Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Crawford
Thomas M. Crawford 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: 10715781Abstract: An MKV interceptor includes a carrier vehicle (CV) that supports the deployment of M kill vehicles (KVs) and provides centralized acquisition and discrimination pre-ejection. Pre-ejection each KV acquires and transmits IR imagery, and possibly visible imagery, via an internal communication bus to a central processor on the CV. The central processor spatially registers the IR images from the different KVs, either directly from the IR images themselves or using the visible imagery, and sums the IR (and visible) images to form a registered spatially averaged IR image. This image has the same resolution but higher SNR than any one of the KV IR images. The central processor uses this registered spatially averaged image during pre-ejection acquisition and discrimination modes. The key benefit is the elimination of independent CV “sense capability”, which is large, heavy and expensive, and was required by either the “command guided” or “sharing” concepts.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Michael S. Bielas, Paul H. Oglesby, Richard A. Paiva, Thomas M. Crawford
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Patent number: 10381035Abstract: Methods for magnetic recording are provided. The method can include: assembling a plurality of nanoparticles into a pattern on a disc; applying a polymer composition onto the pattern of nanoparticles; curing the polymer composition to form a polymer film on the disc, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles are immobilized in the pattern within the polymer film upon curing; and removing the polymer film containing the plurality of nanoparticles in the pattern. Diffraction gratings are also provided that can include a polymeric film comprising a plurality of nanoparticles immobilized in a pattern, wherein the polymer film defines a curvature.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Longfei Ye, Jason Ryan Henderson
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Publication number: 20180231701Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for high diffraction efficiency phase gratings. An organized set of nanoparticles are embedded within a polymer composite. The polymer composite is then etched to generate one or more trenches in the polymer composite that correspond to the organized set of nanoparticles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Longfei Ye, Thomas M. Crawford, John Tyler Tatum, Cameron Nickle
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Patent number: 10024696Abstract: A hyper-velocity impact sensor including an optical fiber probe that transmits an optical pulse generated during impact with an object, a spectroscopic analyzer that receives the optical pulse and produces spectral information about the optical pulse, a connecting optical fiber configured to convey the optical pulse between the optical fiber probe and the spectroscopic analyzer, and at least one processor coupled to the spectroscopic analyzer and configured to receive and analyze the spectral information to determine at least one chemical element or compound contained in the object.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANYInventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Richard J. Wright, James G. Sierchio
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Publication number: 20170328742Abstract: A hyper-velocity impact sensor including an optical fiber probe that transmits an optical pulse generated during impact with an object, a spectroscopic analyzer that receives the optical pulse and produces spectral information about the optical pulse, a connecting optical fiber configured to convey the optical pulse between the optical fiber probe and the spectroscopic analyzer, and at least one processor coupled to the spectroscopic analyzer and configured to receive and analyze the spectral information to determine at least one chemical element or compound contained in the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Richard J. Wright, James G. Sierchio
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Patent number: 9797697Abstract: A hyper-velocity impact sensor is configured to probe a mass of material consumed upon impact with an object. The probe can extract density and thickness characteristics of the impacted object, which can be used to classify the object.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Richard J. Wright, James G. Sierchio, William R. Owens, Thomas M. Crawford, Myron E. Calkins, Jr.
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Patent number: 9767943Abstract: Methods for forming a nanoparticle assembly are generally provided. The method can comprise applying a colloidal fluid to a surface of a magnetic media, wherein the colloidal fluid comprises magnetic nanoparticles, a surfactant, a trigger salt, and a carrier medium; and assembling the magnetic nanoparticles into a pattern through a magnetic force arising from the surface of the magnetic media.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignees: University of South Carolina, Clemson UniversityInventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Longfei Ye, Tanner G. Pearson, O. Thompson Mefford, Yves Cordeau
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Publication number: 20160356688Abstract: A hyper-velocity impact sensor is configured to probe a mass of material consumed upon impact with an object. The probe can extract density and thickness characteristics of the impacted object, which can be used to classify the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2015Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Richard J. Wright, James G. Sierchio, William R. Owens, Thomas M. Crawford, Myron E. Calkins, JR.
