Patents by Inventor Stephen C. Butler

Stephen C. Butler 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).

  • Patent number: 11893975
    Abstract: A linear transducer is connected to a first flexible member that has a first elongated shape with a first minor axis and a first major axis perpendicular to each other. This connects the linear transducer to opposite portions of the first flexible member along the first major axis. A second flexible member having an elongated shape with a second minor axis and a second major axis is provided. The second flexible member is connected to the first flexible member such that portions on the second major axis are joined to move with portions of the first flexible member on the first minor axis. Operation of the linear transducer multiplies displacements of the second flexible member relative to those of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventors: Stephen C Butler, Dimitri Donskoy, Jason E Gaudette
  • Patent number: 11582561
    Abstract: A thermophone includes an inner core and an outer shell coaxial with the inner core. The inner core and outer shell enclose a volume filled with gas. A pair of posts extend radially from the inner core to the outer shell and extend longitudinally between the inner core and the outer shell. At least one longitudinal slot is formed along the outer shell and a fluid seal covers the slot. A thermoacoustic active element is disposed in the volume and heated by modulated current to generate alternating pressure on the outer shell and produce acoustic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventors: Nathanael K. Mayo, Stephen C. Butler
  • Patent number: 10788575
    Abstract: Extendable air-based line arrays of directional projectors are provided with the arrays affixed and parallel to a ship hull. An anchor and a vibration isolator are affixed to the hull and the arrays in which the anchor and isolator separate the arrays from the hull. Each of hydraulically-actuated arms rotatably connect at a cam to an arm stop affixed to the anchor. A sound vibration dampener is positioned between the arm stops. The arms are capable of extending the directional projectors to an activation position with the projectors forming narrow beams into the water to become sonar waves that reflect from a target. The reflections from the target are received with a hydrophone on the ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventors: Jackeline D Diapis, Thomas A Frank, Lynn T Antonelli, Stephen C Butler
  • Patent number: 9286418
    Abstract: A method for designing an acoustic array includes establishing a desired beam pattern, acoustic wavelength and beamwidth for the array. Geometric parameters are calculated from these constraints. The array is modeled as a plurality of elements positioned in accordance with the geometric parameters. An amplitude shading function is calculated. An array of acoustic elements is constructed having an area calculated from the calculated amplitude shading function. An acoustic array designed by this process is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen C Butler, Thomas A Frank, Jackeline D Diapis
  • Publication number: 20110073293
    Abstract: A soft thermally-conductive wick is provided to be connected between the metallic components on a transducer and onto a thermal sink. Beryllia ceramic is provided to improve heat flux within the transducer while maintaining electrical insulation. The wick provides adequate heat flux and such that the mass and stiffness of the wick do not adversely affect the vibroacoustic properties of the transducer in the frequency band of interest. The mass of the wick attachment is considered in the transducer design with the location and direction of the wick attachment designed so as to not introduce rocking modes or other adverse affects in the frequency band of interest. The wick may be strung, coiled, folded or configured in many ways between the transducer and the thermal sink to ensure that no acoustic or vibrational energy is transmitted down the length of the wick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Benoit G. Gauthier, Stephen C. Butler, Stephen J. Plunkett
  • Patent number: 6822373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a broadband transducer which comprises a tail mass located at a first end of the transducer, an active compliant driver section positioned adjacent the tail mass, a first center mass positioned adjacent an end of the active compliant driver section, a first passive compliant member positioned adjacent the first center mass, and a head mass located generally adjacent a second end of the transducer, which second end is opposed to the first end. In one embodiment, the head mass is proximate the second end and another center mass and a second passive compliant members are interposed between the first center mass and the head mass. In another embodiment, a quarter-wave matching layer which forms another mass component and a second passive compliant member component, is interposed between the head mass and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Stephen C. Butler