Patents by Inventor Craig Hooker

Craig Hooker 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).

  • Publication number: 20250145276
    Abstract: A linear actuator for a flight control surface including at least one electric motor, a threaded shaft rotationally driven via the at least one motor about a threaded shaft pivot axis, first and second threaded nuts axially displaced via rotation of the threaded shaft, and an output shaft coupled to the threaded shaft, such that axial displacement of the first and second threaded nuts rotates the output shaft about an output shaft pivot axis that is substantially parallel with the threaded shaft pivot axis. Rotation of the threaded shaft in a first rotational direction via the at least one motor prompts movement of the first and second threaded nuts axially toward each other. Further, rotation of the threaded shaft in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction via the at least one motor prompts movement of the first and second threaded nuts axially away from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Todd Sturgin, Craig Hooker, Nicholas Hrusch
  • Publication number: 20250146562
    Abstract: A rotary actuator for a flight control surface includes a first electric motor connected to a first geartrain having planetary gearsets in series and a first drive gear driven by the first electric motor via the first geartrain. The first geartrain and the first drive gear define a first powertrain. The rotary actuator also includes a second electric motor connected to a second geartrain having planetary gearsets in series. The second geartrain is separate from the first geartrain. The rotary actuator further includes a second drive gear driven by the second electric motor via the second geartrain. The second geartrain and the second drive gear define a second powertrain that is coaxial with the first powertrain. Additionally, the rotary actuator includes an output shaft parallel to the first and second powertrains. The output shaft is driven simultaneously via the first and second drive gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Todd Sturgin, Craig Hooker, Nicholas Hrusch
  • Publication number: 20250083305
    Abstract: A robotics corner module includes a steering drive unit, a traction drive unit, and a support structure. The steering drive unit includes an electric motor that drives rotation of a rotor shaft about a rotor shaft axis, and an output shaft coupled with the rotor shaft via a geartrain, such that rotation of the rotor shaft about the rotor shaft axis by the electric motor drives rotation of the output shaft about an output shaft axis that is parallel to and radially offset from the rotor shaft axis. The traction drive unit includes an electric motor that drives rotation of a rotor shaft about a rotor shaft axis, and a wheel hub operably coupled with the rotor shaft of the traction drive unit via a geartrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joseph Johnson, Craig Hooker, Nicholas Hrusch
  • Publication number: 20240326972
    Abstract: A marine steering system includes a marine propulsion unit, a steering tiller having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and being pivotably coupled to the marine propulsion unit proximate the second end, and an electric actuator. The electric actuator includes an output shaft, a motor that drives rotation of the output shaft about an axis, and a driven assembly pivotably coupled with the steering tiller proximate the first end and operably coupled with the output shaft, such that rotation of the output shaft by the motor drives axial movement of the driven assembly relative to the output shaft and the motor to steer the marine propulsion unit via the steering tiller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Craig Hooker
  • Publication number: 20230383820
    Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a housing having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along an axis. The housing defines a cavity extending circumferentially about the axis. An output shaft is arranged coaxially with the axis. The output shaft extends outwardly from the cavity through the first end. A drive system is disposed in the cavity and axially spaced from the first end. A gearbox is disposed in the cavity between the output shaft and the drive system. The gearbox is coupled to the drive system and the output shaft. A rotational controller is disposed in the cavity between the drive system and the second end. The rotational controller is configured to actuate the drive system to adjust an angular position of the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Craig Hooker, Brad Derry, Peter Bartell, Josiah Bailey, Bartholomew Briggs
  • Publication number: 20230387673
    Abstract: A cable gland includes a body, a cover, and an insert. The body is configured to be received in an opening of a housing. The body has a tube defining a first cavity extending circumferentially about an axis. The cover is threadedly engaged with the tube and configured to seal the body to the housing. The insert is disposed in the first cavity and defines a second cavity configured to receive a cable. The insert includes a plurality of ribs engaged with the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Craig Hooker, Jason Hoover
  • Publication number: 20230389212
    Abstract: A controller includes a plurality of circuit boards and a support configured to support each circuit board. The support includes a plurality of loading surfaces axially spaced from each other and a plurality of fingers extending obliquely relative to the loading surfaces. Each circuit board is disposed between one respective loading surface and one respective finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Craig Hooker
  • Publication number: 20230387746
    Abstract: An actuator includes a housing defining a cavity. The actuator further includes a hub disposed in the cavity. The actuator further includes a controller disposed in the cavity and supported by the hub. The actuator further includes potting compound surrounding the controller within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Craig Hooker, Bartholomew Briggs
  • Patent number: 11702126
    Abstract: A compact power steering system is suitable for small vehicles. A torque sensor on a steering shaft detects operator intention to turn. In response, a motor provides torque to assistance in rotating the steering shaft. A strain wave gear set multiplies the motor torque. A coupler having a torsional isolator links the gearbox output to the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker
  • Patent number: 11635071
    Abstract: A pumping system for fracking fluid is designed to provide nearly constant flow rate. The pumping system includes a set of linear actuator pumping units, each driven by at least one electric motor. Each pumping unit includes a hollow threaded shaft driven by the linear actuator, two hollow cylinders fixed to an interior of the hollow shaft, and hollow pistons in each of the hollow cylinders. The hollow cylinders and hollow pistons form two pumping chambers. A first pumping chamber expels fluid when the linear actuator is moving in a first direction and a second pumping chamber that expels fluid when the linear actuator is moving in an opposite direction. The speeds of the actuators are coordinated such that a total flow rate of the pumping system is substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker, Michael Conlin
