Patents by Inventor Clyde T. Nieh

Clyde T. Nieh 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: 5564677
    Abstract: A linear actuator for actuating a valve or other control element. The actuator measures the in-line or axial force exerted on a drive sleeve after the valve disk engages the valve seat or back seat In response to detection of an axial force in excess of a predetermined threshold level, the motor is de-energized. The linear actuator includes a drive sleeve rotatably supported by bearings; a pack of friction springs for axially supporting the drive sleeve; a drive motor for driving rotation of the drive sleeve by way of gearing; a ball screw nut coupled inside and coaxial with the drive sleeve such that the ball screw nut rotates with the drive sleeve; a ball screw which translates axially in response to rotation of the ball screw nut; an anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of the ball screw during its translation; a switch for controlling the ON-OFF state of the motor; and a mechanical assembly for actuating the switch in response to a predetermined amount of axial deflection of the drive sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George L. Levy, John J. Boseman, Hassan Ehsan, Clyde T. Nieh