Patents by Inventor Eric L Pollard

Eric L Pollard 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: 7354033
    Abstract: A tape-spring shaped, articulating member used in deployable structures having a resilient, compliant hinge region and rigid non-hinge regions, thereby enabling a smaller fold radius and greater packaging efficiency. The increased compliance in the hinge region may be obtained by using a more compliant material in the hinge region or reducing the cross-sectional area in the hinge region. The hinge region may be reinforced with integrated shape memory alloy features serving as folding mandrels, to enhance structural stiffness and strength performance of the hinge, and to exhibit authority over the rate and sequencing of strain release when deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Thomas W Murphey, Eric L Pollard