  • Patent number: 11454226
    Abstract: A pumping system for fracking fluid is designed to provide nearly constant flow rate. The pumping system includes a set of linear actuator pumping units, each driven by an electric motor. Each pumping unit includes a first set of pumping chambers that expel fluid when the linear actuator is moving in a first direction and a second set of pumping chambers that expel fluid when the linear actuator is moving in an opposite direction. The speeds of the actuators are coordinated such that a total flow rate of the pumping system is substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker, Michael Conlin
  • Patent number: 11396868
    Abstract: A pumping system utilizes a linear actuator to move a shaft attached to two pistons within cylinders to pump a working fluid. A housing is designed with coolant passageways and one-way valves such that movement of the shaft also pumps coolant past cooling fins and over a motor. The shaft is formed of several sections joined by couplers which slide within a bore of the housing. The couplers have a non-round shape and the bore has a complimentary non-round cross section such that rotation of the shaft is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker, Michael White, Michael Conlin, Eric Ovendorf
  • Patent number: 11193567
    Abstract: An actuator assembly is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a motor shaft; support; harmonic drive connected to the motor shaft that includes an output connected to a drive shaft defining a first sun gear; drive mechanism; and actuator arm. The drive mechanism includes a first gear set and a second gear set. The first gear set has a first carrier including a second sun gear. The first carrier supports a first plurality of planetary gears that engage both the first sun gear and a first ring gear rotationally fixed to the support. The second gear set has a second carrier fixed to the support. The second carrier supports a second plurality of planetary gears that engage both the second sun gear and a second ring gear. The actuator arm is connected to the second ring gear such that the actuator arm is rotationally driven by the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker
  • Publication number: 20210277880
    Abstract: A pumping system utilizes a linear actuator to move a shaft attached to two pistons within cylinders to pump a working fluid. A housing is designed with coolant passageways and one-way valves such that movement of the shaft also pumps coolant past cooling fins and over a motor. The shaft is formed of several sections joined by couplers which slide within a bore of the housing. The couplers have a non-round shape and the bore has a complimentary non-round cross section such that rotation of the shaft is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker, Michael White, Michael Conlin, Eric Ovendorf
  • Publication number: 20210222682
    Abstract: A pumping system for fracking fluid is designed to provide nearly constant flow rate. The pumping system includes a set of linear actuator pumping units, each driven by an electric motor. Each pumping unit includes a first set of pumping chambers that expel fluid when the linear actuator is moving in a first direction and a second set of pumping chambers that expel fluid when the linear actuator is moving in an opposite direction. The speeds of the actuators are coordinated such that a total flow rate of the pumping system is substantially constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker, Michael Conlin
  • Publication number: 20210222686
    Abstract: A pumping system for fracking fluid is designed to provide nearly constant flow rate. The pumping system includes a set of linear actuator pumping units, each driven by at least one electric motor. Each pumping unit includes a hollow threaded shaft driven by the linear actuator, two hollow cylinders fixed to an interior of the hollow shaft, and hollow pistons in each of the hollow cylinders. The hollow cylinders and hollow pistons form two pumping chambers. A first pumping chamber expels fluid when the linear actuator is moving in a first direction and a second pumping chamber that expels fluid when the linear actuator is moving in an opposite direction. The speeds of the actuators are coordinated such that a total flow rate of the pumping system is substantially constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker, Michael Conlin
  • Publication number: 20210016821
    Abstract: A compact power steering system is suitable for small vehicles. A torque sensor on a steering shaft detects operator intention to turn. In response, a motor provides torque to assistance in rotating the steering shaft. A strain wave gear set multiplies the motor torque. A coupler having a torsional isolator links the gearbox output to the steering shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker
  • Publication number: 20200362838
    Abstract: A pumping system includes at least three electrically driven pumping units. Each pumping unit includes a linear actuator driven by at least one electric motor and driving a shaft. Pistons on each end of the shaft move within fixed cylinders to draw fluid from an inlet and expel the fluid to an outlet. Each pumping unit draws fluid at one end while expelling an equal quantity of fluid at the opposite end. The shaft velocity is controlled such that a total flow of the pumping system is constant, eliminating flow ripple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker, Michael White, Michael Conlin, Eric Ovendorf
  • Publication number: 20200340566
    Abstract: An actuator assembly is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a motor shaft; support; harmonic drive connected to the motor shaft that includes an output connected to a drive shaft defining a first sun gear; drive mechanism; and actuator arm. The drive mechanism includes a first gear set and a second gear set. The first gear set has a first carrier including a second sun gear. The first carrier supports a first plurality of planetary gears that engage both the first sun gear and a first ring gear rotationally fixed to the support. The second gear set has a second carrier fixed to the support. The second carrier supports a second plurality of planetary gears that engage both the second sun gear and a second ring gear. The actuator arm is connected to the second ring gear such that the actuator arm is rotationally driven by the motor shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Vazquez, Craig Hooker
  • Patent number: 10711871
    Abstract: An linear actuator drive arrangement is disclosed that includes a drive screw including a drive screw threading on an outer periphery thereof and a first axial end of the drive screw is configured to support a load. The arrangement includes a motor including a stator and a rotor arranged radially within the stator. The rotor includes a rotor housing, a first ring nut, and a second ring nut. A plurality of planetary screws are arranged radially between the drive screw and the first ring nut and the second ring nut. A bearing assembly is arranged radially inside a first axial end of the rotor housing, and the bearing assembly axially supports the rotor housing. An encoder ring is fixed to a radially outer surface of the rotor housing at the first axial end of the rotor housing, and the encoder ring is concentric with the bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Joseph Johnson, Craig Hooker