Patents by Inventor Branch Crooks

Branch Crooks 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).

  • System and method for starting an engine
    Patent number: 6438962
    Abstract: An engine starting system (100) includes a starter (106) coupled to an engine (102) through a rotational energy storage device (108) such as spiral spring (108). When electrical power is applied to the starter (106), the rotational energy produced by the starter (106) is stored in the rotational energy storage device (108) allowing the starter (106) to rotate which reduces electrical currents in the starter and stress on system components. The rotational energy is gradually transferred to the engine (102) until the engine (102) is rotationally self-sustaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Edward S. Blain, Gary Goldberg, Branch Crooks, Jayne Lanham