Patents by Inventor Warren C. Kelliher

Warren C. Kelliher 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).

  • Miniature, low-power X-ray tube using a microchannel electron generator electron source
    Patent number: 8081734
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a novel, low-power X-ray tube and X-ray generating system. Embodiments of the invention use a multichannel electron generator as the electron source, thereby increasing reliability and decreasing power consumption of the X-ray tube. Unlike tubes using a conventional filament that must be heated by a current power source, embodiments of the invention require only a voltage power source, use very little current, and have no cooling requirements. The microchannel electron generator comprises one or more microchannel plates (MCPs), Each MCP comprises a honeycomb assembly of a plurality of annular components, which may be stacked to increase electron intensity. The multichannel electron generator used enables directional control of electron flow. In addition, the multichannel electron generator used is more robust than conventional filaments, making the resulting X-ray tube very shock and vibration resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Wm. Timothy Elam, Warren C. Kelliher, William Hershyn, David P. DeLong
  • Miniature, Low-Power X-Ray Tube Using A Microchannel Electron Generator Electron Source
    Publication number: 20100195801
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a novel, low-power X-ray tube and X-ray generating system. Embodiments of the invention use a multichannel electron generator as the electron source, thereby increasing reliability and decreasing power consumption of the X-ray tube. Unlike tubes using a conventional filament that must be heated by a current power source, embodiments of the invention require only a voltage power source, use very little current, and have no cooling requirements. The microchannel electron generator comprises one or more microchannel plates (MCPs), Each MCP comprises a honeycomb assembly of a plurality of annular components, which may be stacked to increase electron intensity. The multichannel electron generator used enables directional control of electron flow. In addition, the multichannel electron generator used is more robust than conventional filaments, making the resulting X-ray tube very shock and vibration resistant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Adminstrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Wm. Timothy Elam, Warren C. Kelliher, William Hershyn Trust, David P. DeLong
  • Wave energy transmission apparatus for high-temperature environments
    Patent number: 7742663
    Abstract: A wave energy transmission apparatus has a conduit made from a refractory oxide. A transparent, refractory ceramic window is coupled to the conduit. Wave energy passing through the window enters the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John D. Buckley, William C. Edwards, Warren C. Kelliher, Ingrid A. Carlberg
  • Wave Energy Transmission Apparatus for High-Temperature Environments
    Publication number: 20090110351
    Abstract: A wave energy transmission apparatus has a conduit made from a refractory oxide. A transparent, refractory ceramic window is coupled to the conduit. Wave energy passing through the window enters the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: USA as represented by the Administration of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John D. Buckley, William C. Edwards, Warren C. Kelliher, Ingrid A. Carlberg