Category: Patent Pending

SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY (SMA) THERMAL DEVICE

Patent Pending

• The invention is a cost-efficient device made of a SMA that is shaped to maintain the electrical connection between a lithium-ion battery and a conductive plate. At a manufacturer specified temperature (higher than the operating temperature), the SMA returns to its original remembered shape, therefore breaking the electrical connection.

• The invention prevents electrical overheating to prevent fires and save battery cells, making the battery repairable.

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PSEUDO-PASSWORDLESS AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM

Patent Pending

• Traditional password-based authentication systems are vulnerable to theft, particularly on public and shared devices. With a browser extension and mobile application system, the invention reduces the risk of password theft by using QR codes and secure channels between trusted devices (client) and untrusted devices (host).

• The invention is designed to simplify the login process in scenarios in which input devices are limited to use, such as on kiosks and smart televisions.

• The invention ensures that login credentials are never directly entered or stored in the memory of an untrusted device….

ADAPTIVE ROBOTIC HEAD SUPPORT

Patent Pending

• This therapeutic robotic head support adapts the amount of support provided in real time based on user input to the device and sensors monitoring the patient. The initial height of the head support can be adjusted by a qualified therapist who helps the patient into an upright starting position. A motor will increase or decrease the amount of support based on sensor measurements of the position of the head and how much weight the patient is holding. 

• Current technology can provide passive support with a supervisor manually adjusting the head strap height to a single position. The Adaptive Robotic Head Support would enable the supervisor to adjust the position by pressing a button to turn a motor and adapt the strap to optimal length based on current pose and therapeutic goals….

PARTICLE FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM

Patent Pending 

• This system is directed to a material flow control system to distribute and control flow of a particulate heat transfer material.  The invention is designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems but can apply to metering any gravity-feed particle flow system within a broad temperature range.  

• Current technology to control particle flow generally uses a simple slide gate that is limited by the accuracy of the actuators connected to it and their propensity to erode the valve surfaces and possibly plug the particle flow stream. The present invention employs an axial passage that changes the area of the opening by adjusting the position of fitted fingers similar in concept to the chuck on a drill.  The accuracy and rapid response of this axial valve results in more accurate control of the particle flow, reduces valve surface erosion and minimizes plugging potential….

IMPROVEMENTS IN SILICON SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL EFFICIENCY 

Patent Pending  

• The invention enhances the efficiency of silicon photovoltaic solar cells by facilitating the downshifting of wavelengths so that crystalline silicon can absorb wavelengths in the range suitable for conversion. This is achieved by coating silicon with specific films of the order of nanometers thickness. 

• Power conversion efficiencies of 10% or more can be achieved for a small percentage increase in the cost of solar cells. The thin film also increases the life of a solar cell.  A layer of polydimethylsiloxane applied over the perovskite quantum dots will increase its usable life. 

• This invention is significant because 85 -90% of solar cells in today’s market are made of silicon solar cells. Crystalline Silicon (c-Si) solar technology is the most prominent form of solar cell technology in the U.S. residential market, yet the efficiency of these specific solar cells has plateaued over the last 15 years….

FAULT-TOLERANT CONTROL FOR FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS

Patent Pending

• Situation detection time delay plays a crucial role in the stability of the system, and therefore, prior to system design, the maximum situation detection time must be determined and used for verification of the controller’s response. 

• This is superior to present technology because current Adaptive controllers are either fully pre-determined gain scheduled or fully dynamic relying on fast optimization. However, the invention is a hybrid benefiting from both architectures that results in faster and more reliable adaptation, which in many cases can be the difference between a crash and a safe flight….

DENSIFICATION OF CARBON/CARBON COMPOSITES WITH AN EMBEDDED CHANNEL NETWORK

Patent Pending

• This novel approach to densifying Carbon/Carbon Composites takes advantage of a micro-channel network. Using an isothermal heating method creates a natural thermal gradient in which the interior is cooler than exterior. By flowing the gaseous carbon source through the composite’s micro-channels, gas flow can occur from within the composite to the outside.

• This invention shortens processing times of fabrications, reducing costs compared to traditional methods. In this method, the C/C Composites have an embedded micro-channel network, which will be used to flow a gaseous carbon source resulting in a denser carbon material….

DENSE AND SELF-HEALING ZrB2-SiC ANTI-OXIDATIVE MULTILAYER COATINGS FOR CARBON/CARBON COMPOSITES 

Patent Pending

• The invention applies a protective coating to carbon/carbon (C/C) composites with novel self-healing, protective coatings using ZrB2 and SiC.  

• The invention provides a multilayer coating for carbon/carbon composite structures to provide a protective layer to prevent loss of carbon mass from oxidation when operating temperatures exceed 500°C under oxidizing conditions.   The coatings are selected for their adherence to the C/C composites and the similarity of their coefficients of thermal expansion to the composites being protected.  

• Potential applications include concentrated solar power target protection, rocket nozzle coatings, space vehicle heat shields, and airplane disc brakes….