NASA/SP—2004-7039/SUPPL64

August 2004



	






A CONTINUING BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

 	

 

	 



Langley Research Center

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Introduction 

Several thousand inventions result each year from research supported by the National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration. NASA seeks patent protection on inventions to which it has title if the invention has 

important use in government programs or significant commercial potential. These inventions cover a broad 

range of technologies and include many that have useful and valuable commercial application. 

NASA inventions best serve the interests of the United States when their benefits are available to the public. 

In many instances, the granting of nonexclusive or exclusive licenses for the practice of these inventions may 

assist in the accomplishment of this objective. This bibliography is published as a service to companies, 

firms, and individuals seeking new, licensable products for the commercial market. 

The NASA Patent Abstracts Bibliography is a semiannual NASA publication containing comprehensive 

abstracts of NASA-owned inventions covered by U.S. patents. The citations included were originally 

published in NASA’s Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports (STAR) and cover STAR announcements 

made since May 1969. 

The citations published in this issue cover the period September 2003 through June 2004. The range of subjects 

covered includes the NASA Scope and Subject Category Guide’s 10 broad subject divisions separated 

further into 76 specific categories. However, not all categories have citations during the dates covered for 

this issue, therefore the Table of Contents does not include all divisions and categories. This scheme was 

devised in 1975 and revised in 1987 and 2000 in lieu of the 34 category divisions which were utilized in 

supplements (01) through (06) covering STAR abstracts from May 1969 through January 1974. Each entry 

consists of a citation accompanied by an abstract and, when appropriate, a key illustration taken from the 

patent or application for patent. Entries are arranged by subject category in ascending order. 

Information About Patent Availability and Licenses 

Patent Availability 

How to obtain copies of NASA patents. 

Licenses for Commercial Use 

Information on obtaining a license to use a NASA patented invention. 

Address of NASA Patent Counsels 

Addresses for the NASA center patent counsels having knowledge of the invention. 

Patent Licensing Regulations 

Information about the policies and procedures for licensing federally owned inventions in the custody of the 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Regulations on the licensing of government-owned inventions

are available at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/37cfr404_02.html. 

The Federal Depository Library Program 

The U.S. Congress established the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) to ensure access by the 

American public to U.S. Government information. The program acquires and disseminates information 

products from all three branches of the U.S. Government to nearly 1,300 Federal depository libraries 

nationwide. The libraries maintain these information products as part of their existing collections and are 

responsible for assuring that the public has free access to the information. Locate the Federal Depository 

Libraries at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/libraries.html. 
Table of Contents

Subject Divisions/Categories

Document citations are grouped by division and then by category, according to the NASA Scope and Coverage

Category Guide.

Aeronautics

04 Aircraft Communications and Navigation ........................................................................ 1

05 Aircraft Design, Testing and Performance ....................................................................... 2

07 Aircraft Propulsion and Power ......................................................................................... 2

Astronautics

18 Spacecraft Design, Testing and Performance ................................................................. 3

20 Spacecraft Propulsion and Power ................................................................................... 4

Chemistry and Materials

24 Composite Materials ........................................................................................................ 5

25 Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry .................................................................... 6

26 Metals and Metallic Materials .......................................................................................... 7

Engineering

32 Communications and Radar ............................................................................................ 8

33 Electronics and Electrical Engineering ............................................................................ 9

34 Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics ......................................................................... 12

35 Instrumentation and Photography ................................................................................. 14

36 Lasers and Masers ........................................................................................................ 21

37 Mechanical Engineering ................................................................................................ 21

Life Sciences

51 Life Sciences (General) ................................................................................................. 33

52 Aerospace Medicine ...................................................................................................... 35

Mathematical and Computer Sciences

63 Cybernetics, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ............................................................ 36

Physics

71 Acoustics ........................................................................................................................ 37

72 Atomic and Molecular Physics ...................................................................................... 38

74 Optics ............................................................................................................................. 38

76 Solid-State Physics ........................................................................................................ 39

Social and Information Sciences

85 Technology Utilization and Surface Transportation ..................................................... 40
Indexes

Two indexes are available. You may use the find command under the tools menu while viewing the PDF file for direct

match searching on any text string. You may also select either of the two indexes provided for linking to the

corresponding document citation from NASA Thesaurus terms and personal author names.

Subject Term Index

Personal Author Index
04

AIRCRAFT COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION

Includes all modes of communication with and between aircraft; air navigation systems (satellite and ground based); and air traffic

control. For related information see also 06 Avionics and Aircraft Instrumentation, 17 Space Communications, Spacecraft

Communications, Command and Tracking, and 32 Communications and Radar.

20030112144 NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA

Neighboring Optimal Aircraft Guidance in a General Wind Environment

Jardin, Matthew R., Inventor; July 29, 2003; 13 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 14 Aug. 2001; US-Patent-6,600,991; US-Patent-Appl-SN-932566; NASA-Case-ARC-14554-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

Method and system for determining an optimal route for an aircraft moving between first and second waypoints in a

general wind environment. A selected first wind environment is analyzed for which a nominal solution can be determined. A

second wind environment is then incorporated; and a neighboring optimal control (NOC) analysis is performed to estimate

an optimal route for the second wind environment. In particular examples with flight distances of 2500 and 6000 nautical miles

in the presence of constant or piecewise linearly varying winds, the difference in flight time between a nominal solution and

an optimal solution is 3.4 to 5 percent. Constant or variable winds and aircraft speeds can be used. Updated second wind

environment information can be provided and used to obtain an updated optimal route.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Aircraft Guidance; Optimal Control; Wind (Meteorology)

NASA PATENT ABSTRACTS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A Continuing Bibliography (Suppl. 64)

AUGUST 2004

1
05

AIRCRAFT DESIGN, TESTING AND PERFORMANCE

Includes all stages of design of aircraft and aircraft structures and systems. Also includes aircraft testing, performance, and evaluation,

and aircraft and flight simulation technology. For related information see also 18 Spacecraft Design, Testing and Performance; and 39

Structural Mechanics. For land transportation vehicles see 85 Technology Utilization and Surface Transportation.

20040013330 NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA

Method and System for Active Noise Control of Tiltrotor Aircraft

Betzina, Mark D., Inventor; Nguyen, Khanh Q., Inventor; December 30, 2003; 15 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 30 Apr. 2002; US-Patent-6,671,590; US-Patent-Appl-SN-139256; US-Patent-Appl-SN-287803;

NASA-Case-ARC-14606-1; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

Methods and systems for reducing noise generated by rotating blades of a tiltrotor aircraft. A rotor-blade pitch angle

associated with the tiltrotor aircraft can be controlled utilizing a swashplate connected to rotating blades of the tiltrotor aircraft.

One or more Higher Harmonic Control (HHC) signals can be transmitted and input to a swashplate control actuator associated

with the swashplate. A particular blade pitch oscillation (e.g., four cycles per revolution) is there-after produced in a rotating

frame of reference associated with the rotating blades in response to input of an HHC signal to the swashplate control actuator

associated with the swashplate to thereby reduce noise associated with the rotating blades of the tiltrotor aircraft. The HHC

signal can be transmitted and input to the swashplate control actuator to reduce noise of the tiltrotor aircraft in response to

a user input utilizing an open-loop configuration.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Aircraft Control; Noise Reduction; Tilt Rotor Aircraft; Harmonic Control

07

AIRCRAFT PROPULSION AND POWER

Includes primary propulsion systems and related systems and components, e.g., gas turbine engines, compressors, and fuel systems;

and onboard auxiliary power plants for aircraft. For related information see also 20 Spacecraft Propulsion and Power; 28 Propellants

and Fuels; and 44 Energy Production and Conversion.

20030066318 NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face

Mansour, Adel B., Inventor; Harvey, Rex J., Inventor; Tacina, Robert R., Inventor; Laing, Peter, Inventor; April 22, 2003;

23 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 27 Feb. 2001; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

2
An atomizing injector includes a metering set having a swirl chamber, a spray orifice and one or more feed slots etched

in a thin plate. The swirl chamber is etched in a first side of the plate and the spray orifice is etched through a second side

to the center of the swirl chamber. Fuel feed slots extend non-radially to the swirl chamber. The injector also includes integral

swirler structure. The swirler structure includes a cylindrical air swirler passage, also shaped by etching, through at least one

other thin plate. The cylindrical air swirler passage is located in co-axial relation to the spray orifice of the plate of the fuel

metering set such that fuel directed through the spray orifice passes through the air swirler passage and swirling air is imparted

to the fuel such that the fuel has a swirling component of motion. At least one air feed slot is provided in fluid communication

with the air swirler passage and extends in non-radial relation thereto. Air supply passages extend through the plates of the

metering set and the swirler structure to feed the air feed slot in each plate of the swirler structure.

Author

Fuel Injection; Impingement; Cooling; Mixing; Injectors; Atomizing; Swirling

18

SPACECRAFT DESIGN, TESTING AND PERFORMANCE

Includes satellites; space platforms; space stations; spacecraft systems and components such as thermal and environmental controls;

and spacecraft control and stability characteristics. For life support systems see 54 Man/System Technology and Life Support. For

related information see also 05 Aircraft Design, Testing and Performance; 39 Structural Mechanics; and 16 Space Transportation and

Safety.

20040015219 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

Apparatus and Method for Deploying a Hypervelocity Shield

Christiansen, Eric L., Inventor; Kerr, Justin H., Inventor; November 18, 2003; 28 pp.; In English; Original contains black and

white illustrations

Patent Info.: Filed 30 Sep. 2002; US-Patent-6,647,855; US-Patent-Appl-SN-263293; NASA-Case-MSC-23443-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

3
Provided herein are apparatuses for deployment of at least one hypervelocity shield on a structure in exoatmospheric

space. The apparatuses comprise a means of attaching to the structure at least at one place on the structure and further comprise

at least one of the hypervelocity shields and a means of deploying said shields. Also provided are methods of deploying the

hypervelocity shields using said apparatuses.

Author

Hypervelocity Impact; Deployment; Spacecraft Shielding

20

SPACECRAFT PROPULSION AND POWER

Includes main propulsion systems and components, e.g., rocket engines; and spacecraft auxiliary power sources. For related

information see also 07 Aircraft Propulsion and Power, 28 Propellants and Fuels, 15 Launch Vehicles and Launch Operations, and 44

Energy Production and Conversion.

20030068300 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Combination Solar Sail and Electrodynamic Tether Propulsion System

Johnson, Charles L., Inventor; Matloff, Gregory L., Inventor; May 20, 2003; 8 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 14 Mar. 2002; US-Patent-6,565,044; US-Patent-Appl-SN-097698; NASA-Case-MFS-31503; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

A propulsion system for a spacecraft includes a solar sail system and an electrodynamic tether system is presented. The

solar sail system is used to generate propulsion to propel the spacecraft through space using solar photons and the

electrodynamic tether system is used to generate propulsion to steer the spacecraft into orbit and to perform orbital maneuvers

around a planet using the planet’s magnetic field. The electrodynamic tether system can also be used to generate power for

the spacecraft using the planet’s magnetic field.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Solar Sails; Tethering; Electrodynamics; Spacecraft Propulsion; Propulsion System Configurations

4
24

COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Includes physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of laminates and other composite materials.

20030068923 NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

Polyimides by Photochemical Cyclopolymerization

Meador, Michael A., Inventor; July 15, 2003; 9 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 5 Apr. 2001; US-Patent-6,593,389; US-Patent-Appl-SN-827140; NASA-Case-LEW-17133-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

The polyimides of this invention are derived from a Diels-Alder cyclopolymerization of a photochemically generated

bisdiene with dienophiles, such as bismaleimides, trismaleimides and mixtures thereof with maleimide end-caps. Irradiation

of one or more diketones produces two distinct hydroxy o-quinodimethane (photoenol) intermediates. These intermediates are

trapped via a Diels-Alder cycloaddition with appropriate dienophiles, e.g., bismaleimide and/or trismaleimides to give the

corresponding polyimides in quantitative yields. When bismaleimides, trismaleimides or mixtures thereof with maleimide

end-caps are used as the dienophile, the resulting polyimides have glass transition temperatures (Tg) as high as 300 C.

Polyimide films can be prepared by ultraviolet irradiation of high solids content varnishes of the monomers in a small amount

of solvent, e.g., cyclohexanone, dimethyl formamide, N-methylpyrollidone and the like. These polyimides are characterized

as having high glass transition temperatures, good mechanical properties and improved processing in the manufacture of

adhesives, electronic materials and films.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Polyimides; Photochemical Reactions; Polymerization

5
25

INORGANIC, ORGANIC AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Includes the analysis, synthesis, and use of inorganic and organic compounds; combustion theory; electrochemistry; and

photochemistry. For related information see category 34 Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics. For astrochemistry see category 90

Astrophysics.

