Patents by Inventor Andrew Hawksworth

Andrew Hawksworth 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: 20230279932
    Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a compliant actuator shaft having an axis (A) and a first end and a second end, a drive assembly provided at the first end of the compliant actuator shaft to cause rotation of the compliant actuator shaft about the axis and an overtravel stop mechanism. The overtravel stop mechanism includes: a screw shaft mounted to and arranged to rotate with the second end of the compliant actuator shaft, the screw shaft having an outer thread extending in the axial direction; a nut threadedly mounted to the outer thread of the screw shaft that moves axially relative to the screw shaft as the screw shaft rotates; a first stop fixed to and radially extending from the screw shaft to define the axial limit of movement of the nut relative to the screw shaft, in a first axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew HAWKSWORTH, Lee SLATER
  • Publication number: 20230213089
    Abstract: An apparatus for a thrust reverser actuation system (“TRAS”), the apparatus comprising: an input shaft; a first component located concentrically around the input shaft; a second component located concentrically around the first component; a first ballscrew mechanism between the input shaft and the first component, and configured such that rotational movement of the input shaft causes a translational movement of the first component via the first ballscrew mechanism; and a second ballscrew mechanism between the first component and the second component, and configured such that rotational movement of the first component causes a translational movement of the second component via the second ballscrew mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Hawksworth, Antony Morgan, James Holding
  • Patent number: 11644089
    Abstract: An apparatus for a thrust reverser actuation system (“TRAS”), the apparatus comprising: an input shaft; a first component located concentrically around the input shaft; a second component located concentrically around the first component; a first ballscrew mechanism between the input shaft and the first component, and configured such that rotational movement of the input shaft causes a translational movement of the first component via the first ballscrew mechanism; and a second ballscrew mechanism between the first component and the second component, and configured such that rotational movement of the first component causes a translational movement of the second component via the second ballscrew mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Hawksworth, Antony Morgan, James Holding
  • Publication number: 20220416640
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a pole-piece structure for a magnetic gear, comprising a plurality of laminate plates, wherein each plate comprises one or more apertures and an aperture in each plate aligns with an aperture in an adjacent plate to form one or more channels extending from a first end of the laminate plates to a second, opposite end of the laminate plates, wherein a resin cast is provided within each channel to hold the plurality of laminate plates together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew HAWKSWORTH, Paul PROVERBS
  • Patent number: 11346305
    Abstract: A gimbal assembly comprises a body, comprising at least one pivot boss projecting radially outwards along a first pivot axis (V) from an outer surface of the body; a gimbal, comprising an outer case surrounding the body and at least one hole projecting radially outwards along a second pivot axis (H) to receive a pivot pin to pivotally couple the gimbal to a fixed structure. The second pivot axis (H) is perpendicular to the first pivot axis (V) and the outer case is formed at least partially from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composite material. The outer case comprises at least one cavity on its inner surface in which the at least one pivot boss is located to pivotally couple the gimbal to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Hawksworth
  • Patent number: 11280294
    Abstract: A coupling e.g. for an actuator, includes a housing which is preferably in the form of a ring mounted around the end of an outer rod of the actuator and which can be mounted to a component e.g. a cowl being deployed. Within the housing of the coupling is provided an eccentric bearing mount and bearing arrangement mounted eccentrically to the housing so as to permit some eccentric movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Hawksworth
  • Publication number: 20220034389
    Abstract: An apparatus for a thrust reverser actuation system (“TRAS”), the apparatus comprising: an input shaft; a first component located concentrically around the input shaft; a second component located concentrically around the first component; a first ballscrew mechanism between the input shaft and the first component, and configured such that rotational movement of the input shaft causes a translational movement of the first component via the first ballscrew mechanism; and a second ballscrew mechanism between the first component and the second component, and configured such that rotational movement of the first component causes a translational movement of the second component via the second ballscrew mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Hawksworth, Antony Morgan, James Holding
  • Patent number: 11174923
    Abstract: An apparatus for a thrust reverser actuation system (“TRAS”), the apparatus comprising: an input shaft; a first component located concentrically around the input shaft; a second component located concentrically around the first component; a first balls crew mechanism between the input shaft and the first component, and configured such that rotational movement of the input shaft causes a translational movement of the first component via the first ballscrew mechanism; and a second ballscrew mechanism between the first component and the second component, and configured such that rotational movement of the first component causes a translational movement of the second component via the second ballscrew mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Hawksworth, Antony Morgan, James Holding
  • Publication number: 20210293312
    Abstract: A travel stop assembly for an actuator. The travel stop assembly includes a housing, a shaft provided along a longitudinal axis (A). The shaft has a first end and a second end. The travel stop assembly also includes a first nut and a second nut provided on the shaft, wherein there is provided a first gap (Ag) between the first nut and the second nut. The travel stop assembly also includes a second gap (Sg) provided between the second nut and the first end of the shaft, and means for adjusting the position of the first nut and the second nut such that the second gap (Sg) is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventor: Andrew HAWKSWORTH
  • Publication number: 20210033044
