Patents by Inventor Charles B. Tidwell

Charles B. Tidwell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5207774
    Abstract: A controllable shock absorber of the externally actuated type with greatly decreased valve response time. The shock absorber assembly utilizes valve rotation stops on the rotary valve for limiting the rotational motion of the valve. The valve is attached to a bendingly flexible control rod which is supported by a sealing and support assembly located down inside the piston rod, thus allowing easy assembly of the rotational motor by way of a bendingly alignable self-locating feature. The use of the one seal and support assembly further reduces the rotational forces needed to allow faster actuation of the valve. The valve actuation torque requirements have been further decreased by reducing the viscous drag on the valve body and reducing the inertia of the rotational valve assembly by hollowing out the valve. Performance robbing, side loading on the valve is minimized by using a at least two preferably symmetrical ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Paul T. Wolfe, Leonard J. Schwemmer, Donald R. Prindle, Charles B. Tidwell