Patents by Inventor David A. Cornwell

David A. Cornwell 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: 20210146996
    Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Axel Schaedler, Hans Hauser, Rick Ruebusch, Ian David Cornwell
  • Patent number: 10780917
    Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Axel Schaedler, Hans Hauser, Rick Ruebusch, Ian David Cornwell
  • Patent number: 9409596
    Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Hans Hauser, Ian David Cornwell
  • Patent number: 9254865
    Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Axel Schaedler, Hans Hauser, Rick Ruebusch, Ian David Cornwell
  • Publication number: 20150353131
    Abstract: A transmission arrangement for an engine driven vehicle having two continuously variable transmissions serving to drive left and right hand vehicle wheels at separately variable drive ratios. Each transmission incorporates a variator of the type in which a net torque applied to the variator through its input and output is referred to a ratio control part, which may be formed as a control lever, whose position governs the transmission's drive ratio. The control parts of the variators are each operatively coupled to a driver's speed control, such that the speed control determines a mean position of the two control parts. However they are both also able to move relative to the mean position, under the influence of the torque they react. Additionally the control parts are coupled to each other such that any displacement of one control part from the mean position is accompanied by an opposite displacement of the other control part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Ian David Cornwell
  • Publication number: 20150217802
    Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Axel Schaedler, Hans Hauser, Rick Ruebusch, Ian David Cornwell
  • Publication number: 20150191201
    Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Alex Schaedler, Hans Hauser, Rick Ruebusch, Ian David Cornwell
  • Patent number: 8919464
    Abstract: A transmission arrangement for an engine driven vehicle having two continuously variable transmissions serving to drive left and right hand vehicle wheels at separately variable drive ratios. Each transmission incorporates a variator of the type in which a net torque applied to the variator through its input and output is referred to a ratio control part, which may be formed as a control lever, whose position governs the transmission's drive ratio. The control parts of the variators are each operatively coupled to a driver's speed control, such that the speed control determines a mean position of the two control parts. However they are both also able to move relative to the mean position, under the influence of the torque they react. Additionally the control parts are coupled to each other such that any displacement of one control part from the mean position is accompanied by an opposite displacement of the other control part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Ian David Cornwell
  • Patent number: 8695734
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method are disclosed for driving and steering an engine driven vehicle of the type m which left and right hand wheels 120L, 120R are respectively driven from the engine through left and right hand transmissions 122L, 122R and a steering effect is exerted by changing the ratio of one transmission relative to the other. According to the invention a follower is operatively coupled to at least one of the transmissions and is movable circumferentially about an axis by means of a driver actuable steering control to change the relative speeds of the two driven wheels and radially with respect to the axis by means of a driver actuable speed control to increase/decrease the speeds of the two driven wheels in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Ian David Cornwell
  • Publication number: 20120298429
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method are disclosed for driving and steering an engine driven vehicle of the type m which left and right hand wheels 120L, 120R are respectively driven from the engine through left and right hand transmissions 122L, 122R and a steering effect is exerted by changing the ratio of one transmission relative to the other. According to the invention a follower is operatively coupled to at least one of the transmissions and is movable circumferentially about an axis by means of a driver actuable steering control to change the relative speeds of the two driven wheels and radially with respect to the axis by means of a driver actuable speed control to increase/decrease the speeds of the two driven wheels in unison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Ian David Cornwell
  • Publication number: 20120286806
    Abstract: A substrate is electromagnetically coupled into an inductance-capacitance resonant circuit formed from (i) a member comprising a ferromagnetic material, (ii) an inductor and (iii) the substrate. The substrate is illuminated for a first time period X to cause photoconduction in the substrate. Decay in conductivity of the substrate is monitored for a second time period Y. The ratio of X to Y is greater than 1:10. Bulk lifetime of the substrate is determined from the decay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Francisco Machuca, Ronald Chiarello, G. Lorimer Miller, Joseph W. Foster, David C. Tigwell, David Cornwell
  • Patent number: 8157030
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method are disclosed for driving and steering an engine driven vehicle of the type m which left and right hand wheels 120L, 120R are respectively driven from the engine through left and right hand transmissions 122L, 122R and a steering effect is exerted by changing the ratio of one transmission relative to the other. According to the invention a follower is operatively coupled to at least one of the transmissions and is movable circumferentially about an axis by means of a driver actuable steering control to change the relative speeds of the two driven wheels and radially with respect to the axis by means of a driver actuable speed control to increase/decrease the speeds of the two driven wheels in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Ian David Cornwell
