Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft – heavier-than-air – Airplane sustained
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-02
2001-07-17
Barefoot, Galen L. (Department: 3644)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft, heavier-than-air
Airplane sustained
C198S457040, C198S457040, C198S457040, C198S457040, C198S457040
Reexamination Certificate
active
06260795
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the field of aviation. Specifically, gliders. The instant glider is unlike any known conventional glider, in-so-far-as it incorporates many new technologies into a single application, while eliminating many of the problems associated with conventional gliders.
2. Description of Prior Art
Traditionally, gliders have depended upon the use of cables, hydraulics, torsion rods, lever arms, and pilot skill, as a means of altering the control surfaces of the wings. Advances in fixed winged gliders, and electronic sensoring devices, have given gliders better performance. However, the use of electronic devices have added weight and complexity to these systems, which limit their glide/descent ratios and make them difficult to operate efficiently. One aspect of hang-glider design that has proven ineffectual is the wing's leading edge designs. The current designs make it necessary for the pilot to feel for updrafts and other wind phenomena and physically push or pull the torsion rod to direct airflow over or under the wing's leading edge. This makes hang-gliding ineffectual and dangerous for beginners.
The instant invention uses a double row of Piezoelectric Ceramic Strip Actuators (PCSA) covered by synthetic feathers along the leading edge of the wing. These feathers mimic the function of the Aluale feathers of a bird. By computer the pilot commands these feathers to rise or lower, which directs airflow over or under the surface of the wings. The pilot no longer has to feel for wind phenomena, or push and pull on a torsion rod. He/she inputs their desired direction into the computer and the PCSA alter their shape to achieve the pilot's desired results, provided the wind is cooperative.
Inventors are familiar with U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,611 entitled, LEADING EDGE FLAP SYSTEM. Granted to MAKOTO HORIKAWA. That prior art uses hot wire anemometers and pressure actuators to rotate the wing's surface. The instant invention shares no similarities with this prior art.
The instant invention uses Piezoelectric Ceramic Strips as sensors and as actuator/muscles. The skin, or surface, of the wing does not move. Nor does the instant invention use hot wire anemometers as sensors.
Fixed wing gliders have become larger and heavier as more electronic systems are added. These gliders, because of their weight, require an automobile or a motorized aircraft to tow them aloft. Both hang-gliders and fixed wing gliders share similar deficiencies, such as weight, poor glide/descent ratios, and pilot's skill, as performance factors. The instant invention is constructed using high-tech lightweight materials. Cables, torsion rods, and heavy canvas, have been eliminated. The control surfaces are manipulated by an onboard computer. The pilot inputs his/her desired directions into the computer and the computer directs the PCSA to alter the control surfaces to conform to the shape best suited to achieve those desired results. This eliminates pilot's skill as a performance factor.
Inventors are familiar with U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,294. Granted to Brian J. Maclean, entitled: “ADAPTIVE CONTROL SURFACE USING ANTAGONISTIC SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY TENDONS.” That system uses shape memory alloy in conjunction with electronically heated hot wire tendons to alter the shape of a conventional airplane wing. The instant invention shares no similarities with the prior art.
The instant invention uses shape memory alloy (SMA) as a fixed Rachis/Vein of each synthetic feather. This fixed position allows the computer firmware (CF) to determine the amount of stress (by external wind flows) being applied to each feather in relationship to its known, or fixed position. In the instant invention the SMA is not heated, elongated, or deliberately altered in any fashion.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It is the inventor's objective to overcome the numerous limitations of conventional hang-gliders by using a combination of leading edge technologies, such as, the current aerodynamic statistical data on the gliding characteristics of birds in flight, combined with real time computing, and lightweight plastic construction using the MuCell Process. And Piezoelectronic Ceramic Strips as sensors and actuators to measure and react to external airflow's in real time.
The instant invention will seek to duplicate the external design of the California Condor, or other large bird, but on a larger scale. The Condor's ability to master the science of gliding stems from several basic factors. To duplicate these factors inventor's will overcome the following limitations.
Weight. Unlike conventional hang-gliders that use heavy canvas and aluminum torsion rods, and steal cables, the instant invention will be constructed of lightweight plastics. By utilizing the “MuCell Process” wherein materials like Polypropylene and Modacrylics are infused, during their manufacturing, with molecules from gases like Helium, making them stronger and lighter than conventional plastics.
The “MuCell Process,” was developed at MIT by NAM P. SUH and DAVE BERNSTEIN. Also see, “Trexel Inc. Alusuisse-Lona, of Zurich.” The process involves the infusion of Helium molecules into plastics during their manufacturing process, to create a stronger, lighter, plastic composite material.
Sensors. The Condor uses small feather sensors, located on either side of its nose, to detect external airflow. The instant invention uses Piezoelectric Ceramic Strips (PCSS) as sensors. These PCSS are embedded into Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Rachis' along the control surfaces, the Rachis' are covered by small synthetic feathers, (Barbs & Barbules), airflow's strike these feathers causing movement, which in turn causes an electrical signal which is sent to the computer's firmware. (CF) The PCSS provide the CF with continuous information about external airflow's, and control surface attitudes. The PCSS monitor the airflow's over and under the wings surfaces, and the CF directs the PCSA to alter their shapes to maximize upon external airflow's.
Real time reactions. The key factor in the Condor's ability to maximize the winds power is its ability to react (in real time) to changing external airflow's. The instant invention uses Computer Firmware to mimic the Condor's reactions. The CF is programmed to consider the external airflow's, given variables, pre-programmed possibilities, accepted limitations, and based upon the pilot's instructions, provide the control surfaces (PCSA) with an allowable solution to maintain maximum gliding efficiency.
Real time corrections to control surfaces. The CF will assess external airflow's and pilot's instructions, work out an allowable solution based upon known flight characteristics, and relay those instructions to the PCSA. This gives the system the ability to assess external conditions, (in real time) and (in real time) make corrections to the control surfaces.
By combining a bird's mastery of aerodynamics (on a computer program), with lightweight plastic construction, inventor's will overcome the disadvantages associated with conventional hang-gliders. And because the instant invention uses a computer to sense and react to airflow's, pilot skill is eliminated as a performance factor, making it possible for beginning pilots to master this device quickly. This invention is lightweight enough, and smart enough, to lift off upon a gentle breeze, thereby eliminating the need to be towed aloft by a conventional aircraft.
It was in an effort to overcome the many disadvantages of traditional prior art that the instant invention was conceived.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1679356 (1928-08-01), Grunewald
patent: 1783029 (1930-11-01), White
patent: 4473665 (1984-09-01), Martin-Vvendensky et al.
patent: 4516747 (1985-05-01), Lurz
patent: 4591111 (1986-05-01), Laughter
patent: 4741503 (1988-05-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 4845357 (1989-07-01), Brennan
patent: 4932611 (1990-06-01), Horikawa
patent: 5082207 (1992
Gay Kenneth Earl
Margulies Marc
LandOfFree
Oya computerized glider does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Oya computerized glider, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Oya computerized glider will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2513036