Tag: Patent
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AI plus IP: Sophia Space and Caltech secure a patent for orbital data centers that use passive cooling
An artist’s conception shows a data center satellite that makes use of Sophia Space’s tile-based architecture. (Sophia Space Illustration) Sophia Space has secured a patent for a technology that could pave the way for solar-powered orbital data centers that passively radiate excess heat into space. Developed in partnership with Caltech, Sophia’s architecture tackles a major…
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Voyager Technologies Wins U.S. Patent for Microgravity Crystal Manufacturing
Voyager Technologies has secured a U.S. government patent for a process that manufactures high-performance crystals in microgravity, a technology the company says could underpin future optical communications and advanced computing systems. The company said this week it plans to fly the patented manufacturing process to the International Space Station later this spring to demonstrate the…
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Whip it good! Amazon patents a launch system for snapping payloads into the air — or even into orbit
A diagram shows Amazon’s whip-based launch system in operation on a ship. (Amazon Illustration via USPTO) Never let it be said that Amazon Prime Air VP Gur Kimchi thinks small: His latest patent lays out a plan for a launch system that could theoretically send payloads into space on the end of a miles-long whip,…
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New patent shows how Boeing plans to recharge drones in mid-air
A patent awarded to Boeing this week outlines the aerospace giant’s plans for keeping drones in the air longer. The patent describes inflatable drones that drop tethers to the ground to recharge internal batteries, without the need to land. Drones may need to stay airborne for extended time periods for long-term experiments, monitoring or travel, and being light can…