Patents by Inventor David B. Drennen

David B. Drennen 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: 9638300
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (EMA) is disclosed. The EMA may comprise an EMA housing, a ball nut extending axially within the EMA housing, a ball screw extending axially within the ball nut, and/or an actuator drive unit (ADU) housing extending axially within the ball screw, the ADU housing having a proximal stop that extends radially outward of the ADU housing. The ball nut may be configured to translate axially in a proximal direction in response to a rotation by the ball screw, and the ball nut may be configured to be halted in the axially proximal translation in response to contact with the proximal stop. The proximal stop may be coupled to the ADU housing. The proximal stop may comprise a continuous annular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Harald Klode, Kevin Rehfus
  • Patent number: 9360095
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (EMA) is disclosed. The EMA may comprise an EMA housing having a distal stop that extends radially inward towards a longitudinal axis of the EMA housing, a hail nut extending axially within the EMA housing, and/or a ball screw extending axially within the ball nut, The ball nut may translate axially in a distal direction in response to a rotation by the ball screw, and/or the ball nut may be halted in the axially distal translation in response to contact with the distal stop. The distal stop may be coupled to the EMA. housing. The distal stop may comprise a continuous annular structure. The EMA may further comprise a seal located radially inward of a portion of the distal stop, which may be in contact with said portion and the ball nut and adapted to prevent debris from entering the EMA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Harald Klode, Kevin Rehfus
  • Patent number: 9308990
    Abstract: A park brake systems and methods are disclosed. According to various embodiments, park brake systems comprising a tapered motor shaft having a first diameter and a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter, a voice coil disposed at least partially around a circumference of a bobbin, a first one-way clutch housed at least partially within the bobbin, the first one-way clutch disposed coaxial to the tapered motor shaft, and an annular magnet disposed coaxial to the tapered motor shaft and proximal to the first one-way clutch, wherein, in response to a first voltage applied to the voice coil, the first one-way clutch translates axially in a first direction with respect to the tapered motor shaft and engages with the second diameter are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Kevin Rehfus, Robert French, Harald Klode
  • Patent number: 9273738
    Abstract: Park brake systems comprising a motor shaft coupled to a brake drum, wherein the brake drum comprises a first groove and a second groove, wherein the brake drum is mounted to the motor shaft so as to rotate with the motor shaft, a first belt at least partially disposed in the first groove and about a first pivot linkage, a second belt at least partially disposed in the second groove and about a second pivot linkage, a first actuator piston coupled to an actuator and the first pivot linkage, a second actuator piston coupled to the actuator and the second pivot linkage, and a pivot base coupled to the first pivot linkage and the second pivot linkage are disclosed. Methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Rehfus, David B. Drennen, Robert French, Harald Klode
  • Patent number: 9254913
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hybrid brake systems. The hybrid brake systems may comprise one or more electromechanical actuators and one or more hydraulic adjusters. The hybrid brake system may further comprise a housing configured to store and/or conduct fluid. The hybrid brake system may also further comprise a fluid reservoir. The hybrid brake system may be redundant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Robert L. French, Kevin E. Rehfus
  • Publication number: 20150345576
    Abstract: Park brake systems comprising a motor shaft coupled to a brake drum, wherein the brake drum comprises a first groove and a second groove, wherein the brake drum is mounted to the motor shaft so as to rotate with the motor shaft, a first belt at least partially disposed in the first groove and about a first pivot linkage, a second belt at least partially disposed in the second groove and about a second pivot linkage, a first actuator piston coupled to an actuator and the first pivot linkage, a second actuator piston coupled to the actuator and the second pivot linkage, and a pivot base coupled to the first pivot linkage and the second pivot linkage are disclosed. Methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Rehfus, David B. Drennen, Robert French, Harald Klode
  • Publication number: 20150344130
    Abstract: A park brake systems and methods are disclosed. According to various embodiments, park brake systems comprising a tapered motor shaft having a first diameter and a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter, a voice coil disposed at least partially around a circumference of a bobbin, a first one-way clutch housed at least partially within the bobbin, the first one-way clutch disposed coaxial to the tapered motor shaft, and an annular magnet disposed coaxial to the tapered motor shaft and proximal to the first one-way clutch, wherein, in response to a first voltage applied to the voice coil, the first one-way clutch translates axially in a first direction with respect to the tapered motor shaft and engages with the second diameter are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Kevin Rehfus, Robert French, Harald Klode
