Patents by Inventor Rod Heelis

Rod Heelis 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).

  • Spinning aperture neutral drift sensor (SANDS)
    Patent number: 11187827
    Abstract: A scientific instrument for measuring neutral atmospheric conditions at satellite altitudes is provided. In an illustrative embodiment, the scientific instrument includes an ion gauge configured to measure ion pressure. The scientific instrument also includes a lid covering the ion gauge. The lid includes a plurality of slits. The scientific instrument also includes an aperture plate that includes an aperture opening. The aperture plate is configured to rotate such that each of the slits are periodically exposed by the aperture opening to allow a neutral beam flux to enter the ion gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Russell A. Stoneback, Michael D. Perdue, Rod Heelis, Mark Mankey