Patents by Inventor Richard J. Silcox

Richard J. Silcox 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).

  • Jet engine exhaust nozzle flow effector
    Patent number: 7958733
    Abstract: A jet engine exhaust nozzle flow effector is a chevron formed with a radius of curvature with surfaces of the flow effector being defined and opposing one another. At least one shape memory alloy (SMA) member is embedded in the chevron closer to one of the chevron's opposing surfaces and substantially spanning from at least a portion of the chevron's root to the chevron's tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Travis L. Turner, Roberto J. Cano, Richard J. Silcox, Ralph D. Buehrle, Christopher M. Cagle, Randolph H. Cabell, George C. Hilton
  • Jet Engine Exhaust Nozzle Flow Effector
    Publication number: 20080272232
    Abstract: A jet engine exhaust nozzle flow effector is a chevron formed with a radius of curvature with surfaces of the flow effector being defined and opposing one another. At least one shape memory alloy (SMA) member is embedded in the chevron closer to one of the chevron's opposing surfaces and substantially spanning from at least a portion of the chevron's root to the chevron's tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Administrator of the National Aeronautics and and Space Administration
    Inventors: Christopher M. Cagle, Randolph H. Cabell, Travis L. Turner, Roberto J. Cano, Richard J. Silcox, Ralph D. Buehrle, George C. Hilton
  • Method and apparatus for minimizing multiple degree of freedom vibration transmission between two regions of a structure
    Patent number: 5156370
    Abstract: Arrays of actuators are affixed to structural elements to impede the transmission of vibrational energy. A single pair is used to provide control of bending and extensional waves and two pairs are used to control torsional motion in addition to these two types of wave motion. The arrays are applied to a wide variety of structural elements such as a beam structure that is part of larger framework that may or may not support a rigid or non-rigid skin. Electrical excitation is applied to the actuators that generate forces on the structure. These electrical inputs may be adjusted in their amplitude and phase by a controller in communication with appropriate vibrational wave sensors to impede the flow of vibrational power in all of the above mentioned wave forms beyond the actuator location. Additional sensor elements can be used to monitor the performance and adjust the electrical inputs to maximize the attenuation of vibrational energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Richard J. Silcox, Chris R. Fuller, Gary P. Gibbs