Patents by Inventor Donald Fredrick Knight

Donald Fredrick Knight 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).

  • Publication number: 20230238858
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electromagnetically-controlled magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies configured to achieve enhanced torque capacity, and methods of operating same. In one example embodiment, a method includes sensing a position of a cycloid relative to a stator, where the stator includes a plurality of electromagnets, and the cycloid includes a plurality of permanent magnets. Also, the method includes determining respective torque characteristics concerning the respective electromagnets based upon the sensed position, where the respective torque characteristic that is determined concerning each respective one of the electromagnets is indicative of a respective relative position of the respective electromagnet in relation to a respective closest one of the permanent magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Adam White, Erik Michael Plugge, Donald Fredrick Knight
  • Patent number: 11626788
    Abstract: Magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies and mounting arrangements for magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies are provided that include a fixed stator and a cycloid that rotates eccentrically within the stator. The cycloid can be mounted to an offset cam on the input shaft by a rolling element bearing. A plurality of cam followers connect the cycloid to the output hub. Various features can be provided to increase operational balance or stability. For example, an adjustable counterweight can be attached to the input shaft. Also for example, a mounting arrangement including an adjustable nut, one or more bearings, and/or one or more wave springs can be provided to allow for the application, balancing, or adjustment of axial forces within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Kaney Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Fredrick Knight, Erik Michael Plugge
  • Publication number: 20230101802
    Abstract: Magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies and mounting arrangements for magnetic cycloidal gear assemblies are provided that include a fixed stator and a cycloid that rotates eccentrically within the stator. The cycloid can be mounted to an offset cam on the input shaft by a rolling element bearing. A plurality of cam followers connect the cycloid to the output hub. Various features can be provided to increase operational balance or stability. For example, an adjustable counterweight can be attached to the input shaft. Also for example, a mounting arrangement including an adjustable nut, one or more bearings, and/or one or more wave springs can be provided to allow for the application, balancing, or adjustment of axial forces within the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Donald Fredrick Knight, Erik Michael Plugge