Stephen B Clark

US Patent:

20130054138, Feb 28, 2013

Filed:

Aug 23, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/199204

Inventors:

Stephen E. Clark - Norfolk VA, US

International Classification:

G01C 21/00

US Classification:

701468, 701482

Abstract:

A system and method for positioning control and management of racing sailboat positions and velocities includes the strategic placement of a global positioning receiver on the sailboat. Global positioning system (GPS) receiver unit receives GPS signals from positioning satellites. Prior to starting a race, the sailboat takes two line shots of the starting line from beyond one or both ends of the starting line. In response to operator selection via a user input interface connected to the GPS receiver, the boat's respective positions at which the two line shots are taken are each recorded by a processor connected to the GPS receiver. The processor calculates the equation of a straight line corresponding to that of the extended starting line, and plots it in an x-y plane. The processor additionally continuously determines the boat's current location, speed and bearing relative to the start line, and plots its current course in the same x-y plane as the starting line. The processor calculates the projected point of intersection of the boat's current course with the starting line, and produces a visual and/or audible output describing the amount of time until the boat crosses the start line.

US Patent:

58167803, Oct 6, 1998

Filed:

Apr 15, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/843380

Inventors:

Richard P. Bishop - Fairfax Station VA
Bradbury R. Face - Smithfield VA
Samuel A. Face - Norfolk VA
Stephen E. Clark - Norfolk VA
Norvell S. Rose - Virginia Beach VA

Assignee:

Face International Corp. - Norfolk VA

International Classification:

F04B 3500

US Classification:

417322

Abstract:

A piezoelectrically actuated fluid pump including a pump housing, a pump chamber, inlet and outlet ports for communicating the pump chamber with the exterior of the pump housing, valves for opening and closing the ports, two prestressed piezoelectric diaphragm members which are self-actuated, and a power source is provided. The diaphragm members include a prestressed piezoelectric element which is durable, inexpensive and lightweight as compared with prior diaphragm pumps of comparable discharge capacity, and is actuated via electrical signals from an outside power source. No exterior mechanical parts for driving the diaphragm members are necessary. A modification is disclosed in which a central computer independently controls the phase angle of oscillation of the two diaphragm members, providing precise flow rate control.

US Patent:

61561452, Dec 5, 2000

Filed:

Aug 21, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/138462

Inventors:

Stephen Clark - Norfolk VA

Assignee:

Face International Corp. - Norfolk VA

International Classification:

B32B 3104
B32B 3120

US Classification:

156160

Abstract:

A method for manufacturing a multi-layer piezoelectric transducer having enhanced mechanical output displacement capability resulting from an increase in the amount of "pre-stress" applied to the electroactive (ceramic) layer by the pre-stress layer. The pre-stress layer is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the ceramic layer and bonded at an elevated temperature to the ceramic layer, such that, as the pre-stress layer subsequently cools down to ambient temperature, it applies a compressive stress to the ceramic layer. During the step of cooling the layers to ambient temperature, the temperature drop of the pre-stress layer is greater than the temperature drop of the ceramic layer, thereby increasing the amount of "pre-stress" applied to the electroactive (ceramic) layer by the pre-stress layer.

US Patent:

60423455, Mar 28, 2000

Filed:

Apr 3, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/055000

Inventors:

Richard P Bishop - Fairfax Station VA
Bradbury R. Face - Smithfield VA
Samuel A. Face - Norfolk VA
Stephen E Clark - Norfolk VA
Norvell S. Rose - Virginia Beach VA

Assignee:

Face International Corporation - Norfolk VA

International Classification:

F04B 1700

US Classification:

417322

Abstract:

A piezoelectrically actuated fluid pump including a pump housing, a pump chamber, inlet and outlet ports for communicating the pump chamber with the exterior of the pump housing, valving means for opening and closing the ports, two pre-stressed piezoelectric diaphragm members which are self-actuated, and energizing means is provided. The diaphragm members include a prestressed piezoelectric element which is durable, inexpensive and lightweight as compared with diaphragm members of prior diaphragm pumps of comparable discharge capacity, and is actuated via electrical signals from an outside power source. No exterior mechanical means for driving the diaphragm members is necessary. A modification is disclosed in which a central computer independently controls the phase angle of oscillation of the two diaphragm members, providing precise flow rate control.

