Patents by Inventor Robert E. Drubka

Robert E. Drubka 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).

  • Publication number: 20180120240
    Abstract: An apparatus having a submersible, hollow, closed container and an x-ray imaging system radiation source disposed within that container. The submersible container is configured to withstand at least 10 atmospheric pressure (atm) and hence to withstand being submerged at least 100 meters (m) in a liquid (such as an open body of water) without undergoing permanent deformation. The x-ray imaging system radiation source intern is configured to selectively direct x-rays towards an object under inspection that is external to the submersible container. Detector components can be similarly placed within the aforementioned container or within one or more additional such containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Gongyin Chen, Robert E. Drubka, John Stammetti, Charles Stirm
  • Patent number: 9778391
    Abstract: Radiation scanning systems providing multiple views of an object in different planes and a reconstruction algorithm for reconstructing quasi-three-dimensional images from a limited number of views. A system may include bend magnets to direct accelerated charged particles to multiple targets in different viewing locations. Another system collimates radiation generated by a plurality of radiation sources into multiple beams for scanning an object at multiple angles. The object may be a cargo container, for example. The reconstruction algorithm uses an optimization algorithm and imaging and feasibility models to reconstruct quasi-three-dimensional images from the limited number of views.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: VAREX IMAGING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gongyin Chen, Kevin Holt, Robert E. Drubka, John Stammetti, Michael Z. Duncan, Timothy R. Fox, David Nisius, Martin Hu
  • Publication number: 20140294147
    Abstract: Radiation scanning systems providing multiple views of an object in different planes and a reconstruction algorithm for reconstructing quasi-three-dimensional images from a limited number of views. A system may include bend magnets to direct accelerated charged particles to multiple targets in different viewing locations. Another system collimates radiation generated by a plurality of radiation sources into multiple beams for scanning an object at multiple angles. The object may be a cargo container, for example. The reconstruction algorithm uses an optimization algorithm and imaging and feasibility models to reconstruct quasi-three-dimensional images from the limited number of views.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gongyin CHEN, Kevin Holt, Robert E. Drubka, John Stammetti, Michael Z. Duncan, Timothy R. Fox, David Nisius, Martin Hu
  • Patent number: 6911110
    Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James B. Blackmon, Jr., Nelson Edwin Jones, Robert E. Drubka
  • Publication number: 20040139960
    Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: James B. Blackmon, Nelson Edwin Jones, Robert E. Drubka
  • Publication number: 20040140051
    Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: James B. Blackmon, Nelson Edwin Jones, Robert E. Drubka
  • Publication number: 20040139961
    Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: James B. Blackmon, Nelson Edwin Jones, Robert E. Drubka
  • Patent number: 6708687
    Abstract: A method and high concentration central receiver system provide improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under compressive stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventors: James B. Blackmon, Jr., Nelson Edwin Jones, Robert E. Drubka
  • Publication number: 20020185124
    Abstract: A method and high concentration central receiver system provide improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under compressive stresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: James B. Blackmon, Nelson Edwin Jones, Robert E. Drubka
  • Patent number: 5589758
    Abstract: A power system provides various levels of electrical power at various radio frequencies to specific input locations of a neutral particle beam accelerator system. Both the power system and the accelerator system are mounted on a space platform. The power system includes separate modules mounted on two hinged members of the platform. The modules utilize turbines, generators and fuel cells to provide the needed electrical power which is amplified to the desired levels required by the accelerator system. In addition, a fuel cell is utilized to power a pulse drive motor to drive the generators during turbine start up in order to provide high voltage output power during the start up. A regenerator produces hydrogen and oxygen from the water effluent produced by the fuel cells and the combustors which powers the turbines thereby recycling the fuel and working fluid and consequently making the power system generally non-contaminating and fuel efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Blackmon, Robert E. Drubka, Nelson E. Jones, R. Andrew Gerrick, Michael L. Hand
  • Patent number: 5176326
    Abstract: A fluid ejection nozzle is disclosed which facilitates a wide distribution of fluid therefrom and which permits the fluid flow rate to be easily adjustable. The nozzle is particularly adapted to a heat rejection system useful in a space environment. The nozzle includes a flow distributor positioned within an orifice of the nozzle housing which is comprised of a tongue member and an attached flow control block. Adjustment screws mounted through the nozzle housing permit axial movement of the flow distributor within the housing, thus controlling the flow rate of the fluid even to the extent of total shut-off. The tongue member is shaped to widely disperse the fluid, and includes turbulence generators such as roughening or ridges for facilitating its dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Blackmon, Robert E. Drubka
  • Patent number: 5150748
    Abstract: A heat pipe radiator coating of a fibrous material provides protection for the radiator, such as a heat pipe, pumped loop, etc., while allowing good emissivity and heat rejection. Fibers are constructed from fiberglass, glass, quartz, saphire, diamond, carbon carbon, tantalum, stainless steel, aluminum, beryllium, and copper, and may be coated with a variety of metallic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Blackmon, Robert E. Drubka, John S. Kirby, Dave Johnson, R. Andrew Gerrick, Thomas Ingersoll, Nelson Jones, Brian Seaworth, Gary Glover
  • Patent number: 5062472
    Abstract: Disclosed is an advantageous system for heat rejection especially useful in the space environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Blackmon, Robert E. Drubka