136 results about "Momentum transfer" patented technology

The present invention generally relates to the field of magnetic devices for memory cells that can serve as non-volatile memory. More specifically, the present invention describes a high speed and low power method by which a spin polarized electrical current can be used to control and switch the magnetization direction of a magnetic region in such a device. The magnetic device comprises a pinned magnetic layer with a fixed magnetization direction, a free magnetic layer with a free magnetization direction, and a read-out magnetic layer with a fixed magnetization direction. The pinned magnetic layer and the free magnetic layer are separated by a non-magnetic layer, and the free magnetic layer and the read-out magnetic layer are separated by another non-magnetic layer. The magnetization directions of the pinned and free layers generally do not point along the same axis. The non-magnetic layers minimize the magnetic interaction between the magnetic layers. A current is applied to the device to induce a torque that alters the magnetic state of the device so that it can act as a magnetic memory for writing information. The resistance, which depends on the magnetic state of the device, is measured to thereby read out the information stored in the device.

A method of writing to a magnetic random access memory comprising: producing a magnetic field along a magnetically hard axis of a free layer of a magnetoresistive element; and passing current through the magnetoresistive element to change a direction of magnetization of the free layer by spin momentum transfer. A magnetic random access memory that operates in accordance with the method is also included.

A high speed and low power method to control and switch the magnetization direction and / or helicity of a magnetic region in a magnetic device for memory cells using spin polarized electrical current. The magnetic device comprises a reference magnetic layer with a fixed magnetic helicity and / or magnetization direction and a free magnetic layer with a changeable magnetic helicity. The fixed magnetic layer and the free magnetic layer are preferably separated by a non-magnetic layer, and the reference layer includes an easy axis perpendicular to the reference layer. A current can be applied to the device to induce a torque that alters the magnetic state of the device so that it can act as a magnetic memory for writing information. The resistance, which depends on the magnetic state of the device, is measured to thereby read out the information stored in the device.

A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) includes a magnetic free layer, having a variable magnetization direction; an insulating tunnel barrier located adjacent to the free layer; a magnetic fixed layer having an invariable magnetization direction, the fixed layer disposed adjacent the tunnel barrier such that the tunnel barrier is located between the free layer and the fixed layer, wherein the free layer and the fixed layer have perpendicular magnetic anisotropy; and one or more of: a composite fixed layer, the composite fixed layer comprising a dusting layer, a spacer layer, and a reference layer; a synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) fixed layer structure, the SAF fixed layer structure comprising a SAF spacer located between the fixed layer and a second fixed magnetic layer; and a dipole layer, wherein the free layer is located between the dipole layer and the tunnel barrier.

A ferromagnetic thin-film based digital memory having a substrate supporting bit structures that are electrically interconnected with information storage and retrieval circuitry and having first and second oppositely oriented relatively fixed magnetization layers and a ferromagnetic material film in which a characteristic magnetic property is substantially maintained below an associated critical temperature above which such magnetic property is not maintained. This ferromagnetic material film is separated from the first and second fixed magnetization films by corresponding layers of a nonmagnetic materials one being electrically insulative and that one remaining being electrically conductive. Each bit structure has an interconnection structure providing electrical contact thereto at a contact surface thereof substantially parallel to the intermediate layer positioned between the first contact surface and the substrate. A plurality of word line structures located across from a corresponding one of the bit structures on an opposite side. Electrical current selectively drawn through each of these bit structures and its interconnection structure can cause substantial heating of that bit structure to raise temperatures thereof while being above temperatures of at least an adjacent said bit structure because of sufficient thermal isolation.

A UAV recovery system including a recovery cart; a guide mechanism for defining the path of the cart; a base station for capturing a UAV tailhook; a momentum transfer system driven by the inertia of the UAV through the arresting member to move the recovery cart along the guide mechanism away from the base station in the same direction as the UAV; an acceleration control device for converging the speeds and positions of the UAV and cart for enabling engagement of the cart and UAV as their relative speeds approach zero; and a brake system for stopping the recovery cart when the cart and UAV are engaged. Also disclosed is a UAV having a tailhook pivotably mounted on the UAV at the center of gravity of the UAV.

A composite material comprising a multitude of masses and fibers supported on a flexible substrate arranged in a manner to absorb energy from a ballistic projectile and thereby protect persons or property from ballistic injury or damage. An array of small, tough disc-like masses are suspended in a three dimensional cradle of high-tensile elastomeric fibers such that energy from an incoming ballistic projectile is first imparted to one or more masses and the motion of the masses are restrained by tensile strain of elastomeric fibers substantially in the direction of travel of the incoming projectile. The projectile is eventually decelerated to harmless velocity through a combination of transfer of momentum to the masses and the elastic and plastic tensile deformation of the fibers. One or more layers of the composite material can be assembled to form body protective armor (“bullet-proof vest”) or property protective armor, the number and characteristics of the layers being adjusted according to the specific ballistic threat anticipated.

A machine includes an unsteady blower device, such as a synthetic jet actuator, disposed such that an aperture of the blower is disposed upon the trailing edge of the machine component. The unsteady blower device is actuated to perform unsteady blowing of a fluid from the aperture in order to enhance turbulent mixing in the flow to mitigate undesirable wakes that interact with downstream components. Such unsteady blower devices facilitate momentum transfer or unsteady excitation or energy addition into the flow through the machine via direct injection of additional fluid.

A high speed and low power method to control and switch the magnetization direction and / or helicity of a magnetic region in a magnetic device for memory cells using spin polarized electrical current. The magnetic device comprises a reference magnetic layer with a fixed magnetic helicity and / or magnetization direction and a free magnetic layer with a changeable magnetic helicity and / or magnetization direction. The fixed magnetic layer and the free magnetic layer are preferably separated by a non-magnetic layer. The fixed and free magnetic layers may have magnetization directions at a substantially non-zero angle relative to the layer normal. A current can be applied to the device to induce a torque that alters the magnetic state of the device so that it can act as a magnetic memory for writing information. The resistance, which depends on the magnetic state of the device, is measured to read out the information stored in the device.

A fluid mover includes a rotor to transfer momentum with a fluid when operated at a given volumetric flow rate through the rotor. The rotor includes a plurality of enclosed passages to transfer momentum in or out of the fluid as the fluid passes through the enclosed passages in response to rotation of the rotor. The passages are formed with a cross sectional shape and cross sectional dimensions along their entire length sufficient to establish and maintain laminar flow of the fluid along the entire length of the enclosed passages when the fluid is passing through the rotor at the given volumetric flow rate. The fluid mover also includes a housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the fluid.

The invention relates to the use of Air and Hydro Turbines for power generation. It seeks to enhance the energy-capturing potential of air / water turbines, and hence expand the geography where they can be used. It is mainly represented by a device consisting of a vortex generator and a vortex accelerator. This vorticity device operates in a combination of 2 modes: (1) Control airfoil circulation at the blade tips and hence control or alleviate the aerodynamic loading on the turbine blades. (2) Induce suction that can be used to transfer momentum to the flow close to the surface of the blade. Specifically, the generated suction drives secondary fluid flow, which is used to enhance the aerodynamic characteristics of the turbine blades / wings, by doing the following: (1) Suppressing adverse pressure gradients, (2) Suppressing the stall or separation bubble, (3) Laminarize the flow over the blade or wing.

A device which includes an elongate body with a movable mass arranged for sliding movement within the body is disclosed. The element is arranged to decelerate toward an end of the body in order to impart forward movement thereto, via momentum transfer, and is further arranged to accelerate away from said end in order to further drive the body forward, again using momentum transfer.

The present invention generally relates to the field of magnetic devices for memory cells that can serve as non-volatile memory. More specifically, the present invention describes a high speed and low power method by which a spin polarized electrical current can be used to control and switch the magnetization direction of a magnetic region in such a device. The magnetic device comprises a pinned magnetic layer with a fixed magnetization direction, a free magnetic layer with a free magnetization direction, and a read-out magnetic layer with a fixed magnetization direction. The pinned magnetic layer and the free magnetic layer are separated by a non-magnetic layer, and the free magnetic layer and the read-out magnetic layer are separated by another non-magnetic layer. The magnetization directions of the pinned and free layers generally do not point along the same axis. The non-magnetic layers minimize the magnetic interaction between the magnetic layers. A current is applied to the device to induce a torque that alters the magnetic state of the device so that it can act as a magnetic memory for writing information. The resistance, which depends on the magnetic state of the device, is measured to thereby read out the information stored in the device.