US Patent:

45805920, Apr 8, 1986

Filed:

Oct 25, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/545352

Inventors:

Stephen E. Clark - Norfolk VA
Earl A. Clark - Norfolk VA

International Classification:

F16K 1320

US Classification:

137172

Abstract:

Open vessel separator valve has ballasted, hollow-cavitied float disposed above oil/water inlet orifice. Float having large net mass floats in water and sinks in oil. Liquid passes through spillways of sinking float into said float cavity and fills same. Sunken float applies downward force upon sealing means located thereunder, thereby closing oil/water inlet orifice. Device can be reset by draining liquid from sunken float.

US Patent:

60741783, Jun 13, 2000

Filed:

Apr 15, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/060991

Inventors:

Richard P. Bishop - Fairfax Station VA
Bradbury R. Face - Smithfield VA
Samuel A. Face - Norfolk VA
Stephen E. Clark - Norfolk VA
Norvell S. Rose - Virginia Beach VA

Assignee:

Face International Corp. - Norfolk VA

International Classification:

F04B 1700

US Classification:

417322

Abstract:

A peristaltic piezoelectrically actuated fluid pump including two or more pairs of piezoelectric deformable members that are self-actuated, a flexible hose member, a pump chamber, inlet and outlet ports for communicating the pump chamber with the exterior of the flexible hose member, valves for opening and closing the ports, and a power supply is provided. The diaphragm members may include a prestressed piezoelectric element which is durable, inexpensive and lightweight as compared with diaphragm members of prior diaphragm pumps of comparable discharge capacity, and is actuated via electrical signals from an outside power source. Each pair of piezoelectric diaphragm members is actuated out of phase with the other(s) so as to allow fluid to be pumped through the flexible hose member peristaltically.

US Patent:

58491252, Dec 15, 1998

Filed:

Feb 7, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/797596

Inventors:

Stephen E. Clark - Norfolk VA

International Classification:

H01L 4122

US Classification:

156222

Abstract:

A method for manufacturing pre-stressed piezoelectric actuators using a pre-curved piece of ceramic is provided. An adhesive, preferably a polyimide, is disposed between a metal pre-stress metal layer and a pre-curved PZT ceramic. The entire composite structure is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the adhesive material and then subsequently cooled to allow the adhesive layer to set. As a result of the difference in thermal contraction rates of the materials, the pre-curved PZT ceramic is compressively stressed. This pre-stressing provides a piezoelectric actuator which is durable, and produces a higher displacement than a conventional piezoelectric actuator.

US Patent:

62572938, Jul 10, 2001

Filed:

Dec 17, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/465898

Inventors:

Samuel A. Face - Norfolk VA
Stephen E. Clark - Norfolk VA

Assignee:

Face International Corp. - Norfolk VA

International Classification:

B32B 3104
B32B 3120

US Classification:

156351

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for manufacturing prestressed piezoelectric actuators which maximizes output, and increases the precision and efficiency with which the multi-layer actuators are made. Individual layers of the piezoelectric actuators are automatically stacked and registered with respect to each other within press members prior to bonding the layers to each other with a thermoplastic adhesive. Compressive force is applied while heat is conductively transferred from a heating element to the actuator in order to raise the temperature of each of the layers above the melting point of the thermoplastic. The temperature of the heating element is then decreased until the temperature of the actuator layers drops to below the melting point of the thermoplastic adhesive, thereby bonding the layers. Compressive force is then released, and the actuators are removed, further cooled and polarized. The temperature of the actuator may be sensed, and the pressure and the heat applied to the actuator varied in accordance with the sensed temperature.