TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Self-Regulating Current Circuit (GSC-TOPS-239)

NASA’s Technology Transfer Program solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses. THE TECHNOLOGY: Small satellites are being increasingly used in space research. Often, peripheral parts of the satellite, such as solar panels and antennae, are deployed after the satellite is positioned in orbit. The peripheral parts are restrained close to the satellite body until deployed. One method of deploying utilizes nickel chrome (nichrome) wire. For satellite deployment devices utilizing a nichrome wire, there is often a need for a high-efficient constant-current source to activate the deployment device. Nichrome-based deployment devices require a relatively high amount of current to activate. Additionally, nichrome wires must be activated by a specified constant current for optimum performance. If too much current is used, the wire could disintegrate, resulting in deployment failure. If too little current is used, there may not be enough heat to activate the device, also resulting in deployment failure. The Self-Regulating Current Circuit can deliver a regulated current to a deployment device. To express interest in this opportunity, please submit a license application through NASA’s Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) by visiting https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/GSC-TOPS-239 If you have any questions, please e-mail NASA’s Technology Transfer Program at [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this beta.SAM.gov notice and your preferred contact information. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at https://technology.nasa.gov/ These responses are provided to members of NASA’s Technology Transfer Program for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice.