Patents by Inventor Roberto J. Cano
Roberto J. Cano 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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Publication number: 20210360841Abstract: Aspects relate to building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: DONALD L. THOMSEN, III, ROBERTO J. CANO, BRIAN J. JENSEN, STEPHEN J. HALES, JOEL A. ALEXA
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Patent number: 11076516Abstract: Aspects relate to methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASAInventors: Donald L. Thomsen, III, Roberto J. Cano, Brian J. Jensen, Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa
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Patent number: 10450432Abstract: A composite comprising a combination of a self-healing polymer matrix and a carbon fiber reinforcement is described. In one embodiment, the matrix is a polybutadiene graft copolymer matrix, such as polybutadiene graft copolymer comprising poly(butadiene)-graft-poly(methyl acrylate-co-acrylonitrile). A method of fabricating the composite is also described, comprising the steps of manufacturing a pre-impregnated unidirectional carbon fiber preform by wetting a plurality of carbon fibers with a solution, the solution comprising a self-healing polymer and a solvent, and curing the preform. A method of repairing a structure made from the composite of the invention is described. A novel prepreg material used to manufacture the composite of the invention is described.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASAInventors: Keith L. Gordon, Emilie J. Siochi, Brian W. Grimsley, Roberto J. Cano, Michael W. Czabaj
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Publication number: 20190053407Abstract: Disclosed are methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: DONALD L. THOMSEN, III, ROBERTO J. CANO, BRIAN J. JENSEN, STEPHEN J. HALES, JOEL A. ALEXA
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Patent number: 10039217Abstract: Disclosed are methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect. the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF NASAInventors: Donald Laurence Thomsen, III, Roberto J. Cano, Brian J. Jensen, Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa
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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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Publication number: 20180051147Abstract: A composite comprising a combination of a self-healing polymer matrix and a carbon fiber reinforcement is described. In one embodiment, the matrix is a polybutadiene graft copolymer matrix, such as polybutadiene graft copolymer comprising poly(butadiene)-graft-poly(methyl acrylate-co-acrylonitrile). A method of fabricating the composite is also described, comprising the steps of manufacturing a pre-impregnated unidirectional carbon fiber preform by wetting a plurality of carbon fibers with a solution, the solution comprising a self-healing polymer and a solvent, and curing the preform. A method of repairing a structure made from the composite of the invention is described. A novel prepreg material used to manufacture the composite of the invention is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Keith L. Gordon, Emile J. Siochi, Brian W. Grimsley, Roberto J. Cano, Michael W. Czabaj
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Patent number: 9783648Abstract: A composite comprising a combination of a self-healing polymer matrix and a carbon fiber reinforcement is described. In one embodiment, the matrix is a polybutadiene graft copolymer matrix, such as polybutadiene graft copolymer comprising poly(butadiene)-graft-poly(methyl acrylate-co-acrylonitrile). A method of fabricating the composite is also described, comprising the steps of manufacturing a pre-impregnated unidirectional carbon fiber preform by wetting a plurality of carbon fibers with a solution, the solution comprising a self-healing polymer and a solvent, and curing the preform. A method of repairing a structure made from the composite of the invention is described. A novel prepreg material used to manufacture the composite of the invention is described.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the NASAInventors: Keith L. Gordon, Emilie J. Siochi, Brian W. Grimsley, Roberto J. Cano, Michael W. Czabaj
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Patent number: 9447260Abstract: High quality thermoplastic composites and composite laminates containing nanoparticles and/or nanofibers, and methods of producing such composites and laminates are disclosed. The composites comprise a thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of nanoparticles, and may include a fibrous structural reinforcement. The composite laminates are formed from a plurality of nanoparticle-containing composite layers and may be fused to one another via an automated process.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Mark B. Gruber, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano
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Publication number: 20160032066Abstract: A composite comprising a combination of a self-healing polymer matrix and a carbon fiber reinforcement is described. In one embodiment, the matrix is a polybutadiene graft copolymer matrix, such as polybutadiene graft copolymer comprising poly(butadiene)-graft-poly(methyl acrylate-co-acrylonitrile). A method of fabricating the composite is also described, comprising the steps of manufacturing a pre-impregnated unidirectional carbon fiber preform by wetting a plurality of carbon fibers with a solution, the solution comprising a self-healing polymer and a solvent, and curing the preform. A method of repairing a structure made from the composite of the invention is described. A novel prepreg material used to manufacture the composite of the invention is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Keith L. Gordon, Emilie J. Siochi, Brian W. Grimsley, Roberto J. Cano, Michael W. Czabaj