20040000693 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

Microencapsulated Bioactive Agents and Method of Making

Morrison, Dennis R., Inventor; Mosier, Benjamin, Inventor; May 06, 2003; 23 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 6 Dec. 2000; US-Patent-6,558,698; US-Patent-Appl-SN-733391; US-Patent-Appl-SN-079766;

US-Patent-Appl-SN-349169; NASA-CASE-MSC-22936-2; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

The invention is directed to microcapsules encapsulating an aqueous solution of a protein, drug or other bioactive

substance inside a semi-permeable membrane. The microcapsules are formed by interfacial coacervation where shear forces

are limited to 0-100 dynes per square centimeter. The resulting uniform microcapsules can then be subjected to dewatering

in order to cause the internal solution to become supersaturated with the dissolved substance. This dewatering allows

controlled nucleation and crystallization of the dissolved substance. The crystal-filled microcapsules can be stored, keeping

the encapsulated crystals in good condition for further direct use in x-ray crystallography or as injectable formulations of the

dissolved drug, protein or other bioactive substance.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Encapsulating; Crystallography; Activity (Biology); Agents

20040013370 NASA Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, FL, USA

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS

Reinhart, Debra R., Inventor; Clausen, Christian, Inventor; Geiger, Cherie L., Inventor; Quinn, Jacqueline, Inventor; Brooks,

Kathleen, Inventor; December 16, 2003; 7 pp.; In English

6
Patent Info.: Filed 2 Oct. 2001; US-Patent-6,664,298; US-Patent-Appl-SN-972296; NASA-Case-KSC-12246; No Copyright;

Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

A zero-valent metal emulsion is used to dehalogenate solvents, such as pooled dense non-aqueous phase liquids

(DNAPLs), including trichloroethylene (TCE). The zero-valent metal emulsion contains zero-valent metal particles, a

surfactant, oil and water. The preferred zero-valent metal particles are nanoscale and microscale zero-valent iron particles

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Emulsions; Solvents; Liquids; Metal Particles; Halogenation

26

METALS AND METALLIC MATERIALS

Includes physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of metals and metallic materials; and metallurgy.

20030068868 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Aluminum Alloy and Article Cast Therefrom

Lee, Jonathan A., Inventor; Chen, Po-Shou, Inventor; July 15, 2003; 9 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 11 Jul. 2002; US-Patent-6,592,687; US-Patent-Appl-SN-196389; US-Patent-Appl-SN-606108;

US-Patent-Appl-SN-218675; US-Patent-Appl-SN-152469; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

A cast article from an aluminum alloy, which has improved mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, has the

following composition in weight percent: Silicon 14 - 25.0, Copper 5.5 - 8.0, Iron 0.05 - 1.2, Magnesium 0.5 - 1.5, Nickel

0.05 - 0.9, Manganese 0.05 - 1.0, Titanium 0.05 - 1.2, Zirconium 0.05 - 1.2, Vanadium 0.05 - 1.2, Zinc 0.05 - 0.9, Phosphorus

0.001 - 0.1, and the balance is Aluminum, wherein the silicon-to-magnesium ratio is 10 - 25, and the copper-to-magnesium

ratio is 4 - 15. The aluminum alloy contains a simultaneous dispersion of three types of Al3X compound particles (X=Ti, V,

Zr) having a LI2, crystal structure, and their lattice parameters are coherent to the aluminum matrix lattice. A process for

producing this cast article is also disclosed, as well as a metal matrix composite, which includes the aluminum alloy serving

as a matrix and containing up to about 60% by volume of a secondary filler material.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Aluminum Alloys; Mechanical Properties; Cast Alloys; Metal Matrix Composites

20040016328 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Process for Producing a Cast Article from a Hypereutectic Aluminum-Silicon Alloy

Lee, Jonathan A., Inventor; Chen, Po-Shou, Inventor; December 30, 2003; 6 pp.; In English; Original contains black and

white illustrations

Patent Info.: Filed 2 Mar. 2001; US-Patent-6,669,792; US-Patent-Appl-SN-800312; US-Patent-Appl-SN-152469;

NASA-Case-MFS-31294-7-CIP; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

A process for making a cast article from an aluminum alloy includes first casting an article from an alloy having the

following composition, in weight percent: Silicon (Si) 14.0-25.0, Copper (CU) 5.5-8.0, Iron (Fe) 0-0.8, Magnesium (Mg)

7
0.5-1.5, Nickel (Ni) 0.05-1.2, Manganese (Mn) 0-1.0, Titanium (Ti) 0.05-1.2, Zirconium (Zr) 0.12-1.2, Vanadium (V) 0.05-1.2,

Zinc (Zn) 0-0.9, Phosphorus (P) 0.001-0.1, Aluminum, balance. In this alloy the ration of Si:Mg is 15-35, and the ratio of

Cu:Mg is 4-15. After an article is cast from the alloy, the cast article is aged at a temperature within the range of 400 F to

500 F for a time period within the range of four to 16 hours. It has been found especially advantageous if the cast article is

first exposed to a solutionizing step prior to the aging step. This solutionizing step is carried out by exposing the cast article

to a temperature within the range of 875 F to 1025 F for a time period of fifteen minutes to four hours. It has also been found

to be especially advantageous if the solutionizing step is followed directly with a quenching step, wherein the cast article is

quenched in a quenching medium such as water at a temperature within the range of 120 F to 300 F. The resulting cast article

is highly suitable in a number of high temperature applications, such as heavy-duty pistons for internal combustion engines.

Author

Casting; Aluminum Alloys; Silicon Alloys

32

COMMUNICATIONS AND RADAR

Includes radar; radio, wire, and optical communications; land and global communications; communications theory. For related

information see also 04 Aircraft Communications and Navigation; and 17 Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications,

Command and Tracking; for search and rescue, see 03 Air Transportation and Safety; and 16 Space Transportation and Safety.

20040000336 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Passive Tracking System and Method

Arndt, G. Dickey, Inventor; Ngo, Phong H., Inventor; Chen, Henry A., Inventor; Phan, Chau T., Inventor; Bourgeois, Brian

A., Inventor; Dusl, Jon, Inventor; Hill, Brent W., Inventor; September 09, 2003; 25 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 14 Nov. 2001; US-Patent-6,618,010; US-Patent-Appl-SN-994989; NASA-Case-MSC-23193-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

Systems and methods are disclosed for passively determining the location of a moveable transmitter utilizing a pair of

phase shifts at a receiver for extracting a direction vector from a receiver to the transmitter. In a preferred embodiment, a phase

difference between the transmitter and receiver is extracted utilizing a noncoherent demodulator in the receiver. The receiver

includes an antenna array with three antenna elements, which preferably are patch antenna elements spaced apart by one-half

wavelength. Three receiver channels are preferably utilized for simultaneously processing the received signal from each of the

three antenna elements. Multipath transmission paths for each of the three receiver channels are indexed so that comparisons

of the same multipath component are made for each of the three receiver channels. The phase difference for each received

8
signal is determined by comparing only the magnitudes of received and stored modulation signals to determine a winning

modulation symbol.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Transmitters; Antenna Arrays; Tracking (Position); Receivers

33

ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Includes development, performance, and maintainability of electrical/electronic devices and components; related test equipment; and

microelectronics and integrated circuitry. for related information see also 60 Computer Operations and Hardware; and 76 Solid-State

Physics. For communications equipment and devices see 32 Communications and Radar.

20030068896 NASA Pasadena Office, CA, USA

Structure of Thin-Film Lithium Microbatteries

Whitacre, Jay F., Inventor; Bugga, Ratnakumar V., Inventor; West, William C., Inventor; May 06, 2003; 13 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 8 Feb. 2001; US-Patent-6,558,836; US-Patent-Appl-SN-779595; NASA-Case-NPO-21015; No Copyright;

Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A process for making thin-film batteries including the steps of cleaning a glass or silicon substrate having an amorphous

oxide layer several microns thick; defining with a mask the layer shape when depositing cobalt as an adhesion layer and

platinum as a current collector; using the same mask as the preceding step to sputter a layer of LiC(0)O2, on the structure while

rocking it back and forth; heating the substrate to 300 C. for 30 minutes; sputtering with a new mask that defines the necessary

electrolyte area; evaporating lithium metal anodes using an appropriate shadow mask; and, packaging the cell in a dry-room

environment by applying a continuous bead of epoxy around the active cell areas and resting a glass slide over the top thereof.

The batteries produced by the above process are disclosed.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Electric Batteries; Thin Films; Lithium

9
20040000275 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric Composite Apparatus

Wilkie, W. Keats, Inventor; Bryant, Robert, Inventor; Fox, Robert L., Inventor; Hellbaum, Richard F., Inventor; High, James

W., Inventor; Jalink, Antony, Jr., Inventor; Little, Bruce D., Inventor; Mirick, Paul H., Inventor; October 07, 2003; 14 pp.; In

English

Patent Info.: Filed 29 Oct. 1999; US-Patent-6,629,341; US-Patent-Appl-SN-430677; NASA-Case-LAR-15816-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A method for fabricating a piezoelectric macro-fiber composite actuator comprises providing a piezoelectric material that

has two sides and attaching one side upon an adhesive backing sheet. The method further comprises slicing the piezoelectric

material to provide a plurality of piezoelectric fibers in juxtaposition. A conductive film is then adhesively bonded to the other

side of the piezoelectric material, and the adhesive backing sheet is removed. The conductive film has first and second

conductive patterns formed thereon which are electrically isolated from one another and in electrical contact with the

piezoelectric material. The first and second conductive patterns of the conductive film each have a plurality of electrodes to

form a pattern of interdigitated electrodes. A second film is then bonded to the other side of the piezoelectric material. The

second film may have a pair of conductive patterns similar to the conductive patterns of the first film.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Piezoelectric Actuators; Fiber Composites; Fabrication

20040013357 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields

Sims, William Herbert, III, Inventor; Martin, James Joseph, Inventor; Lewis, Raymond A., Inventor; December 23, 2003;

11 pp.; In English; Original contains black and white illustrations

10
Patent Info.: Filed 31 Jan. 2003; US-Patent-6,667,487; US-Patent-Appl-SN-361034; NASA-Case-MFS-31780-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A containment apparatus for containing a cloud of charged particles comprises a cylindrical vacuum chamber having a

longitudinal axis. Within the vacuum chamber is a containment region. A magnetic field is aligned with the longitudinal axis

of the vacuum chamber. The magnetic field is time invariant and uniform in strength over the containment region. An electric

field is also aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vacuum chamber and the magnetic field. The electric field is time

invariant, and forms a potential well over the containment region. One or more means are disposed around the cloud of

particles for inducing a rotating electric field internal to the vacuum chamber. The rotating electric field imparts energy to the

charged particles within the containment region and compress the cloud of particles. The means disposed around the outer

surface of the vacuum chamber for inducing a rotating electric field are four or more segments forming a segmented ring, the

segments confo&ng to the outer surface of the vacuum chamber. Each of the segments is energized by a separate

alternating voltage. The sum of the voltages imposed on each segment establishes the rotating field. When four segments form

a ring, the rotating field is obtained by a signal generator applying a sinusoidal signal phase delayed by 90,180 and 270 degrees

in sequence to the four segments.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Plasmas (Physics); Radio Frequencies; Matter-Antimatter Propulsion; Electric Fields; Rotation; Traps; Equipment

20040016329 NASA Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, FL, USA

Leak and Pipe Detection Method and System

Youngquist, Robert C., Inventor; November 18, 2003; 6 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 6 Dec. 2001; US-Patent-6,650,125; US-Patent-Appl-SN-007487; NASA-Case-KSC-12255; No Copyright;

Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

A method and system for locating leaks of conductive fluids from non-conductive pipes and other structures or for locating non-conductive pipes or structures having conductive fluid contained therein, employ a charge generator to apply a time

varying charge to the conductive fluid, and a capaci- tive type detector that can detect the variable charge that is induced in

the fluid. The capacitive detector, which prefer- ably includes a handheld housing, employs a large conduc- tive pickup plate

11
that is used to locate the pipe or leak by scanning the plate over the ground and detecting the induced charge that is generated

when the plate comes in close proximity to the pipe or leak. If a leak is encountered, the resulting signal will appear over an

area larger than expected for a buried pipe, assuming the leak provides an electrically conductive path between the flow and

the wet surrounding ground. The detector uses any suitable type of indicator device, such as a pair of headphones that enable

an operator to hear the detected signal as a chirping sound, for example.

Author

Capacitors; Conducting Fluids; Signal Detectors

34

FLUID MECHANICS AND THERMODYNAMICS

Includes fluid dynamics and kinematics and all forms of heat transfer; boundary layer flow; hydrodynamics; hydraulics; fluidics; mass

transfer and ablation cooling. For related information see also 02 Aerodynamics.

