https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20090002466 2019-08-30T06:03:24+00:00Z National Aeronautics and Space Administration SPINOFF 50 Y EARS OF NASA-DERIVED T ECHNOLOGIES (1958-2008) 2008 Spinoff (spin´ôf´) -noun. 1. A commercialized product incorporating NASA technology or “know how” which benefits the public. Qualifying technologies include: • Products or processes designed for NASA use, to NASA specifications, and then commercialized • Components or processes involving NASA technology incorporated into a commercial product, employed in the manufacturing of a product, or used to modify the design of an existing product • Products or processes to which NASA laboratory personnel made significant contributions, including the use of NASA facilities for testing purposes • Successful entrepreneurial endeavors by ex-NASA employees whose technical expertise was developed while employed by NASA • Products or processes commercialized as the result of a NASA patent license or waiver • Commercial products or processes developed as a result of the Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer programs 2. NASA’s premier annual publication, featuring successfully commercialized NASA technologies. SPINOFF 50 YEARS OF NASA-DERIVE D TECH N OLOGIES (1958-2008) Innovative Partnerships Program 2008 On the Cover: Photographs taken from the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station border a collage of past, present, and future NASA missions and spinoffs: Apollo 11 yielded emergency rescue blankets; the Space Shuttle Program improved orthotic knee Developed by joints; and research for future lunar Publications and Graphics Department missions produced electron beam NASA Center for AeroSpace Information (CASI) freeform fabrication (EBF3). Table of Contents 5 Foreword 7 Introduction 8 50 Years of NASA-Derived Technologies 30 Executive Summary 42 NASA Technologies Benefiting Society Health and Medicine Robotics Offer Newfound Surgical Capabilities ................................................................................... 46 In-Line Filtration Improves Hygiene and Reduces Expense .................................................................. 48 LED Device Illuminates New Path to Healing ..................................................................................... 50 Polymer Coats Leads on Implantable Medical Device .......................................................................... 52 Lockable Knee Brace Speeds Rehabilitation ......................................................................................... 54 Robotic Joints Support Horses and Humans ........................................................................................ 56 Photorefraction Screens Millions for Vision Disorders ......................................................................... 58 Periodontal Probe Improves Exams, Alleviates Pain ............................................................................. 60 Magnetic Separator Enhances Treatment Possibilities .......................................................................... 62 Transportation Lithium Battery Power Delivers Electric Vehicles to Market ................................................................ 66 Advanced Control System Increases Helicopter Safety ......................................................................... 68 Aerodynamics Research Revolutionizes Truck Design .......................................................................... 70 Engineering Models Ease and Speed Prototyping ................................................................................. 74 Software Performs Complex Design Analysis ....................................................................................... 76 Public Safety Space Suit Technologies Protect Deep-Sea Divers ................................................................................ 80 Fiber Optic Sensing Monitors Strain and Reduces Costs ...................................................................... 82 Polymer Fabric Protects Firefighters, Military, and Civilians ................................................................ 84 Advanced X-Ray Sources Ensure Safe Environments ............................................................................ 86 Consumer, Home, and Recreation Wireless Fluid-Level Measurement System Equips Boat Owners .......................................................... 90 Mars Cameras Make Panoramic Photography a Snap ........................................................................... 92 Experiments Advance Gardening at Home and in Space ...................................................................... 94 Space Age Swimsuit Reduces Drag, Breaks Records ............................................................................. 96 Immersive Photography Renders 360° Views ....................................................................................... 98 Historic Partnership Captures Our Imagination ................................................................................ 100 Outboard Motor Maximizes Power and Dependability ...................................................................... 104 Space Research Fortifies Nutrition Worldwide ................................................................................... 106 Aerogels Insulate Missions and Consumer Products ........................................................................... 108 2 Table of Contents Spinoff 2008 Environmental and Agricultural Resources Computer Model Locates Environmental Hazards ..............................................................................112 Battery Technology Stores Clean Energy ............................................................................................114 Robots Explore the Farthest Reaches of Earth and Space .....................................................................116 Portable Nanomesh Creates Safer Drinking Water ..............................................................................118 Innovative Stemless Valve Eliminates Emissions .................................................................................120 Web-Based Mapping Puts the World at Your Fingertips .....................................................................122 Computer Technology Program Assists Satellite Designers .....................................................................................................126 Water-Based Coating Simplifies Circuit Board Manufacturing ...........................................................127 Software Schedules Missions, Aids Project Management .....................................................................128 Software Analyzes Complex Systems in Real Time ..............................................................................130 Wireless Sensor Network Handles Image Data....................................................................................132 Virtual Reality System Offers a Wide Perspective ................................................................................134 Software Simulates Sight: Flat Panel Mura Detection .........................................................................136 Inductive System Monitors Tasks .......................................................................................................138 Mars Mapping Technology Brings Main Street to Life ........................................................................140 Intelligent Memory Module Overcomes Harsh Environments ............................................................142 Integrated Circuit Chip Improves Network Efficiency ........................................................................144 Industrial Productivity Novel Process Revolutionizes Welding Industry ..................................................................................148 Sensors Increase Productivity in Harsh Environments .........................................................................150 Portable Device Analyzes Rocks and Minerals .....................................................................................152 NASA Design Strengthens Welds .......................................................................................................154 Polyimide Boosts High-Temperature Performance .............................................................................156 NASA Innovation Builds Better Nanotubes ........................................................................................158 160 Aeronautics and Space Activities 180 Education News 188 Partnership News 204 Innovative Partnerships Program Denotes that R&D 100 Magazine has awarded the technology with its R&D 100 Award. Indicates that the Space Foundation has inducted the technology into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. For a list of all Spinoff award winners since publication began in 1976, please see page 24. Spinoff 2008 Table of Contents 3 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