  • Publication number: 20150122061
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (EMA) is disclosed. The EMA may comprise an EMA housing having a distal stop that extends radially inward towards a longitudinal axis of the EMA housing, a hail nut extending axially within the EMA housing, and/or a ball screw extending axially within the ball nut, The ball nut may translate axially in a distal direction in response to a rotation by the ball screw, and/or the ball nut may be halted in the axially distal translation in response to contact with the distal stop. The distal stop may be coupled to the EMA. housing. The distal stop may comprise a continuous annular structure. The EMA may further comprise a seal located radially inward of a portion of the distal stop, which may be in contact with said portion and the ball nut and adapted to prevent debris from entering the EMA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Harald Klode, Kevin Rehfus
  • Publication number: 20150122593
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hybrid brake systems, The hybrid brake systems may comprise one or more electromechanical actuators and one or more hydraulic adjusters, The hybrid brake system may further comprise a housing configured to store and/or conduct fluid. The hybrid brake system may also further comprise a fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Robert L. French, Kevin E. Rehfus
  • Publication number: 20150114150
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (EMA) is disclosed. The EMA may comprise an EMA housing, a ball nut extending axially within the EMA housing, a ball screw extending axially within the ball nut, and/or an actuator drive unit (ADU) housing extending axially within the ball screw, the ADU housing having a proximal stop that extends radially outward of the ADU housing. The ball nut may be configured to translate axially in a proximal direction in response to a rotation by the ball screw, and the ball nut may be configured to be halted in the axially proximal translation in response to contact with the proximal stop. The proximal stop may be coupled to the ADU housing. The proximal stop may comprise a continuous annular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Harald Klode, Kevin Rehfus
  • Patent number: 7673725
    Abstract: A disc brake system comprises a mounting hub and at least one disc supported by the mounting hub. The mounting hub has a center portion and an outer portion substantially perpendicular to the center portion and defines a central axis extending perpendicular to the center portion. A plurality of grooves comprising a U-shape are defined within the outer portion and are spaced radially about the central axis. Each of the grooves extends axially relative to the central axis. A bearing is disposed in each of the plurality of grooves and operatively connects the mounting hub and the disc such that the bearing rotates about a bearing axis and moves axially within the groove in response to axial movement of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Paul Rymoff, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080217124
    Abstract: A disc brake system comprises a mounting hub and at least one disc supported by the mounting hub. The mounting hub has a center portion and an outer portion substantially perpendicular to the center portion and defines a central axis extending perpendicular to the center portion. A plurality of grooves are defined within the outer portion and are spaced radially about the central axis. Each of the grooves extends longitudinally relative to the central axis. A bearing is disposed in each of the plurality of grooves and operatively connects the mounting hub and the disc such that the bearing rotates about a bearing axis and moves longitudinally within the groove in response to axial movement of the disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Paul Rymoff
  • Publication number: 20080135348
    Abstract: A brake caliper assembly includes opposing brake shoes positioned on substantially opposing inner surfaces of a dual-disk rotor, wherein said assembly comprises an internal actuator circumferentially arranged between radially inner and outer portions of the rotor, the actuator having an inner surface facing an inboard rotor inner surface and an outer surface facing an outboard rotor inner surface; a plurality of pistons integral to the actuator and displaceable therein by pressurized fluid supplied to the actuator; a first brake shoe mounted to the actuator inner surface and displaceable by the plurality of pistons to engage the inboard rotor inner surface; a pair of pins mounted on the actuator to slide for purposes of transferring a reactionary load; and a second brake shoe mounted to the actuator outer surface and driven by the reactionary load into the outboard rotor inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Ernest Ray Siler, Paul Rymoff
  • Publication number: 20080093181
    Abstract: A brake caliper guide pin assembly including a caliper body defining an elongated bore, the elongated bore defining a central axis, a bushing positioned in the elongated bore, the bushing including at least a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is formed from a rigid material and defines a central opening, and wherein the second layer is formed from a pliable material and is positioned radially outward of the first layer with respect to the central axis, and a guide pin having an elongated stem extending into the elongated bore, wherein at least a portion of the elongated stem is closely received by the central opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: James R. Waag, David B. Drennen