20030068861 NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

Stereo Imaging Velocimetry System and Method

McDowell, Mark, Inventor; August 05, 2003; 22 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 30 Aug. 2002; US-Patent-6,603,535; US-Patent-Appl-SN-232862; NASA-Case-LEW-17241-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A system and a method is provided for measuring three dimensional velocities at a plurality of points in a fluid employing

at least two cameras positioned approximately perpendicular to one another. Image frames captured by the cameras may be

filtered using background subtraction with outlier rejection with spike-removal filtering. The cameras may calibrated to

accurately represent image coordinates in a world coordinate system using calibration grids modified using warp

transformations. The two-dimensional views of the cameras may be recorded fur image processing and particle track

determination. The tracer particles may be tracked on a two-dimensional basis and then stereo matched to obtain

three-dimensional locations of the particles as a function of time so that velocities can be measured there from.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Velocity Measurement; Three Dimensional Motion; Cameras; Imaging Techniques

12
20040015217 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

Measurement System and Method

Arndt, G. Dickey, Inventor; Ngo, Phong H., Inventor; Carl, James R., Inventor; Byerly, Kent A., Inventor; November 18, 2003;

25 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 14 Sep. 2001; US-Patent-6,650,280; US-Patent-Appl-SN-953612; US-Patent-Appl-SN-254642;

NASA-Case-MSC-23311-1; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

System and methods are disclosed for fluid measurements which may be utilized to determine mass flow rates such as

instantaneous mass flow of a fluid stream. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may be utilized to compare an

input mass flow to an output mass flow of a drilling fluid circulation stream. In one embodiment, a fluid flow rate is determined

by utilizing a microwave detector in combination with an acoustic sensor. The acoustic signal is utilized to eliminate 2pi phase

ambiguities in a reflected microwave signal. In another embodiment, a fluid flow rate may be determined by detecting a phase

shift of an acoustic signal across two different predetermined transmission paths. A fluid density may be determined by

detecting a calibrated phase shift of an acoustic signal through the fluid. In another embodiment, a second acoustic signal may

be transmitted through the fluid to define a particular 2pi phase range which defines the phase shift. The present invention may

comprise multiple transmitters/receivers operating at different frequencies to measure instantaneous fuel levels of cryogenic

fuels within containers positioned in zero or near zero gravity environments. In one embodiment, a moveable flexible collar

of transmitter/receivers may be utilized to determine inhomogenuities within solid rocket fuel tubes.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Fluid Flow; Flow Velocity; Methodology; Acoustics; Measuring Instruments

13
35

INSTRUMENTATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Includes remote sensors; measuring instruments and gages; detectors; cameras and photographic supplies; and holography. For aerial

photography see 43 Earth Resources and Remote Sensing. For related information see also 06 Avionics and Aircraft Instrumentation;

and 19 Spacecraft Instrumentation and Astrionics.

20030053086 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Video Image Stabilization and Registration

Hathaway, David H., Inventor; Meyer, Paul J., Inventor; May 06, 2003; 13 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed May 10, 2002; US-Patent-6,560,375; US-Patent-Appl-SN-143539; US-Patent-Appl-SN-364919;

US-Patent-Appl-SN-099056; NASA-Case-MFS-31243-2-CON; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A method of stabilizing and registering a video image in multiple video fields of a video sequence provides accurate

determination of the image change in magnification, rotation and translation between video fields, so that the video fields may

be accurately corrected for these changes in the image in the video sequence. In a described embodiment, a key area of a key

video field is selected which contains an image which it is desired to stabilize in a video sequence. The key area is subdivided

into nested pixel blocks and the translation of each of the pixel blocks from the key video field to a new video field is

determined as a precursor to determining change in magnification, rotation and translation of the image from the key video

field to the new video field.

Author

Image Motion Compensation; Pattern Registration; Image Rotation; Magnification; Video Data; Field Of View

14
20030068840 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA

Edge Triggered Apparatus and Method for Measuring Strain in Bragg Gratings

Froggatt, Mark E., Inventor; May 20, 2003; 9 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 24 Mar. 2000; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

An apparatus and method for measuring strain of gratings written into an optical fiber. Optical radiation is transmitted over

one or more contiguous predetermined wavelength ranges into a reference optical fiber network and an optical fiber network

under test to produce a plurality of reference interference fringes and measurement interference fringes, respectively. The

15
reference and measurement fringes are detected, and the reference fringes trigger the sampling of the measurement fringes.

This results in the measurement fringes being sampled at 2(pi) increments of the reference fringes. Each sampled measurement

fringe of each wavelength sweep is transformed into a spatial domain waveform. The spatial domain waveforms are summed

to form a summation spatial domain waveform that is used to determine location of each grating with respect to a reference

reflector. A portion of each spatial domain waveform that corresponds to a particular grating is determined and transformed

into a corresponding frequency spectrum representation. The strain on the grating at each wavelength of optical radiation is

determined by determining the difference between the current wavelength and an earlier, zero-strain wavelength measurement.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Bragg Gratings; Frequency Distribution; Optical Properties; Radiation Spectra; Strain Measurement

20030068895 NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

Capacitive Extensometer

Perusek, Gail P., Inventor; June 24, 2003; 21 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 7 May 2001; US-Patent-6,581,481; US-Patent-Appl-SN-853920; NASA-Case-LEW-16638-2; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

The present invention provides for measurements of the principal strain magnitudes and directions, and maximum shear

strain that occurs in a porous specimen, such as plastic, ceramic or porous metal, when it is loaded (or subjected to a load).

In one embodiment the invention includes a capacitive delta extensometer arranged with six sensors in a three piece

configuration, with each sensor of each pair spaced apart from each other by a predetermined angle, such as 120 degrees.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Capacitance; Extensometers; Magnitude; Porosity; Shear Strain

16
20030068909 NASA Stennis Space Center, Bay Saint Louis, MS, USA

Radiant Temperature Nulling Radiometer

Ryan, Robert, Inventor; July 1, 2003; 13 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 4 May 2001; US-Patent-6,585,410; US-Patent-Appl-SN-849945; NASA-Case-SSC-00124; No Copyright;

Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A self-calibrating nulling radiometer for non-contact temperature measurement of an object, such as a body of water,

employs a black body source as a temperature reference, an optomechanical mechanism, e.g., a chopper, to switch back and

forth between measuring the temperature of the black body source and that of a test source, and an infrared detection

technique. The radiometer functions by measuring radiance of both the test and the reference black body sources; adjusting

the temperature of the reference black body so that its radiance is equivalent to the test source; and, measuring the temperature

of the reference black body at this point using a precision contact-type temperature sensor, to determine the radiative

temperature of the test source. The radiation from both sources is detected by an infrared detector that converts the detected

radiation to an electrical signal that is fed with a chopper reference signal to an error signal generator, such as a synchronous

detector, that creates a precision rectified signal that is approximately proportional to the difference between the temperature

of the reference black body and that of the test infrared source. This error signal is then used in a feedback loop to adjust the

reference black body temperature until it equals that of the test source, at which point the error signal is nulled to zero. The

chopper mechanism operates at one or more Hertz allowing minimization of l/f noise. It also provides pure chopping between

the black body and the test source and allows continuous measurements.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Body Temperature; Infrared Radiation; Radiometers; Infrared Detectors

20030112153 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA

Single Vector Calibration System for Multi-Axis Load Cells and Method for Calibrating a Multi-Axis Load Cell

Parker, Peter A., Inventor; October 07, 2003; 19 pp.; In English

17
Patent Info.: Filed 8 Jan. 2001; US-Patent-6,629,446; US-Patent-Appl-SN-758115; NASA-Case-LAR-16020-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A single vector calibration system is provided which facilitates the calibration of multi-axis load cells, including wind

tunnel force balances. The single vector system provides the capability to calibrate a multi-axis load cell using a single

directional load, for example loading solely in the gravitational direction. The system manipulates the load cell in

three-dimensional space, while keeping the uni-directional calibration load aligned. The use of a single vector calibration load

reduces the set-up time for the multi-axis load combinations needed to generate a complete calibration mathematical model.

The system also reduces load application inaccuracies caused by the conventional requirement to generate multiple force

vectors. The simplicity of the system reduces calibration time and cost, while simultaneously increasing calibration accuracy.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Calibrating; Weight Indicators; Measuring Instruments; Loads (Forces)

20030112199 NASA Pasadena Office, CA, USA

High Precision Laser Range Sensor

Dubovitsky, Serge, Inventor; Lay, Oliver P., Inventor; November 11, 2003; 8 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 7 May 2002; US-Patent-6,646,723; US-Patent-Appl-SN-143169; NASA-Case-NPO-30804; No Copyright;

Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

The present invention is an improved distance measuring interferometer that includes high speed phase modulators and

additional phase meters to generate and analyze multiple heterodyne signal pairs with distinct frequencies. Modulation

sidebands with large frequency separation are generated by the high speed electro-optic phase modulators, requiring only a

single frequency stable laser source and eliminating the need for a fist laser to be tuned or stabilized relative to a second laser.

The combination of signals produced by the modulated sidebands is separated and processed to give the target distance. The

resulting metrology apparatus enables a sensor with submicron accuracy or better over a multi- kilometer ambiguity range.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Distance Measuring Equipment; Electro-Optics; Lasers; Modulators

18
20030112454 NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA

Method and Apparatus for Virtual Interactive Medical Imaging by Multiple Remotely-Located Users

Ross, Muriel D., Inventor; Twombly, Ian Alexander, Inventor; Senger, Steven O., Inventor; August 19, 2003; 38 pp.; In

English; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A virtual interactive imaging system allows the displaying of high-resolution, three-dimensional images of medical data

to a user and allows the user to manipulate the images, including rotation of images in any of various axes. The system

includes a mesh component that generates a mesh to represent a surface of an anatomical object, based on a set of data of the

object, such as from a CT or MRI scan or the like. The mesh is generated so as to avoid tears, or holes, in the mesh, providing

very high-quality representations of topographical features of the object, particularly at high- resolution. The system further

includes a virtual surgical cutting tool that enables the user to simulate the removal of a piece or layer of a displayed object,

such as a piece of skin or bone, view the interior of the object, manipulate the removed piece, and reattach the removed piece

if desired. The system further includes a virtual collaborative clinic component, which allows the users of multiple,

remotely-located computer systems to collaboratively and simultaneously view and manipulate the high-resolution,

three-dimensional images of the object in real-time.

Author

Imaging Techniques; Rotation; High Resolution

19
20040000339 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

Detector Apparatus and Method

Arndt, G. Dickey, Inventor; Ngo, Phong H., Inventor; Carl, James R., Inventor; Byerly, Kent A., Inventor; Dusl, John,

Inventor; May 06, 2003; 16 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 30 Oct. 2001; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

Transceiver and methods are included that are especially suitable for detecting metallic materials, such as metallic mines,

within an environment. The transceiver includes a digital waveform generator used to transmit a signal into the environment

and a receiver that produces a digital received signal. A tracking module preferably compares an in-phase and quadrature

transmitted signal with an in-phase and quadrature received signal to produce a spectral transfer function of the magnetic

transceiver over a selected range of frequencies. The transceiver initially preferably creates a reference transfer function which

is then stored in a memory. Subsequently measured transfer functions will vary depending on the presence of metal in the

environment which was not in the environment when the reference transfer function was determined. The system may be

utilized in the presence of other antennas, metal, and electronics which may comprise a plastic mine detector for detecting

plastic mines. Despite the additional antennas and other metallic materials that may be in the environment due to the plastic

mine detector, the magnetic transceiver remains highly sensitive to metallic material which may be located in various portions

of the environment and which may be detected by sweeping the detector over ground that may contain metals or mines.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Mine Detectors; Transmitter Receivers; Waveforms; Transfer Functions

20
36

LASERS AND MASERS

Includes lasing theory, laser pumping techniques, maser amplifiers, laser materials, and the assessment of laser and maser outputs.

For cases where the application of the laser or maser is emphasized see also the specific category where the application is treated. For

related information see also 76 Solid-State Physics.

20040015110 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Video Guidance Sensor System with Laser Rangefinder

Howard, Richard T., Inventor; Johnston, Albert S., Inventor; Book, Michael L., Inventor; Bryan, Thomas C., Inventor;

December 02, 2003; 7 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 2 May 2002; US-Patent-6,658,329; US-Patent-Appl-SN-138887; NASA-Case-MFS-31399-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

A video guidance sensor system for use in automated docking of a chase vehicle with a target vehicle wherein the chase.

vehicle includes a laser rangefinder that uses pulse or phase time of flight measurement to measure distance. The laser

rangefinder includes a diode laser pulse or phase driver that produces an output signal to a timing element and simultaneously

operates a laser diode. The laser diode produces an intense light beam of a predetermined wavelength which is directed to

retroreflectors that are positioned on a passive target. The laser rangefinder includes an avalanche photodetector that produces

a corresponding output signal when detecting light reflected from the retroreflectors. The timing element measures a time

interval between the output of the laser diode and the detection of light and supplies a corresponding output signal to a

computer in order to determine the range of the target vehicle relative to the chase vehicle.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Guidance Sensors; Laser Range Finders; Automatic Control; Video Signals

37

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Includes mechanical devices and equipment; machine elements and processes. For cases where the application of a device or the host

vehicle is emphasized see also the specific category where the application or vehicle is treated. For robotics see 63 Cybernetics,

Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics; and 54 Man/System Technology and Life Support.

