Patents by Inventor Flint Thomas

Flint Thomas 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: 8640995
    Abstract: A vortex generator system comprises one or more plasma streamwise vortex generators (PSVGs) or plasma wedge vortex generators (PWVGs). The PSVGs and PWVGs each comprises a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric layer. The first electrode extends in a longitudinal direction. The PSVGs and PWVGs can be installed on a surface arranged to receive airflow in a certain flow direction. The PSVGs have a rectangular first electrode is exposed and extends at least somewhat parallel to the expected flow direction, whereas the first electrode of the PWVGs is more triangular in shape. When an AC voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes, a plasma forms along edges of the first electrode. The plasma imposes a body force in a cross-flow direction, which induces a cross-flow velocity that, in combination with the mean flow, produces streamwise-oriented counter-rotating vortices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Corke, Flint Thomas, David Shatzman, Tommie Wood
  • Publication number: 20110120980
    Abstract: A vortex generator system comprises one or more plasma streamwise vortex generators (PSVGs) or plasma wedge vortex generators (PWVGs). The PSVGs and PWVGs each comprises a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric layer. The first electrode extends in a longitudinal direction. The PSVGs and PWVGs can be installed on a surface arranged to receive airflow in a certain flow direction. The PSVGs have a rectangular first electrode is exposed and extends at least somewhat parallel to the expected flow direction, whereas the first electrode of the PWVGs is more triangular in shape. When an AC voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes, a plasma forms along edges of the first electrode. The plasma imposes a body force in a cross-flow direction, which induces a cross-flow velocity that, in combination with the mean flow, produces streamwise-oriented counter-rotating vortices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Corke, Flint Thomas, David Shatzman, Tommie Wood
  • Publication number: 20080067283
    Abstract: A plasma fairing for reducing noise generated by, for example, an aircraft landing gear is disclosed. The plasma fairing includes at least one plasma generating device, such as a single dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator, coupled to a body, such as an aircraft landing gear, and a power supply electrically coupled to the plasma generating device. When energized, the plasma generating device generates a plasma within a fluid flow and reduces body flow separation of the fluid flow over the surface of the body. In another example, the body includes a plurality of plasma generating devices mounted to the surface the body to further aid in noise reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: University of Notre Dame du Lac
    Inventor: Flint Thomas