Patents by Inventor David Ronald Sturdy

David Ronald Sturdy 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: 20080124989
    Abstract: A marine propulsion system that utilizes a transmission shift sequence to control shifting of the propulsion system transmission between forward and reverse gears. The marine propulsion system includes a controller that executes the transmission shift sequence using engine speed and transmission fluid pressure signals to determine the timing of various steps in the shift sequence. The controller is connected to a shift actuator for the transmission and to an engine speed throttle to thereby control transmission shifting and engine speed as a part of the transmission shift sequence. By monitoring engine speed and transmission fluid pressure, and by controlling transmission shifting and engine speed settings, the transmission shift sequence can provide the operator with the ability to carry out quick shifts that will neither stall the engine nor damage the transmission clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Sturdy Corporation
    Inventors: David Ronald Sturdy, James Derek Gallaher, Oscar Lee Meek
  • Patent number: 7377827
    Abstract: A marine propulsion system that utilizes a transmission shift sequence to control shifting of the propulsion system transmission between forward and reverse gears. The marine propulsion system includes a controller that executes the transmission shift sequence using engine speed and transmission fluid pressure signals to determine the timing of various steps in the shift sequence. The controller is connected to a shift actuator for the transmission and to an engine speed throttle to thereby control transmission shifting and engine speed as a part of the transmission shift sequence. By monitoring engine speed and transmission fluid pressure, and by controlling transmission shifting and engine speed settings, the transmission shift sequence can provide the operator with the ability to carry out quick shifts that will neither stall the engine nor damage the transmission clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sturdy Corporation
    Inventors: David Ronald Sturdy, James Derek Gallaher, Oscar Lee Meek
  • Patent number: 7111602
    Abstract: An actuator for an intake manifold tuning valve to regulate airflow in an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The actuator includes a motor, control circuit, and sensor all mounted in a housing that has an opening through which an output shaft extends. The output shaft carries a valve blade that is positioned within the intake manifold when the actuator is assembled in place. The sensor provides the control circuit with feedback data indicating the position of the valve blade and this data permits the actuator itself to provide closed loop control of the position of the valve blade using an actuator command received from the engine's electronic control unit. The housing includes a stop member that engages the valve blade at a certain rotational position to thereby enable diagnostic checks of the valve to determine if the blade is present and functioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Sturdy Corporation
    Inventors: David Ronald Sturdy, Ronald Lewis Marsh, James Derek Gallaher, Paul Frederick Olhoeft