Abstract: A system utilizing a number of micro-strip antenna apparatus embedded in or mounted on the surface of a structure for enabling wireless communication of sensed and actuation signals. The micro-strip antenna apparatus may include smart materials or other substrates. If only a sensed operation is desired, the micro-strip antenna apparatus may be fabricated from only passive elements or materials. Furthermore, a micro-strip antenna apparatus is provided which enables simultaneous transmission/reception of sensing and actuation signals.

Abstract: Various application are provided for an enclosure having a first wall and two or more second walls surrounding a cavity. The enclosure also has an inlet and outlet each in fluid communication with the cavity. The second walls each have at least a portion shaped such that a force acting on the first wall tending to deflect the element causes an amplified deflection of the second walls into the cavity. Such applications include a pump, a structure comprised of one or more enclosures, structural elements, and apparatus for storing and releasing energy.

Abstract: A payload isolation system for isolating a payload from a base structure upon which the payload is supported. The payload isolation system includes: a motion constraint for maintaining a parallel relationship between the payload and the base structure; and a support for providing vertical and/or lateral support of the payload relative to the base structure such that the transmission of vertical and/or lateral vibration between the payload and the base structure are suppressed. The support means preferably exhibits nonlinear elastic characteristics in response to an effective weight of the payload. The non-linear elastic characteristics preferably include a substantially rigid characteristic at low and high levels of deformation and a compliant characteristic at intermediate levels of deformation. In yet another preferred implementation, the motion constraint means are mechanical linkages.

Abstract: Various application are provided for an enclosure having a first wall and two or more second walls surrounding a cavity. The enclosure also has an inlet and outlet each in fluid communication with the cavity. The second walls each have at least a portion shaped such that a force acting on the first wall tending to deflect the element causes an amplified deflection of the second walls into the cavity. Such applications include a pump, a structure comprised of one or more enclosures, structural elements, and apparatus for storing and releasing energy.

Abstract: Various application are provided for an enclosure having a first wall and two or more second walls surrounding a cavity. The enclosure also has an inlet and outlet each in fluid communication with the cavity. The second walls each have at least a portion shaped such that a force acting on the first wall tending to deflect the element causes an amplified deflection of the second walls into the cavity. Such applications include a pump, a structure comprised of one or more enclosures, structural elements, and apparatus for storing and releasing energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for compensating for positioning, pointing and/or orientation errors caused by deflections of structural members and components of a high performance machine or device and/or for reducing vibration inputs to such machine or device and/or for micro-positioning such machine or device so as to improve the operational performance of such machine or device. The apparatus utilizes one or more active-type actuators, such as piezoelectric ceramic type actuators, which are arranged in a predetermined manner relative to the machine or device. A servo control device operating in accordance with a predetermined algorithm may be utilized for controlling the actuators or, alternatively, the apparatus may operate in an open loop manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for compensating for positioning, pointing and/or orientation errors caused by deflections of structural members and components of a high performance machine or device and/or for reducing vibration inputs to such machine or device and/or for micro-positioning such machine or device so as to improve the operational performance of such machine or device. The apparatus utilizes one or more active-type actuators, such as piezoelectric ceramic type actuators, which are arranged in a predetermined manner relative to the machine or device. A servo control device operating in accordance with a predetermined algorithm may be utilized for controlling the actuators or, alternatively, the apparatus may operate in an open loop manner.

Abstract: A system utilizing a number of micro-strip antenna apparatus embedded in or mounted on the surface of a structure for enabling wireless communication of sensed and actuation signals. The micro-strip antenna apparatus may include smart materials or other substrates. If only a sensed operation is desired, the micro-strip antenna apparatus may be fabricated from only passive elements or materials. Furthermore, a micro-strip antenna apparatus is provided which enables simultaneous transmission/reception of sensing and actuation signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing feedback control of a device having multi-degrees of freedom. The apparatus comprises a first input device for receiving control signals based upon desired reference inputs and first feedback signals from the device, a second input device for receiving second feedback signals from the device, and a processing device receiving the control signals from the first input device and the second feedback signals from the second input device for determining a compensating signal for supply to the device. The compensating signal compensating for changes in structural frequencies due to configuration changes of the device so as to enable the first feedback signals to be independent of variations of the structural frequencies.

Abstract: Apparatus for compensating for positioning, pointing and/or orientation errors caused by deflections of structural members and components of a high performance machine or device and/or for reducing vibration inputs to such machine or device and/or for micro-positioning such machine or device so as to improve the operational performance of such machine or device. The apparatus utilizes one or more active-type actuators, such as piezoelectric ceramic type actuators, which are arranged in a predetermined manner relative to the machine or device. A servo control device operating in accordance with a predetermined algorithm may be utilized for controlling the actuators or, alternatively, the apparatus may operate in an open loop manner.