Patents by Inventor Mark A. Spickard
Mark A. Spickard 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).
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Patent number: 11927249Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a linear-to-rotary apparatus that includes a linear actuator having an actuator housing including a piston chamber, a piston shaft disposed in the piston chamber, and a rotor apparatus. The rotor apparatus includes a rotary joint defining a rotational axis, a rotor arm extending radially from the rotary joint and configured to at least partially pivot about the rotary joint, and a torque linkage pivotably connected to the rotor arm. The torque linkage is also attached to an end of the piston shaft of the piston at a pivot connection joint, where the pivot connection joint defines a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the translation axis of the piston shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventors: Craig D. Mawle, Mark A. Spickard, Barry T. Brinks
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Patent number: 11543044Abstract: A stepper motor driven actuator system is provided. The system includes a stepper motor, a cam, and a gearbox system. The gearbox system operatively connects the stepper motor to the cam. The cam rotates in response to stepping of the stepper motor. The system also includes a valve having a control piston located therein. The control piston is configured to translate in response to rotation of the cam. The system further includes a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator is fluidly connected to the valve, and the rotary actuator is configured to rotate the cam in response to translation of the control piston.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Spickard, Brian K. Lawver
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Publication number: 20220090657Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a linear-to-rotary apparatus that includes a linear actuator having an actuator housing including a piston chamber, a piston shaft disposed in the piston chamber, and a rotor apparatus. The rotor apparatus includes a rotary joint defining a rotational axis, a rotor arm extending radially from the rotary joint and configured to at least partially pivot about the rotary joint, and a torque linkage pivotably connected to the rotor arm. The torque linkage is also attached to an end of the piston shaft of the piston at a pivot connection joint, where the pivot connection joint defines a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the translation axis of the piston shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Craig D. Mawle, Mark A. Spickard, Barry T. Brinks
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Patent number: 11199248Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a linear-to-rotary apparatus that includes a linear actuator having an actuator housing including a piston chamber, a piston shaft disposed in the piston chamber, and a rotor apparatus. The rotor apparatus includes a rotary joint defining a rotational axis, a rotor arm extending radially from the rotary joint and configured to at least partially pivot about the rotary joint, and a torque linkage pivotably connected to the rotor arm. The torque linkage is also attached to an end of the piston shaft of the piston at a pivot connection joint, where the pivot connection joint defines a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the translation axis of the piston shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventors: Craig D. Mawle, Mark A. Spickard, Barry T. Brinks
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Publication number: 20210222789Abstract: A stepper motor driven actuator system is provided. The system includes a stepper motor, a cam, and a gearbox system. The gearbox system operatively connects the stepper motor to the cam. The cam rotates in response to stepping of the stepper motor. The system also includes a valve having a control piston located therein. The control piston is configured to translate in response to rotation of the cam. The system further includes a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator is fluidly connected to the valve, and the rotary actuator is configured to rotate the cam in response to translation of the control piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Applicant: Woodward, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Spickard, Brian K. Lawver
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Patent number: 11015728Abstract: A stepper motor driven actuator system is provided. The system includes a stepper motor, a cam, and a gearbox system. The gearbox system operatively connects the stepper motor to the cam. The cam rotates in response to stepping of the stepper motor. The system also includes a valve having a control piston located therein. The control piston is configured to translate in response to rotation of the cam. The system further includes a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator is fluidly connected to the valve, and the rotary actuator is configured to rotate the cam in response to translation of the control piston.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Spickard, Brian K. Lawver
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Publication number: 20200347918Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a linear-to-rotary apparatus that includes a linear actuator having an actuator housing including a piston chamber, a piston shaft disposed in the piston chamber, and a rotor apparatus. The rotor apparatus includes a rotary joint defining a rotational axis, a rotor arm extending radially from the rotary joint and configured to at least partially pivot about the rotary joint, and a torque linkage pivotably connected to the rotor arm. The torque linkage is also attached to an end of the piston shaft of the piston at a pivot connection joint, where the pivot connection joint defines a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the translation axis of the piston shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Craig D. Mawle, Mark A. Spickard, Barry T. Brinks
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Publication number: 20180038503Abstract: A stepper motor driven actuator system is provided. The system includes a stepper motor, a cam, and a gearbox system. The gearbox system operatively connects the stepper motor to the cam. The cam rotates in response to stepping of the stepper motor. The system also includes a valve having a control piston located therein. The control piston is configured to translate in response to rotation of the cam. The system further includes a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator is fluidly connected to the valve, and the rotary actuator is configured to rotate the cam in response to translation of the control piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2016Publication date: February 8, 2018Applicant: Woodward, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Spickard, Brian K. Lawver
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Publication number: 20180019694Abstract: An actuator including a motor with a configurable topology and a switching array operably coupled to the motor. The switching array is adapted to configure the topology of the motor. The switching array may include a first set of switches for configuring the topology of the motor to a Y-configuration or a ?-configuration and a second set of switches for configuring the topology of the motor to eliminate one or more stator poles of the motor. The switching array may further include a third set of switches for configuring the topology of the motor to activate a number of windings on each of a plurality of stator poles of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2016Publication date: January 18, 2018Applicant: Woodward, Inc.Inventor: Mark A. Spickard
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Patent number: 7963185Abstract: A stepper motor driven actuator that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam in a control piston valve. In a single nozzle embodiment, pressure balance is maintained by a spring preload on one end of the piston in one embodiment, and by hydraulic pressure acting on a double diameter end portion of the piston in another embodiment. As the cam is rotated, the change in the gap between the nozzle and the cam changes the pressures on the control piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will re-equalize the pressure based on the cam-nozzle gap. As a result, the head or rod of the actuator piston receives high pressure flow, thereby moving the actuator. Movement of the actuator rod provides mechanical feedback to the cam, causing the cam to move back to its mechanical null position.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventor: Mark A. Spickard
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Patent number: 7926512Abstract: A low energy stepper motor driven fuel metering valve (FMV) that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam that replaces the flapper valve used in conventional systems. The cam rotation increases the gap between the cam and nozzle on one side of the cam. The gap difference affects the pressures on the spool piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will return the cam-nozzle gap to a distance that results in a pressure balance to return. As a result, the relatively low energy stepper motor controls the relatively high energy hydromechanical system via the cam-nozzle-orifice system. The cam is precision machined and assures stroke/degree gain accuracy. The hydraulic system assures the piston tracks the cam essentially perfectly except for the effects of piston stiction forces.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Spickard, Brian E. Hoemke
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Patent number: 7475537Abstract: A valve that keeps a electro-hydraulic servo valve (EHSV) controlled device such as a fuel metering valve or actuator at the last commanded position upon loss of input command in the EHSV is described. The valve fixes the position of the positioning device within a tolerance of the position the positioning device was at prior to the loss of the position command.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Woodward Governor CompanyInventor: Mark A. Spickard
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Publication number: 20080312025Abstract: A stepper motor driven actuator that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam in a control piston valve. In a single nozzle embodiment, pressure balance is maintained by a spring preload on one end of the piston in one embodiment, and by hydraulic pressure acting on a double diameter end portion of the piston in another embodiment. As the cam is rotated, the change in the gap between the nozzle and the cam changes the pressures on the control piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will re-equalize the pressure based on the cam-nozzle gap. As a result, the head or rod of the actuator piston receives high pressure flow, thereby moving the actuator. Movement of the actuator rod provides mechanical feedback to the cam, causing the cam to move back to its mechanical null position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: WOODWARD GOVERNOR COMPANYInventor: Mark A. Spickard
