Patents by Inventor Dennis A. Woolaver

Dennis A. Woolaver 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: 4449469
    Abstract: A ship steering system includes a pump assembly for controlling hydraulicy actuated rudders, a first actuation unit for translating a helm steering command signal into a mechanical control signal for the pump assembly, and a second actuation unit for translating a combined helm steering command signal and ship roll reduction command signal into a mechanical control signal for the pump assembly. A decoupling device is interconnected to the first and second actuation units and the pump assembly for decoupling the first actuation unit from the pump assembly when the second actuation unit is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Dennis A. Woolaver, A. Erich Baitis
  • Patent number: 4398486
    Abstract: A ship steering system includes a pump assembly for controlling hydraulicy actuated rudders, a first actuation unit for translating a helm steering command signal into a mechanical control signal for the pump assembly, and a second actuation unit for translating a combined helm steering command signal and ship roll reduction command signal into a mechanical control signal for the pump assembly. The second actuation unit includes an electrically activated mechanical actuator that translates the electrical helm and roll reduction command signal into a mechanical impulse that controls the operation of the pump assembly. The mechanical actuator includes a switch apparatus for switching the rudder control function from the first actuation unit to the second actuation unit when the switch apparatus and second actuation unit are activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Dennis A. Woolaver, A. Erich Baitis
  • Patent number: 4388889
    Abstract: A ship stabilization system, which utilizes the rudders to compensate for nd and wave induced roll motions, includes a hydraulically actuated mechanism for controlling the position of the rudders; a pump coupled to the hydraulic mechanism for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid; and a flow control device connected to the pump for controlling the flow rate of fluid through the pump. The ship stabilization system also includes a first actuation device for translating helm steering command signals into control impulses for the flow control device and a second actuation device for translating helm steering command signals and roll reduction control signals into control impulses for the flow control device. A coupler is connected to the first and second actuation devices and the flow control device for disengaging the first actuation device from the flow control means when the second actuation device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: A. Erich Baitis, Dennis A. Woolaver, Richard T. Nigon
  • Patent number: 4380206
    Abstract: A ship stabilization system, which utilizes the rudders to compensate for nd and wave induced roll motions, includes a hydraulically actuated mechanism for controlling the position of the rudders; a pump coupled to the hydraulic mechanism for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid; and a flow control device connected to the pump for controlling the flow rate of fluid through the pump. The ship stabilization system also includes a first actuation device for translating helm steering command signals into control impulses for the flow control device and a second actuation device for translating helm steering command signals and roll reduction control signals into control impulses for the flow control device. A coupler is connected to the first and second actuation devices and the flow control device for disengaging the first actuation device from the flow control device when the second actuation device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: A. Erich Baitis, Dennis A. Woolaver