Patents by Inventor Harsha Prahlad
Harsha Prahlad has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7598652Abstract: The present invention provides meta-materials with an actively controllable mechanical property. The meta-material includes a deformable structure and a set of activation elements. The activation elements are controllable between multiple states. The meta-material includes a first value for a mechanical property when one or more of the activation elements is in the first activation state and includes a second value for the mechanical property when the activation elements have been activated to the second activation state. In one aspect, the meta-material resembles a composite material where the connectivity between the component materials or shape and arrangement of the component materials is dynamically controllable so as to affect a mechanical property of the meta-material.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Scott E. Stanford
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Patent number: 7598651Abstract: The present invention provides meta-materials with an actively controllable mechanical property. The meta-material includes a deformable structure and a set of activation elements. The activation elements are controllable between multiple states. The meta-material includes a first value for a mechanical property when one or more of the activation elements is in the first activation state and includes a second value for the mechanical property when the activation elements have been activated to the second activation state. In one aspect, the meta-material resembles a composite material where the connectivity between the component materials or shape and arrangement of the component materials is dynamically controllable so as to affect a mechanical property of the meta-material.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Scott E. Stanford
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Publication number: 20090241894Abstract: Combustion devices described herein comprise a compliant combustion chamber wall or segment. The compliant segment deforms during combustion in the combustion chamber. Some devices may include a compliant wall configured to stretch responsive to pressure generated by combustion of a fuel in the combustion chamber. A coupling portion translates deformation of the compliant segment or wall into mechanical output. One or more ports are configured to inlet an oxygen source and fuel into the combustion chamber and to outlet exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Scott E. Stanford, Harsha Prahlad, Seajin Oh, Jonathan Heim, Roy D. Kornbluh
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Patent number: 7567681Abstract: The present invention provides electroactive polymer transducers that produce out-of-plane deflections. The transducers form a set of surface features based on deflection of an electroactive polymer. The set of surface features may include elevated polymer surface features and/or depressed electrode surface features. Actuation of an active area may produce the polymer deflection that creates one or more surface features. A passive layer may operably connect to a polymer. The passive layer may comprise a thicker and softer material to amplify polymer thickness changes and increase surface feature visibility.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Harsha Prahlad
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Patent number: 7557456Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that use an electroactive polymer transducer to convert mechanical energy, originally contained in one or more waves, to electrical energy. Marine devices described herein may employ a mechanical energy conversion system that transfers mechanical energy in a wave into mechanical energy suitable for input to the electroactive polymer transducer.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Seiki Chiba, Joseph S. Eckerle, Bryan Chavez, Scott E. Stanford, Thomas Low
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Patent number: 7554787Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Roy D. Kornbluh, Patrick D. Lincoln, Scott Stanford
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Patent number: 7551419Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Joseph S. Eckerle, Roy D. Kornbluh, Scott Stanford
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Patent number: 7538445Abstract: Described herein are marine devices and methods that convert mechanical energy in one or more waves to mechanical energy that is better suited for conversion into electrical energy. The marine devices employ a mechanical energy conversion system that harnesses wave energy and converts it into limited motion that is suitable for input to an electrical energy generator.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Seiki Chiba, Joseph S. Eckerle, Bryan Chavez, Scott E. Stanford, Thomas Low
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Patent number: 7485978Abstract: Combustion devices described herein comprise a compliant combustion chamber wall or segment. The compliant segment deforms during combustion in the combustion chamber. Some devices may include a compliant wall configured to stretch responsive to pressure generated by combustion of a fuel in the combustion chamber. A coupling portion translates deformation of the compliant segment or wall into mechanical output. One or more ports are configured to inlet an oxygen source and fuel into the combustion chamber and to outlet exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Scott E. Stanford, Harsha Prahlad, Seajin Oh, Jonathan Heim, Roy D. Kornbluh
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Publication number: 20090030282Abstract: A selectively rigidizable endoscopic device is described. In one aspect, an endoscopic medical device is described that includes a flexible inner tube having a first lumen, a flexible outer tube that receives the inner tube, and a multiplicity of overlapping, rigidizable scale-like strips. Each scale-like strip is coupled with the inner tube and positioned between the inner and outer tubes. Of particular note, the overlapping strips are actuatable between a non-rigidized state in which overlapping strips are slideable relative to one another and a rigidized state in which overlapping strips are not slideable relative to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicants: SRI INTERNATIONAL, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Pablo GARCIA, Thomas LOW, Bryan CHAVEZ, Harsha PRAHLAD, Natalia ISAZA, Sanjeev DUTTA
