University of Arkansas

United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of Nasa

Steven Trigwell

Alexandru S Biris

Martha K Williams

James E Fesmire

Tracy L Gibson

Malay K Mazumder

Jawahar L Mehta

Walter Hatfield

Nawab Ali

Rajesh Sharma

Carlos I Calle

Samiran De

Mark M Mazumder

A thermal management system includes a first substrate having a first conductive inner surface. A second substrate has a second conductive inner surface. A connecting structure is attached to the first and second substrates to space apart the first and second inner surfaces defining an insulating space for a single architecture. One or more passively-acting elements are attached to the inner surface of at least one substrate and including a shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA). The SMA passively reacts to the temperature of the first substrate by thermally contacting or separating from the second inner surface of the second substrate for the control of the conduction of heat energy in either direction.

Passive thermal management systems employing shape memory alloys

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a layered structure usable in a strain sensor. In one embodiment, the layered structure has a substrate with a first surface and an opposite, second surface defining a body portion therebetween; and a film of carbon nanotubes deposited on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the film of carbon nanotubes is conductive and characterized with an electrical resistance. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are aligned in a preferential direction. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are formed in a yarn such that any mechanical stress increases their electrical response. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are incorporated into a polymeric scaffold that is attached to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes are functionalized such that its electrical conductivity is increased.

Strain sensors, methods of making same, and applications of same

An electrodynamic array of conductive nanomaterial electrodes and a method of making such an electrodynamic array. In one embodiment, a liquid solution containing nanomaterials is deposited as an array of conductive electrodes on a substrate, including rigid or flexible substrates such as fabrics, and opaque or transparent substrates. The nanomaterial electrodes may also be grown in situ. The nanomaterials may include carbon nanomaterials, other organic or inorganic nanomaterials or mixtures.

Electrodynamic arrays having nanomaterial electrodes

An encased stent that discourages restenosis by having a homogenous endothelial cell lining along the inner wall of the stent. The endothelial cell lining may be coated on the stent before the stent is placed in the artery, or the endothelial cell lining may be grown after placement by several factors that encourage such growth and discourage restenosis. The endothelial cells to coat the stent may be genetically modified to enhance the growth of the endothelial cells into a homogeneous lining. The stent has a continuous lining in the form of a multi-layer polymer coating, including a conducting biocorrosion inhibiting layer and a continuous film of polyurethane coupled by a coupling agent to polyethylene glycol. Various drugs and cell factors may be incorporated into the lining, such as anti-thrombin, anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant drugs, cell cycle inhibitors, and vascular endothelial growth factors.

Encased stent

Growing community of inventors

Merritt Island, FL, United States of America

Steven Trigwell