Abstract: A compliant root structure for connecting an airfoil to a fuselage structure capable of dampening the dynamic response of the fuselage structure when the airfoil encounters abrupt aerodynamic loads due to a turbulent atmosphere. The compliant root structure includes a connecting arm(s) that pivotally connects the airfoil to the fuselage structure so that the airfoil can displace relative to the fuselage structure in the direction relatively perpendicular to the spanwise and chordwise axes of the airfoil. A restoring force can be provided by the compliant root structure (for example, by spring means) to the airfoil when it is displaced relative to the fuselage. In some embodiments, the connecting arms can exhibit relatively high flexibility, and can be adapted to interconnect the airfoil and the fuselage by means of rigid joints. The flexibility of these connecting arms may eliminate the need for a separate spring means.

Abstract: A flexible structure that exhibits axial, bending, and twisting compliance, allowing for limited freedom of deformation and impact load dampening characteristics tailored accordingly for the applications of the flexible structure. The flexible structure comprises two or more formers, a plurality of resilient members supporting and affixed to the perimeters of the formers, and either an elastomeric central member located between each former and in the center of the resilient members, or an elastomeric surrounding member located between each former and around the resilient members, or both. The presence of the central member or surrounding member acts to inhibit excessive deformations of the resilient members through contact forces. This construction provides a strong and flexible structure that can be incorporated with robots, orthopedic braces, and other devices.

Abstract: A compliant root structure for connecting an airfoil to a fuselage structure capable of dampening the dynamic response of the fuselage structure when the airfoil encounters abrupt aerodynamic loads due to a turbulent atmosphere, thereby improving occupant comfort and reducing internal dynamic stresses of the overall airplane. The compliant root structure comprises a plurality of connecting arms that pivotally connect the airfoil to the fuselage structure so that the airfoil can displace relative to the fuselage structure in the direction relatively perpendicular to the spanwise and chordwise axes of the airfoil. A spring means such as a leaf spring assembly or a shock absorber is interconnected with the fuselage structure and the connecting arms, wherein the spring means provides a restoring force to the airfoil when it is displaced relative to the fuselage beyond a neutral position.

Abstract: A flexible structure that exhibits axial, bending, and twisting compliance, allowing for limited freedom of deformation and impact load dampening characteristics tailored accordingly for the applications of the flexible structure. The flexible structure comprises two or more formers, a plurality of resilient members supporting and affixed to the perimeters of the formers, and either an elastomeric central member located between each former and in the center of the resilient members, or an elastomeric surrounding member located between each former and around the resilient members, or both. The presence of the central member or surrounding member acts to inhibit excessive deformations of the resilient members through contact forces. This construction provides a strong and flexible structure that can be incorporated with robots, orthopedic braces, and other devices.

Abstract: A geometric tool for capturing the relative positions of points on a geometric profile, thus creating a template for use in geometric representation and replication. The geometric tool comprises three or more pointers, and a means for constraining motion of the pointers. The pointers each comprise a rigid longitudinal member with a definitive a tip. The means for constraining motion of the pointers is such that the pointers can only pivot and radially translate with respect to a shared axis of rotation. In addition, the means for constraining motion of the pointers also contains a mechanism for the user to fully constrain the pointers with respect to the shared axis of rotation. This construction provides a simple and convenient geometric tool which offers an errorless method for capturing the relative positions of points on a geometric profile for use in further representation and replication.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device comprising a primary pole, a lateral pole affixed to the fore end of the primary pole, and a ducted fan assembly affixed to one end the primary pole and configured to accelerate airflow along the longitudinal axis of the primary pole. A user wields the graspable human propulsion device by grasping the primary pole with a first hand and the lateral pole with a second hand. The graspable human propulsion device acts to propel the user along the direction in which the longitudinal axis of the primary pole is pointed. This device is intended to be utilized by a user mounted on a personal transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. In one embodiment the user controls the amount of thrust by use of a throttle lever mechanism. In another embodiment the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a knobbed slide potentiometer.

Abstract: A geometric tool for capturing the relative positions of points on a geometric profile, thus creating a template for use in geometric representation and replication. The geometric tool comprises three or more pointers, and a means for constraining motion of the pointers. The pointers each comprise a rigid longitudinal member with a definitive a tip. The means for constraining motion of the pointers is such that the pointers can only pivot and radially translate with respect to a shared axis of rotation. In addition, the means for constraining motion of the pointers also contains a mechanism for the user to fully constrain the pointers with respect to the shared axis of rotation. This construction provides a simple and convenient geometric tool which offers an errorless method for capturing the relative positions of points on a geometric profile for use in further representation and replication.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device which contains a ducted fan assembly on the aft portion of a longitudinal structure which the user grasps onto, which acts to propel the user along the longitudinal direction of the device while the user is mounted on a human transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. The user can orient the device so that the ducted fan assembly leads ahead or trails behind the user, according to user preference. In one embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a spring twist throttle mechanism. In another embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a trigger and switch mechanism. The fore latch and the aft latch allow the user to clamp the device onto a skateboard deck for ease in transporting while on foot.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device comprising a primary pole, a lateral pole affixed to the fore end of the primary pole, and a ducted fan assembly affixed to one end the primary pole and configured to accelerate airflow along the longitudinal axis of the primary pole. A user wields the graspable human propulsion device by grasping the primary pole with a first hand and the lateral pole with a second hand. The graspable human propulsion device acts to propel the user along the direction in which the longitudinal axis of the primary pole is pointed. This device is intended to be utilized by a user mounted on a personal transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. In one embodiment the user controls the amount of thrust by use of a throttle lever mechanism. In another embodiment the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a knobbed slide potentiometer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device which contains a ducted fan assembly on the aft portion of a longitudinal structure which the user grasps onto, which acts to propel the user along the longitudinal direction of the device while the user is mounted on a human transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. The user can orient the device so that the ducted fan assembly leads ahead or trails behind the user, according to user preference. In one embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a spring twist throttle mechanism. In another embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a trigger and switch mechanism. The fore latch and the aft latch allow the user to clamp the device onto a skateboard deck for ease in transporting while on foot.