National Aeronautics and Space Administration Inspiration
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration 2007 spinoff Inspiration Innovation Discovery Future Innovative Partnerships Program Developed by On the Cover: Photograph of the International Space Publications and Graphics Department Station taken from the Space Shuttle Atlantis on June 19 2007, at the end of STS-117. The mission NASA Center for AeroSpace Information (CASI) delivered the second and third starboard truss segments (S3/S4) and another pair of solar arrays to the station. Table of Contents 5 Foreword 7 Introduction 8 Executive Summary 18 NASA Technologies Benefiting Society Health and Medicine Circulation-Enhancing Device Improves CPR ........................................................................................................22 Noninvasive Test Detects Cardiovascular Disease ...................................................................................................26 Scheduling Accessory Assists Patients with Cognitive Disorders ..............................................................................30 Neurospinal Screening Evaluates Nerve Function * ..............................................................................................32 Hand-Held Instrument Fights Acne, Tops Over-the-Counter Market ....................................................................34 Multispectral Imaging Broadens Cellular Analysis ...................................................................................................36 Hierarchical Segmentation Enhances Diagnostic Imaging .......................................................................................40 Transportation Comprehensive Software Eases Air Traffic Management .........................................................................................44 Modeling Tool Advances Rotorcraft Design ...........................................................................................................46 Air Data Report Improves Flight Safety ..................................................................................................................48 Advanced Airfoils Boost Helicopter Performance ....................................................................................................50 Deicing System Protects General Aviation Aircraft ..................................................................................................52 Public Safety Chemical-Sensing Cables Detect Potential Threats .................................................................................................56 Infrared Imaging Sharpens View in Critical Situations ............................................................................................58 Plants Clean Air and Water for Indoor Environments .............................................................................................60 Consumer, Home, and Recreation Corrosive Gas Restores Artwork, Promises Myriad Applications .............................................................................64 Detailed Globes Enhance Education and Recreation ...............................................................................................66 Food Supplement Reduces Fat, Improves Flavor .....................................................................................................70 Additive Transforms Paint into Insulation ..............................................................................................................72 New Lubricants Protect Machines and the Environment .......................................................................................74 Table of Contents Spinoff 2007 Environmental and Agricultural Resources Advanced Systems Map, Monitor, and Manage Earth’s Resources ...........................................................................80 Sensor Network Provides Environmental Data .......................................................................................................82 Voltage Controller Saves Energy, Prolongs Life of Motors ......................................................................................86 Treatment Prevents Corrosion in Steel and Concrete Structures .............................................................................88 Computer Technology Optics Program Simplifies Analysis and Design ......................................................................................................92 Design Application Translates 2-D Graphics to 3-D Surfaces .................................................................................94 Hybrid Modeling Improves Health and Performance Monitoring ...........................................................................98 Software Sharing Enables Smarter Content Management ......................................................................................100 Engineering Software Suite Validates System Design ............................................................................................102 Industrial Productivity Open-Lattice Composite Design Strengthens Structures .......................................................................................106 Ultra-Sensitive Photoreceiver Boosts Data Transmission .......................................................................................108 Micro Machining Enhances Precision Fabrication ...............................................................................................110 Portable Hyperspectral Imaging Broadens Sensing Horizons .................................................................................112 Hypersonic Composites Resist Extreme Heat and Stress .......................................................................................114 Computational Modeling Develops Ultra-Hard Steel ...........................................................................................116 Thin, Light, Flexible Heaters Save Time and Energy.............................................................................................117 Novel Nanotube Manufacturing Streamlines Production ......................................................................................118 ‘NASA Invention of the Year’ Controls Noise and Vibration ................................................................................120 Thermoelectric Devices Advance Thermal Management .......................................................................................122 124 Research and Operations 142 Education News 150 Partnership News 162 Innovative Partnerships Program * The Spinoff story “Neurospinal Screening Evaluates Nerve Function,” which appeared in Spinoff 2007, has been removed from this page. After review of the documentation provided to support this Spinoff claim, NASA has determined that the claim does not meet NASA standards for designation as a NASA spinoff technology. NASA regrets the error. For more information regarding NASA Spinoff, please visit http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/ Spinoff 2007 Table of Contents While NASA does not manufacture, market or sell commercial products, many commercial products are derived from NASA technology. Many NASA-originated technologies are adapted by private industry for use by consumers like you. Spinoff developments highlighted in this publication are based on information provided by individual and private industry users of NASA-originated aerospace technology who acknowledge that such technology contributed wholly or in part to development of the product or process described. NASA cannot accept responsibility or liability for the misinterpretation or misrepresentation of the enclosed information provided by these third party users. Publication herein does not constitute NASA endorsement of the product or process, nor confirmation of manufacturers’ performance claims related to any particular spinoff development. Foreword n our increasingly competitive global economy, Also, NASA launched the New Horizons spacecraft to Michael D. Griffin strategic U.S. leadership in aeronautics research and Pluto and twin STEREO spacecraft that produce three- Administrator Ispace exploration is a critical component of America’s dimensional views of the Sun; recovered comet and National Aeronautics and strength and vitality. Through our focused work, the interstellar dust particles from the successful Stardust Space Administration men and women of NASA are dedicated to expanding mission; and through our Cassini mission, possibly civilization’s exploration and scientific horizons in the discovered evidence of liquid water reservoirs that erupt air and in space and to bringing the inner solar system in Yellowstone-like geysers on Saturn’s moon Enceladus. into our sphere of commerce. I am proud to lead an Closer to home, NASA’s Earth science team launched agency that draws on the exploration imperative found the CloudSat and CALIPSO spacecraft to study the in the human soul to stoke the fires of inspiration and role that clouds and aerosols play in regulating Earth’s innovation in our citizenry. weather, climate, and air quality. And we restructured featured in Spinoff 2007 already receiving prominent use The vibrancy of NASA’s work can be seen in our our aeronautics research portfolio to return to long-term, in the commercial and public sectors are: current activities, ongoing plans for the future, and inter- cutting-edge, fundamental research required to enable the • A revolutionary method that makes the manufacture national recognition of our achievements. next generation air transportation system and to support