Patents by Inventor John W. Fruin

John W. Fruin 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).

  • System for isolating electrical current in a bearing for use in an aircraft structure
    Patent number: 9482269
    Abstract: A system for isolating electrical current in an aircraft structure includes a first structure a bearing having an outer race and an inner race and a liner disposed therebetween, the outer race having a second structure coupled thereto. A dielectric seal is secured to the outer race and engages the inner race. A conditionally non-conductive gas occupies a sealed chamber that defines a gap between the inner race and the outer race. The gap has a predetermined magnitude sufficient to prevent electrical arcing or current leakage between the inner race and the outer race at a first voltage less than that voltage resulting from a lightning strike; and/or to conduct an electrical current between the inner race and the outer race at a second voltage greater than or equal to the voltage resulting from the lightning strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Fruin, Ben Anderson, Maura Simpson, Andrew Henn, Kevin Bryant
  • SYSTEM FOR ISOLATING ELECTRICAL CURRENT IN A BEARING FOR USE IN AN AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE
    Publication number: 20160076584
    Abstract: A system for isolating electrical current in an aircraft structure includes a first structure a bearing having an outer race and an inner race and a liner disposed therebetween, the outer race having a second structure coupled thereto. A dielectric seal is secured to the outer race and engages the inner race. A conditionally non-conductive gas occupies a sealed chamber that defines a gap between the inner race and the outer race. The gap has a predetermined magnitude sufficient to prevent electrical arcing or current leakage between the inner race and the outer race at a first voltage less than that voltage resulting from a lightning strike; and/or to conduct an electrical current between the inner race and the outer race at a second voltage greater than or equal to the voltage resulting from the lightning strike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Fruin, Ben Anderson, Maura Simpson, Andrew Henn, Kevin Bryant