University of Pennsylvania

Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.

Jonathan E Clark

Kevin Galloway

Farrukh Alvi

Daniel E Koditschek

William S Oates

An actuator configured to rapidly vary the throat geometry of a microjet nozzle. Varying the throat geometry rapidly changes the characteristics of the microjet produced by the microjet nozzle. The inventive device is capable of producing pulsed flow. In some embodiments it is also capable of producing rapidly variable flow in order to provide active control.

High frequency pulsed microjet actuation

According to one aspect, this invention provides an apparatus for varying the stiffness of a leg of a robotic system. The apparatus includes a compliant spine assembly including a compliant spine mounted for movement adjacent the leg and a rack coupled to the compliant spine. It also includes a motor assembly positioned to move the compliant spine of the compliant spine assembly with respect to the leg, the motor assembly including a gear engaging the rack of the compliant spine assembly and a motor coupled to drive the gear. The compliant spine of the compliant spine assembly is configured to vary the stiffness of the leg of the robotic system as it is moved by the motor assembly with respect to the leg.

Growing community of inventors

Tallahassee, FL, United States of America

Jonathan E Clark