Search Results - Mechanical

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090126: Novel Electroactive Polymer-based Flow Sensors for Automotive Systems

Michigan State University’s sensing technology enables potential commercial applications in a broad range of industrial applications where information is needed on a combination of fluid/gas flow rates (e.g., in a line), along with the real-time density/viscosity variation of those fluids or gases. The invention uses electroactive polymer composites...
Published: 7/21/2014   |   Inventor(s): Guoming Zhu, Xiaobo Tan, David Hung
Keywords(s): 3D Cursor, Automotive, Engine Control Module, Ethanol, Mass Air Flow Sensor, Polymers Category(s): Mechanical, Electrical, Devices

090024: X-Plant Spinal Fixator

Lumbar fusion surgery is used for a variety of lumbar spine problems. Initially, most lumbar spine problems are treated conservatively. If symptoms persist, some individuals may be candidates for lumbar spine fusion surgery. The goal of such surgery is to relieve pain, numbness, and weakness, to restore nerve function, and to stop or prevent abnormal...
Published: 7/21/2014   |   Inventor(s): Lawrence Mysliwiec
Keywords(s): Fixation, Lumbar, Orthopedic, Percutaneous, Spine, Surgery Category(s): Medical, Mechanical

050122: Pneumatic Nano-Probe Tip for Nano-Manipulation and Manufacturing

A major problem with nano-manipulation is holding the target. Due to the lack of micro force/flow feedback, the target is often destroyed during its manipulation. It would be highly desirable to have a means for picking up and releasing nano-objects without the above difficulties. Description The current invention addresses current operational problems...
Published: 7/21/2014   |   Inventor(s): Ning Xi, Yantao Shen, Uchechukwu Wejinya
Keywords(s): Micro-suction, Nanomanipulation, Nano-manufacturing, Pneumatic Pressure Category(s): Mechanical, Nanotechnology, Devices

050034: Improved AFM Manipulation of Nano-Objects

In traditional atomic force microscope (AFM) based nano-manipulation systems, a cantilever is used as the probe tip to manipulate nano-sized objects. Because of the need for good contact with the object, a "pre-loaded" force must be exerted by the cantilever on the object, making it difficult for an operator to "feel" the object or to adjust and...
Published: 7/21/2014   |   Inventor(s): Ning Xi, Jiangbo Zhang, Guangyong Li
Keywords(s): Atomic Force Microscope, Manipulator, Nanomanipulation, Nano-object, Nanoscale, NEMS, Piezoelectric Category(s): Mechanical, Devices, Electrical

050026: A Force Sensing Probe for Micromanipulation and Microassembly

A current limitation with existing micro-probe tips is their relatively high degree of bending when encountering objects on surfaces. This significantly limits the ability of micro-probes to manipulate micro-objects. In addition, the sensor can only have a small dynamic range in its bending if it is to maintain high accuracy in manipulating objects. Description The...
Published: 7/21/2014   |   Inventor(s): Ning Xi, Yantao Shen
Keywords(s): Active Force Balance, Force Sensor, Microassembly, Micromechanical, Piezoelectric, PVDF Category(s): Mechanical, Devices

040091: Radial Wave Rotor

Traditional attempts to use depressions or pockets to control wave reflection of off-design operation in internal combustion engines undesirably reduce the sensitivity of axial wave rotors to engine speed changes. Nevertheless, there still exists a need to improve the performance and reduce the size of traditional wave rotors to enhance their commercial...
Published: 7/21/2014   |   Inventor(s): Norbert Mueller, Janusz Piechna, Pezhman Akbari, Florin Iancu
Keywords(s): Automotive, Internal Combustion Engine, Turbo-Machinery Category(s): Mechanical

040059: Wave Rotors for Ultra-Micro Gas Turbines

Gas turbine engines are essentially simple devices having only three parts: a compressor, a combustion area, and a turbine. Applications of such engines are well know, for example, in jet engines of aircraft, propulsion systems of tanks, and small industrial power plants. Devices such as wave rotors have been used in an attempt to improve the efficiency...
Published: 7/21/2014   |   Inventor(s): Norbert Mueller, Florin Iancu, Pezhman Akbari
Keywords(s): Automotive, Energy Efficiency Category(s): Energy, Mechanical

040039: Miniature Microwave Plasma Torch

Michigan State University’s invention uses microwave-based plasma torch technology to provide a miniature version of the plasma torch. The miniature plasma torch operates at or near atmospheric pressure to process materials or render spectroscopy applications. The torch can provide a spot sized from a quarter millimeter to several millimeters....
Published: 7/21/2014   |   Inventor(s): Jes Asmussen, Timothy Grotjohn, Shengxi (stanley) Zuo, Kadek Hemawan
Keywords(s): Materials Processing, Microwave Plasma Torch, Plasma, Plasma Torch, Torch Category(s): Electrical, Mechanical

020015: Microstripline Circuits for Microwave Plasma Discharges

Widely used in a variety of products and processes, plasmas are generated by applying a voltage between electrodes to facilitate gas ionization. The voltage may be static (DC) or varying at a fixed rate that can be in the RF range (<100 KHz) or as high as tens of MHz in frequency. Typical plasmas have a characteristic physical dimension on the...
Published: 7/21/2014   |   Inventor(s): Timothy Grotjohn, Jes Asmussen, Andy Wijaya
Keywords(s): MEMS, Microstrip, Microwave, Plasma, Stripline Category(s): Mechanical, Nanotechnology, Electrical

000002: Higher Efficiency Process for Preparing Clays for Use in Nanocomposites

Polymer-clay nanocomposites are used in such applications as packaging films, containers, automobile trim and injection-molded components. Homostructured mixed ion clays used in such nanocomposites require a relatively slow and complicated process to be prepared. The existing process for preparing homoionic organoclays (a critical component of...
Published: 7/21/2014   |   Inventor(s): Thomas Pinnavaia, Zhen Wang
Keywords(s): Homostructured, Intercalation, Layered Silicates, Nanocomposites, Polymers Category(s): Chemicals, Mechanical, Nanotechnology
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