20030068301 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA

Method for Balancing Detector Output to a Desired Level of Balance at a Frequency

Sachse, Glenn W., Inventor; June 03, 2003; 20 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 28 Dec. 1999; US-Patent-6,574,031; US-Patent-Appl-SN-476347; US-Patent-Appl-SN-019473;

US-Patent-Appl-SN-067917; NASA-Case-LAR-15361-2; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A multi-gas sensor is provided which modulates a polarized light beam over a broadband of wavelengths between two

21
alternating orthogonal polarization components. The two orthogonal polarization components of the polarization modulated

beam are directed along two distinct optical paths. At least one optical path contains one or more spectral discrimination

elements, with each spectral discrimination element having spectral absorption features of one or more gases of interest being

measured. The two optical paths then intersect, and one orthogonal component of the intersected components is transmitted

and the other orthogonal component is reflected. The combined polarization modulated beam is partitioned into one or more

smaller spectral regions of interest where one or more gases of interest has an absorption band. The difference in intensity

between the two orthogonal polarization components is then determined in each partitioned spectral region of interest as an

indication of the spectral emission/absorption of the light beam by the gases of interest in the measurement path. The spectral

emission/absorption is indicative of the concentration of the one or more gases of interest in the measurement path. More

specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a gas filter correlation radiometer which comprises a polarizer, a

polarization modulator, a polarization beam splitter, a beam combiner, wavelength partitioning element, and detection element.

The gases of interest are measured simultaneously and, further, can be measured independently or non-independently.

Furthermore, optical or electronic element are provided to balance optical intensities between the two optical paths.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Gas Detectors; Light Beams; Polarized Light; Output; Polarizers; Frequency Distribution

20030068314 NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA

Masked Proportional Routing

Wolpert, David H., Inventor; June 10, 2003; 15 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 5 Aug. 1999; US-Patent-6,577,601; US-Patent-Appl-SN-369380; NASA-Case-ARC-14366-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

Distributed approach for determining a path connecting adjacent network nodes, for probabilistically or deterministically

transporting an entity, with entity characteristic mu from a source node to a destination node. Each node i is directly connected

to an arbitrary number J(mu) of nodes, labeled or numbered j=jl, j2, .... jJ(mu). In a deterministic version, a J(mu)-component

baseline proportion vector p(i;mu) is associated with node i. A J(mu)-component applied proportion vector p*(i;mu) is

determined from p(i;mu) to preclude an entity visiting a node more than once. Third and fourth J(mu)-component vectors, with

components iteratively determined by Target(i;n(mu);mu),=alpha(mu).Target(i;n(mu)-1;mu)j+beta(mu).p* (i;mu)j and

Actual(i;n(mu);+a(mu)j. Actual(i;n(mu)-l;mu)j+beta(mu).Sent(i;j’(mu);n(mu)-1;mu)j, are computed, where n(mu) is an entity

sequence index and alpha(mu) and beta(mu) are selected numbers. In one embodiment, at each node i, the node j=j’(mu) with

the largest vector component difference, Target(i;n(mu);mu)j’- Actual (i;n(mu);mu)j’. is chosen for the next link for entity

transport, except in special gap circumstances, where the same link is optionally used for transporting consecutively arriving

entities. The network nodes may be computer-controlled routers that switch collections of packets, frames, cells or other

information units. Alternatively, the nodes may be waypoints for movement of physical items in a network or for

transformation of a physical item. The nodes may be states of an entity undergoing state transitions, where allowed transitions

are specified by the network and/or the destination node.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Connectors; Communication Networks; Probability Theory; Nodes (Standing Waves)

22
20030068316 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Gasket Assembly for Sealing Mating Surfaces

Bryant, Melvin A., III, Inventor; June 17, 2003; 6 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 16 Oct. 2000; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

A pair of substantially opposed mating surfaces are joined to each other and sealed in place by means of an

electrically-conductive member which is placed in proximity to the mating surfaces. The electrically-conductive member has

at least one element secured thereto which is positioned to contact the mating surfaces, and which softens when the

electrically-conductive member is heated by passing an electric current therethrough. The softened element conforms to the

mating surfaces, and upon cooling of the softened element the mating surfaces are joined together in an effective seal. Of

particular significance is an embodiment of the electrically-conductive member which is a gasket having an electricallyconductive gasket base and a pair of the elements secured to opposite sides of the gasket base. This embodiment is positioned

between the opposed mating surfaces to be joined to each other. Also significant is an embodiment of the electricallyconductive member which is an electrically-conductive sleeve having an element secured to its inner surface. This

embodiment surrounds cylindrical members the bases of which are the substantially opposed mating surfaces to be joined, and

the element on the inner surface of the sleeve contacts the outer surfaces of the cylindrical members.

Author

Gaskets; Sealing; Bonding

23
20040000331 NASA Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, FL, USA

Liquid Galvanic Coatings for Protection of Imbedded Metals

MacDowell, Louis G., Inventor; Curran, Joseph J., Inventor; September 30, 2003; 10 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 15 Oct. 2001; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

Coating compositions and methods of their use are described herein for the reduction of corrosion in imbedded metal

structures. The coatings are applied as liquids to an external surface of a substrate in which the metal structures are imbedded.

The coatings are subsequently allowed to dry. The liquid applied coatings provide galvanic protection to the imbedded metal

structures. Continued protection can be maintained with periodic reapplication of the coating compositions, as necessary, to

maintain electrical continuity. Because the coatings may be applied using methods similar to standard paints, and because the

coatings are applied to external surfaces of the substrates in which the metal structures are imbedded, the corresponding

corrosion protection may be easily maintained. The coating compositions are particularly useful in the protection of

metal-reinforced concrete.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Coatings; Corrosion Prevention; Metals

20040000332 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA

Fast-Acting Valve

Wojciechowski, Bogdan V., Inventor; Pegg, Robert J., Inventor; September 16, 2003; 24 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 27 Jul. 2000; US-Patent-6,619,322; US-Patent-Appl-SN-628100; NASA-Case-LAR-15642-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A fast-acting valve includes an annular valve seat that defines an annular valve orifice between the edges of the annular

valve seat, an annular valve plug sized to cover the valve orifice when the valve is closed, and a valve-plug holder for moving

the annular valve plug on and off the annular valve seat. The use of an annular orifice reduces the characteristic distance

between the edges of the valve seat. Rather than this distance being equal to the diameter of the orifice, as it is for a

conventional circular orifice, the characteristic distance equals the distance between the inner and outer radii (for a circular

annulus). The reduced characteristic distance greatly reduces the gap required between the annular valve plug and the annular

valve seat for the valve to be fully open, thereby greatly reducing the required stroke and corresponding speed and acceleration

of the annular valve plug. The use of a valve-plug holder that is under independent control to move the annular valve plug

between its open and closed positions is important for achieving controllable fast operation of the valve.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Valves; Ring Structures; Orifices

24
20040000694 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

Inflatable Vessel and Method

Raboin, Jasen L., Inventor; Valle, Gerard D., Inventor; Edeen, Gregg A., Inventor; delaFuente, Horacio M., Inventor;

Schneider, William C., Inventor; Spexarth, Gary R., Inventor; Pandya, Shalini Gupta, Inventor; Johnson, Christopher J.,

Inventor; April 15, 2003; 41 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 2 Apr. 2001; US-Patent-6,547,189; US-Patent-Appl-SN-826403; US-Patent-Appl-SN-236785;

US-Patent-Appl-SN-217325; NASA-Case-MSC-23092-1; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

An inflatable module comprising a structural core and an inflatable shell, wherein the inflatable shell is sealingly attached

to the structural core. In its launch or pre-deployed configuration, the wall thickness of the inflatable shell is collapsed by

vacuum. Also in this configuration, the inflatable shell is collapsed and efficiently folded around the structural core. Upon

deployment, the wall thickness of the inflatable shell is inflated; whereby the inflatable shell itself, is thereby inflated around

the structural core, defining therein a large enclosed volume. A plurality of removable shelves are arranged interior to the

structural core in the launch configuration. The structural core also includes at least one longeron that, in conjunction with the

shelves, primarily constitute the rigid, strong, and lightweight load-bearing structure of the module during launch. The

removable shelves are detachable from their arrangement in the launch configuration so that, when the module is in its

deployed configuration and launch loads no longer exist, the shelves can be rearranged to provide a module interior

arrangement suitable for human habitation and work. In the preferred embodiment, to provide efficiency in structural load

paths and attachments, the shape of the inflatable shell is a cylinder with semi-toroidal ends.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Inflatable Structures; Modules; Cylindrical Shells; Toroidal Shells

25
20040000696 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

Method of Constructing a Microwave Antenna

Arndt, G. Dickey, Inventor; Carl, James, Inventor; Ngo, Phong, Inventor; January 28, 2003; 14 pp.; In English; No Copyright;

Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A method, simulation, and apparatus are provided that are highly suitable for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

(BPH). A catheter is disclosed that includes a small diameter disk loaded monopole antenna surrounded by fusion material

having a high heat of fusion and a melting point preferably at or near body temperature. Microwaves from the antenna heat

prostatic tissue to promote necrosing of the prostatic tissue that relieves the pressure of the prostatic tissue against the urethra

as the body reabsorbs the necrosed or dead tissue. The fusion material keeps the urethra cool by means of the heat of fusion

of the fusion material. This prevents damage to the urethra while the prostatic tissue is necrosed. A computer simulation is

provided that can be used to predict the resulting temperature profile produced in the prostatic tissue. By changing the various

control features of the catheter and method of applying microwave energy a temperature profile can be predicted and produced

that is similar to the temperature profile desired for the particular patient.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Microwave Antennas; Methodology; Computerized Simulation

20040013331 NASA Pasadena Office, CA, USA

Chromatic Modulator for High Resolution CCD or APS Devices

Hartley, Frank T., Inventor; Hull, Anthony B., Inventor; December 23, 2003; 10 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 1 Mar. 2002; US-Patent-6,667,826; US-Patent-Appl-SN-087683; NASA-Case-NPO-20896; No Copyright;

Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

A system for providing high-resolution color separation in electronic imaging. Comb drives controllably oscillate a

red-green-blue (RGB) color strip filter system (or otherwise) over an electronic imaging system such as a charge-coupled

device (CCD) or active pixel sensor (APS). The color filter is modulated over the imaging array at a rate three or more times

the frame rate of the imaging array. In so doing, the underlying active imaging elements are then able to detect separate

color-separated images, which are then combined to provide a color-accurate frame which is then recorded as the

representation of the recorded image. High pixel resolution is maintained. Registration is obtained between the color strip filter

and the underlying imaging array through the use of electrostatic comb drives in conjunction with a spring suspension system.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Charge Coupled Devices; Pixels; Sensors; Modulators; High Resolution; Color

26
20040013344 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Fabrication of Large Bulk High Temperature Superconducting Articles

Koczor, Ronald, Inventor; Hiser, Robert A., Inventor; November 25, 2003; 4 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 20 Dec. 2001; US-Patent-6,653,259; US-Patent-Appl-SN-028295; NASA-Case-MFS-31380-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A01, Hardcopy

A method of fabricating large bulk high temperature superconducting articles which comprises the steps of selecting

predetermined sizes of crystalline superconducting materials and mixing these specific sizes of particles into a homogeneous

mixture which is then poured into a die. The die is placed in a press and pressurized to predetermined pressure for a

predetermined time and is heat treated in the furnace at predetermined temperatures for a predetermined time. The article is

left in the furnace to soak at predetermined temperatures for a predetermined period of time and is oxygenated by an oxygen

source during the soaking period.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Fabrication; Superconductors (Materials); Refractory Materials; Crystallinity

27
20040013345 NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

Silicon Carbide High Temperature Anemometer and Method for Assembling the Same

Okojie, Robert S., Inventor; Fralick, Gustave C., Inventor; Saad, George J., Inventor; November 18, 2003; 10 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 29 Apr. 2002; US-Patent-6,647,809; US-Patent Appl-SN-233182; NASA-Case-LEW-17222-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

A high temperature anemometer includes a pair of substrates. One of the substrates has a plurality of electrodes on a facing

surface, while the other of the substrates has a sensor cavity on a facing surface. A sensor is received in the sensor cavity,

wherein the sensor has a plurality of bondpads, and wherein the bond pads contact the plurality of electrodes when the facing

surfaces are mated with one another. The anemometer further includes a plurality of plug-in pins, wherein the substrate with

the cavity has a plurality of trenches with each one receiving a plurality of plug-in pins. The plurality of plug-in pins contact

the plurality of electrodes when the substrates are mated with one another. The sensor cavity is at an end of one of the

substrates such that the sensor partially extends from the substrate. The sensor and the substrates are preferably made of silicon

carbide.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Silicon Carbides; Anemometers; High Temperature; Sensors

20040013356 NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

Radio Frequency Telemetry System for Sensors and Actuators

Simons, Rainee N., Inventor; Miranda, Felix A., Inventor; December 23, 2003; 11 pp.; In English; Original contains black and

white illustrations

Patent Info.: Filed 20 Aug. 2002; US-Parent-6,667,725; US-Patent-Appl-SN-196391; NASA-Case-LEW-17167-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

The present invention discloses and teaches apparatus for combining Radio Frequency (RF) technology with novel

micro-inductor antennas and signal processing circuits for RF telemetry of real time, measured data, from

microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors, through electromagnetic coupling with a remote poweringheceiving device.

