Patents by Inventor Barry T. Brinks

Barry T. Brinks 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: 11927249
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Mawle, Mark A. Spickard, Barry T. Brinks
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20220090657
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Craig D. Mawle, Mark A. Spickard, Barry T. Brinks
  • Patent number: 11199248
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Mawle, Mark A. Spickard, Barry T. Brinks
  • Publication number: 20210172462
    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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamran Eftekhari Shahroudi, Barry T. Brinks
  • Patent number: 10935054
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an articulated joint includes a first rotary actuator having a first housing defining a first arcuate chamber comprising a first cavity, and an arcuate-shaped first piston having a first radius of curvature and disposed in said first housing for reciprocal movement in the first arcuate chamber, a second rotary actuator having a second housing defining a second arcuate chamber comprising a second cavity, and an arcuate-shaped second piston having a second radius of curvature and disposed in said second housing for reciprocal movement in the second arcuate chamber, wherein a first radial side of the first piston relative to the first radius of curvature is in bearing contact with a first radial side of the second piston relative to the second radius of curvature at a contact point between the first axis and the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamran Eftekhari Shahroudi, Barry T. Brinks, Brian Hoemke
  • Publication number: 20200347918
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Craig D. Mawle, Mark A. Spickard, Barry T. Brinks
  • Publication number: 20200011354
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an articulated joint includes a first rotary actuator having a first housing defining a first arcuate chamber comprising a first cavity, and an arcuate-shaped first piston having a first radius of curvature and disposed in said first housing for reciprocal movement in the first arcuate chamber, a second rotary actuator having a second housing defining a second arcuate chamber comprising a second cavity, and an arcuate-shaped second piston having a second radius of curvature and disposed in said second housing for reciprocal movement in the second arcuate chamber, wherein a first radial side of the first piston relative to the first radius of curvature is in bearing contact with a first radial side of the second piston relative to the second radius of curvature at a contact point between the first axis and the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamran Eftekhari Shahroudi, Barry T. Brinks, Brian Hoemke
  • Patent number: 9027907
    Abstract: A butterfly valve including a valve body having a passage, a valve shaft assembly, a valve plate, and a tube that is friction fit inside the passage is provided. The valve shaft assembly includes a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first and second shaft portions are in opposing spaced relation with the valve plate disposed therebetween. The valve plate has a flange such that when the butterfly valve is in the closed position a seal is formed with the tube, which is disposed within the fluid flow passage. The valve plate has lip extending from a portion of the valve plate that is radially outward from the circumference of the tube. The lip acts to reduce flow induced torque experienced while the valve plate is actuated from the closed to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry T. Brinks, Shawn Justin Pollock
  • Patent number: 8561403
    Abstract: A super-turbocharger utilizing a high speed, fixed ratio traction drive that is coupled to a continuously variable transmission to allow for high speed operation is provided. A high speed traction drive is utilized to provide speed reduction from the high speed turbine shaft. A second traction drive provides infinitely variable speed ratios through a continuously variable transmission. Gas recirculation in a super-turbocharger is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Vandyne Super Turbo, Inc.
    Inventors: Ed VanDyne, Barry T. Brinks, Michael B. Riley, Jared William Brown
  • Patent number: 8382630
    Abstract: A fixed ratio traction drive is disclosed that uses multidiameter planet rollers. The high speed traction drive provides speed reduction from a high speed shaft. A planet carrier is used to rotationally mount the multidiameter rollers. A continuously variable transmission that uses planetary ball traction is also disclosed that provides infinitely variable speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry T. Brinks, Ed VanDyne
  • Publication number: 20120298900
    Abstract: A butterfly valve including a valve body having a passage, a valve shaft assembly, a valve plate, and a tube that is friction fit inside the passage is provided. The valve shaft assembly includes a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first and second shaft portions are in opposing spaced relation with the valve plate disposed therebetween. The valve plate has a flange such that when the butterfly valve is in the closed position a seal is formed with the tube, which is disposed within the fluid flow passage. The valve plate has lip extending from a portion of the valve plate that is radially outward from the circumference of the tube. The lip acts to reduce flow induced torque experienced while the valve plate is actuated from the closed to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: WOODWARD, INC.
