Patents Assigned to Woodward, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11608789
    Abstract: A housing defines a gaseous fuel inlet and a gaseous fuel outlet. A rotor defines an internal flow passage therethrough that rotates with the rotor to, alternately, allow gaseous fuel flow, or to block gaseous fuel flow, between the inlet and the outlet, based on a position of the rotor. A seal is biased to abut an exterior surface of the rotor. The seal is between the rotor and the outlet. An actuator is rotably coupled to the rotor. The driver is configured to rotate the rotor. A controller is in communication with the driver and is configured to control the driver to rotate at a rate based on an engine speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Domenico Chiera, John Karspeck, Michael Ryan Buehner, Samuel James McCreery
  • Patent number: 11608878
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary lock assembly that includes a first epicyclic gear assembly having a first sun gear assembly, a first ring gear assembly, and a first planet gear assembly mechanically engaged to the first sun gear assembly and the first ring gear assembly, and a second epicyclic gear assembly having a second sun gear assembly configured to be rotated by the first ring gear assembly, a second ring gear assembly, and a second planet gear assembly mechanically engaged to the second sun gear assembly and the second ring gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 11603940
    Abstract: A damped check valve having multi-pressure operation is provided. The check valve includes a liner with a poppet movable within the liner. The liner defines a flow passage aligned along a longitudinal axis defined by the liner. A biasing element is operably coupled between the poppet and the liner to bias a first flow face of the poppet against an annular seat. The first flow face is configured such that a first fluid pressure is required to move the poppet from the closed position to an open position wherein the poppet is unseated from the annular seat and a second fluid pressure is required to hold the poppet in the open position, the second pressure being less than the first pressure. There is a sufficient diametrical clearance between the poppet and the liner which allows for flow control at pressures which are less than the initial opening pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimroy Arner McCormack
  • Patent number: 11592093
    Abstract: Methods and systems for nacelle door electromechanical actuation may include a power distribution unit comprising a motor and differential gears; and a plurality of electromechanical actuators, each coupled to an output of a corresponding one of the differential gears. Each of the electromechanical actuators may include a configurable brake and a mechanical output, where the power distribution unit may provide mechanical torque to one of the electromechanical actuators via the motor and the differential gears based on configuration of the configurable brakes in each of the electromechanical actuators. At least one of the configurable brakes may be an electrically configurable brake. At least one of the configurable brakes may be a mechanically configurable brake. The differential gears may include two or more differential gears for receiving an input torque and supplying an output torque to one of a plurality of outputs of the differential gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Lagger, Paul Smith, Mariusz Kuczaj, Roy Romana
  • Patent number: 11592455
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method for controlling a turbine engine that includes receiving a predetermined arming threshold signal, receiving a predetermined triggering threshold signal, receiving a periodic signal from a speed sensor, determining a frequency signal based on the periodic signal, the predetermined arming threshold signal, and the predetermined triggering threshold signal, determining a speed value based on the determined frequency signal, and controlling a speed of a turbine based on the determined speed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. Vaske, Tena K. Britt, Bryan W. Guild, Brian Swope
  • Patent number: 11585452
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle metering valve that includes a spool having an inlet port and an outlet flow port, and a retainer assembled to one end of the spool. A valve liner houses a portion of the spool. The spool is configured to move back and forth within the valve liner. The metering valve is biased in a closed position in which the outlet flow port is disposed entirely within the valve liner. The valve is opened when the spool slides within the valve liner such that some portion of the outlet flow port extends beyond an end of the valve liner. The retainer has a stepped portion configured to abut an end of the retainer at a fuel flow pressure below the expected maximum fuel flow pressure to be used in the fuel nozzle metering valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimroy A. McCormack
  • Patent number: 11572901
