Abstract: A variable stiffness tow cable comprising a plurality of strands. Most of the strands comprise a polymer with interstitial spaces filled with a ferrofluid comprising nanoparticles. And, least one of the strands is a nanoparticle control field source. The stiffness is varied for a number of control objectives such to dampen motion. In another application, strum is controlled by electrical input rather than by changing the length of tow cable let out.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for optimizing a Galfenol-type magnetostriction actuator. The method and apparatus includes an elongated Galfenol-type magnetostrictive bar, first coil and a second coil, orthogonal to the first coil, with the coils arranged and activated to optimize expansion and contraction in the bar. According to the apparatus and the method, the first coil pre-aligns the magnetic moments of the bar into a desired crystallographic orientation that allows for maximum expansion or contraction when under the influence of the magnetic field of the second coil.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for a vessel for counteracting compressive loads at an operating temperature. The supporting arrangement also provides inertial stiffening of the hull of the vessel as well as acoustic and vibration damping. The supporting arrangement includes a support structure that is made from a shape memory alloy that contacts and presses against the inner walls of the vessel. The supporting arrangement utilizes the shape recovery properties and/or the internal energy properties of the shape memory alloy support structure to provide reinforcing and damping forces.

Abstract: A variable stiffness tow cable comprising a plurality of strands. Most of the strands comprise a polymer with interstitial spaces filled with a ferrofluid comprising nanoparticles. And, least one of the strands is a nanoparticle control field source. The stiffness is varied for a number of control objectives such to dampen motion. In another application, strum is controlled by electrical input rather than by changing the length of tow cable let out.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for a vessel for counteracting compressive loads at an operating temperature. The supporting arrangement also provides inertial stiffening of the hull of the vessel as well as acoustic and vibration damping. The supporting arrangement includes a support structure that is made from a shape memory alloy that contacts and presses against the inner walls of the vessel. The supporting arrangement utilizes the shape recovery properties and/or the internal energy properties of the shape memory alloy support structure to provide reinforcing and damping forces.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for a vessel for counteracting compressive loads at an operating temperature. The supporting arrangement also provides inertial stiffening of the hull of the vessel as well as acoustic and vibration damping. The supporting arrangement includes a support structure that is made from a shape memory alloy that contacts and presses against the inner walls of the vessel. The supporting arrangement utilizes the shape recovery properties and/or the internal energy properties of the shape memory alloy support structure to provide reinforcing and damping forces.

Abstract: A rotary motor shaft extends through a rheological brake unit through which variable braking resistance to rotation of the motor shaft is applied while it undergoes rotation in response to torque mechanically applied thereto in sequence through a peripheral gear by a selected pair of diagonally aligned electro-magnetically energized push-rod actuators adjustably positioned axially along a varying diameter section of the gear under electrical control for stroke change to yield a variable output torque.

Abstract: A liquid-phase cooling device of a refrigeration system has an outer tubular housing enclosing a heat exchanger through which a mixture gases and liquid constituting a working fluid media is heated and cooled while undergoing compression and expansion within a cavity formed in the outer tubular housing at an axial end portion thereof closed by an electromagnetic actuator under selective control of an electrical power source through which operation of the heat exchanger is effected. The actuator has a casing attached to the outer tubular housing of the heat exchanger at said axial end thereof within which a diaphragm attached to the axial end of the casing is exposed to the working fluid media within the cavity enclosed by the outer tubular housing of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method of detecting a defect on a surface of a material due to exposure of the material to incident ionizing radiation, the method comprising the step of: inspecting a solid material having an atomically flat surface by at least an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) or a Magnetic Force Microscope (MFM) for a defect in atomic structure on said surface due to exposure to ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A hybrid linear actuator features a central load shaft on which a plurality of solid-state magnetostrictive thrusters are positioned in operative relation to electric motors of a permanent magnet synchronous type to impart linear thrust force to the load shaft through clutch units also positioned thereon and under control of force and stroke amplification of output force from motor shafts projecting from the motors.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive motor is provided with a pair of clutch devices on a rotor shaft through which electrical energy from electromagnetic rings on a tubular reactor is converted into forces transferred to the rotor shaft within the reactor under selective control of magnetostrictors and clutches within the tubular reactor to either accelerate or decelerate motion imparted by such forces to the rotor shaft for change of rotor speed magnitude and direction.

Abstract: Linear output motion of a substantial distance is imparted to the top plate of an actuator by forces produced within layers respectively formed by interconnectors on which magnetostriction material slabs are positioned in engagement with end retainers of the interconnectors through which such forces are transferred in sequence to produce the output motion in response to applied magnetic fields, inducing maximized magnetostriction in a direction perpendicular to such output motion. The magnetic fields are generated by electric current conducted through wiring coils extending through the magnetostriction material slabs maintained assembled in the layers under a prestress arrangement accommodating relative displacements resulting from the output motion.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive rod subject to a magnetic field generated by an electrical activating coil within a pocket of a propeller blade is held in abutment with the body of the blade to effect its deflection causing change in shape involving a variation in blade camber in accordance with electrically powered adjustment control.

Abstract: Actuator elements of a motor system are cyclically expanded magnetostrictively by energization of excitation coils to impart driving forces directly to a driven load through roller sprag means under preload bias in locking contact with a race formation in the driven load, to impart unidirectional movement to the driven load in one direction selected by generated Lorentz forces through magnetic field controlling means, as well as to provide power-off braking.

Abstract: A closure system including a rigid structural part has an edge surface along which sealage is established in response to deformation of a superelastic sheet metal element positioned thereon, such sheet metal element being endowed with a shape memory characteristic by formation as a Nitinol alloy to meet high sealage standards and other environmental requirements.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive actuator has an active rod deformed under exposure to magnetic bias of a magnetic field that is modified in accordance with variable external input loading transferred through gearing to rotationally displace a segmented magnetic shell relative to a fixed segmented magnetic shell within which the magnetic field is established.

Abstract: A linear actuator having a magnetostrictive rod is magnetically energized der analog logic control in operative relation to a pair of electrically disengaged one-way locking devices, one of which is interconnected with the actuator through a stroke multiplier for high force, high speed motor drive. Two stage operation of the stroke multiplier is effected through levers angularly displaced by angular deformation of the magnetostrictive rod about a pivotal axis offset from the rod axis by means of a flexible support for such levers to avoid wear and backlash.

Abstract: Flux leakage resulting from interaction between the static bias flux and variable magnetic flux additively applied to obtain magnetostrictive deformation of an active actuator element, is reduced by bias flux of a separate magnetic field perpendicular to the orientation of the additively applied static bias and variable magnetic flux to improve actuator operation.

Abstract: Axially elongated drive modules are interconnected at their opposite ends angularly spaced supports in a polygonal arrangement on an inner ring to establish tensile stress therein, while intermediate module centers are spaced from an inner shaft by solenoid locks. Each module includes at least two magnetostrictive rod elements held in axial alignment at their adjacent ends by a coupling, through which the module is radially spaced from the common axis. Drive coils electrically energized to generate magnetic fields cause simultaneous elongation and contraction of the rod elements to apply unidirectional torque to a rotor formed by either the outer ring or the inner shaft.

Abstract: The magnetostrictive rod of a linear motor is made of twinned single crys Terfenol-D having its crystalline axis aligned with the rod axis to produce non-uniform transverse magnetostriction during axial magnetostrictive elongation of the rod in response to a triggering magnetic field. Slide bearing forces applied through spring biased support plates are limited to flat surfaces formed on the rod perpendicular to a transverse axis along which the rod is magnetostrictively contracted.