Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080315722 | NON-LINEAR PIEZOELECTRIC MECHANICAL-TO-ELECTRICAL GENERATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A non-linear power generator system that may include a flexible beam for receiving a mechanical input, the flexible beam being supported in a bowed configuration; an electrically responsive member supported adjacent one end of the flexible beam so as to be under a compressive force exerted by the flexible beam; and the flexible beam being adapted to move towards a flattened shape from the bowed shape in response to the mechanical input, to transmit the mechanical input to the electrically responsive member, to cause a compression of the electrically responsive member that results in an electrical output signal being generated by the electrically responsive member. | 12-25-2008 |
20090120205 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING VORTEXES IN FLUID FLOW ADJACENT TO A SURFACE - An apparatus for generating vortexes in fluid flow generally adjacent to a surface includes: (a) at least one vortex generating element; and (b) a piezoelectric motor element coupled with the at least one vortex generating element. The piezoelectric motor element responds to a varying voltage signal to move the at least one vortex generating element between a first position extending into the fluid flow an operating distance from the surface and a second position generally flush with the surface. | 05-14-2009 |
20090121587 | ENERGY SHUTTLE BASED HIGH ENERGY PIEZOELECTRIC APPARATUS AND METHOD - An energy harvester apparatus that includes a piezoelectric beam having opposing first and second ends, with the first end being fixedly supported to a support structure. A negative spring force subsystem has a first end fixedly secured against movement, and a second end secured to the second end of said piezoelectric beam. The negative spring force subsystem includes a linkage system and a biasing element operably associated with the linkage system for applying an adjustable, negative spring force to the piezoelectric beam to soften the piezoelectric beam. The negative spring force subsystem is adjusted to flex the beam sufficiently to overcome the inherent stiffness of the beam such that two stable positions for the beam are created. The beam is therefore able to oscillate between the two stable positions in an over center fashion in response to a low magnitude vibration signal. In various embodiments the system is implemented to provide an input drive signal to control various types of external devices. | 05-14-2009 |
20090272839 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING HIGH SPIN RATE PROJECTILES - A method is disclosed for controlling a flight trajectory of a spinning projectile. In one aspect the method may involve supporting a nose of the projectile in a manner permitting the nose to be wobbled. At least one electrically responsive component may be coupled at a first end to the nose and at a second end to a base portion of the projectile. An angular position of the nose of the projectile may be sensed as the projectile flies through an atmosphere after being fired from a weapon. An electrical signal is controllably applied to the electrically responsive component, in relation to the sensed angular position of the nose, to control an attitude of the nose during flight of the projectile. | 11-05-2009 |
20100065679 | STRAIN ENERGY SHUTTLE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method for providing torque to assist in moving a component of a mobile platform. Biasing forces may be applied to opposing portions of a torque transferring member that enable the torque transferring member to be maintained in a position of equilibrium. A torque may be applied to one of the component and the torque transferring member such that the biasing forces cooperatively exert a torque on the torque transferring member to assist in moving the torque transferring member out from the position of equilibrium. Motion of the torque transferring member out from the position of equilibrium may be used to assist in moving the component. | 03-18-2010 |
20100102782 | METHOD FOR DISCHARGING CAPACITIVE LOADS - Methods for storing electrical energy discharged from a capacitive source, embodiments including developing a capacitive load in the source and closing a switch between the capacitive source and a voltage conversion block after an output voltage of the source both exceeds a threshold value and is detected to peak. The conversion block includes an inductor and the storage device connected in series and further may include a diode connected in parallel across the inductor and the storage device. Apparatus for storing electrical energy discharged from a capacitive source include embodiments having a capacitive source configured to produce an output voltage, a switch connected to the source, an inductor connected to the switch, a storage device connected to the inductor and a controller configured to close the switch after an output voltage of the source both exceeds a threshold value and is detected to peak. | 04-29-2010 |
20100194622 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING AND IDENTIFYING AIRCRAFT AND GROUND EQUIPMENT - In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods disclosed herein provide for tracking of objects, aircraft, vehicles, and ground equipment in a tracking area, such as an airspace and/or an airport terminal area. One embodiment of a tracking system of the present disclosure comprises a signal monitoring component adapted to communicate with an object, such as an aircraft, when the object enters the tracking area. The signal monitoring component is adapted to transmit a monopulse beacon query signal to the object and receive a monopulse beacon response signal from the object. The tracking system further comprises an interface component adapted to process the received monopulse beacon response signal from the object, initialize a beacon transponder on the object, and assign a network address to the object. | 08-05-2010 |
20120305167 | AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES BONDED WITH ADHESIVE INCLUDING MAGNETOSTRICTIVE MATERIAL - First and second aircraft structures are bonded together with an adhesive including strain-sensitive magnetostrictive material. | 12-06-2012 |