Abstract: The disclosed devices use shape memory materials, and specifically shape memory polymers and composites to allow or disallow mechanical or physical movement. By positioning the shape memory polymer so it is near the mechanical device which is to be moved, the shape memory polymer will allow or disallow the motion of the mechanical device depending on the state the shape memory polymer is in. When the shape memory polymer is in its hard rigid state the device cannot move. Once activated the shape memory polymer will become soft and pliable, whereupon with sufficient force the mechanical device can be moved to a new position. Once in this new position the SMP can either remain in its relaxed state, the SMP can return to a hard rigid state and maintain its deformed shape, or the SMP can return to its original shape to ensure the device does not move.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 25, 2007
Publication date:
September 16, 2010
Applicant:
CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP, INC.
Inventors:
Sean Patrick Garrigan, Teresa Ellen Havens, David Ernest Havens
Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 8, 2010
Publication date:
September 2, 2010
Applicant:
Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
Inventors:
Patrick Joseph Hood, Sean Patrick Garrigan, Frank Auffinger, Tat Hung Tong, Benjamin John Vining, Richard Douglas Hreha, Thomas Joseph Barnell
Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 7, 2010
Publication date:
August 5, 2010
Applicant:
Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
Inventors:
Patrick Joseph Hood, Sean Patrick Garrigan, Frank Auffinger, III, Tat Hung Tong, Benjamin John Vining, Richard Douglas Hreha, Thomas Joseph Barnell
Abstract: A device utilizing the unique properties of shape memory materials to securely hold items of varying geometric shape and size securely in place is disclosed. This device and process works equally well for securely holding in place small items, such as would be stored in a cup holder, or for securely larger items in a cargo container. By deforming the shape memory material such that it conforms to the outer dimensions of the item to be held in place a secure and tight fit is assured.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 1, 2007
Publication date:
April 16, 2009
Applicant:
CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP, INC.
Inventors:
Joel James Everhart, David Ernest Havens, Thomas Wood Margraf
Abstract: Structurally strong composites are formed with shape memory polymer resins to create composites with shape memory properties. A system and method for using these composite structures to quickly manufacture composite products involves: 1) creating a preform composed of a shape memory polymer composite; 2) heating or otherwise activating the shape memory polymer; 3) using a mold to deform the composite material to a desired shape; 4) cooling or otherwise deactivating the shape memory polymer so that the composite structure retains the desired mold shape.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 3, 2005
Publication date:
December 25, 2008
Applicant:
CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP, INC.
Inventors:
Patrick J. Hood, Matthew C. Everhart, Mark A. Stacy
Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.
Abstract: A method of fabricating and using a removable, inflatable mandrel of shape memory polymer for use in manufacturing composite parts including the steps of providing a processed pre-form of shape memory polymer, replicating a mold with the shape memory polymer, using the mold as a mandrel in the creation of composite parts, and removing the shape memory mandrel quickly and easily from the part without damage to the finished part.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 8, 2005
Date of Patent:
September 9, 2008
Assignee:
Cornerstone REsearch Group, Inc.
Inventors:
Patrick J. Hood, David E. Havens, Matthew C. Everhart
Abstract: A fiber optic moisture sensor is described that can detect the presence or concentration of an analyte in an environment; additionally, a method for making the sensor is described. The invention consists of three primary components: a sensor head, an optical link, and a sensor readout. The sensor head contains the sensing medium, which is comprised of a superabsorbing polymer that hosts a hydrochromic material. The superabsorbing polymer attracts moisture from the environment it is sensing until an equilibrium concentration of water in the environment is obtained effectively magnifying the ability of the hydrochromic material to sense very small concentrations of moisture. An optical link allows light to travel to and from the sensor head. The sensor readout has the necessary electronics to calibrate the optical signal from the sensor head, and the ability to determine and communicate the moisture concentration in the environment being sensed to the user or process control system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 21, 2000
Date of Patent:
June 24, 2003
Assignee:
Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
Inventors:
Patrick J. Hood, Chrysa M. Theodore, Alison M. Yates