Daniel J Inman

US Patent:

53478703, Sep 20, 1994

Filed:

Nov 22, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/155347

Inventors:

Jeffrey J. Dosch - Buffalo NY
Roger W. Mayne - Williamsville NY
Daniel J. Inman - Getzville NY

Assignee:

State University of New York - Buffalo NY

International Classification:

G01B 716

US Classification:

73769

Abstract:

Self sensing actuator system using a piezoelectric actuator device allows the device to perform both as an actuator and sensor. The sensor functions can be either measurements of stress or measurements of strain. The actuator can be used as a force generator or positioning device, both in open and closed loop configurations, and is useful for purposes ranging from dynamic damping to shape control (i. e. , shaping or controlling deformation of a body).

US Patent:

20190276097, Sep 12, 2019

Filed:

Mar 8, 2018

Appl. No.:

15/916048

Inventors:

- Dearborn MI, US
- Ann Arbor MI, US
John Romig - Troy MI, US
Lawren Gamble - Ann Arbor MI, US
Daniel Inman - Northport MI, US
William S. Gulker - Beverly Hills MI, US
Artem Poliakov - Farmington Hills MI, US

International Classification:

B62D 35/00
B60R 1/07
B62D 29/04

Abstract:

An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a composite material selectively movable between an inactive position and an active position, and a control to apply a voltage to the composite material in response to a vehicle panel moving from a closed position to an open position to move the composite material to the active position to mitigate wind throb.

US Patent:

20170077839, Mar 16, 2017

Filed:

Sep 14, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/264657

Inventors:

- Ann Arbor MI, US
- Amherst NY, US
Daniel J. INMAN - Saline MI, US
Mohammad Hossein ANSARI - Amherst NY, US

International Classification:

H02N 2/18
A61N 1/378
A61N 1/375
H01L 41/113

Abstract:

An energy harvester having a plurality of bimorph beams and a plurality of piezoelectric devices, wherein at least two of the piezoelectric devices are mounted to each of the plurality of bimorph beams. A plurality of rigid beams interconnect adjacent ends of the bimorph beams to define a stacked, fan-folded shape having a first end of one of the bimorph beams mounted to a structure. A tip mass is disposed on a free end of another of the plurality of bimorph beams. Upon movement of the energy harvester, the plurality of bimorph beams is caused to deflect and thereby output electrical power from the plurality of piezoelectric devices.