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Patrick W Fink

Publications and source records attributed to Patrick W Fink.

7 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2005

Feed Structure For Antennas

A novel feed structure, for an antenna having a resonant electric field structure, comprising a patch element, an integrated circuit attached to the patch element, at least one inner conductor electrically connected to and terminating at the integrated circuit on a first end of the at least one inner conductor, wherein the at least one inner conductor extends through and is not electrically connected to the patch element, and wherein the at least one inner conductor is available for electrical connectivity on a second end of the at least one inner conductor, and an outer conductor electrically connected to and terminating at the patch element on a first end of the outer conductor, wherein the outer conductor is available for electrical connectivity on a second end of the outer conductor, and wherein the outer conductor concentrically surrounds the at least one inner conductor from the second end of the at least one inner conductor available for electrical connectivity to the first end of the outer conductor terminating at the patch element.

Patrick W Fink↗
NASA NTRS2002

Endothelium Preserving Microwave Treatment for Atherosclerosis

Method and apparatus are provided to treat atherosclerosis wherein the artery is partially closed by dilating the artery while preserving the vital and sensitive endothelial layer thereof. Microwave energy having a frequency from 3 GHz to 300 GHz is propagated into the arterial wall to produce a desired temperature profile therein at tissue depths sufficient for thermally necrosing connective tissue and softening fatty and waxy plaque while limiting heating of surrounding tissues including the endothelial layer and/or other healthy tissue, organs, and blood. The heating period for raising the temperature a potentially desired amount, about 20 C. within the atherosclerotic lesion may be less than about one second. In one embodiment of the invention, a radically beveled waveguide antenna is used to deliver microwave energy at frequencies from 25 GHz or 30 GHz to about 300 GHz and is focused towards a particular radial sector of the artery. Because the atherosclerotic lesions are often asymmetrically disposed, directable or focussed heating preserves healthy sectors or the artery and applies energy to the asymmetrically positioned lesion faster than a non-directed bean. A computer simulation predicts isothermic temperature profiles for the given conditions and may be used in selecting power, pulse duration, beam width, and frequency of operation to maximize energy deposition and control heat rise within the atherosclerotic lesion without harming healthy tissues or the sensitive endothelium cells.

James R Carl↗
NASA NTRS2001

Microstrip Patch Antenna And Method

Method and apparatus are provided for a microstrip feeder structure for supplying properly phased signals to each radiator element in a microstrip antenna array that may be utilized for radiating circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. In one disclosed embodiment. the microstrip feeder structure includes a plurality of microstrip sections many or all of which preferably have an electrical length substantially equal to one-quarter wavelength at the antenna operating frequency. The feeder structure provides a low loss feed structure that may be duplicated multiple times through a set of rotations and translations to provide a radiating array of the desired size.

Patrick W Fink↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Intra-Spacecraft RFID Localization

Presentation addresses machine learning approaches to RFID localization. Experiences with the REALM-1 system on ISS are shared, as are the expansions with REALM-2 and REALM-3.

RFID↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Advancements in Logistics Reduction for Exploration Missions

Management of logistics on exploration missions includes both looking for ways to minimize the quantities, mass and volume of various consumables, supplies, spares and equipment as well as ways to minimize the crew time needed for locating and handling those items. Also included are ways to minimize the waste, handling and resultant products from the processes of maintaining a crew on these missions. The Logistics Reduction project encompasses technologies for management of waste, trash, autonomous logistics, and clothing. This paper provides a status of work in these areas including recent accomplishments and challenges encountered. Future objectives will also be covered along with the work currently in progress. Specifically, the paper will cover technologies in waste management, namely, the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) or exploration toilet and work on an alternative waste collection container, the Alternate Fecal Canister. Trash management technologies work on the Trash Compaction and Processing System (TCPS) and Trash to Gas (TtG) is summarized with progress to date as well as information on how Jettison as an option is related. Progress and summary of recent accomplishment on the RFID (Radio Frequency ID) Enabled Autonomous Logistics Management (REALM) and the Autonomous Logistics (AL) technologies is detailed. Advanced Clothing System (ACS) and work in the area of Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) is also included. Status of the technologies, accomplishments and how the focus areas inform program decisions will be addressed.

human spaceflight↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Logistics Reduction Advancements and Future Plans for NASA's Exploration Missions

Management of logistics on exploration missions includes both looking for ways to minimize the quantities, mass and volume of various consumables, supplies, spares, and equipment as well as ways to minimize the crew time needed for locating and handling those items. Also included are ways to minimize the waste, handling, and resultant products from the processes of maintaining a crew on these missions. The Logistics Reduction project encompasses technologies for management of waste, trash, autonomous logistics, and clothing. This paper provides a status of work from 2023 in these areas including recent accomplishments and challenges encountered. Future objectives and plans for 2024 will also be covered along with the work currently in progress. Specifically, the paper will cover technologies in waste management, namely, the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) or exploration toilet and work on an alternative waste collection container, the Alternate Fecal Canister. Trash management technologies work on the Trash Compaction Processing System (TCPS) and Trash to Gas (TtG) is summarized with progress to date as well as information on how Jettison as an option is related. Progress and summary of recent accomplishment on the RFID (Radio Frequency ID) Enabled Autonomous Logistics Management (REALM) and the Autonomous Logistics (AL) technologies is detailed. Advanced Clothing System (ACS) and work in the area of Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) is also included. Status of the technologies, accomplishments and how the focus areas inform program decisions will be addressed.

Toilet↗