Patents by Inventor Thu A. Nguyen

Thu A. Nguyen 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: 20230295550
    Abstract: Provided are inserts (100) for preparing a cell culture chamber(s), or array of chambers, inside of histology cassettes that are suitable for three-dimensional multicellular growth of a cell or cells into spheroids, organoids, or other 3D structures, such that the resulting 3D multi-cellular structures are ready and suitable for histology processing without transfer to a different receptacle or container. Further embodiments of the invention provide methods of preparing at least one cell culture chamber using the inserts, systems for growing three-dimensional multicellular spheroids comprising culturing cells within a cell culture chamber prepared using the inserts, and systems for analyzing at least one cultured cell in vitro comprising culturing cells within a cell culture chamber prepared using the inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: The United States of America,as represented by the Secretary,Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Ralph E. Parchment, Thu A. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10574018
    Abstract: A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Thu A. Nguyen, Michael G. Parent, Russell J. Heeter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20190030684
    Abstract: A depressed center grinding wheel comprises an abrasive disc. The abrasive disc comprises a working layer, an intermediate layer, a back layer, and at least two reinforcing scrims. The working layer comprises first abrasive particles retained in a first binder material. The first abrasive particles include from 40 to 100 weight percent of first shaped abrasive particles. The back layer comprises second abrasive particles retained in a second binder material. The second abrasive particles include first crushed abrasive particles and are essentially free of shaped abrasive particles. The intermediate layer is disposed between the working layer and the back layer. The intermediate layer comprises third abrasive particles retained in a third binder material. The third abrasive particles include 25 to 75 weight percent of second shaped abrasive particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Loc X. Van, Thu A. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10186788
    Abstract: A conductive fastener assembly, system, and method are described. The fastener assembly includes a nut having a counterbore formed therein. The counterbore is formed to maintain a sufficient gap between the nut and the protruding end of a fastener sleeve. The nut with the counterbore improves the conductive fastener system such that the need for a solid copper grid and a cap seal is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Russell J. Heeter, Thu A. Nguyen, John A. Ward, John R. Porter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 10014593
    Abstract: A conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly includes a fastener, a fastener sleeve, a nut, and a lubricant coating. The lubricant coating is deposited on a distal portion of a fastener shank and is omitted from the rest of the fastener. To overcome the stresses placed on the fastener sleeve by the insertion of the fastener shank largely devoid of a lubricant coating, the fastener sleeve is reinforced by one or more of an increased thickness, a high-strength alloy, and a soft metal coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Russell J. Heeter, Thu A. Nguyen, John A. Ward, John R. Porter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20160261052
    Abstract: A conductive fastener assembly, system, and method are described. The fastener assembly includes a nut having a counterbore formed therein. The counterbore is formed to maintain a sufficient gap between the nut and the protruding end of a fastener sleeve. The nut with the counterbore improves the conductive fastener system such that the need for a solid copper grid and a cap seal is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Russell J. Heeter, Thu A. Nguyen, John A. Ward, John R. Porter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20160240939
    Abstract: A conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly includes a fastener, a fastener sleeve, a nut, and a lubricant coating. The lubricant coating is deposited on a distal portion of a fastener shank and is omitted from the rest of the fastener. To overcome the stresses placed on the fastener sleeve by the insertion of the fastener shank largely devoid of a lubricant coating, the fastener sleeve is reinforced by one or more of an increased thickness, a high-strength alloy, and a soft metal coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Russell J. HEETER, Thu A. NGUYEN, John A. WARD, John R. PORTER, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 9343824
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly comprises a nut having a counterbore formed therein. The counterbore is formed to maintain a sufficient gap between the nut and the protruding end of a fastener sleeve. The nut with the counterbore improves the conductive fastener system such that the need for a solid copper grid and a cap seal is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Russell J Heeter, Thu A Nguyen, John A Ward, John R Porter, Jeffrey A Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 9331402
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly comprises a fastener, a fastener sleeve, a nut, and a lubricant coating. The lubricant coating is deposited on a distal portion of a fastener shank and is omitted from the rest of the fastener. To overcome the stresses placed on the fastener sleeve by the insertion of the fastener shank largely devoid of a lubricant coating, the fastener sleeve is reinforced by one or more of an increased thickness, a high-strength alloy, and a soft metal coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Russell J Heeter, Thu A Nguyen, John A Ward, John R Porter, Jeffrey A Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 9321149