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Publication number: 20080142100Abstract: A low energy stepper motor driven fuel metering valve (FMV) that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam that replaces the flapper valve used in conventional systems. The cam rotation increases the gap between the cam and nozzle on one side of the cam. The gap difference affects the pressures on the spool piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will return the cam-nozzle gap to a distance that results in a pressure balance to return. As a result, the relatively low energy stepper motor controls the relatively high energy hydromechanical system via the cam-nozzle-orifice system. The cam is precision machined and assures stroke/degree gain accuracy. The hydraulic system assures the piston tracks the cam essentially perfectly except for the effects of piston stiction forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: WOODWARD GOVERNOR COMPANYInventors: Mark A. Spickard, Brian E. Hoemke
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Patent number: 7351179Abstract: A low energy stepper motor driven actuator that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam in a control piston valve. The cam rotation increases the gap between the cam and nozzle on one side of the cam and decreases the gap between the cam and nozzle on the other side. The gap differences affect the pressures on the control piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will re-equalize the cam-nozzle gaps. As a result, piston moves to a position such that the head or rod of the actuator piston receives high pressure flow, thereby moving the actuator. Movement of the actuator rod provides mechanical feedback to the cam, causing the cam to move back to its mechanical null position.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Woodward Governor CompanyInventor: Mark A. Spickard
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Patent number: 7337806Abstract: A low energy stepper motor driven fuel metering valve (FMV) that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam that replaces the flapper valve used in conventional systems. The cam rotation increases the gap between the cam and nozzle on one side of the cam and decreases the gap between the cam and nozzle on the other side. The gap differences affect the pressures on the spool piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will re-equalize the cam-nozzle gaps. As a result, the relatively low energy stepper motor controls the relatively high energy hydromechanical system via the dual cam-nozzle-orifice system. The cam is precision machined and assures stroke/degree gain accuracy. The hydraulic system assures the piston tracks the cam essentially perfectly except for the effects of piston stiction forces.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Woodward Governor CompanyInventors: Mark A. Spickard, Brian E. Hoemke
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Publication number: 20070277670Abstract: A valve that keeps a electro-hydraulic servo valve (EHSV) controlled device such as a fuel metering valve or actuator at the last commanded position upon loss of input command in the EHSV is described. The valve fixes the position of the positioning device within a tolerance of the position the positioning device was at prior to the loss of the position command. Upon loss of the input position command, the valve moves from its spring-biased default position to a position that keeps the positioning device at a position within a tolerance band of its last commanded position as a result of the differential pressure created when the EHSV loses its input position command.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventor: Mark A. Spickard
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Publication number: 20070069592Abstract: A low energy stepper motor driven actuator that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam in a control piston valve. The cam rotation increases the gap between the cam and nozzle on one side of the cam and decreases the gap between the cam and nozzle on the other side. The gap differences affect the pressures on the control piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will re-equalize the cam-nozzle gaps. As a result, piston moves to a position such that the head or rod of the actuator piston receives high pressure flow, thereby moving the actuator. Movement of the actuator rod provides mechanical feedback to the cam, causing the cam to move back to its mechanical null position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2005Publication date: March 29, 2007Inventor: Mark Spickard
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Publication number: 20060218928Abstract: A low energy stepper motor driven fuel metering valve (FMV) that eliminates the need for a position sensor is provided. The stepper motor rotates a cam that replaces the flapper valve used in conventional systems. The cam rotation increases the gap between the cam and nozzle on one side of the cam and decreases the gap between the cam and nozzle on the other side. The gap differences affect the pressures on the spool piston ends, which forces the piston in the direction that will re-equalize the cam-nozzle gaps. As a result, the relatively low energy stepper motor controls the relatively high energy hydromechanical system via the dual cam-nozzle-orifice system. The cam is precision machined and assures stroke/degree gain accuracy. The hydraulic system assures the piston tracks the cam essentially perfectly except for the effects of piston stiction forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2005Publication date: October 5, 2006Inventors: Mark Spickard, Brian Hoemke