Such technology has many applications, but is especially useful in the biomedical area.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Telemetry; Radio Frequencies; Actuators; Sensors

28
20040013498 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA

Fiber Optic Connector Polishing Fixture Assembly

Kolasinski, John R., Inventor; Moszcziewski, Joseph Roch, Inventor; November 18, 2003; 18 pp.; In English; Original

contains black and white illustrations

Patent Info.: Filed 13 Mar. 2001; US-Patent-6,648,522; US-Patent-Appl-SN-804646; NASA-Case-GSC-14064-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A fiber optic connector polishing fixture assembly for sup- porting a terminus of a fiber optic cable before a polishing

surface. The assembly comprises: a fiber optic polishing fixture adapted to support the terminus before the polishing surface;

a fixture support connected to the fixture for sup- porting the fixture before the polishing surface; and an adjustable connection

between the fixture and the fixture support having user accessible adjustment controls for allowing a user to operate the

controls to shift the fixture and fixture support relative to one another for substantially eliminating an apex offset of the

terminus with respect to the polishing surface.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Fiber Optics; Polishing; Fixtures

20040015111 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA

1-Way Bearing

Vranish, John M., Inventor; November 04, 2003; 14 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 1 Mar. 2002; US-Patent-6,640,949; US-Patent-Appl-SN-095343; US-Patent-Appl-SN-273478;

NASA-Case-GSC-13905-1; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A one-way bearing is provided having sprags and rolling bearings both disposed between an inner and an outer race. The

sprags may comprise three-dimensional sprags for preventing rotation in a non-preferential direction. The roll- ing bearings

may comprise thrust rollers for transmitting axial, tilt, and radial loads between the inner and outer races.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Bearings; Rotation

29
20040015211 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Solar Powered Automobile Interior Climate Control System

Howard, Richard T., Inventor; December 16, 2003; 9 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 30 Dec. 2002; US-Patent-6,662,572; US-Patent-Appl-SN-340380; NASA-Case-MFS-31751; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

There is provided a climate control system for a parked vehicle that includes a solar panel, thermostatic switch, fans, and

thermoelectric coolers. The solar panel can serve as the sole source of electricity for the system. The system affords convenient

installation and removal by including solar panels that are removably attached to the exterior of a vehicle. A connecting wire

electrically connects the solar panels to a housing that is removably mounted to a partially opened window on the vehicle. The

thermostatic switch, fans, and thermoelectric coolers are included within the housing. The thermostatic switch alternates the

direction of the current flow through the thermoelectric coolers to selectively heat or cool the interior of the vehicle. The

interior surface of the thermoelectric coolers are in contact with interior heat sinks that have air circulated across them by an

interior fan. Similarly, the exterior surface of the thermoelectric coolers are in contact with exterior heat sinks that have air

circulated across them by an exterior fan.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Automobiles; Climate; Solar Cells; Control Systems Design

30
20040015213 NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

Heat Treatment Devices and Method of Operation Thereof to Produce Dual Microstructure Superalloys Disks

Gayda, John, Inventor; Gabb, Timothy P., Inventor; Kantzos, Peter T., Inventor; December 9, 2003; 10 pp.; In English;

Original contains black and white illustrations

Patent Info.: Filed 8 Apr. 2002; US-Patent-6,660,110; US-Patent-Appl-SN-118625; NASA-Case-LEW-17206-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

A heat treatment assembly and heat treatment methods are disclosed for producing different microstructures in the bore

and rim portions of nickel-based superalloy disks, particu- larly suited for gas turbine applications. The heat treatment

assembly is capable of being removed from the furnace and disassembled to allow rapid fan or oil quenching of the disk. For

solutioning heat treatments of the disk, temperatures higher than that of this solvus temperature of the disk are used to produce

coarse grains in the rim of each disk so as to give maximum creep and dwell crack resistance at the rim service temperature.

At the same time, solution temperature lower than the solvus temperature of the disk are provided to produce fine grain in the

bore of the disk so as to give maximum strength and low cycle fatigue resistance.

Author

Heat Treatment; Nickel Alloys; Heat Resistant Alloys; Heating Equipment

20040015214 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

Medium Frequency Pseudo Noise Geological Radar

Arndt, G. Dickey, Inventor; Carl, James R., Inventor; Byerly, Kent A., Inventor; Amini, B. Jon, Inventor; November 25, 2003;

19 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 21 Feb. 2002; US-Patent-6,651,739; US-Patent-Appl-SN-793817; NASA-Case-MSC-23029-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

System and methods are disclosed for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic pulses through a geological formation.

A preferably programmable transmitter having an all-digital portion in a preferred embodiment may be operated at frequencies

below 1 MHz without loss of target resolution by transmitting and over sampling received long PN codes. A gated and stored

portion of the received signal may be correlated with the PN code to determine distances of interfaces within the geological

formation, such as the distance of a water interfaces from a wellbore. The received signal is oversampled preferably at rates

such as five to fifty times as high as a carrier frequency. In one method of the invention, an oil well with multiple production

zones may be kept in production by detecting an approaching water front in one of the production zones and shutting down

that particular production zone thereby permitting the remaining production zones to continue operating.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Electromagnetic Pulses; Geology; Radar Transmission; Frequency Distribution; Noise (Sound)

31
20040015216 NASA Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, FL, USA

Method and Apparatus for Characterizing Pressure Sensors using Modulated Light Beam Pressure

Youngquist, Robert C., Inventor; November 25, 2003; 5 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 12 Oct. 2001; US-Patent-6,651,481; US-Patent-Appl-SN-983045; NASA-Case-KSC-12183; No Copyright;

Avail: CASI; A01, Hardcopy

Embodiments of apparatuses and methods are provided that use light sources instead of sound sources for characterizing

and calibrating sensors for measuring small pressures to mitigate many of the problems with using sound sources. In one

embodiment an apparatus has a light source for directing a beam of light on a sensing surface of a pressure sensor for exerting

a force on the sensing surface. The pressure sensor generates an electrical signal indicative of the force exerted on the sensing

surface. A modulator modulates the beam of light. A signal processor is electrically coupled to the pressure sensor for receiving

the electrical signal.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Light Beams; Light Sources; Pressure Sensors; Modulators; Methodology; Measuring Instruments

32
51

LIFE SCIENCES (GENERAL)

Includes general research topics related to plant and animal biology (non-human); ecology; microbiology; and also the origin,

development, structure, and maintenance of animals and plants in space and related environmental conditions. For specific topics in life

sciences see categories 52 through 55.

20030068889 NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

Removal of Biologically Active Organic Contaminants using Atomic Oxygen

Banks, Bruce A., Inventor; Banks, Michael A., Inventor; Banks, Eric B., Inventor; May 06, 2003; 12 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 23 Jun. 2000; US-Patent-6,558,621; US-Patent-Appl-SN-606227; NASA-Case-LEW-161871-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

Biomedical devices that are to come into contact with living tissue, such as prosthetic and other implants for the human

body and the containers used to store and transport them, are together cleaned of non-living, but biologically active organic

materials, including endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharides, and assembled into a hermetically sealed package without

recontamination. This is achieved by cleaning both the device and package components together in an apparatus, which

includes a hermetically sealed chamber, in which they are contacted with atomic oxygen which biocleans them, by oxidizing

the biologically active organic materials. The apparatus also includes means for manipulating the device and container and

hermetically sealing the cleaned device into the cleaned container to form the package. A calibrated witness coupon visually

indicates whether or not the device and container have received enough exposure to the atomic oxygen to have removed the

organic materials from their surfaces. Gamma radiation is then used to sterilize the device in the sealed container.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Activity (Biology); Cleaning; Contaminants; Organic Materials

33
20030068891 NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry

Hines, John W., Inventor; Somps, Christopher J., Inventor; Ricks, Robert D., Inventor; Mundt, Carsten W., Inventor; June 24,

2003; 17 pp.; In English; US-Patent-6,582,365; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

The present invention relates to telemetry-based sensing systems that continuously measures physical, chemical and

biological parameters. More specifically, these sensing systems comprise a small, modular, low-power implantable

biotelemetry system capable of continuously sensing physiological characteristics using implantable transmitters, a receiver,

and a data acquisition system to analyze and record the transmitted signal over several months. The preferred embodiment is

a preterm labor and fetal monitoring system. Key features of the invention include Pulse Interval Modulation (PIM) that is

used to send temperature and pressure information out of the biological environment. The RF carrier frequency is 174-216

MHz and a pair of RF bursts (pulses) is transmitted at a frequency of about 1-2 Hz. The transmission range is 3 to 10 feet,

depending on the position of the transmitter in the body and its biological environment. The entire transmitter is encapsulated

in biocompatible silicone rubber. Power is supplied by on-board silver-oxide batteries. The average power consumption of the

current design is less than 30 microW, which yields a lifetime of approximately6-9 months. Chip-on-Board technology

(COB) drastically reduces the size of the printed circuit board from 38 x 28 mm to 22 x 8 mm. Unpackaged dies are flip-chip

bonded directly onto the printed circuit board, along with surface mount resistors and capacitors. The invention can monitor

additional physiological parameters including, but not limited to, ECG, blood gases, glucose, and ions such as calcium,

potassium, and sodium.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Biotelemetry; Data Acquisition; Electrocardiography; Physiology; Pulse Modulation; Bioassay

20030068897 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA

Physiological Feedback Method and System

Pope, Alan T., Inventor; Severance, Kurt E., Inventor; November 12, 2002; 14 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 28 Jan. 2000; US-Patent-6,478,735; US-Patent-Appl-SN-494160; US-Patent-Appl-SN-118772;

US-Patent-Appl-SN-170784; NASA-Case-LAR-15396-1; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A method and system provide physiological feedback for a patient and/or physician. At least one physiological effect

experienced by a body part of a patient is measured noninvasively. A three-dimensional graphics model serving as an

analogous representation of the body part is altered in accordance with the measurements. A binocular image signal

representative of the three-dimensional graphics model so-altered is displayed for the patient and/or physician in a virtual

reality environment.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Feedback; Virtual Reality; Physiological Effects

34
52

AEROSPACE MEDICINE

Includes the biological and physiological effects of atmospheric and space flight (weightlessness, space radiation, acceleration, and

altitude stress) on the human being; and the prevention of adverse effects on those environments. For psychological and behavioral

effects of aerospace environments, see 53 Behavioral Sciences. For the effects of space on animals and plants see 51 Life Sciences.

20040000338 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

Method for Selective Thermal Ablation

Arndt, G. Dickey, Inventor; Carl, James, Inventor; Ngo, Phong, Inventor; Raffoul, George W., Inventor; July 15, 2003; 14 pp.;

In English; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A method, simulation, and apparatus are provided that are highly suitable for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

(BPH). A catheter is disclosed that includes a small diameter disk loaded monopole antenna surrounded by fusion material

having a high heat of fusion and a melting point preferably at or near body temperature. Microwaves from the antenna heat

prostatic tissue to promote necrosing of the prostatic tissue that relieves the pressure of the prostatic tissue against the urethra

as the body reabsorbs the necrosed or dead tissue. The fusion material keeps the urethra cool by means of the heat of fusion

of the fusion material. This prevents damage to the urethra while the prostatic tissue is necrosed. A computer simulation is

provided that can be used to predict the resulting temperature profile produced in the prostatic tissue. By changing the various

control features of the catheter and method of applying microwave energy a temperature profile can be predicted and produced

that is similar to the temperature profile desired for the particular patient.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Medical Equipment; Ablation; Monopole Antennas; Microwaves; Prostate Gland

35
63

CYBERNETICS, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ROBOTICS

Includes feedback and control theory, information theory, machine learning, and expert systems. For related information see also 54

Man/System Technology and Life Support.

20030112118 NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA

Method for Constructing Composite Response Surfaces by Combining Neural Networks with other Interpolation or

Estimation Techniques

Rai, Man Mohan, Inventor; Madavan, Nateri K., Inventor; August 12, 2003; 15 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 13 Aug. 1999; US-Patent-6,606,612; US-Patent-Appl-SN-374491; US-Patent-Appl-SN-113318;

US-Patent-Appl-SN-096660; NASA-Case-ARC-14281-1; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A method and system for design optimization that incorporates the advantages of both traditional response surface

methodology (RSM) and neural networks is disclosed. The present invention employs a unique strategy called parameterbased partitioning of the given design space. In the design procedure, a sequence of composite response surfaces based on both

neural networks and polynomial fits is used to traverse the design space to identify an optimal solution. The composite

response surface has both the power of neural networks and the economy of low-order polynomials (in terms of the number

of simulations needed and the network training requirements). The present invention handles design problems with many more

parameters than would be possible using neural networks alone and permits a designer to rapidly perform a variety of trade-off

studies before arriving at the final design.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Design Optimization; Neural Nets; Estimating

36
71

ACOUSTICS

Includes sound generation, transmission, and attenuation. For noise pollution see 45 Environment Pollution. For aircraft noise see also

02 Aerodynamics and 07 Aircraft Propulsion and Power.

20040000330 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA

System for Multiplexing Acoustic Emission (AE) Instrumentation

Prosser, William H., Inventor; Perey, Daniel F., Inventor; Gorman, Michael R., Inventor; Scales, Edgar F., Inventor; September

30, 2003; 7 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 15 Jun. 1999; US-Patent-6,628,567; US-Patent-Appl-SN-333199; NASA-Case-LAR-15612-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

An acoustic monitoring device has at least two acoustic sensors with a triggering mechanism and a multiplexing circuit.

After the occurrence of a triggering event at a sensor, the multiplexing circuit allows a recording component to record acoustic

emissions at adjacent sensors. The acoustic monitoring device is attached to a solid medium to detect the occurrence of

damage.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Multiplexing; Acoustic Emission; Acoustic Measurement

37
72

ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS

Includes atomic and molecular structure, electron properties, and atomic and molecular spectra. For elementary particle physics see 73

Nuclear Physics.

20030112380 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA

Electrostrictive Graft Elastomers

Su, Ji, Inventor; Harrison, Joycelyn S., Inventor; St.Clair, Terry L., Inventor; February 04, 2003; 9 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 23 Oct. 2000; US-Patent-6,515,077; US-Patent-Appl-SN-696528; US-Patent-Appl-SN-161160;

US-Patent-Appl-SN-161113; NASA-Case-LAR-16038-1; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

An electrostrictive graft elastomer has a backbone molecule which is a non-crystallizable, flexible macromolecular chain

and a grafted polymer forming polar graft moieties with backbone molecules. The polar graft moieties have been rotated by

an applied electric field, e.g., into substantial polar alignment. The rotation is sustained until the electric field is removed. In

another embodiment, a process for producing strain in an elastomer includes: (a) providing a graft elastomer having a

backbone molecule which is a non-crystallizable, flexible macromolecular chain and a grafted polymer forming polar graft

moieties with backbone molecules; and (b) applying an electric field to the graft elastomer to rotate the polar graft moieties,

e.g., into substantial polar alignment.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Electrostriction; Elastomers

74

OPTICS

Includes light phenomena and the theory of optical devices; for specific optical devices see also 35 Instrumentation and Photography.

For lasers see 36 Lasers and Masers.

20030068890 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA

Panoramic Refracting Conical Optic

Lindner, Jeffrey L., Inventor; June 17, 2003; 7 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 17 Jun. 2002; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A02, Hardcopy

An optical device having a semi-spherical or hemispherical field-of-view is provided. A conically-shaped piece of optical

material has an annular surface satisfying Snell’s Law for total internal reflection with respect to light passing through the

piece and incident on the annular surface from within the piece.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Optical Equipment; Refraction

38
76

SOLID-STATE PHYSICS

Includes condensed matter physics, crystallography, and superconductivity. For related information see also 33 Electronics and

Electrical Engineering; and 36 Lasers and Masers.

20040000691 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

X-Ray Crystallography Reagent

Morrison, Dennis R., Inventor; Mosier, Benjamin, Inventor; July 29, 2003; 22 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 24 Jan. 2001; US-Patent-6,599,449; US-Patent-Appl-SN-774169; US-Patent-Appl-SN-079766;

US-Patent-Appl-SN-349169; NASA-Case-MSC-22936-4; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

Microcapsules prepared by encapsulating an aqueous solution of a protein, drug or other bioactive substance inside a

semi-permeable membrane by are disclosed. The microcapsules are formed by interfacial coacervation under conditions where

the shear forces are limited to 0-100 dynes per square centimeter at the interface. By placing the microcapsules in a high

osmotic dewatering solution. the protein solution is gradually made saturated and then supersaturated. and the controlled

nucleation and crystallization of the protein is achieved. The crystal-filled microcapsules prepared by this method can be

conveniently harvested and stored while keeping the encapsulated crystals in essentially pristine condition due to the rugged.

protective membrane. Because the membrane components themselves are x-ray transparent, large crystal-containing

microcapsules can be individually selected, mounted in x-ray capillary tubes and subjected to high energy x-ray diffraction

studies to determine the 3-D smucture of the protein molecules. Certain embodiments of the microcapsules of the invention

have composite polymeric outer membranes which are somewhat elastic, water insoluble, permeable only to water, salts, and

low molecular weight molecules and are structurally stable in fluid shear forces typically encountered in the human vascular

system.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Crystallography; X Rays; Reagents; Protein Crystal Growth; Encapsulating

39
85

TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION

Includes aerospace technology transfer; urban technology; surface and mass transportation. For related information see also 03 Air

Transportation and Safety, 16 Space Transportation and Safety, and 44 Energy Production and Conversion. For specific technology

transfer applications see also the category where the subject is treated.

20030112106 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA

Base Passive Porosity for Vehicle Drag Reduction

Bauer, Steven X. S., Inventor; Wood, Richard M., Inventor; September 09, 2003; 13 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 13 Sep. 2001; US-Patent-6,616,218-B2; US-Patent-Appl-SN-951857; NASA-Case-LAR-16348-1; No

Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

A device for controlling drag on a ground vehicle. The device consists of a porous skin or skins mounted on the trailing

surface and/or aft portions of the ground vehicle. The porous skin is separated from the vehicle surface by a distance of at least

the thickness of the porous skin. Alternately, the trailing surface, sides, and/or top surfaces of the ground vehicle may be

porous. The device minimizes the strength of the separation in the base and wake regions of the ground vehicle, thus reducing

drag.

Author

Drag Reduction; Surface Vehicles; Porous Plates; Porous Boundary Layer Control

40
20040000274 NASA Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, FL, USA

Process for Nitrogen Oxide Waste Conversion to Fertilizer

Lueck, Dale E., Inventor; Parrish, Clyde F., Inventor; November 04, 2003; 33 pp.; In English

Patent Info.: Filed 17 Feb. 2000; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy

The present invention describes a process for converting vapor streams from sources containing at least one

nitrogen-containing oxidizing agent therein to a liquid fertilizer composition comprising the steps of: a) directing a vapor

stream containing at least one nitrogen-containing oxidizing agent to a first contact zone; b) contacting said vapor stream with

water to form nitrogen oxide(s) from said at least one nitrogen-containing oxidizing agent; c) directing said acid(s) as a second

stream to a second contact zone; d) exposing said second stream to hydrogen peroxide which is present within said second

contact zone in a relative amount of at least 0.1% by weight of said second stream within said second contact zone to convert

at least some of any nitrogen oxide species or ions other than in the nitrate form present within said second stream to nitrate

ion; e) sampling said stream within said second contact zone to determine the relative amount of hydrogen peroxide within

said second contact zone; f) adding hydrogen peroxide to said second contact zone when a level of hydrogen peroxide less

than 0.1 % by weight in said second stream is determined by said sampling; g) adding a solution comprising potassium

hydroxide to said second stream to maintain a pH between 6.0 and 11.0 within said second stream within said second contact

zone to form a solution of potassium nitrate; and h) removing said solution of potassium nitrate from said second contact zone.

Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Nitrogen Oxides; Waste Utilization; Fertilizers; Vapors; Oxidation

41
Subject Term Index

ABLATION

Method for Selective Thermal Ablation – 35

ACOUSTIC EMISSION

System for Multiplexing Acoustic Emission (AE) Instrumentation – 37

ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT

System for Multiplexing Acoustic Emission (AE) Instrumentation – 37

ACOUSTICS

Measurement System and Method – 13

ACTIVITY (BIOLOGY)

