Innovative Dynamics, Inc.

Other

Cox & Company, Inc.

Richard B Ingram

Joseph J Gerardi

Gail A Hickman

Jerry L Wilson

John K Lynch

Gerald Willey Codner

An apparatus and method is disclosed to monitor the condition of a fluid flow including particulate matter and air or gas content fluid in the fluid flow as well as fluid quality. The apparatus includes a sensor array with an ultrasonic transducer, inductive sensor and fluid quality sensor. It also includes a cyclonic separator. The method includes sensing and sizing particulate matter, distinguishing air bubbles from the particle matter and assessing the quality of the fluid.

Method and apparatus for monitoring contaminants in a fluid flow

The present invention is a de-icing system that uses electro-magnetic actuators mounted within the airfoil of an aircraft to effect de-icing. Advantageously, the actuators have low-energy requirements. Each actuator includes conductive strips fabricated on a flexible dielectric sheet. The conductive strips are wound into coils with the actuators shaped into a flattened elongated tube. The axis of the winding coils is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the elongated tube. Low adhesive coatings may be used to enhance the efficiency of the electro-magnetic coils in expulsing the ice accretion.

Electro-magnetic expulsion de-icing system

The present invention for producing a substantial two-way shape memory effect within a composition substantially only exhibiting one-way memory is realized by first plastically deforming the alloy into a predetermined shape and then work hardening, such as through grit blasting, a selected portion of the outer surface of the alloy. Advantageously, this later type of work hardening selectively transforms only the outer portion of the alloy into a region of 'super-elasticity' which acts as a biasing force to re-strain the alloy upon cooling. As such, two-way shape memory elements--which recover their original shape upon heating, yet deform into a second desired shape upon cooling--may be made to produce actuators exhibiting strain amplitudes of as much as 3% while exerting a force in excess of about 10,000 psi. Moreover, the alloy elements may be judiciously processed to perform movement in direct tension, expansion, bending, or torsion or any combination thereof while exerting force, and operating over large cycle numbers.

Process for the production of two-way shape memory alloys

The present invention is de-icing system that uses electromagnetic actuators mounted within the airfoil of an aircraft to effect de-icing. Advantageously, the actuators have low voltage and current requirements. Each actuator includes conductive strips fabricated on a flexible dielectric sheet. The conductive strips are wound into coils with the actuator shaped into a flattened elongated tube. The axis of the winding coils is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the elongated tube.

A new deicing technology is described which utilizes the actuating properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) to debond ice accretion formed on a surface. A thin sheet of SMA material is mounted to the icing prone surface to perform the force and displacement combination that can debond the ice. The SMA sheet is activated to expand or contract causing shearing and peeling of the ice. An SMA actuator portion located aft of the icing area can be used to pull the sheet over a ribbed underlay and grooved bands which generates a strain field that severs the ice's adhesive bond. Two-way shape memory action and natural ice latent heat powering are used in different modes of operation to reduce the power requirements and the structural complexity of the deicing system.

Shape memory alloy de-icing technology

The PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) plastic used to produce one-piece intraocular lenses is modified by a novel thermoplastic pressure forming process to produce a much tougher material with improved mechanical properties. The improved material exhibits greater ductility and fatigue resistance than conventional cast PMMA sheet, resulting in a one-piece lens that is less prone to breakage from implantation or use.

Growing community of inventors

Aurora, NY, United States of America

Richard B Ingram