Abstract: A dual stage pressure relief valve for relieving pressure. The pressure relief valve includes a main body, a poppet bulb, a pilot piston, and a poppet cap. The main body defines a main channel that extends from a first opening to a second opening. The poppet bulb defines a first flow channel being in fluid communication with the main channel. The pilot piston defines a reset channel in fluid communication with the first flow channel of the poppet bulb. The cap channel has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the reset channel. The poppet cap defines a cap channel in fluid communication with the reset channel of the pilot piston and with a pressure cavity defined by the poppet cap and an end of the main body.

Abstract: A synthetic jet actuator and a method for optimizing a synthetic jet actuator to meet operating requirements and physical constraints may include estimating dimension and a resonance frequency of an air cavity of the synthetic jet actuator, and using the estimated resonance frequency to the estimate dimensions of a piezoelectric actuator of the synthetic jet actuator. Individual simulations of the air cavity and piezoelectric actuator, and a coupled simulation may be performed using the estimated dimensions, and the dimensions may be revised and simulations re-executed to match the resonance frequencies of the air chamber and the piezoelectric actuator. The method maybe yield a synthetic jet actuator having a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric actuator that is approximately equal to a quarter-wavelength resonance frequency of the air cavity.

Abstract: A dual stage pressure relief valve for relieving pressure. The pressure relief valve includes a main body, a poppet bulb, a pilot piston, and a poppet cap. The main body defines a main channel that extends from a first opening to a second opening. The poppet bulb defines a first flow channel being in fluid communication with the main channel. The pilot piston defines a reset channel in fluid communication with the first flow channel of the poppet bulb. The cap channel has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the reset channel. The poppet cap defines a cap channel in fluid communication with the reset channel of the pilot piston and with a pressure cavity defined by the poppet cap and an end of the main body.

Abstract: A synthetic jet actuator and a method for optimizing a synthetic jet actuator to meet operating requirements and physical constraints may include estimating dimension and a resonance frequency of an air cavity of the synthetic jet actuator, and using the estimated resonance frequency to the estimate dimensions of a piezoelectric actuator of the synthetic jet actuator. Individual simulations of the air cavity and piezoelectric actuator, and a coupled simulation may be performed using the estimated dimensions, and the dimensions may be revised and simulations re-executed to match the resonance frequencies of the air chamber and the piezoelectric actuator. The method maybe yield a synthetic jet actuator having a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric actuator that is approximately equal to a quarter-wavelength resonance frequency of the air cavity.

Abstract: A synthetic jet actuator and a method for optimizing a synthetic jet actuator to meet operating requirements and physical constraints may include estimating dimension and a resonance frequency of an air cavity of the synthetic jet actuator, and using the estimated resonance frequency to the estimate dimensions of a piezoelectric actuator of the synthetic jet actuator. Individual simulations of the air cavity and piezoelectric actuator, and a coupled simulation may be performed using the estimated dimensions, and the dimensions may be revised and simulations re-executed to match the resonance frequencies of the air chamber and the piezoelectric actuator. The method maybe yield a synthetic jet actuator having a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric actuator that is approximately equal to a quarter-wavelength resonance frequency of the air cavity.

Abstract: An in-flight refueling hose and method. The hose includes an inner braid including pseudoelastic shape memory alloy (e.g., nitinol) wires. These wires undergo a stress induced phase change absorbing energy to dampen oscillations of the hose in use.

Abstract: A synthetic jet actuator and a method for optimizing a synthetic jet actuator to meet operating requirements and physical constraints may include estimating dimension and a resonance frequency of an air cavity of the synthetic jet actuator, and using the estimated resonance frequency to the estimate dimensions of a piezoelectric actuator of the synthetic jet actuator. Individual simulations of the air cavity and piezoelectric actuator, and a coupled simulation may be performed using the estimated dimensions, and the dimensions may be revised and simulations re-executed to match the resonance frequencies of the air chamber and the piezoelectric actuator. The method maybe yield a synthetic jet actuator having a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric actuator that is approximately equal to a quarter-wavelength resonance frequency of the air cavity.

Abstract: A sprinkler head including a sprinkler body with a passage for fluid and a seal mechanism sealing the passage, and a cage member. A frangible bulb extends between the cage member and the seal. A shape memory alloy element is associated with the frangible bulb and has a first configuration that fits within, about, or abutting the bulb and a second configuration at a predetermined temperature which breaks the frangible bulb releasing the fluid through the passage.

Abstract: An in-flight refueling hose and method. The hose includes an inner braid including pseudoelastic shape memory alloy (e.g., nitinol) wires. These wires undergo a stress induced phase change absorbing energy to dampen oscillations of the hose in use.

Abstract: A sprinkler head including a sprinkler body with a passage for fluid and a seal mechanism sealing the passage, and a cage member. A frangible bulb extends between the cage member and the seal. A shape memory alloy element is associated with the frangible bulb and has a first configuration that fits within, about, or abutting the bulb and a second configuration at a predetermined temperature which breaks the frangible bulb releasing the fluid through the passage.

Abstract: An article and method for measuring strain using a strain gauge made of a shape memory y alloy, and preferably a pseudoelastic alloy, is disclosed. The strain gauge includes an element that preferably is attached to a substrate and mounted on an object, or is woven or stitched to a fabric to measure the strain experienced under an applied stress. The preferred pseudoelastic alloy is Nitinol, which in pseudoelastic form can elongate by up to approximately 8% to accommodate strain in an object or fabric. When woven into a fabric, a Nitinol-based strain gauge can measure strains of up to approximately 20% in the fabric. The strain gauge can be used in such applications as automotive and aircraft seatbelts, parachute canopies and static lines, and commercial cargo nets.

Abstract: An article and method for measuring strain using a strain gauge made of a shape memory alloy, and preferably a pseudoelastic alloy, is disclosed. The strain gauge includes an element that preferably is attached to a substrate and mounted on an object, or is woven or stitched to a fabric to measure the strain experienced under an applied stress. The preferred pseudoelastic alloy is Nitinol, which in pseudoelastic form can elongate by up to approximately 8% to accommodate strain in an object or fabric. When woven into a fabric, a Nitinol-based strain gauge can measure strains of up to approximately 20% in the fabric. The strain gauge can be used in such applications as automotive and aircraft seatbelts, parachute canopies and static lines, and commercial cargo nets.

Abstract: An igniter that uses the change or fluctuation pressure in a system or process to generate electrical energy by means of a piezoelectric element. This electrical energy is then relayed to an ignition device or devices that ignites combustible liquid or mixture of liquids and gasses or mixtures of gasses. The ignition can take place either in the systems combustion chamber, or, in the case of burn off of excess gasses/fluids, at the systems vent.

Abstract: A spark plug comprising a piezoelectric element that strains with the increase in pressure in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and methods of making and using such a spark plug. The strain on the element generates a voltage across the poles of the piezoelectric element that varies with the cylinder pressure. This voltage can be monitored to determine the pressure in the cylinder. The voltage will increase until it is sufficient to create a spark between two poles that will be used to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder. The voltage may be further increased by using the increasing cylinder pressure to accelerate a striker mass to impact the piezoelectric element. After ignition, the piezoelectric element strains further because of the rapid increase in pressure due to the combustion process. Sensing the voltage output after combustion can provide information about the engine cycle and indicate any anomalies such as pre-ignition, misfire, or knock.