Ronald P Reitz

US Patent:

7736063, Jun 15, 2010

Filed:

Jul 24, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/890105

Inventors:

Ronald P. Reitz - Nottingham MD, US
Gus F. Plangetis - Annapolis MD, US

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

F16C 33/66

US Classification:

384462, 384464

Abstract:

The present invention, as variously practiced, implements electrorheological fluid (ERF) as a bearing lubricant. Various modes of an inventive rolling element bearing apparatus provide for electrification of inventive electrode components, viz: (first mode) two annular disk electrodes, opposite each other and perpendicular to the two raceway surfaces; or, (second mode) electrically conductive inner and outer races, having an electrically conductive spacer therebetween; or, (third mode) plural electrodes, radially embedded in a race. An ERF lubricative coating remains on one or both raceway surfaces in accordance with Winslow effect principle (first and second modes) or edge effect principle (third mode). An inventive journal bearing apparatus provides for electrification of electrodes that are axially-longitudinally embedded in a journal bearing member, resulting in establishment of edge effect electric flux lines between adjacent electrode pairs, an ERF lubricative coating thereby remaining on the journal bearing member's inward facing surface, contiguous to the shaft.

US Patent:

7841290, Nov 30, 2010

Filed:

Feb 12, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/706680

Inventors:

Ronald P. Reitz - Nottingham MD, US
Gus F. Plangetis - Annapolis MD, US

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

B63G 8/08

US Classification:

114337, 114338

Abstract:

In one general aspect, a shaftless external propulsion system as described herein provides a sleeve configured to be externally mounted over a hull of a marine vehicle. In addition, the shaftless propulsion system provides a rotor and a first stator mounted on the sleeve. The rotor includes a rotor hub that cooperates with a rotor bearing to enable the rotor to rotate about the sleeve, the rotor further comprising rotor blades attached to the rotor hub. The rotor and the first stator are disposed between a collar located at a first end of the sleeve and a collar hub located at an opposite end of the sleeve.

US Patent:

7980765, Jul 19, 2011

Filed:

Jun 11, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/813643

Inventors:

Ronald P. Reitz - Spring Hill FL, US
Gus F. Plangetis - Annapolis MD, US

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

F16C 33/66

US Classification:

384322, 384627

Abstract:

The present invention, as variously practiced, implements electrorheological fluid (ERF) as a bearing lubricant. Various modes of an inventive rolling element bearing apparatus provide for electrification of inventive electrode components, viz: (first mode) two annular disk electrodes, opposite each other and perpendicular to the two raceway surfaces; or, (second mode) electrically conductive inner and outer races, having an electrically conductive spacer therebetween; or, (third mode) plural electrodes, radially embedded in a race. An ERF lubricative coating remains on one or both raceway surfaces in accordance with Winslow effect principle (first and second modes) or edge effect principle (third mode). An inventive journal bearing apparatus provides for electrification of electrodes that are axially-longitudinally embedded in a journal bearing member, resulting in establishment of edge effect electric flux lines between adjacent electrode pairs, an ERF lubricative coating thereby remaining on the journal bearing member's inward facing surface, contiguous to the shaft.

US Patent:

44196172, Dec 6, 1983

Filed:

Jun 11, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/047354

Inventors:

Ronald P. Reitz - Annapolis MD

International Classification:

H02N 100

US Classification:

322 2R

Abstract:

Apparatus are described for converting thermal energy into electrical energy wherein the electrical energy conversion is accomplished by the use of materials having thermally dependent magnetic susceptibilities. In some embodiments one of the electrodes of the apparatus may be an electrode of an electrochemical storage cell.

US Patent:

43496156, Sep 14, 1982

Filed:

Dec 23, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/219491

Inventors:

Ronald P. Reitz - Annapolis MD

International Classification:

H01M 638

US Classification:

429110

Abstract:

A rechargable electrochemical cell has a negative electrode; a positive electrode spaced therefrom; an electrolyte solution in which portions of said negative and said positive electrodes are immersed; a flexible housing means whereby said electrodes and electrolyte solution are housed; a means whereby said flexible housing may be crimped or bent such that said crimping or bending restricts or prevents altogether the free flow of electrolytic ions from said negative electrode to said positive electrode or from said positive electrode to said negative electrode; a third electrode means on one side of the portion of said flexible housing which may be bent or crimped but spaced therefrom, said third electrode means being spaced proximate to but electrically insulated from said electrolyte solution; and a fourth electrode means on the side of the bendable portion of said flexible housing which is opposite that side occupied by said third electrode means, said fourth electrode means being spaced proximate to but electrically insulated from said electrolyte solution.

US Patent:

47590009, Jul 19, 1988

Filed:

Oct 16, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/919651

Inventors:

Ronald P. Reitz - Annapolis MD

International Classification:

H04R 1700

US Classification:

367176

Abstract:

An acoustic energy absorbing baffle comprising a fluid containment means having an acoustic window means, a viscous fluid contained within said fluid containment, a porous material comprising strands of wire and being immersed within said viscous fluid means, a compliant mass means and means for holding said compliant mass means in close proximity of said porous material means such that the motion of said compliant mass means is imparted to said porous material. Incident acoustical energy is transmitted through the acoustic window and translated into energy absorbing motion of the porous material by acoustical excitation of the compliant mass means.

US Patent:

43271618, Apr 27, 1982

Filed:

Jul 8, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/164715

Inventors:

Ronald P. Reitz - Annapolis MD

International Classification:

H01M 630

US Classification:

429110

Abstract:

An electrochemical storage cell device provides fluctuating voltage and current to a load to be driven. A plurality of the electrochemical storage cell devices may, when initially charged up, be used to provide alternating current and alternating voltage to a load to be driven. The alternating current and voltage are produced by the selective control of ion passage within the electrochemical storage cell.

US Patent:

41796276, Dec 18, 1979

Filed:

Mar 8, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/884396

Inventors:

Ronald P. Reitz - Annapolis MD

Assignee:

Tom Swift Enterprises, Inc. - Annapolis MD

International Classification:

H01L 3104

US Classification:

307261

Abstract:

An electrical apparatus for use as a capacitor, solar cell, switching device, wave-shaper and the like. The apparatus comprises a first electrode, a first dielectric positioned proximate one side of the first electrode, a second electrode positioned proximate the first dielectric, a second dielectric positioned proximate one side of the second electrode, a third electrode positioned proximate the second dielectric and generally facing said one side of the second electrode, a third dielectric positioned proximate the non-facing side of the third electrode, a fourth electrode positioned proximate the third dielectric, means for connecting the first and fourth electrodes to a control circuit whereby an electrical potential is established between the first and fourth electrodes, and means for connecting the second and third electrodes to an external circuit whereby upon operation of the external circuit the second and third electrodes are connected in circuit.