TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Low Separation Force Quick Disconnect Device (KSC-TOPS-84)

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:

Innovators at the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) have developed the Low Separation Force Quick Disconnect device for transporting pneumatic and cryogenic fluids. Umbilical systems employ fluid connectors known as quick disconnects to transfer fluids into a vehicle. Traditional quick disconnect systems have a separation force directly proportional to the line pressure. For systems with a high line pressure, large separation forces are generated when disconnecting the flow line which requires the use of large, heavy support structures. KSC's Low Separation Force Quick Disconnect device eliminates this need for heavy support structures by ensuring low separation force regardless of line pressure, which is advantageous for systems requiring high line pressure. Applications include any mechanism in which fluid is being transferred from ground to a vehicle or another system, especially where a high line pressure is used. Any companies that deal with fluid connectors, particularly in the aerospace sector, may find value in the invention.

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/KSC-TOPS-84

If you have any questions, please e-mail NASA’s Technology Transfer Program at Agency-Patent-Licensing@mail.nasa.gov with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this 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.