Microencapsulated Bioactive Agents and

Method of Making – 6

Removal of Biologically Active Organic

Contaminants using Atomic Oxygen – 33

ACTUATORS

Radio Frequency Telemetry System for

Sensors and Actuators – 28

AGENTS

Microencapsulated Bioactive Agents and

Method of Making – 6

AIRCRAFT CONTROL

Method and System for Active Noise

Control of Tiltrotor Aircraft – 2

AIRCRAFT GUIDANCE

Neighboring Optimal Aircraft Guidance in

a General Wind Environment – 1

ALUMINUM ALLOYS

Aluminum Alloy and Article Cast Therefrom – 7

Process for Producing a Cast Article from

a Hypereutectic Aluminum-Silicon Alloy – 7

ANEMOMETERS

Silicon Carbide High Temperature Anemometer and Method for Assembling

the Same – 28

ANTENNA ARRAYS

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

ATOMIZING

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

AUTOMATIC CONTROL

Video Guidance Sensor System with Laser Rangefinder – 21

AUTOMOBILES

Solar Powered Automobile Interior Climate Control System – 30

BEARINGS

1-Way Bearing – 29

BIOASSAY

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry – 34

BIOTELEMETRY

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry – 34

BODY TEMPERATURE

Radiant Temperature Nulling Radiometer – 17

BONDING

Gasket Assembly for Sealing Mating Surfaces – 23

BRAGG GRATINGS

Edge Triggered Apparatus and Method

for Measuring Strain in Bragg Gratings – 15

CALIBRATING

Single Vector Calibration System for

Multi-Axis Load Cells and Method for

Calibrating a Multi-Axis Load Cell – 17

CAMERAS

Stereo Imaging Velocimetry System and

Method – 12

CAPACITANCE

Capacitive Extensometer – 16

CAPACITORS

Leak and Pipe Detection Method and

System – 11

CAST ALLOYS

Aluminum Alloy and Article Cast Therefrom – 7

CASTING

Process for Producing a Cast Article from

a Hypereutectic Aluminum-Silicon Alloy – 7

CHARGE COUPLED DEVICES

Chromatic Modulator for High Resolution

CCD or APS Devices – 26

CLEANING

Removal of Biologically Active Organic

Contaminants using Atomic Oxygen – 33

CLIMATE

Solar Powered Automobile Interior Climate Control System – 30

COATINGS

Liquid Galvanic Coatings for Protection

of Imbedded Metals – 24

COLOR

Chromatic Modulator for High Resolution

CCD or APS Devices – 26

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

Masked Proportional Routing – 22

COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION

Method of Constructing a Microwave Antenna – 26

CONDUCTING FLUIDS

Leak and Pipe Detection Method and

System – 11

CONNECTORS

Masked Proportional Routing – 22

CONTAMINANTS

Removal of Biologically Active Organic

Contaminants using Atomic Oxygen – 33

CONTROL SYSTEMS DESIGN

Solar Powered Automobile Interior Climate Control System – 30

COOLING

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

CORROSION PREVENTION

Liquid Galvanic Coatings for Protection

of Imbedded Metals – 24

CRYSTALLINITY

Fabrication of Large Bulk High Temperature Superconducting Articles – 27

CRYSTALLOGRAPHY

Microencapsulated Bioactive Agents and

Method of Making – 6

X-Ray Crystallography Reagent – 39

CYLINDRICAL SHELLS

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

DATA ACQUISITION

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry – 34

DEPLOYMENT

Apparatus and Method for Deploying a

Hypervelocity Shield – 3

DESIGN OPTIMIZATION

Method for Constructing Composite Response Surfaces by Combining Neural

Networks with other Interpolation or Estimation Techniques – 36

DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENT

High Precision Laser Range Sensor – 18

DRAG REDUCTION

Base Passive Porosity for Vehicle Drag

Reduction – 40

ELASTOMERS

Electrostrictive Graft Elastomers – 38

ELECTRIC BATTERIES

Structure of Thin-Film Lithium Microbatteries – 9

ELECTRIC FIELDS

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment

of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields – 10

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry – 34

ELECTRODYNAMICS

Combination Solar Sail and Electrodynamic Tether Propulsion System – 4

A-1
ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES

Medium Frequency Pseudo Noise Geological Radar – 31

ELECTRO-OPTICS

High Precision Laser Range Sensor – 18

ELECTROSTRICTION

Electrostrictive Graft Elastomers – 38

EMULSIONS

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS – 6

ENCAPSULATING

Microencapsulated Bioactive Agents and

Method of Making – 6

X-Ray Crystallography Reagent – 39

EQUIPMENT

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment

of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields – 10

ESTIMATING

Method for Constructing Composite Response Surfaces by Combining Neural

Networks with other Interpolation or Estimation Techniques – 36

EXTENSOMETERS

Capacitive Extensometer – 16

FABRICATION

Fabrication of Large Bulk High Temperature Superconducting Articles – 27

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

FEEDBACK

Physiological Feedback Method and

System – 34

FERTILIZERS

Process for Nitrogen Oxide Waste Conversion to Fertilizer – 41

FIBER COMPOSITES

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

FIBER OPTICS

Fiber Optic Connector Polishing Fixture

Assembly – 29

FIELD OF VIEW

Video Image Stabilization and Registration – 14

FIXTURES

Fiber Optic Connector Polishing Fixture

Assembly – 29

FLOW VELOCITY

Measurement System and Method – 13

FLUID FLOW

Measurement System and Method – 13

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION

Edge Triggered Apparatus and Method

for Measuring Strain in Bragg Gratings – 15

Medium Frequency Pseudo Noise Geological Radar – 31

Method for Balancing Detector Output to

a Desired Level of Balance at a Frequency – 21

FUEL INJECTION

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

GAS DETECTORS

Method for Balancing Detector Output to

a Desired Level of Balance at a Frequency – 21

GASKETS

Gasket Assembly for Sealing Mating Surfaces – 23

GEOLOGY

Medium Frequency Pseudo Noise Geological Radar – 31

GUIDANCE SENSORS

Video Guidance Sensor System with Laser Rangefinder – 21

HALOGENATION

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS – 6

HARMONIC CONTROL

Method and System for Active Noise

Control of Tiltrotor Aircraft – 2

HEAT RESISTANT ALLOYS

Heat Treatment Devices and Method of

Operation Thereof to Produce Dual Microstructure Superalloys Disks – 31

HEAT TREATMENT

Heat Treatment Devices and Method of

Operation Thereof to Produce Dual Microstructure Superalloys Disks – 31

HEATING EQUIPMENT

Heat Treatment Devices and Method of

Operation Thereof to Produce Dual Microstructure Superalloys Disks – 31

HIGH RESOLUTION

Chromatic Modulator for High Resolution

CCD or APS Devices – 26

Method and Apparatus for Virtual Interactive Medical Imaging by Multiple

Remotely-Located Users – 19

HIGH TEMPERATURE

Silicon Carbide High Temperature Anemometer and Method for Assembling

the Same – 28

HYPERVELOCITY IMPACT

Apparatus and Method for Deploying a

Hypervelocity Shield – 3

IMAGE MOTION COMPENSATION

Video Image Stabilization and Registration – 14

IMAGE ROTATION

Video Image Stabilization and Registration – 14

IMAGING TECHNIQUES

Method and Apparatus for Virtual Interactive Medical Imaging by Multiple

Remotely-Located Users – 19

Stereo Imaging Velocimetry System and

Method – 12

IMPINGEMENT

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

INFLATABLE STRUCTURES

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

INFRARED DETECTORS

Radiant Temperature Nulling Radiometer – 17

INFRARED RADIATION

Radiant Temperature Nulling Radiometer – 17

INJECTORS

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

LASER RANGE FINDERS

Video Guidance Sensor System with Laser Rangefinder – 21

LASERS

High Precision Laser Range Sensor – 18

LIGHT BEAMS

Method and Apparatus for Characterizing

Pressure Sensors using Modulated Light

Beam Pressure – 32

Method for Balancing Detector Output to

a Desired Level of Balance at a Frequency – 21

LIGHT SOURCES

Method and Apparatus for Characterizing

Pressure Sensors using Modulated Light

Beam Pressure – 32

LIQUIDS

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS – 6

LITHIUM

Structure of Thin-Film Lithium Microbatteries – 9

LOADS (FORCES)

Single Vector Calibration System for

Multi-Axis Load Cells and Method for

Calibrating a Multi-Axis Load Cell – 17

MAGNIFICATION

Video Image Stabilization and Registration – 14

MAGNITUDE

Capacitive Extensometer – 16

MATTER-ANTIMATTER PROPULSION

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment

of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields – 10

MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

Measurement System and Method – 13

Method and Apparatus for Characterizing

Pressure Sensors using Modulated Light

Beam Pressure – 32

Single Vector Calibration System for

Multi-Axis Load Cells and Method for

Calibrating a Multi-Axis Load Cell – 17

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Aluminum Alloy and Article Cast Therefrom – 7

A-2
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Method for Selective Thermal Ablation – 35

METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

Aluminum Alloy and Article Cast Therefrom – 7

METAL PARTICLES

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS – 6

METALS

Liquid Galvanic Coatings for Protection

of Imbedded Metals – 24

METHODOLOGY

Measurement System and Method – 13

Method and Apparatus for Characterizing

Pressure Sensors using Modulated Light

Beam Pressure – 32

Method of Constructing a Microwave Antenna – 26

MICROWAVE ANTENNAS

Method of Constructing a Microwave Antenna – 26

MICROWAVES

Method for Selective Thermal Ablation – 35

MINE DETECTORS

Detector Apparatus and Method – 20

MIXING

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

MODULATORS

Chromatic Modulator for High Resolution

CCD or APS Devices – 26

High Precision Laser Range Sensor – 18

Method and Apparatus for Characterizing

Pressure Sensors using Modulated Light

Beam Pressure – 32

MODULES

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

MONOPOLE ANTENNAS

Method for Selective Thermal Ablation – 35

MULTIPLEXING

System for Multiplexing Acoustic Emission (AE) Instrumentation – 37

NEURAL NETS

Method for Constructing Composite Response Surfaces by Combining Neural

Networks with other Interpolation or Estimation Techniques – 36

NICKEL ALLOYS

Heat Treatment Devices and Method of

Operation Thereof to Produce Dual Microstructure Superalloys Disks – 31

NITROGEN OXIDES

Process for Nitrogen Oxide Waste Conversion to Fertilizer – 41

NODES (STANDING WAVES)

Masked Proportional Routing – 22

NOISE REDUCTION

Method and System for Active Noise

Control of Tiltrotor Aircraft – 2

NOISE (SOUND)

Medium Frequency Pseudo Noise Geological Radar – 31

OPTICAL EQUIPMENT

Panoramic Refracting Conical Optic – 38

OPTICAL PROPERTIES

Edge Triggered Apparatus and Method

for Measuring Strain in Bragg Gratings – 15

OPTIMAL CONTROL

Neighboring Optimal Aircraft Guidance in

a General Wind Environment – 1

ORGANIC MATERIALS

Removal of Biologically Active Organic

Contaminants using Atomic Oxygen – 33

ORIFICES

Fast-Acting Valve – 24

OUTPUT

Method for Balancing Detector Output to

a Desired Level of Balance at a Frequency – 21

OXIDATION

Process for Nitrogen Oxide Waste Conversion to Fertilizer – 41

PATTERN REGISTRATION

Video Image Stabilization and Registration – 14

PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS

Polyimides by Photochemical Cyclopolymerization – 5

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Physiological Feedback Method and

System – 34

PHYSIOLOGY

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry – 34

PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATORS

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

PIXELS

Chromatic Modulator for High Resolution

CCD or APS Devices – 26

PLASMAS (PHYSICS)

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment

of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields – 10

POLARIZED LIGHT

Method for Balancing Detector Output to

a Desired Level of Balance at a Frequency – 21

POLARIZERS

Method for Balancing Detector Output to

a Desired Level of Balance at a Frequency – 21

POLISHING

Fiber Optic Connector Polishing Fixture

Assembly – 29

POLYIMIDES

Polyimides by Photochemical Cyclopolymerization – 5

POLYMERIZATION

Polyimides by Photochemical Cyclopolymerization – 5

POROSITY

Capacitive Extensometer – 16

POROUS BOUNDARY LAYER CONTROL

Base Passive Porosity for Vehicle Drag

Reduction – 40

POROUS PLATES

Base Passive Porosity for Vehicle Drag

Reduction – 40

PRESSURE SENSORS

Method and Apparatus for Characterizing

Pressure Sensors using Modulated Light

Beam Pressure – 32

PROBABILITY THEORY

Masked Proportional Routing – 22

PROPULSION SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

Combination Solar Sail and Electrodynamic Tether Propulsion System – 4

PROSTATE GLAND

Method for Selective Thermal Ablation – 35

PROTEIN CRYSTAL GROWTH

X-Ray Crystallography Reagent – 39

PULSE MODULATION

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry – 34

RADAR TRANSMISSION

Medium Frequency Pseudo Noise Geological Radar – 31

RADIATION SPECTRA

Edge Triggered Apparatus and Method

for Measuring Strain in Bragg Gratings – 15

RADIO FREQUENCIES

Radio Frequency Telemetry System for

Sensors and Actuators – 28

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment

of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields – 10

RADIOMETERS

Radiant Temperature Nulling Radiometer – 17

REAGENTS

X-Ray Crystallography Reagent – 39

RECEIVERS

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

REFRACTION

Panoramic Refracting Conical Optic – 38

REFRACTORY MATERIALS

Fabrication of Large Bulk High Temperature Superconducting Articles – 27

RING STRUCTURES

Fast-Acting Valve – 24

A-3
ROTATION

1-Way Bearing – 29

Method and Apparatus for Virtual Interactive Medical Imaging by Multiple

Remotely-Located Users – 19

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment

of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields – 10

SEALING

Gasket Assembly for Sealing Mating Surfaces – 23

SENSORS

Chromatic Modulator for High Resolution

CCD or APS Devices – 26

Radio Frequency Telemetry System for

Sensors and Actuators – 28

Silicon Carbide High Temperature Anemometer and Method for Assembling

the Same – 28

SHEAR STRAIN

Capacitive Extensometer – 16

SIGNAL DETECTORS

Leak and Pipe Detection Method and

System – 11

SILICON ALLOYS

Process for Producing a Cast Article from

a Hypereutectic Aluminum-Silicon Alloy – 7

SILICON CARBIDES

Silicon Carbide High Temperature Anemometer and Method for Assembling

the Same – 28

SOLAR CELLS

Solar Powered Automobile Interior Climate Control System – 30

SOLAR SAILS

Combination Solar Sail and Electrodynamic Tether Propulsion System – 4

SOLVENTS

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS – 6

SPACECRAFT PROPULSION

Combination Solar Sail and Electrodynamic Tether Propulsion System – 4

SPACECRAFT SHIELDING

Apparatus and Method for Deploying a

Hypervelocity Shield – 3

STRAIN MEASUREMENT

Edge Triggered Apparatus and Method

for Measuring Strain in Bragg Gratings – 15

SUPERCONDUCTORS (MATERIALS)

Fabrication of Large Bulk High Temperature Superconducting Articles – 27

SURFACE VEHICLES

Base Passive Porosity for Vehicle Drag

Reduction – 40

SWIRLING

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

TELEMETRY

Radio Frequency Telemetry System for

Sensors and Actuators – 28

TETHERING

Combination Solar Sail and Electrodynamic Tether Propulsion System – 4

THIN FILMS

Structure of Thin-Film Lithium Microbatteries – 9

THREE DIMENSIONAL MOTION

Stereo Imaging Velocimetry System and

Method – 12

TILT ROTOR AIRCRAFT

Method and System for Active Noise

Control of Tiltrotor Aircraft – 2

TOROIDAL SHELLS

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

TRACKING (POSITION)

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

TRANSFER FUNCTIONS

Detector Apparatus and Method – 20

TRANSMITTER RECEIVERS

Detector Apparatus and Method – 20

TRANSMITTERS

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

TRAPS

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment

of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields – 10

VALVES

Fast-Acting Valve – 24

VAPORS

Process for Nitrogen Oxide Waste Conversion to Fertilizer – 41

VELOCITY MEASUREMENT

Stereo Imaging Velocimetry System and

Method – 12

VIDEO DATA

Video Image Stabilization and Registration – 14

VIDEO SIGNALS

Video Guidance Sensor System with Laser Rangefinder – 21

VIRTUAL REALITY

Physiological Feedback Method and

System – 34

WASTE UTILIZATION

Process for Nitrogen Oxide Waste Conversion to Fertilizer – 41

WAVEFORMS

Detector Apparatus and Method – 20

WEIGHT INDICATORS

Single Vector Calibration System for

Multi-Axis Load Cells and Method for

Calibrating a Multi-Axis Load Cell – 17

WIND (METEOROLOGY)

Neighboring Optimal Aircraft Guidance in

a General Wind Environment – 1

X RAYS

X-Ray Crystallography Reagent – 39

A-4
Personal Author Index

Amini, B. Jon

Medium Frequency Pseudo Noise Geological Radar – 31

Arndt, G. Dickey

Detector Apparatus and Method – 20

Measurement System and Method – 13

Medium Frequency Pseudo Noise Geological Radar – 31

Method for Selective Thermal Ablation – 35

Method of Constructing a Microwave Antenna – 26

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

Banks, Bruce A.

Removal of Biologically Active Organic

Contaminants using Atomic Oxygen – 33

Banks, Eric B.

Removal of Biologically Active Organic

Contaminants using Atomic Oxygen – 33

Banks, Michael A.

Removal of Biologically Active Organic

Contaminants using Atomic Oxygen – 33

Bauer, Steven X. S.

Base Passive Porosity for Vehicle Drag

Reduction – 40

Betzina, Mark D.

Method and System for Active Noise

Control of Tiltrotor Aircraft – 2

Book, Michael L.

Video Guidance Sensor System with Laser Rangefinder – 21

Bourgeois, Brian A.

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

Brooks, Kathleen

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS – 6

Bryan, Thomas C.

Video Guidance Sensor System with Laser Rangefinder – 21

Bryant, Melvin A., III

Gasket Assembly for Sealing Mating Surfaces – 23

Bryant, Robert

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

Bugga, Ratnakumar V.