    Abstract: A composite abrasive wheel comprises primary and secondary abrasive portions. The primary abrasive portion comprises shaped ceramic abrasive particles retained in a first organic binder. The secondary abrasive portion is bonded to the primary abrasive portion, and comprises secondary crushed abrasive particles retained in a second organic binder. The primary abrasive portion comprises a larger volume percentage of the shaped ceramic abrasive particles than the secondary abrasive portion. A central aperture extends through the composite abrasive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Loc X. Van, Thu A. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20150200517
    Abstract: A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Thu A. Nguyen, Michael G. Parent, Russell J. Heeter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 9003650
    Abstract: A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thu A Nguyen, Michael G Parent, Russell Joe Heeter, Jeffrey A Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20140256238
    Abstract: A composite abrasive wheel comprises primary and secondary abrasive portions. The primary abrasive portion comprises shaped ceramic abrasive particles retained in a first organic binder. The secondary abrasive portion is bonded to the primary abrasive portion, and comprises secondary crushed abrasive particles retained in a second organic binder. The primary abrasive portion comprises a larger volume percentage of the shaped ceramic abrasive particles than the secondary abrasive portion. A central aperture extends through the composite abrasive wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Loc X. Van, Thu A. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8382413
    Abstract: A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thu A. Nguyen, Michael G. Parent, Joe Heeter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 7969706
    Abstract: A lightning-protected conductive composite fuel tank includes a conductive material arrayed on an outer surface to at least partially cover a fastener centerline. Through holes extend along the fastener centerline through the conductive material and the underlying fuel tank shell. These through holes are countersunk into the fuel tank shell to a depth such that a fastener in a through hole will avoid electrical continuity or communication with the conductive material on the fuel tank outer surface. The gap in the countersunk through holes, between the fastener heads and the coextensive outer surface of the fuel tank, is filled with a dielectric or nonconductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Russell J. Heeter, Jeffrey D. Morgan, Kevin D. Pate, John R. Porter, Darrin M. Hansen, Steven C. Steckmyer, Thu A. Nguyen, Dale B. Winter, Daniel Smith, Harry E. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20100124472
    Abstract: A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Thu A. Nguyen, Michael G. Parent, Joe Heeter, Jeffrey A. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20100020461
    Abstract: A lightning-protected conductive composite fuel tank includes a conductive material arrayed on an outer surface to at least partially cover a fastener centerline. Through holes extend along the fastener centerline through the conductive material and the underlying fuel tank shell. These through holes are countersunk into the fuel tank shell to a depth such that a fastener in a through hole will avoid electrical continuity or communication with the conductive material on the fuel tank outer surface. The gap in the countersunk through holes, between the fastener heads and the coextensive outer surface of the fuel tank, is filled with a dielectric or nonconductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Russell J. Heeter, Jeffrey D. Morgan, Kevin D. Pate, John R. Porter, Darrin M. Hansen, Steven C. Steckmyer, Thu A. Nguyen, Dale B. Winter, Daniel Smith, Harry E. Townsend
  • Patent number: 7599164
    Abstract: A lightning-protected conductive composite fuel tank includes a conductive material arrayed on an outer surface to at least partially cover a fastener centerline. Through holes extend along the fastener centerline through the conductive material and the underlying fuel tank shell. These through holes are countersunk into the fuel tank shell to a depth such that a fastener in a through hole will avoid electrical continuity or communication with the conductive material on the fuel tank outer surface. The gap in the countersunk through holes, between the fastener heads and the coextensive outer surface of the fuel tank, is filled with a dielectric or nonconductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Russell J. Heeter, Jeffrey D. Morgan, Kevin D. Pate, John R. Porter, Darrin M. Hansen, Steven C. Steckmyer, Thu A. Nguyen, Dale B. Winter, Daniel Smith, Harry E. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20080137259
    Abstract: A lightning-protected conductive composite fuel tank includes a conductive material arrayed on an outer surface to at least partially cover a fastener centerline. Through holes extend along the fastener centerline through the conductive material and the underlying fuel tank shell. These through holes are countersunk into the fuel tank shell to a depth such that a fastener in a through hole will avoid electrical continuity or communication with the conductive material on the fuel tank outer surface. The gap in the countersunk through holes, between the fastener heads and the coextensive outer surface of the fuel tank, is filled with a dielectric or nonconductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Russell J. Heeter, Jeffrey D. Morgan, Kevin D. Pate, John R. Porter, Darrin M. Hansen, Steven C. Steckmyer, Thu A. Nguyen, Dale B. Winter, Daniel Smith, Harry E. Townsend