Patents by Inventor Zoubeida Ounaies

Zoubeida Ounaies 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).

  • Patent number: 11525087
    Abstract: Self-aligned liquid crystal materials and structures are disclosed. The structures can exhibit piezoelectric and flexoelectric properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia Kutchko, Zoubeida Ounaies, Hassene Ben Atitallah, Nicholas Wyckoff, Anil Kumar, Romain Stalder, David Walters
  • Publication number: 20200263092
    Abstract: Self-aligned liquid crystal materials and structures are disclosed. The structures can exhibit piezoelectric and flexoelectric properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: CYNTHIA KUTCHKO, ZOUBEIDA OUNAIES, HASSENE BEN ATITALLAH, NICHOLAS WYCKOFF, ANIL KUMAR, ROMAIN STALDER, DAVID WALTERS
  • Patent number: 10619099
    Abstract: Self-aligned liquid crystal materials and structures are disclosed. The structures can exhibit piezoelectric and flexoelectric properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia Kutchko, Zoubeida Ounaies, Hassene Ben Atitallah, Nicholas Wyckoff, Anil Kumar, Romain Stalder, David Walters
  • Publication number: 20190062635
    Abstract: Self-aligned liquid crystal materials and structures are disclosed. The structures can exhibit piezoelectric and flexoelectric properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: CYNTHIA KUTCHKO, ZOUBEIDA OUNAIES, HASSENE BEN ATITALLAH, NICHOLAS WYCKOFF, ANIL KUMAR, ROMAIN STALDER, DAVID WALTERS
  • Patent number: 7972536
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Jr., Joycelyn S. Harrison, Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies
  • Patent number: 7935414
    Abstract: An electroactive material comprises multiple layers of electroactive composite with each layer having unique dielectric, electrical and mechanical properties that define an electromechanical operation thereof when affected by an external stimulus. For example, each layer can be (i) a 2-phase composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electomechanical operation, or (ii) a 3-phase composite having the elements of the 2-phase composite and further including a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic incorporated in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Zoubeida Ounaies, Cheol Park, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Nancy M. Holloway, Gregory K. Draughon
  • Patent number: 7906043
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies
  • Publication number: 20100084618
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, JR., Joycelyn S. Harrison, Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies
  • Publication number: 20100078600
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies
  • Publication number: 20100068485
    Abstract: An electroactive material comprises multiple layers of electroactive composite with each layer having unique dielectric, electrical and mechanical properties that define an electromechanical operation thereof when affected by an external stimulus. For example, each layer can be (i) a 2-phase composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electomechanical operation, or (ii) a 3-phase composite having the elements of the 2-phase composite and further including a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic incorporated in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics Space Administration
    Inventors: Zoubeida OUNAIES, Cheol PARK, Joycelyn S. HARRISON, Nancy M. HOLLOWAY, Gregory K. DRAUGHON
  • Patent number: 7588699
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400–800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Cheol Park, Kent A. Watson, Zoubeida Ounaies, John W. Connell, Joseph G. Smith, Joycelyn S. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7527751
    Abstract: An electroactive sensing or actuating material comprises a composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electromechanical operation of the composite when such composite is affected by an external stimulus. In another embodiment, the composite comprises a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic that is also incorporated in the polymer matrix. The method for making the three-phase composite comprises either incorporating the carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix before incorporation of the particles of ceramic or mixing the carbon nanotubes and particles of ceramic together in a solution before incorporation in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Zoubeida Ounaies, Cheol Park, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Nancy M. Holloway, Gregory K. Draughon
  • Patent number: 7507472
    Abstract: An electroactive material comprises multiple layers of electroactive composite with each layer having unique dielectric, electrical and mechanical properties that define an electromechanical operation thereof when affected by an external stimulus. For example, each layer can be (i) a 2-phase composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electomechanical operation, or (ii) a 3-phase composite having the elements of the 2-phase composite and further including a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic incorporated in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administator of National Aeronatics and Space Adminstration
    Inventors: Zoubeida Ounaies, Cheol Park, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Nancy M. Holloway, Gregory K. Draughon
  • Publication number: 20090036975
    Abstract: A medically implantable stent comprising at least one piezo-electric material may be active, such as by one or more of: delivering an anti-coagulant or other therapeutic effect to a patient in which it is implanted; powering itself; and/or sending an outbound electronic signal to a remote device. When a stent can send such an outbound signal, a physician may non-invasively ascertain the condition of the tissue near the stent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin Ward, Zoubeida Ounaies, George Vetrovec
