Daniel Bruce Curtis

US Patent:

51620944, Nov 10, 1992

Filed:

May 3, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/695551

Inventors:

Daniel L. Curtis - Manhattan Beach CA

International Classification:

G21C 102

US Classification:

376107

Abstract:

An approach (10) is provided as a way of obtaining useful power from a fusion reaction utilizing light weight isotopes of hydrogen and helium. A potential well is created between two accelerating electrodes (26) that, in a vacuum, allows ions from sources (24) to be captured by the potential well. An axial magnetic field as created by solenoid (20) causes the captured ions to pass through an ion focusing region (22) and thus allowing fusion reactions to take place within the region. The magnetic field also confines the trajectory of the fusion products (18) to a series of helixes preventing them from reaching the solenoid walls, but instead forces them to exit the two ends of the solenoid. Useful power is obtained by allowing two heat exchangers to intercept the fusion ions and thereby allowing a coolant liquid to be heated as would be required to operate a steam turbogenerator. In a second embodiment the solenoid is shaped in a U configuration allowing the fusion products to exit the solenoid in essentially the same direction and thus derive useful thrust as would be required for spacecraft propulsion.

US Patent:

48571300, Aug 15, 1989

Filed:

Dec 3, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/128372

Inventors:

Daniel L. Curtis - Manhattan Beach CA

Assignee:

Hughes Aircraft Company - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

B32B 3104

US Classification:

156292

Abstract:

An optical element (10) is bonded to a support (12) by a resilient bonding agent (20). The bonding agent has the property of shrinking upon curing. It is placed within a bonding space (18) defined by rails (14, 16). Upon curing, the bonding agent shrinks and securely pulls the element against top surfaces (14a, 16a) of the rails under tension of the bonding agent.

US Patent:

50841238, Jan 28, 1992

Filed:

Jul 2, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/546650

Inventors:

Daniel L. Curtis - Manhattan Beach CA

Assignee:

Hughes Aircraft Company - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

B32B 106
B32B 3106

US Classification:

156292

Abstract:

Optical elements (52, 54) are bonded to supports (58) by a resilient bonding agent (68) and a rigid bonding agent (78). The resilient bonding agent has the property of shrinking upon curing and is placed within a bonding space (66) defined by rails (64) of a rail assembly (56). Upon curing, the bonding agent shrinks and securely pulls the contacting surfaces (52b, 64a) of the element and the rails under tension of the bonding agent. A donut (80) of resilient material spaces the bonding agent from contact with or adjacent to the contacting surfaces (64a, 52b) so that, for a rail assembly and an optical element of significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion, temperature variations will not cause glass pieces to be pulled from the optical element. The base (62) of the rail assembly is also made thin to bend and provide relief upon contraction of the bonding agent rather than to unduly stress the optical element.

US Patent:

48023450, Feb 7, 1989

Filed:

Dec 3, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/128233

Inventors:

Daniel L. Curtis - Manhattan Beach CA

Assignee:

Hughes Aircraft Company - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

F25B 1900

US Classification:

62514R

Abstract:

A cryogenic cooler (10) includes a dewar (14) spaced from a cold finger (12). In the space (18) between the dewar and the cold finger, a trace amount of a noncondensable gas, preferably neon, is added to the air to maintain the thermal conductivity between the cold finger and the dewar and thereby to prevent temperature cycling in the cooler.

US Patent:

39713350, Jul 27, 1976

Filed:

Nov 26, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/635602

Inventors:

Daniel L. Curtis - Manhattan Beach CA
Allan D. Le Vantine - Tarzana CA

International Classification:

A61B 510

US Classification:

118 6

Abstract:

A fingerprint inking apparatus, incorporating a self-contained supply of ink and a drive means that automatically produces a uniform film of ink of the correct thickness, on a thin elastic membrane, in preparation to the taking of rolled fingerprints. The membrane is supported on a compressible foam structure or between two rollers such that a downward pressure of the finger causes the membrane to form around the finger, thereby transferring the ink to the finger.