Alan Micah Giles

US Patent:

20130032671, Feb 7, 2013

Filed:

Aug 5, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/204630

Inventors:

Alan M. Giles - Apple Valley CA, US
James T. Machin - Wrightwood CA, US
John A. Geriguis - Wrightwood CA, US

Assignee:

GENERAL ATOMICS - San Diego CA

International Classification:

B64D 15/16
B64D 15/18

US Classification:

244134 R

Abstract:

Methods and systems are generally described that inhibit debris (such as ice) accretions and/or remove debris (such as ice) accretions from the exterior surface of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the invention is a system for an aircraft comprising: a component of the aircraft having a surface; a plurality of piezo-kinetic actuators each positioned proximate to a portion of the surface; and a control unit coupled to the plurality of actuators, the control unit configured to actuate one or more of the actuators at one or more frequencies between about 1 Hz and about 1 kHz; wherein the actuators are each configured to introduce a displacement of the surface in three dimensions to inhibit a formation of ice on at least the portion of the surface and to break up existing ice formations on at least the portion of the surface.

US Patent:

20190360846, Nov 28, 2019

Filed:

Aug 12, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/538560

Inventors:

- Charlotte NC, US
Alan M. Giles - Apple Valley CA, US

International Classification:

G01D 11/10
G01H 11/08
G02B 27/64

Abstract:

A sensor assembly includes a frame defining a sensor axis having opposing endplates with axially extending supports. The opposing endplates are connected by a pair of axially extending side beams. A suspended mass is within an interior of the frame suspended from the supports of the frame. A plurality of piezoelectric material layers are operatively connected to sides of respective spacers opposite the frame to damp vibrations of the suspended mass.

US Patent:

20160223367, Aug 4, 2016

Filed:

Jan 8, 2016

Appl. No.:

14/991276

Inventors:

- Charlotte NC, US
Alan M. Giles - Apple Valley CA, US

International Classification:

G01D 11/10

Abstract:

A sensor assembly includes a frame defining a sensor axis having opposing endplates with axially extending supports. The opposing endplates are connected by a pair of axially extending side beams. A suspended mass is within an interior of the frame suspended from the supports of the frame. A plurality of piezoelectric material layers are operatively connected to sides of respective spacers opposite the frame to damp vibrations of the suspended mass.