    Abstract: A gimbal assembly comprises a body, comprising at least one pivot boss projecting radially outwards along a first pivot axis (V) from an outer surface of the body; a gimbal, comprising an outer case surrounding the body and at least one hole projecting radially outwards along a second pivot axis (H) to receive a pivot pin to pivotally couple the gimbal to a fixed structure. The second pivot axis (H) is perpendicular to the first pivot axis (V) and the outer case is formed at least partially from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composite material. The outer case comprises at least one cavity on its inner surface in which the at least one pivot boss is located to pivotally couple the gimbal to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Andrew Hawksworth
  • Patent number: 10895309
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a screw assembly comprising an internal re-circulating path for re-circulating lubricant fluid between a threaded screw shaft and seals provided at the ends of the screw assembly via internal chambers provided within the seals and passages formed within the nut. Also disclosed are seals for use within such assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: James Holding, Andrew Hawksworth
  • Patent number: 10859036
    Abstract: There is provided an actuator for an aircraft thrust reverser, comprising a first member, a second member movable relative to the first member, a third member movable relative to the first member and the second member, and a lock system configured to selectively lock the second member to the third member in a first stage of actuation, and the first member to the second member in a second, separate stage of actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Antony Morgan, Andrew Hawksworth
  • Patent number: 10837405
    Abstract: A gimbal assembly comprises a body, comprising at least one pivot boss projecting radially outwards along a first pivot axis (V) from an outer surface of the body; a gimbal, comprising an outer case surrounding the body and at least one hole projecting radially outwards along a second pivot axis (H) to receive a pivot pin to pivotally couple the gimbal to a fixed structure. The second pivot axis (H) is perpendicular to the first pivot axis (V) and the outer case is formed at least partially from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composite material. The outer case comprises at least one cavity on its inner surface in which the at least one pivot boss is located to pivotally couple the gimbal to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Hawksworth
  • Patent number: 10823264
    Abstract: An actuator comprises a ball nut and a lock housing arranged radially outwardly of the ball nut and overlapping a proximal end of the ball nut when the ball nut is in a stowed position. The lock housing comprises a sleeve in which is located an aperture, and a locking element is retained within the aperture and can move in a radial direction through the aperture. When the ball nut is in the stowed position, the locking element engages with a locking projection on the ball nut, to retain the ball nut in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Hawksworth, Antony Morgan
  • Publication number: 20200295648
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a pole-piece structure for a magnetic gear, comprising a plurality of laminate plates, wherein each plate comprises one or more apertures and an aperture in each plate aligns with an aperture in an adjacent plate to form one or more channels extending from a first end of the laminate plates to a second, opposite end of the laminate plates, wherein a resin cast is provided within each channel to hold the plurality of laminate plates together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew HAWKSWORTH, Paul PROVERBS
  • Patent number: 10774787
    Abstract: A coupling e.g. for an actuator, comprises a housing which is preferably in the form of a ring mounted around the end of the outer rod and which can be mounted to a component e.g. a cowl being deployed. Within the housing of the coupling is provided a ring disk. This is sized and arranged within the housing such that there is some clearance between the ring disk and the housing so as to permit some eccentric movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Hawksworth
  • Patent number: 10724477
    Abstract: A lock system for a component of a thrust reverser actuation system (“TRAS”), comprising a lock member translatable between a locked position, in which the lock member prevents movement of the thrust reverser component to deploy the thrust reverser actuation system, and an unlocked position, in which the lock member allows movement of the thrust reverser component to deploy the thrust reverser actuation system. The actuator may further comprise a screw shaft and a nut translatable along the screw shaft and operatively connected to the lock member. Rotational movement of one of the screw shaft and the nut causes the nut to translate along the screw shaft and, in turn, the lock member to move between its locked position and its unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Hawksworth, James Holding
  • Patent number: 10707742
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a pole-piece structure for a magnetic gear, comprising a plurality of laminate plates, wherein each plate comprises one or more apertures and an aperture in each plate aligns with an aperture in an adjacent plate to form one or more channels extending from a first end of the laminate plates to a second, opposite end of the laminate plates, wherein a resin cast is provided within each channel to hold the plurality of laminate plates together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Hawksworth, Paul Proverbs
  • Patent number: 10677194
    Abstract: There is provided an actuator for use in a thrust reverser of an aircraft, comprising a screw shaft and a nut translatable along the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position, a tine component comprising tine fingers formed with projections that are configured to engage formations on the nut when the nut occupies its retracted position to secure the nut against axial movement, and a movable lock member engageable with the tine fingers to restrict radial movement of the tine fingers in a first position, the lock member movable between the first position and a second position in which the lock member does not restrict radial movement of the tine fingers. The lock member is movable between the first position and the second position by means of an electromagnetic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Hawksworth, Anthony Morgan
  • Patent number: 10530233
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a pole-piece structure for a magnetic gear, comprising a plurality of laminate plates, wherein each plate is a metallic ring having a plurality of regularly spaced substantially solid portions joined by hollow connecting portions 104, wherein each plate is connected to an adjacent plate by a connecting means that is formed from or uses the material of the plates, such that the laminate plates form a mono-structure held together by the material of the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Hawksworth