University of Florida Research Foundation Inc

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Surfplasma, Inc.

Subrata Roy

Karl Robert Zawoy

Aaron Mazzeo

Jingjin Xie

Nicholas S Campbell

Sherlie Eileen Portugal Atencio

Qiang Chen

Jenshan Lin

Kirk Jeremy Ziegler

Raul Andres Chinga

Sarthak Roy

Jignesh Soni

Arnob Das Gupta

Ryan Durscher

Chin-Cheng (James) Wang

Daniel William Pituch

Alexander Gustaw Schindler-Tyka

The present disclosure presents systems, apparatuses, and methods of active flow controls for dissipating tip vortices. In this regard, a method comprises positioning one or more fan-shaped plasma actuators on an end surface of a tip of one or more airfoils of an aircraft, wherein the fan-shaped plasma actuators are surface compliant with the surface of the tip of the one or more airfoils; and activating the one or more fan-shaped plasma actuators during a flight of the aircraft, wherein at least one tip vortex generated by a flight of the aircraft is reduced by an introduction of one or more vortices generated by the one or more fan-shaped plasma actuators on the end surface of the tip of the one or more airfoils of the aircraft. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are also presented.

Blade tip vortex control

Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a small modular self-contained surface plasma device for decontamination of air and surfaces within enclosed volumes. Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus using the technical process of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) surface plasma generation from ambient atmosphere for decontamination of air and surfaces within enclosed volumes. The primary application mode is for preservation of perishable commodities within industrial shipping containers through reduction of surface spoilage organisms and destruction of evolved gaseous ethylene that causes premature ripening. Additional implementations include deployment for oxidation of surfaces and/or container atmospheres in applications to diminish or eradicate pesticides, toxins, chemical residues, and other natural or introduced contaminants. Other embodiments envisioned include incorporation of device capabilities and or ancillary modules for feedback input (e.g. ozone sensor(s) to maintain steady state levels, self-tuning circuitry to adjust operating frequency), communication (e.g. among modules, RFID data loggers, Wi-Fi output), and programing (e.g. user input of container volume, transit time, ozone level, etc.).

Compact portable plasma reactor

Disclosed herein are flexible plasma applicators based on fibrous layers that are capable of rapidly sanitizing a surface via either direct or indirect contact with said surface.

Flexible plasma applicators based on fibrous layers

Embodiments of the subject invention are directed to methods and apparatus for inducing mixing in a fluid using one or more plasma actuators. In an embodiment, a pair of electrodes is positioned near a fluid and a voltage potential is applied across the pair of electrodes such that a plasma discharge is produced in the fluid. In an embodiment, the plasma discharge creates turbulence in the fluid thereby mixing the fluid. In an embodiment, flow structures, such as vortices are generated in the fluid. In an embodiment, the fluid is mixed in three dimensions. In an embodiment, a plurality of fluids are mixed. In an embodiment, solids are dispersed in at least one fluid. In an embodiment, heat or other properties are dispersed within at least one fluid. In an embodiment, at least one of the pair of electrodes has a serpentine shape.

Plasma induced fluid mixing

The present disclosure is directed towards electro-fluid transducers that may influence the flow of a fluid in and around a channel. In one such embodiment, a system comprises a first electrode at least partially encapsulated by a first dielectric; a second electrode at least partially encapsulated by a second dielectric, wherein a portion of a channel exists between the first dielectric and the second dielectric; a third electrode positioned in the channel; and a fourth electrode positioned in the channel, wherein the electrodes influence a flow of a fluid in the channel upon the electrodes being energized.

Electro-fluid transducers

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for self-sterilizing a surface or other portion of the apparatus and/or sterilizing other objects. Embodiments can utilize self-generated and/or remotely controlled plasma fields for the purpose of self-sterilization and/or sterilization of another object. Embodiments of the invention can have broad applications in procedures and equipment requiring the sterility of devices used for medical procedures, decontamination procedures, drug delivery, sterility of consumer products, and sterility of food preparation equipment and tools.

Self-sterilizing device using plasma fields

Embodiments of the invention relate to a thrust stand and a method of measuring thrust. Embodiments of the invention pertain to a method of calibrating a thrust stand. Embodiments of the subject thrust stand can incorporate a passive eddy current based damper. Specific embodiments of the passive eddy current based damper can function without contact with the balance arm. Further specific embodiments of the passive eddy current based damper can be used in a vacuum. Embodiments can utilize signal analysis techniques to identify and reduce noise. A logarithmic decrement method can be used to calibrate the thrust stand. Force measurements can be made with embodiments of the subject thrust stand for a standard macroscale dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator and/or other thrust producing devices.

Method and apparatus for measuring thrust

Various embodiments relate to plasma actuators that generate fluidic flow. In one or more embodiments, a plasma actuator includes a first electrode and a second electrode. A dielectric film physically separates the first electrode and the second electrode of the plasma actuator. The dielectric film is configured to be attached to a surface to facilitate the plasma actuator providing fluidic flow for an environment. A method of using the dielectric film can include attaching the dielectric film to a surface of a machine, applying a voltage across electrodes of the dielectric film, and moving the machine based on an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) body force produced by the dielectric film.

Devices employing one or more plasma actuators

The present disclosure describes a new type of selective nitrophobic surface membrane in a plasma actuator that separates oxygen from nitrogen in the atmosphere, thereby increasing the presence of oxygen near an exposed electrode of the plasma actuator. Accordingly, the plasma flow created in the presence of oxygen at the exposed electrode generates more force than plasma flow created in the presence of nitrogen.

Nitrophobic surface for extreme thrust gain

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for providing high thrust density plasma, and/or high control authority plasma. In specific embodiments, such high thrust density, and/or high control authority, plasma can be at or near atmospheric pressure. Embodiments pertain to a method and apparatus that use electron confinement via one or more magnetic fields, and/or one or more electric fields, in a manner to improve the ionization due to surface plasma actuators. Specific embodiments can improve ionization by several orders of magnitude. This improved ionization can result in a high electric field inside the sheath for the same applied voltage and can result in very high thrust.

Method and apparatus for providing high control authority atmospheric plasma

Embodiments of the subject invention are drawn to power supply units and systems for supplying power to loads. Specific embodiments relate to systems incorporating the loads. The power supply units and systems can include a feedback mechanism for monitoring the system and maintaining a parameter of interest at or near a desired value (e.g., for maintaining the frequency of operation at or near resonance). The feedback mechanism is configured such that, if the at least one parameter indicates that the frequency of operation is away from a resonant frequency of the power amplifier, the feedback mechanism adjusts the frequency of operation closer to the resonant frequency of the power amplifier. The at least one load can have a variable impedance, though embodiments are not limited thereto.

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Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Subrata Roy