Patents by Inventor Roy D. Kornbluh
Roy D. Kornbluh 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: 7538445Abstract: Described herein are marine devices and methods that convert mechanical energy in one or more waves to mechanical energy that is better suited for conversion into electrical energy. The marine devices employ a mechanical energy conversion system that harnesses wave energy and converts it into limited motion that is suitable for input to an electrical energy generator.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Seiki Chiba, Joseph S. Eckerle, Bryan Chavez, Scott E. Stanford, Thomas Low
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Patent number: 7485978Abstract: Combustion devices described herein comprise a compliant combustion chamber wall or segment. The compliant segment deforms during combustion in the combustion chamber. Some devices may include a compliant wall configured to stretch responsive to pressure generated by combustion of a fuel in the combustion chamber. A coupling portion translates deformation of the compliant segment or wall into mechanical output. One or more ports are configured to inlet an oxygen source and fuel into the combustion chamber and to outlet exhaust gases from the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Scott E. Stanford, Harsha Prahlad, Seajin Oh, Jonathan Heim, Roy D. Kornbluh
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Patent number: 7468575Abstract: Described herein are transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer included in a transducer.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Qibing Pei, Jose P. Joseph
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Publication number: 20080289952Abstract: The present invention provides electroactive polymer transducers that produce out-of-plane deflections. The transducers form a set of surface features based on deflection of an electroactive polymer. The set of surface features may include elevated polymer surface features and/or depressed electrode surface features. Actuation of an active area may produce the polymer deflection that creates one or more surface features. A passive layer may operably connect to a polymer. The passive layer may comprise a thicker and softer material to amplify polymer thickness changes and increase surface feature visibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Harsha Prahlad
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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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Publication number: 20080252176Abstract: 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: April 23, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Jonathan Heim
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Publication number: 20080224564Abstract: Described herein are several solutions that increase transducer lifetime by reducing or preventing tear propagation in a compliant electroactive polymer. One solution couples a compliant tear resistant treatment to a transducer proximate to an edge portion of the electroactive polymer. Another solution uses a tear resistant layer that couples to and covers a large surface area of the transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. PELRINE, Roy D. KORNBLUH, Harsha PRAHLAD, Sunity K. SHARMA, Bryan CHAVEZ, Donald E. CZYZYK, Annjoe WONG-FOY, Scott E. STANFORD
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Publication number: 20080218132Abstract: Described herein is a generator with an electroactive polymer transducer. The transducer has a capacitance that varies with deflection of a polymer included in the transducer. The generator also includes a generator circuit, coupled to the electroactive polymer transducer, that includes a capacitor. The generator circuit is configured such that the capacitor collects electrical energy from the electroactive polymer transducer in response to a change in capacitance of the polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph S. Eckerle, Harsha Prahlad
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Publication number: 20080211341Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Roy D. Kornbluh, Patrick D. Lincoln, Scott Stanford
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Publication number: 20080191585Abstract: Described herein are transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer included in a transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Qibing Pei, Jose P. Joseph
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Patent number: 7411332Abstract: The present invention relates to animated devices that include one or more electroactive polymer transducers. When actuated by electrical energy, an electroactive polymer produces mechanical deflection in one or more directions. This deflection may be used to produce motion of a feature included in an animated device. Electroactive polymer transducers offer customizable shapes and deflections. Combining different ways to configure and constrain a polymer, different ways to arrange active areas on a single polymer, different animated device designs, and different polymer orientations, permits a broad range of animated devices that use an electroactive polymer transducer to produce motion. These animated devices find use in a wide range of animated device applications.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Qibing Pei, Joseph S. Eckerle
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Publication number: 20080136052Abstract: Described herein are transducers and their 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 provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Qibing Pei, Seajin Oh, Jose P. Joseph
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Patent number: 7378783Abstract: 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: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Jonathan Heim
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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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Publication number: 20070257490Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that use an electroactive polymer transducer to convert mechanical energy, originally contained in one or more waves, to electrical energy. Marine devices described herein may employ a mechanical energy conversion system that transfers mechanical energy in a wave into mechanical energy suitable for input to the electroactive polymer transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2007Publication date: November 8, 2007Inventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Seiki Chiba, Joseph S. Eckerle, Bryan Chavez, Scott E. Stanford, Thomas Low
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Publication number: 20070257491Abstract: Described herein are marine devices and methods that convert mechanical energy in one or more waves to mechanical energy that is better suited for conversion into electrical energy. The marine devices employ a mechanical energy conversion system that harnesses wave energy and converts it into limited motion that is suitable for input to an electrical energy generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2007Publication date: November 8, 2007Inventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Seiki Chiba, Joseph S. Eckerle, Bryan Chavez, Scott E. Stanford, Thomas Low
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Patent number: 7259503Abstract: 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 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Qibing Pei, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh
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Patent number: 7224106Abstract: 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 18, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Qibing Pei, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh
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Patent number: 7211937Abstract: The present invention relates to animated devices that include one or more electroactive polymer transducers. When actuated by electrical energy, an electroactive polymer produces mechanical deflection in one or more directions. This deflection may be used to produce motion of a feature included in an animated device. Electroactive polymer transducers offer customizable shapes and deflections. Combining different ways to configure and constrain a polymer, different ways to arrange active areas on a single polymer, different animated device designs, and different polymer orientations, permits a broad range of animated devices that use an electroactive polymer transducer to produce motion. These animated devices find use in a wide range of animated device applications.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Qibing Pei, Joseph S. Eckerle
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Patent number: 7199501Abstract: 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 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Qibing Pei, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh