Patents by Inventor Roy Kornbluh
Roy 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: 11397031Abstract: A solid-state heat transporting device including a heat transporting element whose uniformity of contact with one or multiple surfaces is controllable so that various amounts of heat may be transported to and from the one or multiple surfaces. The heat transporting element uses the electrocaloric effect to absorb and release the heat and the uniformity of contact is controlled using an electrostatic effect which may change the shape of the heat transporting element. In one embodiment, the heat transporting element is an electrostatically actuated P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) polymer stack achieving a high specific cooling power of 2.8 W/g and a COP of 13 (the highest reported coefficient of performance to date) when used as a cooling device.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Qibing Pei, Rujun Ma, Ziyang Zhang, Roy Kornbluh, David Huber
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Publication number: 20210071917Abstract: A solid-state heat transporting device including a heat transporting element whose uniformity of contact with one or multiple surfaces is controllable so that various amounts of heat may be transported to and from the one or multiple surfaces. The heat transporting element uses the electrocaloric effect to absorb and release the heat and the uniformity of contact is controlled using an electrostatic effect which may change the shape of the heat transporting element. In one embodiment, the heat transporting element is an electrostatically actuated P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) polymer stack achieving a high specific cooling power of 2.8 W/g and a COP of 13 (the highest reported coefficient of performance to date) when used as a cooling device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2018Publication date: March 11, 2021Applicants: The Regents of the University of California, SIR InternationalInventors: Qibing Pei, Rujun Ma, Ziyang Zhang, Roy Kornbluh, David Huber
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Patent number: 10655670Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing that includes an inner space, an inlet connected to the inner space, and a plurality of outlets connected to the inner space. The housing allows an inner cable of a Bowden cable to pass therethrough such that the inner cable passes through the inlet, the inner space, and any of the plurality of outlets. The apparatus also includes an inner hub rotatably mounted in the inner space of the housing. The inner hub is configured to receive and guide the inner cable passing through the housing such that the inner cable forms a curved path about the inner hub. The apparatus includes a socket configured to receive the Bowden cable. The socket can be coupled to the housing at a plurality of different positions to select any of the plurality outlets such that the inner cable of the Bowden cable passes through the selected outlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Roy Kornbluh
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Patent number: 10443646Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing that includes an inner space, an inlet connected to the inner space, and a plurality of outlets connected to the inner space. The housing allows an inner cable of a Bowden cable to pass therethrough such that the inner cable passes through the inlet, the inner space, and any of the plurality of outlets. The apparatus also includes an inner hub rotatably mounted in the inner space of the housing. The inner hub is configured to receive and guide the inner cable passing through the housing such that the inner cable forms a curved path about the inner hub. The apparatus includes a socket configured to receive the Bowden cable. The socket can be coupled to the housing at a plurality of different positions to select any of the plurality outlets such that the inner cable of the Bowden cable passes through the selected outlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Roy Kornbluh
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Publication number: 20190128314Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing that includes an inner space, an inlet connected to the inner space, and a plurality of outlets connected to the inner space. The housing allows an inner cable of a Bowden cable to pass therethrough such that the inner cable passes through the inlet, the inner space, and any of the plurality of outlets. The apparatus also includes an inner hub rotatably mounted in the inner space of the housing. The inner hub is configured to receive and guide the inner cable passing through the housing such that the inner cable forms a curved path about the inner hub. The apparatus includes a socket configured to receive the Bowden cable. The socket can be coupled to the housing at a plurality of different positions to select any of the plurality outlets such that the inner cable of the Bowden cable passes through the selected outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: Alexander Steele KERNBAUM, Roy KORNBLUH
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Publication number: 20180135689Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing that includes an inner space, an inlet connected to the inner space, and a plurality of outlets connected to the inner space. The housing allows an inner cable of a Bowden cable to pass therethrough such that the inner cable passes through the inlet, the inner space, and any of the plurality of outlets. The apparatus also includes an inner hub rotatably mounted in the inner space of the housing. The inner hub is configured to receive and guide the inner cable passing through the housing such that the inner cable forms a curved path about the inner hub. The apparatus includes a socket configured to receive the Bowden cable. The socket can be coupled to the housing at a plurality of different positions to select any of the plurality outlets such that the inner cable of the Bowden cable passes through the selected outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2016Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Alexander Steele KERNBAUM, Roy KORNBLUH
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Publication number: 20080093849Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald Pelrine, Scott Stanford, Harsha Prahlad, Seajin Oh, Jonathan Heim, Roy Kornbluh
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Publication number: 20080089002Abstract: 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: April 17, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Joseph Eckerle, Roy Kornbluh, Scott Stanford
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Publication number: 20080075930Abstract: The present invention provides meta-materials with an actively controllable mechanical property. The meta-material includes a deformable structure and a set of activation elements. The activation elements are controllable between multiple states. The meta-material includes a first value for a mechanical property when one or more of the activation elements is in the first activation state and includes a second value for the mechanical property when the activation elements have been activated to the second activation state. In one aspect, the meta-material resembles a composite material where the connectivity between the component materials or shape and arrangement of the component materials is dynamically controllable so as to affect a mechanical property of the meta-material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Roy KORNBLUH, Ronald PELRINE, Harsha PRAHLAD, Scott STANFORD
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Publication number: 20080016860Abstract: 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: July 30, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Roy Kornbluh, Ronald Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Seiki Chiba, Joseph Eckerle, Bryan Chavez, Scott Stanford, Thomas Low
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Publication number: 20070290577Abstract: 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: July 12, 2007Publication date: December 20, 2007Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Ronald Pelrine, Roy Kornbluh, Jonathan Heim
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Publication number: 20070222344Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Roy Kornbluh, Ronald Pelrine, Qibing Pei, Joseph Eckerle
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Publication number: 20070200457Abstract: Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. Acrylic dielectric material based actuators are optionally provided in which architectures are presented that allow for improved power output as compared with other known acrylic dielectric material based transducers. Such technology may be applied in motor-driven applications, lightweight flight applications and lighting applications among others.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Jonathan Heim, Ronald Pelrine, Roy Kornbluh, Jonathan Smith
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Publication number: 20070200467Abstract: Described herein are compliant electroactive polymer transducers for use in acoustic applications. A compliant electroactive polymer transducer includes a compliant electroactive polymer at least two electrodes. For sound production, circuitry in electrical communication with the transducer electrodes is configured to apply a driving signal that causes the electroactive polymer to deflect in the acoustic range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Richard Heydt, Ronald Pelrine, Roy Kornbluh, Neville Bonwit, Joseph Eckerle
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Publication number: 20070164641Abstract: The invention describes devices for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid, such as pumps, compressors and fans. The thermodynamic work may be used to provide a driving force for moving the fluid. Work performed on the fluid may be transmitted to other devices, such as a piston in a hydraulic actuation device. The devices may include one or more electroactive polymer transducers with an electroactive polymer that deflects in response to an application of an electric field. The electroactive polymer may be in contact with a fluid where the deflection of the electroactive polymer may be used to perform thermodynamic work on the fluid. The devices may be designed to efficiently operate at a plurality of operating conditions, such as operating conditions that produce an acoustic signal above or below the human hearing range. The devices may be used in thermal control systems, such as refrigeration system, cooling systems and heating systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Ronald Pelrine, Roy Kornbluh, Richard Heydt, Jonathan Heim
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Publication number: 20060290241Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2006Publication date: December 28, 2006Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy Kornbluh, Ronald Pelrine, Qibing Pei, Joseph Eckerle
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Publication number: 20060238066Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2006Publication date: October 26, 2006Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Ronald Pelrine, Roy Kornbluh, Pablo Garcia, Joseph Eckerle
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Publication number: 20060238079Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2006Publication date: October 26, 2006Applicant: SRI International, A California CorporationInventors: Qibing Pei, Ronald Pelrine, Roy Kornbluh
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Publication number: 20060192465Abstract: The present invention provides meta-materials with an actively controllable mechanical property. The meta-material includes a deformable structure and a set of activation elements. The activation elements are controllable between multiple states. The meta-material includes a first value for a mechanical property when one or more of the activation elements is in the first activation state and includes a second value for the mechanical property when the activation elements have been activated to the second activation state. In one aspect, the meta-material resembles a composite material where the connectivity between the component materials or shape and arrangement of the component materials is dynamically controllable so as to affect a mechanical property of the meta-material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: August 31, 2006Applicant: SRI International, A California CorporationInventors: Roy Kornbluh, Ronald Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Scott Stanford
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Publication number: 20060158065Abstract: The invention describes devices for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid, such as pumps, compressors and fans. The thermodynamic work may be used to provide a driving force for moving the fluid. Work performed on the fluid may be transmitted to other devices, such as a piston in a hydraulic actuation device. The devices may include one or more electroactive polymer transducers with an electroactive polymer that deflects in response to an application of an electric field. The electroactive polymer may be in contact with a fluid where the deflection of the electroactive polymer may be used to perform thermodynamic work on the fluid. The devices may be designed to efficiently operate at a plurality of operating conditions, such as operating conditions that produce an acoustic signal above or below the human hearing range. The devices may be used in thermal control systems, such as refrigeration system, cooling systems and heating systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2006Publication date: July 20, 2006Applicant: SRI International A California CorporationInventors: Ronald Pelrine, Roy Kornbluh, Scott Stanford, Qibing Pei, Richard Heydt, Joseph Eckerle, Jonathan Heim