05.02.2025 –
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) honored two of its engineers on March 11, 2025 for their receipt of a second patent (U.S. Patent No. 12,209,785) from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for their Pneumatically Actuated Cryocooler, stemming from the division’s original application.
The patent recognizes NSWCPD’s development of a pneumatic motor-driven cryocooler, which eliminates the need for traditional electric motors that can be disrupted by strong magnetic fields. This improvement enables more reliable and efficient cooling of superconducting magnets, an essential component in naval and defense applications.
“This patent is another step forward in our commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies that enhance the Navy’s capabilities,” said NSWCPD Deputy Chief Technology Officer Dr. Stephen Mastro. “By leveraging pneumatic actuation, this cryocooler can operate effectively in challenging environments, improving system reliability and performance where it matters most.”
“This patent accompanies a portfolio of great Science and Technology (S&T) and Test and Evaluation (T&E) work done with sponsor support, Naval Innovative Science and Engineering (NISE) support, and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) in a very well-organized portfolio supporting the feasibility of shipboard cryogenic/super conductivity systems,” Mastro added.
Mastro praised the inventors for their contributions: “This patent is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our engineers, Jake Kephart and Pete Ferrara. Their dedication to solving complex challenges has resulted in a technology that will enhance the Navy’s capabilities in critical superconducting applications.”
Kephart, NSWCPD Energy Conversion Research and Development (R&D), emphasized the impact of the innovation: “Developing the Pneumatically Actuated Cryocooler was all about solving a real-world challenge for the Navy. By removing electrical components that are vulnerable to strong magnetic fields, we’ve created a system that is not only more reliable but also more efficient for cooling superconducting technologies.”
Ferrara, NSWCPD Naval Superconducting Technologies Applied Research (N-STAR) team lead, highlighted the collaboration behind the patent: “This achievement reflects the dedication and ingenuity of our engineering team. Advancing cryogenic cooling in naval applications is critical, and this patent is a testament to how NSWCPD continues to push the boundaries of technology to support the fleet.”
NSWCPD plays a crucial role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s research and development efforts, particularly in advancing technologies that ensure operational efficiency and readiness. This latest patent underscores the division’s expertise in cryogenic cooling and superconducting applications, reinforcing its leadership in naval innovation.
“Our team remains at the forefront of innovation, constantly developing solutions to enhance the Navy’s technological edge,” said Mastro. “This patent demonstrates how NSWCPD is finding smarter, more effective ways to support the fleet and ensure mission success.”
NSWCPD employs approximately 2,800 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. The NSWCPD team does the research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition support, and in-service and logistics engineering for the non-nuclear machinery, ship machinery systems, and related equipment and material for Navy surface ships and submarines. NSWCPD is also the lead organization providing cybersecurity for all ship systems.