Patents by Inventor Sridhar Kota
Sridhar Kota 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: 8418966Abstract: An edge mo?hing arrangement for an airfoil having upper and lower control surfaces is provided with a rib element arranged to overlie the edge of the airfoil. The rib element has first and second rib portions arranged to communicate with respectively associated ones of the upper and lower control surfaces of the airfoil. A first compliant linkage element has first and second ends and is disposed between the first and second rib portions of the rib element, the first and second ends are each coupled to the interior of a respectively associated one of the first and second rib portions. There is additionally provided a driving link having first and second driving link ends, the first driving link end being coupled to the interior of a selectable one of the first and second rib portions.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: FlexSys, Inc.Inventors: Joel A. Hetrick, Sridhar Kota, Gregory F. Ervin
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Patent number: 8394116Abstract: A surgical tool and monolithic frame therefore are disclosed. The monolithic frame defines a longitudinal axis between opposite first and second ends thereof, and is adapted to receive the flexible drive shaft of a surgical tool, and to support at an end thereof the rotary cutting tool of a surgical tool. The monolithic frame is characterized by greater flexibility in opposite directions along a first axis defined normal to the longitudinal axis than in opposite directions along a second axis defined normal to both the first axis and the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Sridhar Kota, Froukje Ellen Euwe
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Publication number: 20100259046Abstract: A wind turbine has a longitudinal airfoil blade that exerts a torque on the generator in response to an impinging air current. A compliant airfoil edge arrangement is disposed along an edge of the airfoil blade for at least a portion of a longitudinal dimension of the airfoil blade. A morphing drive arrangement varies a configuration of the compliant airfoil edge arrangement and consequently the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil blade. A drive arrangement applies actuation forces to the upper and lower compliant surfaces via the upper and lower actuation elements. The compliant airfoil edge is arranged as a trailing edge of the airfoil blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Sridhar Kota, Gregory F. Ervin, Dragan Maric, James D. Ervin, Paul W. Keberly
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Publication number: 20100224024Abstract: A displacement amplifier receives an actuation displacement signal from a piezoelectric actuator. The displacement signal is amplified by one or more stages of compliant elements, and a corresponding force is applied to a load. Wide frequency response is achieved in response to the resilience characteristics of the compliant elements that are formed from any of several materials, illustratively aluminum, steel, titanium, plastics, composites, etc., and are produced by any of several manufacturing techniques, illustratively extrusion, die casting, forging, etc. The compliant elements can be configured as plural compliant mechanical displacement amplifier stages. In bilateral arrangements displacement signals from distal ends of the motive source are applied to symmetrical, or mirror image, arrangements of compliant elements. The motive source, which may be a piezoelectric actuator, delivers its displacement signal at one end thereof to one or more compliant elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2008Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: James D. Ervin, Dragan Maric, Gregory F. Ervin, Sridhar Kota, Joel A. Hetrick
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Publication number: 20100042104Abstract: A surgical tool and monolithic frame therefore are disclosed. The monolithic frame defines a longitudinal axis between opposite first and second ends thereof, and is adapted to receive the flexible drive shaft of a surgical tool, and to support at an end thereof the rotary cutting tool of a surgical tool. The monolithic frame is characterized by greater flexibility in opposite directions along a first axis defined normal to the longitudinal axis than in opposite directions along a second axis defined normal to both the first axis and the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Sridhar Kota, F.E. Euwe
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Patent number: 7648120Abstract: An iris arrangement has first and second annular carrier elements annular elements coaxially arranged and circumferentially interlocked with one another so as to be independently rotatable. A plurality of iris elements each have a first compliant beam element coupled at a first end thereof to the iris element and at a second end thereof to the first annular carrier element, and a second compliant beam element coupled at a first end thereof to the associated iris element and at a second end thereof to the second annular carrier element. Rotatory motion of the carrier elements relative to each other results in substantially radial displacement of each of the iris elements. The plurality of iris elements communicate with one another when disposed in a radially innermost position. A web covers a region between the plurality of iris elements and the circumference of the first and second annular elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventors: Sridhar Kota, Zachary Kreiner, Yong Mo-Moon
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Publication number: 20090302168Abstract: An edge morphing arrangement for an airfoil having upper and lower control surfaces is provided with a rib element arranged to overlie the edge of the airfoil. The rib element has first and second rib portions arranged to communicate with respectively associated ones of the upper and lower control surfaces of the airfoil. A first compliant linkage element has first and second ends and is disposed between the first and second rib portions of the rib element, the first and second ends are each coupled to the interior of a respectively associated one of the first and second rib portions. There is additionally provided a driving link having first and second driving link ends, the first driving link end being coupled to the interior of a selectable one of the first and second rib portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Joel A. Hetrick, Sridhar Kota, Gregory F. Ervin