We describe the structure and method of formation of a STT MTJ or GMR MRAM cell element that utilizes transfer of spin torque as a mechanism for changing the magnetization direction of a free layer. The critical current is reduced by constructing the free layer as a lamination comprising two ferromagnetic layers sandwiching a coupling valve layer. When the Curie temperature of the coupling valve layer is above the temperature of the cell, the two ferromagnetic layers are exchange coupled in parallel directions of their magnetization. When the coupling valve layer is above its Curie temperature, it no longer exchange couples the layers and they are magnetostatically coupled. In the exchange coupled configuration, the free layer serves to store data and the cell can be read. In its magnetostatically coupled configuration, the cell can be more easily written upon because one of the layers can assist the spin torque transfer by its magnetostatic coupling. If the free layer is formed as a multi-layered lamination of N periodically repeating combinations of a ferromagnetic layer and a coupling valve layer, the critical current can be reduced by a factor of N.

A ferromagnetic thin-film based digital memory having a substrate supporting bit structures that are electrically interconnected with information storage and retrieval circuitry and having first and second oppositely oriented relatively fixed magnetization layers and a ferromagnetic material film in which a characteristic magnetic property is substantially maintained below an associated critical temperature above which such magnetic property is not maintained. This ferromagnetic material film is separated from the first and second fixed magnetization films by corresponding layers of a nonmagnetic materials one being electrically insulative and that one remaining being electrically conductive. Each bit structure has an interconnection structure providing electrical contact thereto at a contact surface thereof substantially parallel to the intermediate layer positioned between the first contact surface and the substrate. A plurality of word line structures located across from a corresponding one of the bit structures on an opposite side. Electrical current selectively drawn through each of these bit structures and its interconnection structure can cause substantial heating of that bit structure to raise temperatures thereof while being above temperatures of at least an adjacent said bit structure because of sufficient thermal isolation.

In some embodiments of the invention, methods and devices are provided that perturb a trajectory of a space-orbital object. For example, a spacecraft may be sent to a location near a space-orbital object orbiting the Earth. A net may be released from the spacecraft in a manner (e.g., with a given alignment, direction and velocity) that results in the net contacting and / or entangling with the object. This contact or entanglement may alter a velocity of the space-orbital object and thereby may alter its orbital path. In some instances, the net's velocity is sufficient to experience increase drag by the Earth's atmosphere, relative to the drag it would have otherwise experienced if the net did not contact the object.

A wheel, such as a traction wheel, with a momentum enhancing apparatus. The momentum enhancing apparatus may selectively enhance the wheel's ability to maintain its angular velocity at relatively high speeds, while having a reduced effect on the angular velocity of the wheel at relatively slow speeds. The momentum enhancing apparatus may include one or more bodies that either translate radially between the hub and the rim of the wheel to change the mass moment of inertia of the wheel, or rotate with the wheel and transfer the momentum of the bodies to the wheel under increasing loads. Methods of using such apparati and vehicles equipped with such apparati are also enclosed.

An improved plunger lift apparatus having an internal orifice, nozzles and exit apertures. The present invention relates to an improved plunger lift apparatus for the lifting of formation liquids in a hydrocarbon well. More specifically the improved plunger consists of a plunger apparatus that operates to propel one or more jets of gas through one or more internal orifices and / or nozzles, out through an aperture and into the liquid load formation, thereby providing a momentum transfer of the gas into the liquid load and causing a gaseous and turbulent aeration to the formation during lift. This action allows a large liquid formation load to be carried to the well top by the plunger at an increased level of efficiency resulting in an improved well productivity level.

A magnetic tunnel junction device comprises a substrate including a patterned wiring layer. A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stack is formed over the wiring layer. A low-conductivity layer is formed over the MTJ stack and a conductive hard mask is formed thereon. A spacer material is then deposited that includes a different electrical conductivity than the low conductivity layer. The spacer material is etched from horizontal surfaces so that the spacer material remains only on sidewalls of the hard mask and a stud. A further etch process leaves behind the sidewall-spacer material as a conductive link between a free magnetic layer and the conductive hard mask, around the low-conductivity layer. A difference in electrical conductivity between the stud and the spacer material enhances current flow along the edges of the free layer within the MTJ stack and through the spacer material formed on the sidewalls.

