Patents by Inventor Erik K. Runge

Erik K. Runge 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).

  • Thermal straps for spacecraft
    Patent number: 9733027
    Abstract: Negative-stiffness-producing mechanisms can be incorporated with structural devices that are used on spacecraft that provide thermal coupling between a vibrating source and a vibration-sensitive object. Negative-stiffness-producing mechanisms can be associated with a flexible conductive link (FCL) or “thermal strap” or “cold strap” to reduce the positive stiffness of the FCL. The negative-stiffness-producing mechanisms can be loaded so as to create negative stiffness that will reduce or negate the natural positive stiffness inherent with the FCL. The FCL will still be able to provide maximum thermal conductance while achieving low or near-zero stiffness to maximize structural decoupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: David L. Platus, Erik K Runge
  • THERMAL STRAPS FOR SPACECRAFT
    Publication number: 20140190677
    Abstract: Negative-stiffness-producing mechanisms can be incorporated with structural devices that are used on spacecraft that provide thermal coupling between a vibrating source and a vibration-sensitive object. Negative-stiffness-producing mechanisms can be associated with a flexible conductive link (FCL) or “thermal strap” or “cold strap” to reduce the positive stiffness of the FCL. The negative-stiffness-producing mechanisms can be loaded so as to create negative stiffness that will reduce or negate the natural positive stiffness inherent with the FCL. The FCL will still be able to provide maximum thermal conductance while achieving low or near-zero stiffness to maximize structural decoupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: MINUS K. TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: David L. Platus, Erik K. Runge