Patents by Inventor Donald R. Samuelson

Donald R. Samuelson 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: 6079210
    Abstract: A continuously variable electrical actuator rotationally coupled to and thermally isolated from a butterfly valve. The butterfly valve may be used to modulate high temperature exhaust gas flow through an engine turbocharger. An electrical actuator provides a continuously variable output to an output shaft. The butterfly valve has its rotary position controlled by an input shaft. The input shaft and output shaft are rotationally coupled through minimum contact points to reduce heat transfer. The connection between input and output shafts also minimizes vibration transfer therebetween. An coupling tube coaxially interposed between the input and output shafts provides a thermal block to further reduce heat transfer. The input and outputs shafts are rotationally coupled to the intermediate shaft by torsion spring mechanisms to allow a limited range of axial translation for the input shaft. The torsion spring mechanisms are preloaded to prevent rotational hysteresis in the butterfly valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Arthur C. Pintauro, Donald R. Samuelson, Henri A. Siedow
  • Patent number: 6016832
    Abstract: A fuel admission valve for metering gas without using a mass flow sensor. The valve uses a flow control element and nozzle, an actuator, a fuel supply pressure sensor, a fuel supply temperature sensor, a flow control element position sensor, and a flow control circuit to meter gas in sonic flow with insensitivity to the discharge pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Curtis C. Vars, Jason E. Yost, Joel L. McLane, Donald R. Samuelson, Gary F. Branch