Structure of Thin-Film Lithium Microbatteries – 9

Byerly, Kent A.

Detector Apparatus and Method – 20

Measurement System and Method – 13

Medium Frequency Pseudo Noise Geological Radar – 31

Carl, James R.

Detector Apparatus and Method – 20

Measurement System and Method – 13

Medium Frequency Pseudo Noise Geological Radar – 31

Carl, James

Method for Selective Thermal Ablation – 35

Method of Constructing a Microwave Antenna – 26

Chen, Henry A.

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

Chen, Po-Shou

Aluminum Alloy and Article Cast Therefrom – 7

Process for Producing a Cast Article from

a Hypereutectic Aluminum-Silicon Alloy – 7

Christiansen, Eric L.

Apparatus and Method for Deploying a

Hypervelocity Shield – 3

Clausen, Christian

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS – 6

Curran, Joseph J.

Liquid Galvanic Coatings for Protection

of Imbedded Metals – 24

delaFuente, Horacio M.

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

Dubovitsky, Serge

High Precision Laser Range Sensor – 18

Dusl, John

Detector Apparatus and Method – 20

Dusl, Jon

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

Edeen, Gregg A.

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

Fox, Robert L.

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

Fralick, Gustave C.

Silicon Carbide High Temperature Anemometer and Method for Assembling

the Same – 28

Froggatt, Mark E.

Edge Triggered Apparatus and Method

for Measuring Strain in Bragg Gratings – 15

Gabb, Timothy P.

Heat Treatment Devices and Method of

Operation Thereof to Produce Dual Microstructure Superalloys Disks – 31

Gayda, John

Heat Treatment Devices and Method of

Operation Thereof to Produce Dual Microstructure Superalloys Disks – 31

Geiger, Cherie L.

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS – 6

Gorman, Michael R.

System for Multiplexing Acoustic Emission (AE) Instrumentation – 37

Harrison, Joycelyn S.

Electrostrictive Graft Elastomers – 38

Hartley, Frank T.

Chromatic Modulator for High Resolution

CCD or APS Devices – 26

Harvey, Rex J.

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

Hathaway, David H.

Video Image Stabilization and Registration – 14

Hellbaum, Richard F.

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

High, James W.

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

Hill, Brent W.

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

Hines, John W.

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry – 34

Hiser, Robert A.

Fabrication of Large Bulk High Temperature Superconducting Articles – 27

Howard, Richard T.

Solar Powered Automobile Interior Climate Control System – 30

Video Guidance Sensor System with Laser Rangefinder – 21

Hull, Anthony B.

Chromatic Modulator for High Resolution

CCD or APS Devices – 26

Jalink, Antony, Jr.

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

Jardin, Matthew R.

Neighboring Optimal Aircraft Guidance in

a General Wind Environment – 1

Johnson, Charles L.

Combination Solar Sail and Electrodynamic Tether Propulsion System – 4

Johnson, Christopher J.

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

B-1
Johnston, Albert S.

Video Guidance Sensor System with Laser Rangefinder – 21

Kantzos, Peter T.

Heat Treatment Devices and Method of

Operation Thereof to Produce Dual Microstructure Superalloys Disks – 31

Kerr, Justin H.

Apparatus and Method for Deploying a

Hypervelocity Shield – 3

Koczor, Ronald

Fabrication of Large Bulk High Temperature Superconducting Articles – 27

Kolasinski, John R.

Fiber Optic Connector Polishing Fixture

Assembly – 29

Laing, Peter

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

Lay, Oliver P.

High Precision Laser Range Sensor – 18

Lee, Jonathan A.

Aluminum Alloy and Article Cast Therefrom – 7

Process for Producing a Cast Article from

a Hypereutectic Aluminum-Silicon Alloy – 7

Lewis, Raymond A.

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment

of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields – 10

Lindner, Jeffrey L.

Panoramic Refracting Conical Optic – 38

Little, Bruce D.

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

Lueck, Dale E.

Process for Nitrogen Oxide Waste Conversion to Fertilizer – 41

MacDowell, Louis G.

Liquid Galvanic Coatings for Protection

of Imbedded Metals – 24

Madavan, Nateri K.

Method for Constructing Composite Response Surfaces by Combining Neural

Networks with other Interpolation or Estimation Techniques – 36

Mansour, Adel B.

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

Martin, James Joseph

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment

of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields – 10

Matloff, Gregory L.

Combination Solar Sail and Electrodynamic Tether Propulsion System – 4

McDowell, Mark

Stereo Imaging Velocimetry System and

Method – 12

Meador, Michael A.

Polyimides by Photochemical Cyclopolymerization – 5

Meyer, Paul J.

Video Image Stabilization and Registration – 14

Miranda, Felix A.

Radio Frequency Telemetry System for

Sensors and Actuators – 28

Mirick, Paul H.

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

Morrison, Dennis R.

Microencapsulated Bioactive Agents and

Method of Making – 6

X-Ray Crystallography Reagent – 39

Mosier, Benjamin

Microencapsulated Bioactive Agents and

Method of Making – 6

X-Ray Crystallography Reagent – 39

Moszcziewski, Joseph Roch

Fiber Optic Connector Polishing Fixture

Assembly – 29

Mundt, Carsten W.

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry – 34

Ngo, Phong H.

Detector Apparatus and Method – 20

Measurement System and Method – 13

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

Ngo, Phong

Method for Selective Thermal Ablation – 35

Method of Constructing a Microwave Antenna – 26

Nguyen, Khanh Q.

Method and System for Active Noise

Control of Tiltrotor Aircraft – 2

Okojie, Robert S.

Silicon Carbide High Temperature Anemometer and Method for Assembling

the Same – 28

Pandya, Shalini Gupta

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

Parker, Peter A.

Single Vector Calibration System for

Multi-Axis Load Cells and Method for

Calibrating a Multi-Axis Load Cell – 17

Parrish, Clyde F.

Process for Nitrogen Oxide Waste Conversion to Fertilizer – 41

Pegg, Robert J.

Fast-Acting Valve – 24

Perey, Daniel F.

System for Multiplexing Acoustic Emission (AE) Instrumentation – 37

Perusek, Gail P.

Capacitive Extensometer – 16

Phan, Chau T.

Passive Tracking System and

Method – 8

Pope, Alan T.

Physiological Feedback Method and

System – 34

Prosser, William H.

System for Multiplexing Acoustic Emission (AE) Instrumentation – 37

Quinn, Jacqueline

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS – 6

Raboin, Jasen L.

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

Raffoul, George W.

Method for Selective Thermal Ablation – 35

Rai, Man Mohan

Method for Constructing Composite Response Surfaces by Combining Neural

Networks with other Interpolation or Estimation Techniques – 36

Reinhart, Debra R.

Zero-Valent Metal Emulsion for Reductive Dehalogenation of DNAPLS – 6

Ricks, Robert D.

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry – 34

Ross, Muriel D.

Method and Apparatus for Virtual Interactive Medical Imaging by Multiple

Remotely-Located Users – 19

Ryan, Robert

Radiant Temperature Nulling Radiometer – 17

Saad, George J.

Silicon Carbide High Temperature Anemometer and Method for Assembling

the Same – 28

Sachse, Glenn W.

Method for Balancing Detector Output to

a Desired Level of Balance at a Frequency – 21

Scales, Edgar F.

System for Multiplexing Acoustic Emission (AE) Instrumentation – 37

Schneider, William C.

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

Senger, Steven O.

Method and Apparatus for Virtual Interactive Medical Imaging by Multiple

Remotely-Located Users – 19

Severance, Kurt E.

Physiological Feedback Method and

System – 34

Simons, Rainee N.

Radio Frequency Telemetry System for

Sensors and Actuators – 28

B-2
Sims, William Herbert, III

Radio Frequency Trap for Containment

of Plasmas in Antimatter Propulsion Systems Using Rotating Wall Electric

Fields – 10

Somps, Christopher J.

Advanced Sensor Systems for Biotelemetry – 34

Spexarth, Gary R.

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

St.Clair, Terry L.

Electrostrictive Graft Elastomers – 38

Su, Ji

Electrostrictive Graft Elastomers – 38

Tacina, Robert R.

Integrated Fuel Injection and Mixing System with Impingement Cooling Face – 2

Twombly, Ian Alexander

Method and Apparatus for Virtual Interactive Medical Imaging by Multiple

Remotely-Located Users – 19

Valle, Gerard D.

Inflatable Vessel and Method – 25

Vranish, John M.

1-Way Bearing – 29

West, William C.

Structure of Thin-Film Lithium Microbatteries – 9

Whitacre, Jay F.

Structure of Thin-Film Lithium Microbatteries – 9

Wilkie, W. Keats

Method of Fabricating a Piezoelectric

Composite Apparatus – 10

Wojciechowski, Bogdan V.

Fast-Acting Valve – 24

Wolpert, David H.

Masked Proportional Routing – 22

Wood, Richard M.

Base Passive Porosity for Vehicle Drag

Reduction – 40

Youngquist, Robert C.

Leak and Pipe Detection Method and

System – 11

Method and Apparatus for Characterizing

Pressure Sensors using Modulated Light

Beam Pressure – 32

B-3
APP–1

PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF COPIES

OF PATENTS

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D.C. 20231 at $3.00 per copy. When ordering patents, the U.S. Patent Number should be used, and payment

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and Trademark Office web site.

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INQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS

FOR LICENSE

NASA inventions abstracted in this bibliography are available for nonexclusive or exclusive licensing in

accordance with the Department of Commerce Patent License Regulations (37 CFR Part 404). Applications for licensing NASA patents must be submitted in writing to the Patent Counsel of the NASA installation having cognizance of the specific invention. All NASA patent licenses shall be by express written

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Inquiries concerning the NASA Patent Licensing Program or the availability of licenses for the commercial use of NASA–owned inventions covered by U.S. patents or pending applications for patent should be

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The NASA Patent Counsel having cognizance of the invention is determined by the first three letters or prefix

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Counsels are listed alongside the NASA Case Number prefix letters in the following table.
CENTER PATENTS COUNSELS

ARC-xxxxx Ames Research Center, Mail Code 202A-4,

Moffett Field, CA 94035

650-604-0887 (Phone) 650-604-2767 (FAX)

HQN-xxxxx NASA Headquarters, Mail Code GP, 300 E Street SW,

Washington, DC 20546-0001

202-358-2041 (Phone) 202-358-4341 (FAX)

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21000 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44135-3191

216-433-5756 (Phone) 216-433-6790 (FAX)

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Greenbelt, MD 20771-0001

301-286-2385 (Phone) 301-286-9502 (FAX)

MSC-xxxxx Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Mail Code HA,

2101 NASA Road 1, Houston, TX 77058-8452

281-483-1013 (Phone) 281-244-8452 (FAX)

KSC-xxxxx John F. Kennedy Space Center, Mail Code CC-A,

Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899-0001

321-867-3058 (Phone) 321-867-1817 (FAX)

LAR-xxxxx Langley Research Center, Mail Code 212,

Hampton, VA 23681-2199

757-864-3955 (Phone) 757-864-9190 (FAX)

MFS-xxxxx George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Mail Code LS01,

Marshal Space Flight Center, AL 35812-0001

256-544-0018 (Phone) 256-544-0258 (FAX)

NPO-xxxxx NASA Management Office-JPL, Mail Code 180-200,

4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91109

818-354-7770 (Phone) 818-393-3160 (FAX)

DRC-xxxxx Dryden Flight Research Center, PO Box 273,

Edwards, CA 93523-0273

No assigned Patent Counsel - services provided by NASA Management Office -JPL

SSC-xxxxx John C. Stennis Space Center,

Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000

No assigned Patent Counsel - services provided by Kennedy Space Center

APP-2
Report Documentation Page

1. Report No. 2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient’s Catalog No.

NASA/SP—2004-7039/SUPPL64

4. Title and Subtitle 5. Report Date

NASA Patent Abstracts August 2004

A Continuing Bibliography (Supplement 64) 6. Performing Organization Code

7. Author(s) 8. Performing Organization Report No.

10. Work Unit No.

9. Performing Organization Name and Address

NASA Scientific and Technical Information Pro NASA Scientific and Technical gram Office 11. Contract or Grant No. Information Program Office

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address 13. Type of Report and Period Covered

National Aeronautics and Space Administration p Special Publication

Langley Research Center g y 14. Sponsoring Agency Code

Hampton, VA 23681

15. Supplementary Notes

16. Abstract

This report lists NASA patent abstracts recently announced in the NASA STI Database.

17. Key Words (Suggested by Author(s)) 18. Distribution Statement

Bibliographies

Patent Policy

NASA Programs

Unclassified - Unlimited

Subject Category - 82

19. Security Classif. (of this report) 20. Security Classif. (of this page) 21. No. of Pages 22. Price

Unclassified Unclassified 56

For sale by the NASA Center for AeroSpace Information, 7121 Standard drive, Hanover, MD 21076