News Releases 2005

NASA Phase I Awarded to TPL, Inc.

"Vibration Energy Harvesting for Structural Health Monitoring Sensors"

December 2005

TPL and Washington State University (WSU) propose to develop a micropower system based on a novel vibrational energy harvesting device known as the P3 (Palouse Piezo Power). Combined with microbatteries and microsupercapacitors for energy storage, the proposed system will provide a stand-alone power source that does not need recharging or refueling for wireless structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. The P3 is a novel, patented, MEMS-scale, piezoelectric energy harvesting system that provides high specific power, longevity and manufacturability. In this effort, TPL will team with WSU researchers to develop a microfabricated proof mass for coupling vibrational energy into the piezoelectric membrane and to develop packaging for the device so it can be deployed in real world situations. The proposed effort is supported by Goodrich Fuel and Utility Systems (FUS), whose expertise with Structural Health Monitoring will provide guidance on system requirements, vibration environments, integration and packaging. This relationship will facilitate eventually realizing a power system that will meet end-user requirements, and thereby provide a commercialization pathway.

Rick Snow, Manager of Energetic Materials R & D Wins Technical Paper Award

July 2005

Rick Snow won Best Technical Presentation and Paper from The Joint Army, Navy, NASA, Air Force (JANNAF) Conference in Seattle that took place in July 2004. His paper "Reuse of Military Gun Propellants", highlighted TPL's and the Joint Demilitarization Program Office's work in recovering valuable explosives and propellants from the growing inventory of retired and outdated Government ordnance as alternatives to open air burning or detonation, which are costly, wasteful and have obvious negative environmental impacts. Blasting Gel Slurry Explosives and a Flashless Powder for use in military small arms ammunition are two examples that illustrate TPL's success in establishing programs that reuse gun propellants. For more information on these products please visit the Defense Systems section of our website.

TPL, Inc. Awarded New Mexico Technology Flying Forty

June 2005

The New Mexico Technology Flying Forty awards annually recognize the forty fastest-growing technology companies headquartered in New Mexico. The 2005 New Mexico Technology Flying Forty companies are leading our state into the millennium, creating jobs, strengthening our economy and making our state more competitive. All the Flying Forty companies represent an economy that is leveraging our state's technological wealth and ensuring New Mexico 's future prosperity. TPL, Inc. is proud and honored to accept this award.

TPL, Inc. Awarded NASA SBIR Phase I Contract for New Ceramic Li-Ion Battery for Deep Space Power Systems

April 2005

TPL, Inc. is developing a new all-ceramic, high performance Li-ion battery technology for the NASA's deep space power systems under a NASA SBIR Phase I contract. The batteries are being fabricated via a novel fiber-based configuration that ensures successful utilization of ceramic materials for all battery components. They will be more powerful, lasting longer (higher energy density from ~150 Wh/kg to ~225 Wh/kg), and safer, while smaller and lighter.

Lithium batteries have extensive applications in many commercial products including electric vehicles, cellular telephones, lap-top computers, digital cameras, and portable tools. They have many corresponding applications for the federal government including the NASA's deep space power systems. For more information, please contact Dr. T. Chen of TPL at tchen@tplinc.com or (505) 342-4449.

TPL, Inc. Recognized with Innovate Albuquerque Award by Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce

April 2005

TPL, Inc. was recognized recently with an Innovate Albuquerque Award by the Greater Albuquerque Area Chamber of Commerce as one of the ten most innovative entrepreneurial companies in Albuquerque.

TPL, Inc., 3921 Academy Parkway North NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, 505-344-6744, Fax 505-344-1412

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