Disclosed is an explosive reactive armor with a momentum transfer mechanism by developing a new protection mechanism in which a momentum transfer mechanism by detonation of a reactive material is integrated with a thickness increase mechanism. In this explosive reactive armor with the momentum transfer mechanism, a flying element always travels with a vertical angle or a slant angle with respect to an ongoing direction of the threat such that a momentum of the flying element is transferred to the threat effectively. As a result of this, shear force is induced over an entire length of the threat and thus the threat can be destroyed. Therefore, a protection effect can always be achieved regardless of an impact angle of the threat. Also, a protection capability can be achieved even in case of a vertical impact which is the most vulnerable case for the existing explosive reactive armor.

The invention relates to a sliding element for a shoe sole. The sliding element includes an upper sliding surface and a lower sliding surface, wherein the lower sliding surface is arranged below the upper sliding surface so as to be slideable in at least two directions. The upper sliding surface can form a lower side of an upper sliding plate and the lower sliding surface can form an upper side of a lower sliding plate. A relative sliding movement between the upper sliding surface and the lower sliding surface distributes the deceleration of the shoe sole over a greater time period and allows the foot to feel as if it is wearing a conventional shoe that contacts a surface with reduced friction, for example, a soft forest ground. As a result, the force acting on the wearer and the momentum transfer on his or her muscles and bones are reduced.

A high speed, low power method to control and switch the magnetization direction of a magnetic region in a magnetic device for memory cells using spin polarized electrical current. The magnetic device comprises a pinned magnetic layer, a reference magnetic layer with a fixed magnetization direction and a free magnetic layer with a changeable magnetization direction. The magnetic layers are separated by insulating non-magnetic layers. A current can be applied to the device to induce a torque that alters the magnetic state of the device so that it can act as a magnetic memory for writing information. The resistance, which depends on the magnetic state of the device, can be measured to read out the information stored in the device.

A magnetic memory device that comprises a substrate, a memory cell including a magnetic tunnel junction which comprises a free ferromagnetic layer having a reversible magnetization direction directed perpendicular to the substrate, a pinned ferromagnetic layer having a fixed magnetization direction directed perpendicular to the substrate, and an insulating tunnel barrier layer disposed between the pinned and free layers, a first electrical circuit for applying a first current to a first conductor electrically coupled to the free layer to produce a bias magnetic field along a hard axis of the free layer, a second electrical circuit for applying a second current to a second conductor electrically coupled to the pinned layer to cause a spin momentum transfer in the free layer, wherein magnitudes of the bias magnetic field and spin momentum transfer in combination exceed a threshold and thus reverse the magnetization direction of the free layer.

Disclosed is an explosive reactive armor with a momentum transfer mechanism by developing a new protection mechanism in which a momentum transfer mechanism by detonation of a reactive material is integrated with a thickness increase mechanism. In this explosive reactive armor with the momentum transfer mechanism, a flying element always travels with a vertical angle or a slant angle with respect to an ongoing direction of the threat such that a momentum of the flying element is transferred to the threat effectively. As a result of this, shear force is induced over an entire length of the threat and thus the threat can be destroyed. Therefore, a protection effect can always be achieved regardless of an impact angle of the threat. Also, a protection capability can be achieved even in case of a vertical impact which is the most vulnerable case for the existing explosive reactive armor.

A method of measuring a momentum transfer spectrum of elastically scattered X-ray quanta which emanate from a scatter voxel inside an object to be examined is described. A scatter voxel emits X-radiation in an X-direction and has a primary collimator which allows through only primary radiation aimed at a single isocentre at the origin of a Cartesian coordinates system. The X-ray quanta are emitted at an angle of scatter (Θ) with a constant Z-component (Θz). The method includes simultaneous recording of the energy spectrum of scatter quanta from the scatter voxel at different angles of scatter (Θ) with a spatially-resolving and energy-resolving detector in the Y-Z plane, determining the momentum transfer from the geometric data of the radioscopy unit for different angles of scatter (Θ), and combining respective diffraction profiles belonging to different angles of scatter (Θ) to produce a total-diffraction profile.