and a surface area of greater than or equal to about 2000 m2/g, and metal particles in the pores of the carbon foam. Additional methods and materials are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Alexander E. Gash, Joe H. Satcher, JR., Randall L. Simpson, Theodore F. Baumann, Marcus A. Worsley
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Publication number: 20080131316Abstract: A low to moderate temperature heat source comprising a high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures wherein the high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures is positioned between two thin pieces to form a close contact sheath. In one embodiment the high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures is a nanolaminate multilayer foil of reactive materials that produces a heating level of less than 200° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: J. Del Eckels, Peter J. Nunes, Randall L. Simpson, Stefan Hau-Riege, Chris Walton, J. Chance Carter, John G. Reynolds
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Patent number: 7294306Abstract: An inspection tester that can be used anywhere as a primary screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface contains explosives. It includes a body with a sample pad. First and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are operatively connected to the body and the sample pad. The first and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are positioned to deliver the explosives detecting reagents to the sample pad. A is heater operatively connected to the sample pad.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jeffrey S. Haas, Randall L. Simpson, Joe H. Satcher
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Patent number: 6986818Abstract: A synthetic route for producing nanostructure metal-oxide-based materials using sol-gel processing. This procedure employs the use of stable and inexpensive hydrated-metal inorganic salts and environmentally friendly solvents such as water and ethanol. The synthesis involves the dissolution of the metal salt in a solvent followed by the addition of a proton scavenger, which induces gel formation in a timely manner. Both critical point (supercritical extraction) and atmospheric (low temperature evaporation) drying may be employed to produce monolithic aerogels and xerogels, respectively. Using this method synthesis of metal-oxide nanostructured materials have been carried out using inorganic salts, such as of Fe3+, Cr3+, Al3+, Ga3+, In3+, Hf4+, Sn4+, Zr4+, Nb5+, W6+, Pr3+, Er3+, Nd3+, Ce3+, U3+ and Y3+.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Thomas M. Tillotson, Randall L. Simpson, Lawrence W. Hrubesh, Alexander Gash
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Patent number: 6986819Abstract: A method of preparing energetic metal-oxide-based energetic materials using sol-gel chemistry has been invented. The wet chemical sol-gel processing provides an improvement in both safety and performance. Essentially, a metal-oxide oxidizer skeletal structure is prepared from hydrolyzable metals (metal salts or metal alkoxides) with fuel added to the sol prior to gelation or synthesized within the porosity metal-oxide gel matrix. With metal salt precursors a proton scavenger is used to destabilize the sol and induce gelation. With metal alkoxide precursors standard well-known sol-gel hydrolysis and condensation reactions are used. Drying is done by standard sol-gel practices, either by a slow evaporation of the liquid residing within the pores to produce a high density solid nanocomposite, or by supercritical extraction to produce a lower density, high porous nanocomposite.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Thomas M. Tillotson, Randall L. Simpson, Lawrence W. Hrubesh
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Patent number: 6893518Abstract: Sol-gel chemistry is used for the preparation of energetic materials (explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics) with improved homogeneity, and/or which can be cast to near-net shape, and/or made into precision molding powders. The sol-gel method is a synthetic chemical process where reactive monomers are mixed into a solution, polymerization occurs leading to a highly cross-linked three dimensional solid network resulting in a gel. The energetic materials can be incorporated during the formation of the solution or during the gel stage of the process. The composition, pore, and primary particle sizes, gel time, surface areas, and density may be tailored and controlled by the solution chemistry. The gel is then dried using supercritical extraction to produce a highly porous low density aerogel or by controlled slow evaporation to produce a xerogel. Applying stress during the extraction phase can result in high density materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Randall L. Simpson, Ronald S. Lee, Thomas M. Tillotson, Lawrence W. Hrubesh, Rosalind W. Swansiger, Glenn A. Fox
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Publication number: 20040265169Abstract: An inspection tester that can be used anywhere as a primary screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface contains explosives. It includes a body with a sample pad. First and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are operatively connected to the body and the sample pad. The first and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are positioned to deliver the explosives detecting reagents to the sample pad. A is heater operatively connected to the sample pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jeffrey S. Haas, Randall L. Simpson, Joe H. Satcher
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Publication number: 20040060626Abstract: A method of preparing energetic metal-oxide-based energetic materials using sol-gel chemistry has been invented. The wet chemical sol-gel processing provides an improvement in both safety and performance. Essentially, a metal-oxide oxidizer skeletal structure is prepared from hydrolyzable metals (metal salts or metal alkoxides) with fuel added to the sol prior to gelation or synthesized within the porosity metal-oxide gel matrix. With metal salt precursors a proton scavenger is used to destabilize the sol and induce gelation. With metal alkoxide precursors standard well-known sol-gel hydrolysis and condensation reactions are used. Drying is done by standard sol-gel practices, either by a slow evaporation of the liquid residing within the pores to produce a high density solid nanocomposite, or by supercritical extraction to produce a lower density, high porous nanocomposite.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Thomas M. Tillotson, Randall L. Simpson, Lawrence W. Hrubesh