Patents by Inventor Brian E. Barnes

Brian E. Barnes 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).

  • Pneumatically augmented elastomeric damper for improved spring rate tuning
    Patent number: 9004466
    Abstract: A system and method to change a spring rate of a damper in real time. The damper includes a housing having an inner surface that forms a cavity. An elastomeric material is disposed within the cavity and fixedly attached to the inner surface of the housing. A first chamber is formed by a first end of the elastomeric material and the inner surface of the housing. The method includes restricting movement of the elastomeric material by regulating the pressure within the first chamber, which in turn changes the spring rate of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Barnes, Frank B. Stamps
  • PNEUMATICALLY AUGMENTED ELASTOMERIC DAMPER FOR IMPROVED SPRING RATE TUNING
    Publication number: 20140217659
    Abstract: A system and method to change a spring rate of a damper in real time. The damper includes a housing having an inner surface that forms a cavity. An elastomeric material is disposed within the cavity and fixedly attached to the inner surface of the housing. A first chamber is formed by a first end of the elastomeric material and the inner surface of the housing. The method includes restricting movement of the elastomeric material by regulating the pressure within the first chamber, which in turn changes the spring rate of the damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Brian E. Barnes, Frank B. Stamps