  • Publication number: 20080287589
    Abstract: An electroactive sensing or actuating material comprises a composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electromechanical operation of the composite when such composite is affected by an external stimulus. In another embodiment, the composite comprises a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic that is also incorporated in the polymer matrix. The method for making the three-phase composite comprises either incorporating the carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix before incorporation of the particles of ceramic or mixing the carbon nanotubes and particles of ceramic together in a solution before incorporation in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicants: Space Administration
    Inventors: Zoubeida Ounaies, Cheol Park, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Nancy M. Holloway, Gregory K. Draughon
  • Patent number: 7402264
    Abstract: An electroactive sensing or actuating material comprises a composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electomechanical operation of the composite when such composite is affected by an external stimulus. In another embodiment, the composite comprises a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic that is also incorporated in the polymer matrix. The method for making the three-phase composite comprises either incorporating the carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix before incorporation of the particles of ceramic or mixing the carbon nanotubes and particles of ceramic together in a solution before incorporation in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Zoubeida Ounaies, Cheol Park, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Nancy M. Holloway, Gregory K. Draughon
  • Publication number: 20060084752
    Abstract: An electroactive sensing or actuating material comprises a composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electomechanical operation of the composite when such composite is affected by an external stimulus. In another embodiment, the composite comprises a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic that is also incorporated in the polymer matrix. The method for making the three-phase composite comprises either incorporating the carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix before incorporation of the particles of ceramic or mixing the carbon nanotubes and particles of ceramic together in a solution before incorporation in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Zoubeida Ounaies, Cheol Park, Joycelyn Harrison, Nancy Holloway, Gregory Draughon
  • Publication number: 20060057361
    Abstract: An electroactive material comprises multiple layers of electroactive composite with each layer having unique dielectric, electrical and mechanical properties that define an electromechanical operation thereof when affected by an external stimulus. For example, each layer can be (i) a 2-phase composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electomechanical operation, or (ii) a 3-phase composite having the elements of the 2-phase composite and further including a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic incorporated in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Applicant: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & Space Administration
    Inventors: Zoubeida Ounaies, Cheol Park, Joycelyn Harrison, Nancy Holloway, Gregory Draughon
  • Publication number: 20060057377
    Abstract: Electroactive polymers are produced via electrospinning. The induction of electroactivity via electrospinning can be utilized with one or more soluble polymers with polarizable moieties. Suitable polymer classes include but are not limited to polyimides, polyamides, vinyl polymers, polyurethanes, polyureas, polythioureas, polyacrylates, polyesters, and biopolymers. Any one or more solvents sufficient to dissolve the one or more polymers of interest and make a spinnable solution can be utilized. The polymer can be electrospun into fiber and fibrous nonwoven mat. The electroactive polymer can be doped with inclusions, such as nanotubes, nanofibers, and piezoceramic powders for dielectric enhancement The availability of electroactive polymer fibers and fibrous nonwoven mat will enable many new applications for electroactive polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2004
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Applicant: U.S.A.as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Joycelyn Harrison, Kristin Burney, Zoubeida Ounaies, Cheol Park, Emilie Siochi
  • Patent number: 6689288
    Abstract: The invention described herein supplies a new class of electroactive polymeric blend materials which offer both sensing and actuation dual functionality. The blend comprises two components, one component having a sensing capability and the other component having an actuating capability. These components should be co-processable and coexisting in a phase separated blend system. Specifically, the materials are blends of a sensing component selected from the group consisting of ferroelectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric and photoelectric polymers and an actuating component that responds to an electric field in terms of dimensional change. Said actuating component includes, but is not limited to, electrostrictive graft elastomers, dielectric electroactive elastomers, liquid crystal electroactive elastomers and field responsive polymeric gels. The sensor functionality and actuation functionality are designed by tailoring the relative fraction of the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Terry L. St. Clair, Joycelyn S. Harrison, Ji Su, Zoubeida Ounaies