    Inventors: Barry T. Brinks, Shawn Justin Pollock
  • Publication number: 20110034295
    Abstract: A fixed ratio traction drive is disclosed that uses multidiameter planet rollers. The high speed traction drive provides speed reduction from a high speed shaft. A planet carrier is used to rotationally mount the multidiameter rollers. A continuously variable transmission that uses planetary ball traction is also disclosed that provides infinitely variable speed ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Barry T. Brinks, Ed VanDyne
  • Patent number: 7878169
    Abstract: A roller pin for carrying a cam roller in a tappet assembly is provided. The roller pin providing reduced run in time and reduced peak and localized contact pressure between the cam roller and roller pin. The roller pin comprises a substantially cylindrical shaft having a length, a first end and a second end. The length extends from the first end to the second end. The shaft includes a plurality of grooves axially spaced apart and extending in a direction being transverse to the length. The plurality of grooves located proximate the first and second ends and extending only partially the circumference of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventor: Barry T. Brinks
  • Publication number: 20100199666
    Abstract: A super-turbocharger utilizing a high speed, fixed ratio traction drive that is coupled to a continuously variable transmission to allow for high speed operation is provided. A high speed traction drive is utilized to provide speed reduction from the high speed turbine shaft. A second traction drive provides infinitely variable speed ratios through a continuously variable transmission. Gas recirculation in a super-turbocharger is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Ed VanDyne, Barry T. Brinks, Michael B. Riley, Jared William Brown
  • Publication number: 20100031935
    Abstract: A super-turbocharger utilizing a high speed, fixed ratio traction drive that is coupled to a continuously variable transmission to allow for high speed operation is provided. A high speed traction drive is utilized to provide speed reduction from the high speed turbine shaft. A second traction drive provides infinitely variable speed ratios through a continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Ed VanDyne, Barry T. Brinks, Michael B. Riley
  • Patent number: 7607421
    Abstract: A trim system for controlling an equivalence ratio in a fuel system is provided. The fuel system includes an air duct, a mixer disposed in the air duct, and a converter. The mixer has a reference pressure port and an air valve vacuum port. The converter has an outlet port and a bias port. The trim system comprises the mixer, the converter, a balance line, one or more orifices, and first and second trim valves. The outlet port is operably coupled to the mixer to deliver vaporized fuel to the mixer. The balance line is operably coupled to the reference pressure port, the bias port, and the air valve vacuum port. The balance line provides pressure to the bias port. The first and second trim valves are disposed in the balance line and operable such that the equivalence ratio in the fuel system is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Farrow, Barry T. Brinks
  • Patent number: 7506858
    Abstract: A butterfly valve comprising a valve body having a passage, a valve shaft assembly, a plate, and a tube is provided. The valve shaft assembly comprises first and second shaft portions in opposing spaced relation, an intermediate portion therebetween, and a support plate secured to the valve shaft assembly. The first and second shaft portions rotatably couple the valve shaft assembly to the valve body. The intermediate member forms a chamber in fluidic communication with the passage. The support plate is disposed within the chamber at a closed valve position approximately perpendicular to a direction of fluid flow through the passage. The plate is secured to the support plate and has an inner portion and a flange radially outward of the inner portion. The flange is directed away from the support plate. The tube is disposed within the passage and friction or clearance fit over a portion of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventor: Barry T. Brinks
  • Publication number: 20080197312
    Abstract: A butterfly valve comprising a valve body having a passage, a valve shaft assembly, a plate, and a tube is provided. The valve shaft assembly comprises first and second shaft portions in opposing spaced relation, an intermediate portion therebetween, and a support plate secured to the valve shaft assembly. The first and second shaft portions rotatably couple the valve shaft assembly to the valve body. The intermediate member forms a chamber in fluidic communication with the passage. The support plate is disposed within the chamber at a closed valve position approximately perpendicular to a direction of fluid flow through the passage. The plate is secured to the support plate and has an inner portion and a flange radially outward of the inner portion. The flange is directed away from the support plate. The tube is disposed within the passage and friction or clearance fit over a portion of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: WOODWARD GOVERNOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Barry T. Brinks
  • Publication number: 20070277763
    Abstract: A roller pin for carrying a cam roller in a tappet assembly is provided. The roller pin providing reduced run in time and reduced peak and localized contact pressure between the cam roller and roller pin. The roller pin comprises a substantially cylindrical shaft having a length, a first end and a second end. The length extends from the first end to the second end. The shaft includes a plurality of grooves axially spaced apart and extending in a direction being transverse to the length. The plurality of grooves located proximate the first and second ends and extending only partially the circumference of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Barry T. Brinks