Patents by Inventor Aaron M. Klap

Aaron M. Klap 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: 10890237
    Abstract: An actuator includes a drive assembly, a ball screw, and a ball nut. The ball nut may include a first nut member, a second nut member; and first arm extending from the first nut member. The first arm may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may extend radially outward from the first nut member. The second portion may extend substantially axially from the first portion such that at least some of the second portion is disposed radially outward of the second nut member. A second arm may extend from the second nut member, and the second arm may include a first portion and a second portion. In embodiments, at least part of the second portion of the first arm is disposed radially outward of at least a part of the second portion of the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Sorin Gavriliuc, Aaron M. Klap, Gerald R. Swedenberg
  • Patent number: 10837531
    Abstract: An actuator includes a housing member configured for connection with a first component, a drive screw connected to the housing member, a rod disposed at least partially in the drive screw and at least partially in the housing member, a retaining nut connected to the rod, a mounting member configured for connection with the first component, and a drive nut engaged with the drive screw and configured for connection with a second component. If the drive screw mechanically disconnects or is fractured, the rod may be configured to translate to engage one or more friction surfaces to restrict back driving of the drive screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Tyler Q. Curtis, Aaron M. Klap
  • Publication number: 20190120349
    Abstract: An actuator includes a housing member configured for connection with a first component, a drive screw connected to the housing member, a rod disposed at least partially in the drive screw and at least partially in the housing member, a retaining nut connected to the rod, a mounting member configured for connection with the first component, and a drive nut engaged with the drive screw and configured for connection with a second component. If the drive screw mechanically disconnects or is fractured, the rod may be configured to translate to engage one or more friction surfaces to restrict back driving of the drive screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Tyler Q. Curtis, Aaron M. Klap
  • Publication number: 20190101197
    Abstract: An actuator includes a drive assembly, a ball screw, and a ball nut. The ball nut may include a first nut member, a second nut member; and an arm extending from the first nut member. The arm may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may extend radially outward from the first nut member. The second portion may extend substantially axially from the first portion such that at least some of the second portion is disposed radially outward of the second nut member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Sorin Gavriliuc, Aaron M. Klap, Gerald R. Swedenberg
  • Patent number: 8393568
    Abstract: A roller clutch assembly for use in an actuator is provided that includes a roller cage and at least one roller. A lubricating medium at least partially surrounds the roller cage and the roller. The roller cage includes at least one wiper configured to move the lubricating medium toward its functional location adjacent the rollers. An aircraft actuator for controlling movement of an aircraft flight control surface is also provided that includes a ball nut and a ball screw operatively connected to the flight control surface. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connected to the ball nut and substantially prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw. A roller clutch assembly according to the present invention is positioned between the ball nut and the one-way roller clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Maresko, Donald R. Cavalier, Aaron M. Klap
  • Patent number: 8118254
    Abstract: A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Don R. Cavalier, Aaron M. Klap
  • Publication number: 20120012697
    Abstract: A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Don R. Cavalier, Aaron M. Klap
  • Patent number: 7954756
    Abstract: A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Don R. Cavalier, Aaron M. Klap
  • Publication number: 20110108664
    Abstract: A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Don R. Cavalier, Aaron M. Klap
  • Publication number: 20110006154
    Abstract: A roller clutch assembly for use in an actuator is provided that includes a roller cage and at least one roller. A lubricating medium at least partially surrounds the roller cage and the roller. The roller cage includes at least one wiper configured to move the lubricating medium toward its functional location adjacent the rollers. An aircraft actuator for controlling movement of an aircraft flight control surface is also provided that includes a ball nut and a ball screw operatively connected to the flight control surface. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connected to the ball nut and substantially prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw. A roller clutch assembly according to the present invention is positioned between the ball nut and the one-way roller clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: William A. Maresko, Donald R. Cavalier, Aaron M. Klap
  • Patent number: 7690597
    Abstract: A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Don R. Cavalier, Aaron M. Klap
  • Publication number: 20100001125
    Abstract: A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Don R. Cavalier, Aaron M. Klap