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Patent number: 9476677Abstract: A KV-based missile defense system and method of strategic engagement provides performance improvement for both singleton and raid scenarios by launching multiple interceptors that place a follower KV in a trailing position with respect to a lead KV. Knowledge of the target cloud gained by the lead KV is transmitted to the follower KV and incorporated to inform the target selection of the follower KV. The follower KV trails the lead KV with sufficient spacing in time and distance to select a target and maneuver to engage the target pre-acquisition. This also allows the follower KV to receive and incorporate knowledge of target impact by the lead KV. This knowledge may be transmitted back to another follower KV and so forth in a “string” of KVs to inform target selection and down to the ground to inform strategic engagement. Updated non-KV observational data can be uplinked and transmitted forward along the string to the lead KV.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Richard J. Wright, James G. Sierchio, Myron E. Calkins, Jr., Kent P. Pflibsen, Perry H. Frahm, William R. Owens, Thomas M. Crawford
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Patent number: 9341597Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Samir Y. Garzon
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Publication number: 20150276678Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Samir Y. Garzon
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Patent number: 9063057Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Samir Y. Garzon
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Publication number: 20150125623Abstract: Methods for forming a nanoparticle assembly are generally provided. The method can comprise applying a colloidal fluid to a surface of a magnetic media, wherein the colloidal fluid comprises magnetic nanoparticles, a surfactant, a trigger salt, and a carrier medium; and assembling the magnetic nanoparticles into a pattern through a magnetic force arising from the surface of the magnetic media.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Longfei Ye, Tanner G. Pearson, O. Thompson Mefford, Yves Cordeau
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Publication number: 20150071821Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Samir Y. Garzon
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Patent number: 8906695Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Samir Y. Garzon
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Publication number: 20140307322Abstract: Methods for magnetic recording are provided. The method can include: assembling a plurality of nanoparticles into a pattern on a disc; applying a polymer composition onto the pattern of nanoparticles; curing the polymer composition to form a polymer film on the disc, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles are immobilized in the pattern within the polymer film upon curing; and removing the polymer film containing the plurality of nanoparticles in the pattern. Diffraction gratings are also provided that can include a polymeric film comprising a plurality of nanoparticles immobilized in a pattern, wherein the polymer film defines a curvature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Longfei Ye, Jason Ryan Henderson
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Patent number: 8617643Abstract: A method of producing a nanoscale structure having substantially immobilized nanoparticles arranged at a predetermined patterned is generally disclosed. First, a curable polymeric solution is placed within a well defined by a wafer. The curable polymeric solution includes a curable polymeric material and a magnetically coated nanoparticle. The well is positioned adjacent to an atomically-smooth medium. A recording head is moved in a predetermined manner to produce a magnetic field profile that substantially immobilizes the magnetically coated nanoparticle within the curable polymeric solution in the well. The curable polymeric solution is cured such that the magnetically coated nanoparticle remains substantially immobilized after the magnetic field profile is removed.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventor: Thomas M. Crawford
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Patent number: 8372344Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Samir Y. Garzon
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Patent number: 8310237Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for detecting a conductive object (5). The apparatus comprises at least one transmitting device (2), which is operative to generate a first changing magnetic flux (11, 12), and at least one receiving device (10), which is operative, in use, to receive a second changing magnetic flux (9) generated by the conductive object (5) in dependence upon the first changing magnetic flux. In addition, the at least one transmitting device and the at least one receiving device are disposed in relation to each other so as to attenuate the first changing magnetic flux (11, 12) received directly by the at least one receiving device (10) from the at least one transmitting device (2).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Sense Marine LimitedInventors: Thomas M. Crawford, David Mackenzie
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Publication number: 20120094017Abstract: Methods for creating a precision assembly of nanoparticles by controlled deposition from a colloidal fluid (e.g., a ferrofluid) are disclosed. The method can include assembling magnetic nanoparticles, fixing the nanoparticles in place, and then allowing the completed nanoparticle assembly to be washed and dried to remove unwanted process contaminants left in the assembly fluid while preserving the underlying nanoparticle assembly as designed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINAInventors: Thomas M. Crawford, Jason Henderson