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Patent number: 7384016Abstract: Variation in the contours of first and second compliant surfaces is produced by a compliant frame having a first resiliently variable frame element (120) having a corresponding first outer surface (122) and a first inner surface (124), and a second resiliently variable frame element (130) having a corresponding second outer surface (132) and a second inner surface (134). The first and second outer surfaces (122, 132) communicate with respective ones of the first and second compliant surfaces. A linkage element (141-144) having a predetermined resilience characteristic is coupled at a first end thereof to the first inner surface (124) and at a second end thereof to the second inner surface (134). A frame coupler (151) couples the first resiliently variable frame element (120) to a support element (150).Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: FlexSys, Inc.Inventors: Sridhar Kota, Joel A. Hetrick
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Patent number: 7360272Abstract: A windshield wiper arrangement has a windshield wiper blade coupled thereto. A resilient windshield wiper blade support has a primary beam (405) coupled in a coupling region of the primary beam (405). A first compliant beam portion (406) is formed of three compliant sections arranged as an end-point triangle. A second compliant beam structure (404) is arranged as a triangle. A third compliant beam (402) structure is formed as a triangle with a portion of the primary beam forming a leg of the triangle.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: FlexSys, Inc.Inventors: Sridhar Kota, Joel A. Herrick
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Publication number: 20060213020Abstract: A windshield wiper arrangement has a windshield wiper blade coupled thereto. A resilient windshield wiper blade support has a primary beam (405) coupled in a coupling region of the primary beam (405). A first compliant beam portion (406) is formed of three compliant sections arranged as an end-point triangle. A second compliant beam structure (404) is arranged as a triangle. A third compliant beam (402) structure is formed as a triangle with a portion of the primary beam forming a leg of the triangle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2004Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: Sridhar Kota, Joel Herrick
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Publication number: 20060186269Abstract: Variation in the contours of first and second compliant surfaces is produced by a compliant frame having a first resiliently variable frame element (120) having a corresponding first outer surface (122) and a first inner surface (124), and a second resiliently variable frame element (130) having a corresponding second outer surface (132) and a second inner surface (134). The first and second outer surfaces (122, 132) communicate with respective ones of the first and second compliant surfaces. A linkage element (141-144) having a predetermined resilience characteristic is coupled at a first end thereof to the first inner surface (124) and at a second end thereof to the second inner surface (134). A frame coupler (151) couples the first resiliently variable frame element (120) to a support element (150).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2004Publication date: August 24, 2006Inventors: Sridhar Kota, Joel Hetrick
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Publication number: 20030235460Abstract: A joint member for interconnecting a first member to a second member having an input member, an output member; and a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly may include a plurality of beam member and/or a U-shaped member assembly and allows one translational degree of freedom between the connecting parts. Each of these joints provides very high degree of compliance in the desired direction of motion and very high stiffness in other directions (off-axis), without experiencing high stress concentrations commonly found in prior art designs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2003Publication date: December 25, 2003Inventors: Yong-Mo Moon, Sridhar Kota
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Publication number: 20030102411Abstract: Compliant mechanisms are arranged to enable airfoil and other structures to adapt their shapes to different flight conditions and thereby achieve optimum lift:drag ratios in plural flight conditions. The compliant mechanisms can be formed integrally whereby a compliant frame thereof, or the skin of the airfoil, undergo elastic or other deformation to produce the desired displacements in direct response to applied forces. In an airfoil context, shape changes can be effected by the leading and trailing edges of the entire airfoil system. In addition, the driver arrangements of the compliant mechanisms can be controlled individually to effect a desired surface contour throughout the length of the wing, illustratively a twist therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventor: Sridhar Kota
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Patent number: 6569071Abstract: A reconfigurable multi-spindle apparatus for use with a machining device in a plurality of configurations across part families. In one embodiment, the reconfigurable multi-spindle apparatus may include at least two spindle head modules, a mechanism for transmitting power between the spindle head modules, and a mechanism for reconfigurably connecting the spindle head modules such that the multi-spindle apparatus is reconfigured from a first configuration to a second configuration across part families. An embodiment of a spindle head module may include two tool holders and a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the tool holders such that the multi-spindle apparatus is reconfigured within a part family.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Yoram Koren, Yong-Mo Moon, Sridhar Kota