  • Publication number: 20110248462
    Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: INFINITRAK, LLC
    Inventors: Axel Schaedler, Hans Hauser, Rick Ruebusch, Ian David Cornwell, Christopher John Greenwood
  • Patent number: 7992659
    Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Infinitrak, LLC
    Inventors: Axel Schaedler, Hans Hauser, Rick Ruebusch, Ian David Cornwell, Christopher John Greenwood
  • Publication number: 20110053731
    Abstract: A transmission arrangement for an engine driven vehicle having two continuously variable transmissions serving to drive left and right hand vehicle wheels at separately variable drive ratios. Each transmission incorporates a variator of the type in which a net torque applied to the variator through its input and output is referred to a ratio control part, which may be formed as a control lever, whose position governs the transmission's drive ratio. The control parts of the variators are each operatively coupled to a driver's speed control, such that the speed control determines a mean position of the two control parts. However they are both also able to move relative to the mean position, under the influence of the torque they react. Additionally the control parts are coupled to each other such that any displacement of one control part from the mean position is accompanied by an opposite displacement of the other control part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Ian David Cornwell
  • Patent number: 7632208
    Abstract: A continuously variable ratio transmission unit having first and second discs mounted for rotation about a main axis, a toroidal cavity being defined between the discs by facing surfaces thereof and containing a plurality of rollers which serve to transmit drive from one disc to the other, each roller being coupled to a respective carriage through a respective bearing arrangement and each carriage being coupled at a first extremity to a first linear actuator and at a second extremity to a second linear actuator whereby the carriage is movable along a direction transverse to the main axis, the first and second linear actuators working in opposition to exert an adjustable net force on the carriage, the orientation of the carriage being constrained and the bearing arrangement being such as to enable the roller to rotate about a roller axis to thereby transmit drive from one of the discs to the other and also being such as to enable the roller axis to precess relative to the carriage to vary the transmission rati
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Andrew Damian Defrietas, Brian Joseph Dutson, Ian David Cornwell
  • Publication number: 20090178862
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method are disclosed for driving and steering an engine driven vehicle of the type m which left and right hand wheels 120L, 120R are respectively driven from the engine through left and right hand transmissions 122L, 122R and a steering effect is exerted by changing the ratio of one transmission relative to the other. According to the invention a follower is operatively coupled to at least one of the transmissions and is movable circumferentially about an axis by means of a driver actuable steering control to change the relative speeds of the two driven wheels and radially with respect to the axis by means of a driver actuable speed control to increase/decrease the speeds of the two driven wheels in unison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Ian David Cornwell
  • Publication number: 20090006842
    Abstract: The description generally provides for systems and methods for a mobile communication network. Archives of seals can be sealed to protect the integrity of the seals and facilitate validation in the event a sealing party's sealed registration document is revoked. A document can be sealed multiple times to nest seals within other seals. Specific evidentiary metadata can be included by the sealing party. A main document including or associated with other documents can be sealed as a collection of documents. The seal of the main document can include external references to the files included in the main document to verify the external files were not changed or altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: John Gordon Ross, Michael Wymark Clarke, David Cornwell
  • Publication number: 20060159464
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for obtaining status information concerning an optical transmission path. The method begins by generating a COTDR probe signal having a prescribed wavelength and transmitting optical traffic signals and the COTDR probe signal over an optical transmission path having a length corresponding to those used in regional undersea market applications. The prescribed wavelength of the COTDR probe signal is separated from wavelengths at which the optical traffic signals are located by a distance at least equal to a predetermined guard band. A backscattered and/or reflected portion of the COTDR probe signal in which status information concerning the optical path is embodied is received over the optical path. The backscattered and/or reflected portion of the COTDR probe signal is detected to obtain the status information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventors: William David Cornwell, Henry Edwards, Stephen Evangelides, Jonathan Nagel, Nigel Taylor, Glenn Ahern, Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 7018320
    Abstract: A control unit for an infinitely-variable-ratio transmission. The transmission includes a cylinder and a piston with a proximal and a distal end. A support stem is connected to the piston. The piston is hollow and has a head portion for interaction with an associated actuation fluid. A proximal portion extends away from the head portion. The support stem is connected to the proximal portion by an articulated joint and extends from the joint to the head portion to exit from the distal end of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventors: Leslie Kendrick Robinson, Ian David Cornwell, Brian Joseph Dutson