Patents by Inventor Chris R. Fuller

Chris R. Fuller 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).

  • Patent number: 5515444
    Abstract: An active noise control system using a compact sound source is effective to reduce aircraft engine duct noise. The fan noise from a turbofan engine is controlled using an adaptive filtered-x LMS algorithm. Single multi channel control systems are used to control the fan blade passage frequency (BPF) tone and the BPF tone and the first harmonic of the BPF tone for a plane wave excitation. A multi channel control system is used to control any spinning mode. The multi channel control system to control both fan tones and a high pressure compressor BPF tone simultaneously. In order to make active control of turbofan inlet noise a viable technology, a compact sound source is employed to generate the control field. This control field sound source consists of an array of identical thin, cylindrically curved panels with an inner radius of curvature corresponding to that of the engine inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignees: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, The Center for Innovative Technology
    Inventors: Ricardo Burdisso, Chris R. Fuller, Walter F. O'Brien, Russell H. Thomas, Mary E. Dungan
  • Patent number: 5355417
    Abstract: An active noise control system using a compact sound source is effective to reduce aircraft engine duct noise. The fan noise from a turbofan engine is controlled using an adaptive filtered-x LMS algorithm. Single multi channel control systems are used to control the fan blade passage frequency (BPF) tone and the BPF tone and the first harmonic of the BPF tone for a plane wave excitation. A multi channel control system is used to control any spinning mode. The multi channel control system to control both fan tones and a high pressure compressor BPF tone simultaneously. In order to make active control of turbofan inlet noise a viable technology, a compact sound source is employed to generate the control field. This control field sound source consists of an array of identical thin, cylindrically curved panels with an inner radius of curvature corresponding to that of the engine inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignees: The Center for Innovative Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Burdisso, Chris R. Fuller, Walter F. O'Brien, Russell H. Thomas, Mary E. Dungan
  • Patent number: 5156370
    Abstract: Arrays of actuators are affixed to structural elements to impede the transmission of vibrational energy. A single pair is used to provide control of bending and extensional waves and two pairs are used to control torsional motion in addition to these two types of wave motion. The arrays are applied to a wide variety of structural elements such as a beam structure that is part of larger framework that may or may not support a rigid or non-rigid skin. Electrical excitation is applied to the actuators that generate forces on the structure. These electrical inputs may be adjusted in their amplitude and phase by a controller in communication with appropriate vibrational wave sensors to impede the flow of vibrational power in all of the above mentioned wave forms beyond the actuator location. Additional sensor elements can be used to monitor the performance and adjust the electrical inputs to maximize the attenuation of vibrational energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Richard J. Silcox, Chris R. Fuller, Gary P. Gibbs