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Patent number: 6557436Abstract: A displacement modifying structure for receiving an input displacement from a motor source and generating a multiplied displacement therefrom for provision to a load. The structure includes a static beam and a dynamic beam. The static beam has a fixed end and a movable end while the dynamic beam has a first end and a second end. The first end of the dynamic beam is connected between the motive source and the movable end of the static beam. The second is also connected through a pivotless joint to the movable end of the static beam. Upon movement of the first end over a first distance by the motive source, the second end of the dynamic beam and the movable end of the static beam move over a second distance for provision to the load. The second distance, or output displacement is greater than the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Joel Hetrick, Sridhar Kota
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Patent number: 6491262Abstract: Compliant mechanisms are arranged to enable airfoil and other structures to adapt their shapes to different flight conditions and thereby achieve optimum lift:drag ratios in plural flight conditions. The compliant mechanisms can be formed integrally whereby a compliant frame thereof, or the skin of the airfoil, undergo elastic or other deformation to produce the desired displacements in direct response to applied forces. In an airfoil context, shape changes can be effected by the leading and trailing edges of the entire airfoil system. In addition, the driver arrangements of the compliant mechanisms can be controlled individually to effect a desired surface contour throughout the length of the wing, illustratively a twist therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Inventor: Sridhar Kota
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Patent number: 6442815Abstract: A reconfigurable tool changer allows a tool cartridge to be easily attached to, or detached from, a standard machine-tool spindle head. The modular design, includes a revolving tool cartridge having a plurality of tool holders, a meshing gear for engaging a tool holder with the spindle of the machine tool, and an adapter block for positioning the revolving tool cartridge on any standard machine-tool spindle head. The adapter block allows the automatic tool changer to be easily coupled to a wide variety of commercial machine-tool spindles, making the invention a truly reconfigurable and portable tool changer. The revolving tool cartridge incorporates a novel three-dimensional cam structure mechanism, which allows tool indexing to be achieved by means of only one actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Yong-Mo Moon, Sridhar Kota
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Patent number: 6309319Abstract: A reconfigurable power spindle accommodates different power requirement in an efficient design that conserves time, equipment resources, and physical space. Two or more power sources provide the inputs which can be distributed equally or unequally, as desired, by means of an inventive epicyclic-type gear train (the component gear train). When two or more such component gear trains are arranged in series so that the output of one is connected to the input of the next, the result is a gear train system with as many inputs as the number of the component gear trains plus one. In alternate embodiments, the component gear trains may be arranged in parallel or in a combination of in series and in parallel to create a compound gear train system with a plurality of inputs and one output, and which is still capable of achieving equal contribution power among all the inputs.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Yong-Mo Moon, Sridhar Kota
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Patent number: 6301742Abstract: A force distribution arrangement, which is particularly adaptable as a support frame for a windshield wiper support frame (180) for a vehicle, and which can further be provided with an integrally formed windshield wiper blade, is provided with a force input for receiving a directional input force, a force distribution portion resiliently coupled to, and integrally formed with, the force input for transmitting and distributing the directional input force, and a plurality of force output points resiliently coupled to, and integrally formed with, the force distribution portion and the force input. The force output points produce a respective plurality of output forces to the windshield wiper blade, and are translatable with respect to one another along respective paths that are substantially parallel to the direction of the directional input force, and thereby accommodate the curvature of the surface contour of a windshield.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventor: Sridhar Kota
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Patent number: 6175170Abstract: A pivotless compliant structure is disclosed that can be used to increase the geometric advantage or mechanical advantage of a microelectromechanical (MEM) actuator such as an electrostatic comb actuator, a capacitive-plate electrostatic actuator, or a thermal actuator. The compliant structure, based on a combination of interconnected flexible beams and cross-beams formed of one or more layers of polysilicon or silicon nitride, can provide a geometric advantage of from about 5:1 to about 60:1 to multiply a 0.25-3 &mgr;m displacement provided by a short-stroke actuator so that such an actuator can be used to generate a displacement stroke of about 10-34 &mgr;m to operate a ratchet-driven MEM device or a microengine. The compliant structure has less play than conventional displacement-multiplying devices based on lever arms and pivoting joints, and is expected to be more reliable than such devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Inventors: Sridhar Kota, M. Steven Rodgers, Joel A. Hetrick