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Publication number: 20090028670Abstract: A selectively rigidizable and actively steerable device is described. In one aspect, an articulatable device is described that includes a flexible inner tube having a first lumen, a flexible outer tube that receives the inner tube, and a multiplicity of overlapping, rigidizable scale-like strips. Each scale-like strip is coupled with the inner tube and positioned between the inner and outer tubes. Of particular note, the overlapping strips are actuatable between a non-rigidized state in which overlapping strips are slideable relative to one another and a rigidized state in which overlapping strips are not slideable relative to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Pablo GARCIA, Thomas LOW, Bryan CHAVEZ, Harsha PRAHLAD
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Publication number: 20080289952Abstract: The present invention provides electroactive polymer transducers that produce out-of-plane deflections. The transducers form a set of surface features based on deflection of an electroactive polymer. The set of surface features may include elevated polymer surface features and/or depressed electrode surface features. Actuation of an active area may produce the polymer deflection that creates one or more surface features. A passive layer may operably connect to a polymer. The passive layer may comprise a thicker and softer material to amplify polymer thickness changes and increase surface feature visibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Harsha Prahlad
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Publication number: 20080224564Abstract: Described herein are several solutions that increase transducer lifetime by reducing or preventing tear propagation in a compliant electroactive polymer. One solution couples a compliant tear resistant treatment to a transducer proximate to an edge portion of the electroactive polymer. Another solution uses a tear resistant layer that couples to and covers a large surface area of the transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. PELRINE, Roy D. KORNBLUH, Harsha PRAHLAD, Sunity K. SHARMA, Bryan CHAVEZ, Donald E. CZYZYK, Annjoe WONG-FOY, Scott E. STANFORD
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Publication number: 20080218132Abstract: Described herein is a generator with an electroactive polymer transducer. The transducer has a capacitance that varies with deflection of a polymer included in the transducer. The generator also includes a generator circuit, coupled to the electroactive polymer transducer, that includes a capacitor. The generator circuit is configured such that the capacitor collects electrical energy from the electroactive polymer transducer in response to a change in capacitance of the polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph S. Eckerle, Harsha Prahlad
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Publication number: 20080211341Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Roy D. Kornbluh, Patrick D. Lincoln, Scott Stanford
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Publication number: 20080093849Abstract: Combustion devices described herein comprise a compliant combustion chamber wall or segment. The compliant segment deforms during combustion in the combustion chamber. Some devices may include a compliant wall configured to stretch responsive to pressure generated by combustion of a fuel in the combustion chamber. A coupling portion translates deformation of the compliant segment or wall into mechanical output. One or more ports are configured to inlet an oxygen source and fuel into the combustion chamber and to outlet exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald Pelrine, Scott Stanford, Harsha Prahlad, Seajin Oh, Jonathan Heim, Roy Kornbluh
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Publication number: 20080089002Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Joseph Eckerle, Roy Kornbluh, Scott Stanford
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Publication number: 20080075930Abstract: The present invention provides meta-materials with an actively controllable mechanical property. The meta-material includes a deformable structure and a set of activation elements. The activation elements are controllable between multiple states. The meta-material includes a first value for a mechanical property when one or more of the activation elements is in the first activation state and includes a second value for the mechanical property when the activation elements have been activated to the second activation state. In one aspect, the meta-material resembles a composite material where the connectivity between the component materials or shape and arrangement of the component materials is dynamically controllable so as to affect a mechanical property of the meta-material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Roy KORNBLUH, Ronald PELRINE, Harsha PRAHLAD, Scott STANFORD
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Publication number: 20080016860Abstract: Described herein are marine devices and methods that convert mechanical energy in one or more waves to mechanical energy that is better suited for conversion into electrical energy. The marine devices employ a mechanical energy conversion system that harnesses wave energy and converts it into limited motion that is suitable for input to an electrical energy generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Roy Kornbluh, Ronald Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Seiki Chiba, Joseph Eckerle, Bryan Chavez, Scott Stanford, Thomas Low
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Publication number: 20070257490Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that use an electroactive polymer transducer to convert mechanical energy, originally contained in one or more waves, to electrical energy. Marine devices described herein may employ a mechanical energy conversion system that transfers mechanical energy in a wave into mechanical energy suitable for input to the electroactive polymer transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2007Publication date: November 8, 2007Inventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Seiki Chiba, Joseph S. Eckerle, Bryan Chavez, Scott E. Stanford, Thomas Low