  • Patent number: 7267616
    Abstract: A method for making a ball-nut includes cutting a 360-degree closed-loop surface groove in the inner-circumferential wall portion of a ball-nut body using a whirling-type internal-diameter cutting machine. The closed-loop surface groove surrounds the longitudinal axis of the wall portion, is adapted for receiving a plurality of ball bearings, includes a helical-grooved portion substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis, and includes a crossover-grooved portion. A method for making a ball-screw includes cutting at least one 360-degree closed-loop surface groove in the outer-circumferential wall portion of a ball-screw body using a whirling-type external-diameter cutting machine. The closed-loop surface groove surrounds the longitudinal axis of the wall portion, is adapted for receiving a plurality of ball bearings, includes a helical-grooved portion substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis, and includes a cross-under-grooved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest R. Siler, Ronald G. Smith, Kathleen Murphy, David B. Drennen, Patrick A. Mescher, Thomas J. Bucholz
  • Patent number: 6983829
    Abstract: The problem of reliably locking an electrically actuated park brake is resolved through the use of a jaw-tooth clutch operatively installed between the shaft and the housing of a drive motor, for engaging the brake. The brake may be locked and unlocked by selectively engaging the jaw-tooth clutch either electrically or manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Patrick A. Mescher, Harald Klode
  • Patent number: 6813970
    Abstract: A ball-nut assembly includes a ball nut and a crossover member. The ball nut incudes a radial through slot and an outer surface. The outer surface has a first portion, has a ledge radially recessed from the first portion and at least partially bounding the through slot, and has an undercut wall connecting the ledge and the first portion. The crossover member has a flange and a crossover-grooved portion. A method for making a ball-nut assembly positions the crossover member from outside the ball nut to have the flange supported by the ledge and the crossover-grooved portion located in the through slot. The method also deforms the flange creating a staked portion of the flange which contacts the undercut wall of the outer surface of the ball nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest R. Siler, David B. Drennen
  • Patent number: 6802398
    Abstract: A manually operated cable release apparatus, suitable for use in an electrically actuated brake, is provided for a locking mechanism having a shaft that is rotatable about an axis of rotation of the shaft, between a first angular position where the locking mechanism is disengaged, and a second angular position where the locking mechanism is engaged. The cable release apparatus includes a lever having one end thereof fixedly attached to the shaft and extending outward from the shaft for applying a force to the lever, for rotating the shaft back and forth through an angular displacement between the first and second angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Patrick A. Mescher, Harald Klode
  • Publication number: 20040016607
    Abstract: An electric mechanical brake assembly includes a brake caliper housing, a ballscrew subassembly at least partially located within the housing, first and second electric motors, and at least one timing belt. A linearly-movable member of the ballscrew subassembly is attachable to a brake pad and is driven by a rotatable actuation shaft of the ballscrew subassembly. The timing belt operatively connects the drive shafts of the electric motors to the actuation shaft of the ballscrew subassembly. An electric-mechanical-brake motor subassembly includes first and second electric motors, a motor plate, and at least one timing belt. The electric motors are attached to the motor plate, and the motor plate is attachable to a brake caliper housing. The timing belt is operatively connectable to the motor drive shafts and to a rotatable actuation shaft, of a ballscrew subassembly at least partially located within the housing, for the drive shafts to rotate the actuation shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Gary C. Fulks, Ernest R. Siler, Bryan P. Riddiford
  • Patent number: 6668983
    Abstract: A torque sensing apparatus for use with a brake caliper having opposing brake pads positioned on opposite sides of a rotor. The brake caliper causes the brake pads to apply a braking force against the rotor that generates a braking torque. A torque transfer device is supported by the brake caliper and is in contact with one of the brake pads. The torque transfer device is resiliently movable with respect to the brake caliper in response to the braking torque. A torque sensor is positioned in a sensing relationship relative to the torque transfer device. Thus, the torque sensor provides an output signal related to a change of position of the torque transfer device and the braking torque. The torque sensor includes a magnet mounted on the torque transfer device and a magnet field sensor, for example, a Hall Effect sensor, is mounted on the brake caliper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Drennen, Michael C. Pfeil, John E. Pozenel, Gary C. Fulks, Harald Klode, Douglas E. Poole