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an electrohydraulic positioning control system that includes a shuttle valve configured to direct fluid flow between a selectable one of a first fluid port and a second fluid port, and a fluid outlet configured to be fluidically connected to a fluid actuator, a first servo valve controllable to selectably permit and block flow between the first fluid port, a fluid source, and a fluid drain, a second servo valve controllable to selectably permit and block flow between the second fluid port, the fluid source, and the fluid drain, a first servo controller configured to provide a first health signal and control the first servo valve based on a second health signal, and a second servo controller configured to provide the second health signal and control the second servo valve based on the first health signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Paul Workman, Gregory A. Molenaar, Marek Kazimierz Redzina, Krzysztof Sutkowski
  • Publication number: 20230031739
    Abstract: An enhanced safety coil that prevents crack formation and propagation to the coil windings from external sources and prevents exposure to fuel is provided. The enhanced safety coil may be used in a solenoid operated gas admission valve (SOGAV), and includes a plastic encapsulation body having at least one body de-stress feature, a coil wound on the plastic encapsulation body, a sleeve forming an outermost side protective wall configured to accommodate the plastic encapsulation body and coil therewithin, and potting provided between the plastic encapsulation body and the sleeve to seal the coil therein. The body de-stress feature is configured to reduce at least one of a formation or a propagation of a crack through the potting to the coil. The plastic encapsulation body forms retention latches configured to mate with a stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Brodsack, Timothy J. Farrow, Richard J. Way, Roger M. Kifer, Michael W. Hamernik, Christopher Dan Harrison
  • Patent number: 11555470
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an assembly that includes a piston having a piston inner surface defining a cylindrical cavity and includes a first axial portion, a piston face at a first end of the first axial portion, a second axial portion at a second end of the first axial portion, and a helical piston thread defined upon the piston inner surface, a bushing configured to contact the piston inner surface, and a lock nut configured to engage the piston and the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth Berger, Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 11552582
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an electric actuator driver that includes a first input port configured to receive an analog electrical servo control signal, a second input port configured to receive a position feedback signal, a first output port, a second output port, and a conversion circuit configured to determine one or more electric motor coil control current levels based on the analog electrical servo control signal and the position feedback signal, provide the one or more electric motor coil control currents based on the determined electric motor coil control current levels at the first output port, determine a feedback signal based on the analog electrical servo control signal, and provide the determined feedback signal at the second output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Molenaar
  • Patent number: 11549573
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an epicyclic gear mechanism that includes a primary differential assembly to selectively drive the fore secondary differential assembly and the aft secondary differential assembly. The fore secondary differential assembly selectively drives one or more fore interfaces (e.g., output gears), whereas the aft secondary differential assembly selectively drives one or more aft interfaces (e.g., output gears). Each of the primary differential assembly, the fore and aft secondary differential assemblies, and the interfaces rotate about a common central axis. The primary differential assembly drives the fore secondary differential assembly via a first sun gear, and drives the aft secondary differential assembly via a second sun gear, both of which rotate about the common central axis. Further, one or more actuators are to activate or deactivate in order to drive or be driven by a selected interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Romana, Charles A. Crouch, Mariusz Kuczaj, Paul J. Smith
  • Patent number: 11543044
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Spickard, Brian K. Lawver
  • Patent number: 11530905
    Abstract: A lock and release mechanism includes a primary ring with a first surface and a second surface, each surface including a plurality of channels of varying depths. A secondary ring has first and second surfaces, the first surface including a plurality of channels of varying depths. The channels of the secondary ring are aligned with a portion of an opposing channel of the primary ring. Arranged between the primary and secondary rings are a plurality of low friction elements partially arranged within a channel of the primary ring and partially arranged within an opposing channel of the secondary ring. In order to lock and release the mechanism, the primary ring translates relative to the secondary ring such that the bearing balls move within each channel from a first depth to a second depth greater than the first depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Paul Seward
  • Patent number: 11512719
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary actuator that includes a housing defining a first arcuate chamber portion and comprising a first cavity, a first open end, a first seal carrier assembly defining a second arcuate chamber portion and comprising a second cavity in fluid communication with the first cavity, a first piston seal, a second open end, and a third open end opposite the second open end, a first face seal in sealing contact with the housing proximal to the first open end and the second open end, a rotary output assembly, and an arcuate-shaped first piston disposed in said housing for reciprocal movement in the first arcuate chamber portion and in the second arcuate chamber portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamran Eftekhari Shahroudi, Barry T. Brinks
  • Patent number: 11491930
    Abstract: Methods and systems for electronic engine control (EEC) systems are disclosed. An EEC monitors and controls operation of an end effector, such as a torque motor. The EEC is configured to command a switchover from an active channel to a standby channel, or vice versa, in response to a trigger (e.g., a command or a fault). The switchover is executed automatically upon identification of the trigger due to the detection of a fault without the need of a command, over a predetermined time or number of cycles within a command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: James Bamford
  • Patent number: 11473598
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a fluid valve assembly that includes a first fluid port, a second fluid port, a third fluid port, a valve spool configured to be positioned at a first position, a second position away from the first position, a third position away from the first position opposite the second valve position, the valve spool defining a first fluid duct configured to fluidly connect the first fluid port to the second fluid port in the first valve position, a second fluid duct configured to fluidly connect the first fluid port to the third fluid port in the second valve position, and a third fluid duct configured to fluidly connect the first fluid port to the second fluid port in the third valve position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Jordan Loren Loos
  • Patent number: 11473658
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary lock assembly that includes a first epicyclic gear assembly having a first sun gear assembly, a first ring gear assembly, and a first planet gear assembly mechanically engaged to the first sun gear assembly and the first ring gear assembly, and a second epicyclic gear assembly having a second sun gear assembly configured to be rotated by the first ring gear assembly, a second ring gear assembly, and a second planet gear assembly mechanically engaged to the second sun gear assembly and the second ring gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 11467617
    Abstract: A cable-linked brake pedal assembly for an airplane. The assembly includes a first cable assembly with a first end attached to a pilot-side brake pedal and a second end attached to a first bell crank assembly, and a second cable assembly with a first end attached to a copilot-side brake pedal and a second end attached to a second bell crank assembly. A first connecting rod with a first rod end is attached to the first bell crank assembly and a second rod end is attached to the second bell crank assembly. The connection between the first and second cable assemblies, first and second bell crank assemblies, and first connecting rod is configured such that depressing the pilot-side brake pedal moves the first cable assembly, first connecting rod, and second cable assembly in such a way as to cause a corresponding depression of the copilot-side brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Voiles, Roy Romana, Steven E. Rickenbrode
  • Publication number: 20220316411
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fuel system are disclosed. The fuel system includes a bypass valve (BPV), a fuel metering valve (FMV), a flow sense valve (FSV), and an actuator regulating valve (ARV). The BPV includes a BPV valve member that regulates fuel flow from a BPV inlet to a BPV outlet. The position of the BPV valve member is controlled by pressures at an inlet and an outlet of the FMV. The FSV includes an FSV valve member that regulates fuel flow from an FSV inlet to an FSV outlet. The ARV includes an ARV inlet that is in fluid communication with the FSV outlet, and fuel flow through an ARV outlet regulates downstream actuators. The position of the FSV valve member to produce fuel flow through the FSV outlet to the ARV inlet is controlled at least in part by a pressure at the BPV outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Hahn
  • Patent number: 11441514
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a thrust reverser tertiary lock apparatus that includes a probe affixed to an aircraft engine frame and having a shaft having a barb at a first end and configurable to a first configuration and a second configuration, and a receiver affixed to a thrust reverser transcowl slider configured to accommodate the barb and having an end wall with an aperture defined therein, the aperture shaped to permit escapement of the barb in the first configuration and prevent escapement of the barb in the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Kopecek, Julian Sweet