Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for actuating variable stiffness material (VSM) structures and achieving deformation of the structures. The apparatus and the associated methods use internal embedded actuation elements and/or externally attached elements to the VSM structures to achieve the desired deformation. In particular, the actuation can be changed due to the variable stiffness nature of the materials. That is, the invention provides the ability to control the deformation of structures using local stiffness control over subregions of the component in addition to or in substitution for actuation. Furthermore, the invention exploits the variable stiffness properties of the VSM structures to enable new functionalities impossible to realize with conventional constant stiffness materials.

Abstract: A low pass filter having a coaxial structure of an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a metal powder composite interposed between the inner and outer conductor. Embodiments include a 50? characteristic impedance. The metal powder can be bronze, copper or other metals, mixed in an epoxy carrier.

Abstract: A low pass filter having a coaxial structure of an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a metal powder composite interposed between the inner and outer conductor. Embodiments include a 50? characteristic impedance. The metal powder can be bronze, copper or other metals, mixed in an epoxy carrier.

Abstract: A low pass filter having a coaxial structure of an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a metal powder composite interposed between the inner and outer conductor. Embodiments include a 50? characteristic impedance. The metal powder can be bronze, copper or other metals, mixed in an epoxy carrier.

Abstract: A fixed impedance low pass metal powder filter having a planar buried stripline geometry comprises first and second parallel ground planes spaced from one another and a central stripline spaced equal distance from the first and second parallel ground planes and parallel thereto. The space between the first and second ground planes is filled with a dielectric containing metal powder. The densities of the metal powder within the dielectric are highest near the central stripline and become less near the first and second ground planes. The dielectric is a laminated structure that comprises layers of epoxy impregnated fiberglass, layers having different densities of metal powder.

Abstract: A low pass filter having a coaxial structure of an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a metal powder composite interposed between the inner and outer conductor. Embodiments include a 50? characteristic impedance. The metal powder can be bronze, copper or other metals, mixed in an epoxy carrier.

Abstract: Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. In this manner, in seal applications such as a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.

Abstract: A panel having active material based segments, wherein the segments define a hinge location that can be selectively stiffened or folded on demand. The active material based segments include an active material such that activation of the active material by an activation device can allow folding of the panel, can effect self-folding of the panel, or can serve to lock the panel into a fixed position when not activated. In this manner, the panel that can be variously stiffened or folded on demand. Other embodiments include forming the panel of the active material such that the panel can be compacted and stowed upon activation of the active material to change the modulus properties thereof.

Abstract: Active seal assisted latching assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to effect the latching. In this manner, in seal applications such as a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.

Abstract: Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. In this manner, in seal applications such as a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.

Abstract: Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. In this manner, in seal applications tailored for vehicles such as in a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.

Abstract: Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. The active seal assemblies are generally configured to reduce the noise (sound waves) that is transmitted through the seal by measuring and actively canceling and/or absorbing the noise.

Abstract: Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. In this manner, in seal applications such as a vehicle window application, the seal force can be selectively reduced during movement of the window and increased when the window is stationary, thereby selectively changing seal effectiveness. Active materials refers to several different classes of materials all of which exhibit a change in at least one attribute such as dimension, shape, and/or flexural modulus when subjected to at least one of many different types of applied activation signals, examples of such signals being thermal, electrical, magnetic, stress, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adaptive head light assembly, comprising a parabolic reflector for housing a filament assembly; a lever arm having one end pivotably affixed to a bearing point of the parabolic reflector; an actuator in operative communication with the other end of the lever arm to actuate motion of the lever arm, wherein the actuator comprises a shape memory material adapted to change a shape orientation or modulus property upon receipt of an activation signal; and a spring in operative communication with the other end of the lever arm and adapted to provide a restoring force.

Abstract: Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. In this manner, in seal applications such as a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a programmable shim 28 for positioning a work piece 12 comprising a first plate 30; an optional reference frame 32; and an actuator 34 in operative communication with the first plate 30 and the reference frame 32. Disclosed herein too is a method of aligning a work piece 12 comprising disposing the work piece 12 upon a first plate 30 of a programmable shim 28; activating an actuator 34 with an external stimulus; wherein the actuator 34 is in operative communication with the first plate 30; and displacing the work piece 12.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a reflective surface disposed on a substrate; an actuator in operative communication with at least a portion of the substrate, wherein the actuator comprises an active material; and a controller in operative communication with the active material, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a change in a property of the active material, wherein the change in the property results in movement of the at least the portion of the substrate from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An improved magnetic field gradiometer having major and minor correction circuits is disclosed. The major correction circuits cancel the main components of an applied magnetic field, such as the earth's uniform field, and the minor correction circuits correct for smaller, but still significant effects, such as assembly imperfections and unavoidable cross-talk between the elements of the gradiometer. Also disclosed is a method for processing the gradient data from the gradiometer to enable the positions of magnetic objects to be located in space.