Patents by Inventor Joseph Stephen Eckerle
Joseph Stephen Eckerle 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).
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Patent number: 10774886Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for electrically controllably transmitting power from a motor involving electrically controllably coupling the first input hub to a shuttle so that power is transmitted from the first input hub to the shuttle, providing for one-way rotation between the shuttle and a stationary chassis, and coupling the shuttle to an output hub with a spring such that energy is stored and released from the spring as the output hub rotates. Examples are shown that include controlling engaged and disengaged time intervals of the first input hub and shuttle to maintain a torque level at the output hub, such as by utilizing pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation. Examples are also shown involving electroadhesively coupling the first input hub to the shuttle.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Brian K. McCoy
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Patent number: 10711848Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to electrolaminate clutches and transmissions are disclosed. A device can include: an input shaft that can be coupled to an electrolaminate sheet; an output shaft that can be coupled rigidly to a spring positioned over the input shaft, where the spring includes a tab that fits a groove of a spring capture ring that can be positioned over the input shaft; and a drum connected to an electrical ground between the electrolaminate sheet and the spring capture ring, where the drum can be coupled rigidly to the spring capture ring. Then, when a voltage is applied to the electrolaminate sheet, the electrolaminate sheet can clamp to the drum and impart rotation of the input shaft to the drum. The imparted rotation can cause the spring capture ring and the spring to rotate and clamp down on the input shaft, imparting rotation to the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Karen Shakespear Koenig, Pablo Eduardo Garcia Kilroy, Brian Keith McCoy, Allegra Anna Lenta Shum, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Publication number: 20190085913Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to electrolaminate clutches and transmissions are disclosed. A device can include: an input shaft that can be coupled to an electrolaminate sheet; an output shaft that can be coupled rigidly to a spring positioned over the input shaft, where the spring includes a tab that fits a groove of a spring capture ring that can be positioned over the input shaft; and a drum connected to an electrical ground between the electrolaminate sheet and the spring capture ring, where the drum can be coupled rigidly to the spring capture ring. Then, when a voltage is applied to the electrolaminate sheet, the electrolaminate sheet can clamp to the drum and impart rotation of the input shaft to the drum. The imparted rotation can cause the spring capture ring and the spring to rotate and clamp down on the input shaft, imparting rotation to the output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Karen Shakespear Koenig, Pablo Eduardo Garcia Kilroy, Brian Keith McCoy, Allegra Anna Lenta Shum, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Patent number: 10138953Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to electrolaminate clutches and transmissions are disclosed. A device can include: an input shaft that can be coupled to an electrolaminate sheet; an output shaft that can be coupled rigidly to a spring positioned over the input shaft, where the spring includes a tab that fits a groove of a spring capture ring that can be positioned over the input shaft; and a drum connected to an electrical ground between the electrolaminate sheet and the spring capture ring, where the drum can be coupled rigidly to the spring capture ring. Then, when a voltage is applied to the electrolaminate sheet, the electrolaminate sheet can clamp to the drum and impart rotation of the input shaft to the drum. The imparted rotation can cause the spring capture ring and the spring to rotate and clamp down on the input shaft, imparting rotation to the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Karen Shakespear Koenig, Pablo Eduardo Garcia Kilroy, Brian Keith McCoy, Allegra Anna Lenta Shum, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Patent number: 10012276Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for electrically controllably transmitting power from a motor involving electrically controllably coupling the first input hub to a shuttle so that power is transmitted from the first input hub to the shuttle, providing for one-way rotation between the shuttle and a stationary chassis, and coupling the shuttle to an output hub with a spring such that energy is stored and released from the spring as the output hub rotates. Examples are shown that include controlling engaged and disengaged time intervals of the first input hub and shuttle to maintain a torque level at the output hub, such as by utilizing pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation. Examples are also shown involving electroadhesively coupling the first input hub to the shuttle.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Brian K. McCoy
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Publication number: 20180163796Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for electrically controllably transmitting power from a motor involving electrically controllably coupling the first input hub to a shuttle so that power is transmitted from the first input hub to the shuttle, providing for one-way rotation between the shuttle and a stationary chassis, and coupling the shuttle to an output hub with a spring such that energy is stored and released from the spring as the output hub rotates. Examples are shown that include controlling engaged and disengaged time intervals of the first input hub and shuttle to maintain a torque level at the output hub, such as by utilizing pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation. Examples are also shown involving electroadhesively coupling the first input hub to the shuttle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2018Publication date: June 14, 2018Inventors: Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Brian K. McCoy
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Patent number: 7456549Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical-electrical power conversion systems. The systems comprise one or more electroactive polymers that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be converted into rotation of a power shaft included in a motor. Repeated deflection of the polymer may then produce continuous rotation of the power shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Jon Heim, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Patent number: 7368862Abstract: The present invention relates to transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention also relates to devices including an electroactive polymer to convert between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer included in a transducer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Pablo E. Garcia, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Patent number: 7166953Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical-electrical power conversion systems. The systems comprise one or more electroactive polymers that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be converted into rotation of a power shaft included in a motor. Repeated deflection of the polymer may then produce continuous rotation of the power shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Inventors: Jon Heim, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Patent number: 7034432Abstract: The present invention relates to transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention also relates to devices including an electroactive polymer to convert between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer included in a transducer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Pablo E. Garcia, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Patent number: 6911764Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. Similarly, when a previously charged electroactive polymer deflects, the electric field in the material is changed. The change in electric field may be used to produce electrical energy. An active area is a portion of a polymer having sufficient electrostatic force to enable deflection of the portion and/or sufficient deflection to enable a change in electrostatic force or electric field. The present invention relates to energy efficient transducers and devices comprising multiple active areas on one or more electroactive polymers. The invention also relates to methods for actuating one or more active areas on one or more electroactive polymers while maintaining a substantially constant potential energy.