Patents by Inventor Andrew M. Kochanek

Andrew M. Kochanek 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: 11976640
    Abstract: An actuator, a release device, and a method of actuating a release device are provided. The actuator comprises a housing defining a first path; an actuating element disposed within the first path, the actuating element being made from a shape memory alloy having a transition temperature, the actuating element being configured to couple with a power source, at least portion of the actuating element being further configured to not change shape when the power source applies a first current for a predetermined amount of time and moves at least a portion of the actuating element from the first position to a second position when the power source applies a second current; and a heat transfer material disposed in the first path between the actuating element and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventors: Zachary D. Reddix, Andrew M. Kochanek, Michael Barglowski, Robert Morlath, Luis E. Macias
  • Publication number: 20230273002
    Abstract: A system that is mountable to an unmanned vehicle and a method of operation is provided. The system includes an attachment plate configured to couple to the unmanned vehicle, the attachment plate having a first feature. A control module is configured to removably couple to the attachment plate, the control module having one or more processors and a power source, the control module having a second feature arranged to move from a first position to a second position when the control module is coupled to the attachment plate, the one or more processors being energized when the second feature is moved from the first position to the second position. A payload having an energetic element is provided, the payload being coupled to the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Edris Raji, Kurt Nelson, Matthew Bragoni, Andrew M. Kochanek, John Fiske, Craig Boucher, John A. Graham, Jarrett Jacobsen, John Benner, Scott Crespi, Michael Ronzello
  • Publication number: 20230273003
    Abstract: An unmanned vehicle and a method of operating the vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes a fuselage and at least one thrust device coupled to the fuselage. A first payload module having an first attachment plate is fixedly coupled to the fuselage, the first payload module further having a first control module removably coupled to the first attachment plate and a first payload having a first energetic element. A second payload module having an second attachment plate is fixedly coupled to the fuselage adjacent the first payload module, the second payload module further having a second control module removably coupled to the second attachment plate and a second payload having a second energetic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Edris Raji, Kurt Nelson, Matthew Bragoni, Andrew M. Kochanek, John Fiske, Craig Boucher, John A. Graham, Jarrett Jacobsen, John Benner, Scott Crespi, Michael Ronzello
  • Publication number: 20220364551
    Abstract: An actuator, a release device, and a method of actuating a release device are provided. The actuator comprises a housing defining a first path; an actuating element disposed within the first path, the actuating element being made from a shape memory alloy having a transition temperature, the actuating element being configured to couple with a power source, at least portion of the actuating element being further configured to not change shape when the power source applies a first current for a predetermined amount of time and moves at least a portion of the actuating element from the first position to a second position when the power source applies a second current; and a heat transfer material disposed in the first path between the actuating element and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Zachary D. Reddix, Andrew M. Kochanek, Michael Barglowski, Robert Morlath, Luis E. Macias
  • Patent number: 10711553
    Abstract: A casing segmentation device and system, and a method for selectively providing a fluid flow passage through a casing segmentation device disposed within a well casing segment is provided. The casing segmentation device includes a body and a fracture mechanism. The body has a forward end, an aft end, a plug seat, and an internal passage. The plug seat is configured to receive a mating plug. The internal passage extends between the forward end and the aft end and through the plug seat. The fracture mechanism includes an amount of energetic material and a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is configured to selectively cause a detonation of the amount of energetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
    Inventors: Andrew M. Kochanek, Kurt Nelson, Jared Holtman, Scott Gammons, James Danyluk, Alan Garvey, Marc Morris, Joseph Smith
  • Publication number: 20190032435
    Abstract: A casing segmentation device and system, and a method for selectively providing a fluid flow passage through a casing segmentation device disposed within a well casing segment is provided. The casing segmentation device includes a body and a fracture mechanism. The body has a forward end, an aft end, a plug seat, and an internal passage. The plug seat is configured to receive a mating plug. The internal passage extends between the forward end and the aft end and through the plug seat. The fracture mechanism includes an amount of energetic material and a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is configured to selectively cause a detonation of the amount of energetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew M. Kochanek, Kurt Nelson, Jared Holtman, Scott Gammons, James Danyluk, Alan Garvey, Marc Morris, Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 9309832
    Abstract: A rocket having a motor with a user adjustable thrust is provided. The rocket includes a main cylinder containing a rocket propellant, the propellant configured to generate gas during operation and one or more nozzles arranged to direct the gas in a first direction. A thrust adjustment device is arranged to receive a portion of the gas, the thrust adjustment device configured to change the direction of flow of at least a portion of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: ENSIGN-BICKFORD AEROSPACE & DEFENSE COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. Kochanek, Kurt Nelson, Daniel P. Sutula, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140007554
    Abstract: A rocket having a motor with a user adjustable thrust is provided. The rocket includes a main cylinder containing a rocket propellant, the propellant configured to generate gas during operation and one or more nozzles arranged to direct the gas in a first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: ENSIGN-BICKFORD AEROSPACE & DEFENSE COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. Kochanek, Kurt Nelson, Daniel P. Sutula, JR.