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Patent number: 9156957Abstract: A composite comprising a combination of a self-healing polymer matrix and a carbon fiber reinforcement is described. In one embodiment, the matrix is a polybutadiene graft copolymer matrix, such as polybutadiene graft copolymer comprising poly(butadiene)-graft-poly(methyl acrylate-co-acrylonitrile). A method of fabricating the composite is also described, comprising the steps of manufacturing a pre-impregnated unidirectional carbon fiber preform by wetting a plurality of carbon fibers with a solution, the solution comprising a self-healing polymer and a solvent, and curing the preform. A method of repairing a structure made from the composite of the invention is described. A novel prepreg material used to manufacture the composite of the invention is described.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Keith L. Gordon, Emilie J. Siochi, Brian W. Grimsley, Roberto J. Cano, Michael W. Czabaj
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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: 8683807Abstract: A jet engine exhaust nozzle flow effector is a chevron formed with a radius of curvature with surfaces of the flow effector being defined and opposing one another. At least one shape memory alloy (SMA) member is embedded in the chevron closer to one of the chevron's opposing surfaces and substantially spanning from at least a portion of the chevron's root to the chevron's tip.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Travis L. Turner, Roberto J. Cano, Richard J. Silox, Ralph D. Buehrle, Christopher M. Cagle, Randolph H. Cabell, George C. Hilton
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Patent number: 8661653Abstract: Methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the methods include improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade from the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Donald Laurence Thomsen, III, Roberto J. Cano, Brian J Jensen, Stephen J Hales, Joel A Alexa
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Publication number: 20120023737Abstract: Disclosed are methods of building Z-graded radiation shielding and covers. In one aspect, the method includes: providing a substrate surface having about medium Z-grade; plasma spraying a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface; and infusing a polymer layer to form a laminate. In another aspect, the method includes electro/electroless plating a first metal having higher Z-grade than the substrate surface. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of improving an existing electronics enclosure to build a Z-graded radiation shield by applying a temperature controller to at least part of the enclosure and affixing at least one layer of a first metal having higher Z-grade than the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Donald L. Thomsen, III, Roberto J. Cano, Brian J. Jensen, Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa
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Patent number: 8017190Abstract: A metal/fiber laminate has a plurality of adjacent layers. Each layer is porous and includes an arrangement of fibers. At least one of the layers has its fibers coated with a metal. A polymer matrix permeates each such arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Erik S. Weiser
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Publication number: 20110203288Abstract: A jet engine exhaust nozzle flow effector is a chevron formed with a radius of curvature with surfaces of the flow effector being defined and opposing one another. At least one shape memory alloy (SMA) member is embedded in the chevron closer to one of the chevron's opposing surfaces and substantially spanning from at least a portion of the chevron's root to the chevron's tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: U. S. A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Travis L. Turner, Roberto J. Cano, Richard J. Silox, Ralph D. Buehrle, Christopher M. Cagle, Randolph H. Cabell, George C. Hilton
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Patent number: 7958733Abstract: A jet engine exhaust nozzle flow effector is a chevron formed with a radius of curvature with surfaces of the flow effector being defined and opposing one another. At least one shape memory alloy (SMA) member is embedded in the chevron closer to one of the chevron's opposing surfaces and substantially spanning from at least a portion of the chevron's root to the chevron's tip.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Travis L. Turner, Roberto J. Cano, Richard J. Silcox, Ralph D. Buehrle, Christopher M. Cagle, Randolph H. Cabell, George C. Hilton
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Publication number: 20110070793Abstract: A metal/fiber laminate has a plurality of adjacent layers. Each layer is porous and includes an arrangement of fibers. At least one of the layers has its fibers coated with a metal. A polymer matrix permeates each such arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicants: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National AeronauticsInventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Erik S. Weiser
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Patent number: 7851062Abstract: A metal/fiber laminate has a plurality of adjacent layers. Each layer is porous and includes an arrangement of fibers. At least one of the layers has its fibers coated with a metal. A polymer matrix permeates each such arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Stephen J. Hales, Joel A. Alexa, Brian J. Jensen, Roberto J. Cano, Erik S. Weiser