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Patent number: 6809462Abstract: The invention provides sensors that comprise a transducer that converts between mechanical energy and electrical energy. The transducer comprises an electroactive polymer in electrical communication with at least two electrodes. When a relatively small voltage difference is applied between the electrodes, deflection of the polymer results in a measurable change in electrical energy for the transducer. The change in electrical energy may correspond to a change in resistance, capacitance, or a combination thereof. Sensing electronics circuits in electrical communication with electrodes detect the electrical energy change.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Qibing Pei, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Patent number: 6806621Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical-electrical power conversion systems. The systems comprise one or more electroactive polymers that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be converted into rotation of a power shaft included in a motor. Repeated deflection of the polymer may then produce continuous rotation of the power shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Jon Heim, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Patent number: 6768246Abstract: Disclosed generators includes one or more transducers that use electroactive polymer films to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The generators may include one or more transmission mechanisms that transfer a portion of an unused biological energy source, an unused environmental energy source or combinations of both to the one or more transducers located in the generators. The energy received by the transducers may be converted to electrical energy by the transducers in conjunction with conditioning electronics located within the generator. A heel-strike generator is disclosed that is integrated into the heel of footwear and is used to convert mechanical energy generated during human bipedal motion to electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Scott E. Stanford, Seajin Oh, Pablo E. Garcia
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Publication number: 20040124738Abstract: This disclosed generators include one or more transducers that use electroactive polymer films to convert thermally generated mechanical energy to electrical energy. The generators may include one or more transmission mechanisms that convert a portion of thermal energy generated from a heat source such as internal combustion, external combustion, solar energy, geothermal energy or waste heat, to mechanical energy that is used to drive the one or more transducers located in the generator. The energy received by the transducers may be converted to electrical energy by the transducers in conjunction with conditioning electronics located within the generator. One embodiment of the present invention provides an energy conversion device with two chambers each chamber including a diaphragm transducer that may convert thermal energy to electricity using a thermodynamic cycle such as a Stirling gas cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: SRI International, A California CorporationInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Qibing Pei
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Patent number: 6664718Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers, transducers and devices that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. Similarly, when the electroactive polymer deflects, an electric field is produced in the polymer. This electric field may be used to produce electrical energy. An active area is a portion of a polymer having sufficient electrostatic force to enable deflection of the portion and/or sufficient deflection to enable a change in electrostatic force. The present invention relates to transducers and devices including multiple active areas. The invention also relates to methods for actuating one or more active areas.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Patent number: 6628040Abstract: This disclosed generators include one or more transducers that use electroactive polymer films to convert thermally generated mechanical energy to electrical energy. The generators may include one or more transmission mechanisms that convert a portion of thermal energy generated from a heat source such as internal combustion, external combustion, solar energy, geothermal energy or waste heat, to mechanical energy that is used to drive the one or more transducers located in the generator. The energy received by the transducers may be converted to electrical energy by the transducers in conjunction with conditioning electronics located within the generator. One embodiment of the present invention provides an energy conversion device with two chambers each chamber including a diaphragm transducer that may convert thermal energy to electricity using a thermodynamic cycle such as a Stirling gas cycle.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Qibing Pei
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Publication number: 20030163051Abstract: A noninvasive system and method of measuring vascular pressure waveforms in a living being includes a tonometric sensor device that reduces, or ideally, eliminates, distortion in the vascular pressure waveforms measured. The data from the vascular pressure waveforms are manipulated to determine cardiovascular conditions of a living being based on a comparison of measured augmentation index and/or pulse wave velocity values to typical values for healthy living beings of similar physiological characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Applicant: COLIN CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph Stephen Eckerle, John Marlow
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Publication number: 20020185937Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical-electrical power conversion systems. The systems comprise one or more electroactive polymers that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be converted into rotation of a power shaft included in a motor. Repeated deflection of the polymer may then produce continuous rotation of the power shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Jon Heim, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
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Publication number: 20020175598Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical-electrical power conversion systems. The systems comprise one or more electroactive polymers that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be converted into rotation of a power shaft included in a motor. Repeated deflection of the polymer may then produce continuous rotation of the power shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Jon Heim, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle